October 2012 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia Boosts Security at Missile Launch Sites RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces are finalizing the modernization of automated security systems at nine of its major missile bases to counter the growing threat of potential terrorist attacks.
Russia May Deploy Reconnaissance Planes in Djibouti RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2012 -- Russia has asked France to allow the deployment of two Ilyushin Il-38 naval reconnaissance planes at a French base in Djibouti to facilitate its anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden.
Russian Navy HQ Moves to St. Petersburg RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Navy ensign was hoisted above St. Petersburg’s Admiralty building, which has resumed its role as headquarters for the Navy's high command.
Russia On Target To Float Out Five Warships Each Year RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2012 -- Russian shipyards will float out five combat and auxiliary ships for the Russian Navy each year in line with the existing shipbuilding program.
Russia to Launch ‘Cash for Clunker Airplanes’ Program RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2012 -- Russia may launch a “cash-for-clunker aircraft” program to scrap outdated airplanes and helicopters.
Russia's Upper House Passes Treason Bill RFE/RL 31 Oct 2012 -- Russia's upper house of parliament has passed a controversial bill broadening the definition of high treason.
Critics Fear Wide Reach of New Anti-Treason Bill RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2012 -- The new anti-treason bill approved by Russia’s upper house of parliament has prompted concern from experts, academics and human rights advocates, who say it could be used against almost anyone.
Is Russia’s New Nationality Policy Tailored For Ramzan Kadyrov? RFE/RL 30 Oct 2012 -- The draft Strategy of a State Nationalities Policy currently in the final stage of discussion contains a provision that could allow for the consolidation of the North Caucasus republics into a single territorial-administrative entity.
Upgraded Indian Submarine Starts Seas Trials in Russia RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- An Indian Kilo class diesel-electric submarine that has been overhauled at the Zvezdochka shipyard in northern Russia has sailed for two-week sea trials.
First Ka-52K Choppers for Mistral Ships to be Built in 2013 RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Navy will receive the first batch of Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters for Mistral class amphibious assault ships in 2013.
Su-24 Crashes, Pilots Survive RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer fighter-bomber crashed on Tuesday during a training flight in the Chelyabinsk region when its nose cone came off.
Kalashnikov Hits Kremlin With Wage Complaints RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- Long-serving employees at Russian small arms and light weapons manufacturer Izhmash, including the legendary Mikhail Kalashnikov, have sent a letter to the Kremlin complaining about falling production volumes and low wages.
Putin Sacks Five Police Generals RFE/RL 30 Oct 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed five police generals. Four of the fired generals were top officers at Russia's Interior Ministry and led the ministry's major departments.
Russian Deputy PM Blasts Construction of Border Facilities RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- Russian Deputy Premier Dmitry Rogozin blasted the work of the state agency that constructs border facilities saying it was using non-transparent financing schemes.
Russia Faces ‘Long, Political Winter,’ Warns Opposition Leader RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- Protesters in Moscow braved a heavy ice-storm that paralyzed parts of the city to gather in a downtown square in protest against what opposition leaders say is a concerted crackdown on dissent by security forces.
Massive Far-Right Rally Sanctioned in Moscow RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2012 -- Moscow City Hall has permitted 20,000 nationalists to stage an annual Russian March rally in a city suburb, despite earlier objections.
Russia Wants to Build UK Nuclear Plants – Shuvalov RIA Novosti 29 Oct 2012 -- Russia wants to build nuclear power plants in the UK, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said.
Russian Military Inspectors Begin Surveillance Flight Over France RIA Novosti 28 Oct 2012 -- A group of Russian military observers begin on Sunday a four-day inspection mission in the skies of France under the Open Skies Treaty.
Russian Police Detain Opposition Leaders At Moscow Rally RFE/RL 27 Oct 2012 -- Russian police have detained three opposition leaders during an unauthorized demonstration in the center of Moscow.
Billionaire Prokhorov to Enter Politics Full Time RIA Novosti 27 Oct 2012 -- Billionaire tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov announced that he has joined the Civic Platform party he founded in July and will henceforth engage in politics full time.
Russian Lawmakers to Review Military Transit Deal with Sweden RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2012 -- The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, will review an intergovernmental agreement with Sweden on military transit to Afghanistan via the Russian airspace.
Indian cabinet clears 10,000 Russian anti-tank missiles for Army IRNA 26 Oct 2012 -- A Rs 1,200 crore proposal for procuring 10,000 anti-tank guided missiles for the Army from Russia was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Russia Marks 10 Years Since Deadly Theater Siege RFE/RL 26 Oct 2012 -- Russia has been marking the 10th anniversary of the end of the Dubrovka theater siege in which nearly 200 people were killed.
Moscow Theater Siege Victims Remembered Ten Years On RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2012 -- A mourning ceremony was held in Moscow to mark the tenth anniversary of the deaths of 130 people who were killed after Chechen militants seized a theater in the Russian capital.
Korean Rocket Launch Delayed Over Russian Engine Glitch RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2012 -- The launch of South Korea's KSLV-1 has been put off owing to a minor failure in its Russian-made Khrunichev RD-191 first-stage rocket motor.
Russian Authorities Charge Opposition Leader Udaltsov VOA 26 Oct 2012 -- Russia's top investigative committee has charged opposition leader Sergei Udaltsov, 35, with plotting mass riots against the government.
Udaltsov Charged With Plotting Unrest RFE/RL 26 Oct 2012 -- Russia's opposition Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov has been charged with preparing to organize mass riots against President Vladimir Putin's rule.
Russian Protest Leader Udaltsov Charged RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2012 -- Russian protest leader Sergei Udaltsov was charged with plotting mass disorder on Friday and could face up to 10 years behind bars if found guilty.
MiG Plane Maker Big ‘Money Loser’ RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2012 -- Russia’s aircraft making corporation MiG is a loss-making enterprise, parliamentary defense committee head Vladimir Komoyedov said.
Russia Ready To Start Rearmament RFE/RL 25 Oct 2012 -- The head of the company that manufactures MiG warplanes says he expects the Russian Air Force will start receiving new MiG-35 fighters in 2014.
Investigators Seize Documents in Russian Defense Department RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2012 -- Officers of the Russian Investigative Committee’s Main Military Investigation Directorate have seized documents in the Defense Ministry’s property department and questioned its officials.
Defense Company Under Investigation Over Property Scam RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2012 -- Managers in a Russian Defense Ministry property management company are under investigation for alleged embezzlement of up to $100 million, by selling off properties at below market value, Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said.
Italy, Russia Discuss Mini-Sub Cooperation RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2012 -- Russia and Italy have held renewed discussions on joint development of small conventionally-powered submarines.
Russia-Japan Defense Dialog Broadens RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2012 -- Russian Security Council Chief Nikolai Patrushev, visiting Japan, welcomed the expansion of ties between the two countries.
Putin Foe ‘Torture’ Allegations Spark Russia-US Row RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2012 -- Russia accused the United States of hypocrisy as a row grew over allegations that a political activist opposed to the rule of President Vladimir Putin had been abducted and tortured into confessing to a plot to spark mass disorder.
Ukraine Blames 'Foreign' Security Forces in Russian Activist's Disappearance VOA 25 Oct 2012 -- Ukrainian officials say foreign security agencies are responsible for the disappearance of a Russian opposition activist, who said he was kidnapped and forcibly taken to Moscow.
Russia's Razvozzhayev Retracts Confession RFE/RL 25 Oct 2012 -- Russian activist Leonid Razvozzhayev has retracted his confession to plotting mass riots, which he allegedly signed in custody.
Russian Stealth Corvettes to Hold Live Fire Drills in Caspian RIA Novosti 24 Oct 2012 -- Two Buyan class corvettes from Russia’s Caspian Flotilla have sailed into the Caspian Sea for a 10-day training mission.
Putin Creates Agency To Restore Russia's National Pride RFE/RL 24 Oct 2012 -- The Kremlin is hoping to restore national pride in Russia with the creation of a new agency in charge of promoting patriotism.
New Russian Treason Bill Under Fire, 'Open To Abuse' RFE/RL 24 Oct 2012 -- Russian lawmakers are under fire for adopting a tough new bill that opponents say will allow the Kremlin to jail its critics on charges of high treason.
Rights Monitors Told Russian Opposition Activist Was Forced To Confess RFE/RL 24 Oct 2012 -- A Russian opposition activist has told human rights workers who visited him in prison that he was forced to confess to plotting unrest against President Vladimir Putin.
Putin Foe Udaltsov Vows to Battle Charges RIA Novosti 24 Oct 2012 -- Russian firebrand opposition leader Sergei Udaltsov, who could face up to ten years in jail over charges that he plotted to spark nationwide mass disorder, has no plans to flee the country.
Russian Lawmakers Denounce EU Parliament's Magnitsky Resolution RFE/RL 24 Oct 2012 -- Russian lawmakers are denouncing a proposal by the European Parliament that all EU member states impose travel and financial restrictions on Russian officials implicated in the death of Sergei Magnitsky.
Moscow Slams European Parliament’s Magnitsky Vote RIA Novosti 24 Oct 2012 -- The European Parliament’s recommendation to impose travel restrictions on Russian officials is an attempt to influence Russia’s justice system.
Analysis: Political Winter Descends on Russia VOA 23 Oct 2012 -- As gray winter skies descend on Moscow, Russians are adjusting to a political winter.
Russian Activist Says Signed Plot 'Confession' After Death Threats RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2012 -- A Russian opposition activist under arrest on charges of plotting mass disorder said he confessed because his interrogators threatened him and members of his family.
Russian Opposition Activist Charged with Plotting Riots VOA 23 Oct 2012 -- Russian investigators say they have charged an opposition activist with plotting riots based on evidence from a television documentary.
Russian Activist Charged With Preparation Of Mass Disorders RFE/RL 23 Oct 2012 -- Russia's Investigative Committee says Leonid Razvozzhayev, an aide to a State Duma deputy, has been officially charged with plotting mass riots.
Russian Political Activist Charged Amid UN Concern RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2012 -- A Russian opposition activist was charged with planning mass disorder as the UN agency on refugees demanded an explanation for his disappearance from the Ukrainian capital Kiev.
Russian Duma Widens Definition Of Treason RFE/RL 23 Oct 2012 -- Russia's lower house of parliament has overwhelmingly approved a new bill widening the definition of high treason in what critics say is part of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent.
EU Lawmakers Call For Sanctions On Russians Involved In Magnitsky Case RFE/RL 23 Oct 2012 -- The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a proposal recommending common visa-restriction regimes and asset freezes to target Russian officials involved in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
European Parliament Recommends Magnitsky Sanctions RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2012 -- The European Parliament recommended that the Council of the European Union impose sanctions against Russian officials involved in the incarceration of Moscow lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
Russia’s Rising Red Dawn RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2012 -- The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 appeared to have sounded the death knell for the ideas of Marx and Lenin in Russia.
Russia to Commission First Borey Class Nuclear Sub in 2013 RIA Novosti 22 Oct 2012 -- Russia’s first Borey class strategic nuclear submarine will be commissioned in 2013.
Russian Military to Abandon Munitions Disposal by Explosion RIA Novosti 22 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to use "safe" industrial technologies rather than explosions in the scrapping of old munitions starting in 2013.
U.S.: Canadian Gave Secrets To Russia RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- The U.S. ambassador to Canada says a Canadian soldier who pleaded guilty to spying had given both American and Canadian government secrets to Russia.
A Decade On, Still No Closure for Families Of Russian Theater Siege Victims RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- Time has not eased Dmitry Milovidov's grief over the death of his 14-year old daughter, Nina, in the Moscow theater siege.
Want To Understand Russia-Ukraine Relations? Follow The Money RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- When Viktor Yanukovych became president of Ukraine in January 2010, it seemed inevitable that Kyiv would drift increasingly into Moscow's orbit.
Russia Arrests 2nd Opposition Activist, Punk Band Members Sent to Prison VOA 22 Oct 2012 -- Russian investigators say they have arrested a second opposition activist in a crackdown against opponents of President Vladimir Putin.
Lawyer: Pussy Riot Members Transferred To Prison Camps RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- Two members of the feminist punk performance-art group Pussy Riot who were convicted of religiously motivated hooliganism in August are being transferred to a penal colony to serve the rest of their two-year sentences.
Russian Officials Cite Confession To Link Georgia To Protest RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- Russian investigators say an aide to a State Duma deputy has signed a statement alleging that a Georgian official financed an opposition demonstration in Moscow in May that ended in scuffles with police.
Investigators Reject Opposition Detainee Torture Claims RIA Novosti 22 Oct 2012 -- Russia’s Investigative Committee rejected claims that Leonid Razvozzhayev, an ally to opposition figure Sergei Udaltsov, was beaten and tortured.
Georgian Speaker Urges End to Anti-Russia ‘Pinpricks’ RIA Novosti 22 Oct 2012 -- Georgia should stop criticizing Russia and creating new problems in bilateral relations, Georgian parliament speaker David Usupashvili said.
Detention Of Accused Kazakh Putin Plotter Prolonged RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- A court in Moscow has prolonged until January the pretrial detention of a Kazakh citizen suspected of involvement in a plot to kill Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Bashkortostan President Dismisses Government In Reform Move RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- The president of the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan has dismissed the republic's government and assumed the responsibilities of prime minister himself.
Russian Opposition Supporters Elect Leaders Online RFE/RL 22 Oct 2012 -- Supporters of the Russian opposition to President Vladimir Putin have elected new leaders in an unprecedented online vote.
Russia's Opposition Elects Leaders Online VOA 22 Oct 2012 -- Russia's opposition has held an online election for a 45-member leadership that will be tasked with organizing mass street protests against President Vladimir Putin into a more structured movement.
Rivals Dispute United Russia's Election Victory In North Ossetia RFE/RL 21 Oct 2012 -- The leadership of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party convened on October 18 to assess the results of the elections four days earlier to the legislatures of six federation subjects, including the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.
Russia’s Only Tracking Ship Sails After Overhaul RIA Novosti 20 Oct 2012 -- The only missile range instrumentation ship remaining in service with the Russian Navy has sailed on a tour of duty after almost a year of repairs at the port of Vladivostok.
Russia’s Pantsir-S System Downs Cruise Missile in Test RIA Novosti 20 Oct 2012 -- Two missiles fired from a Pantsir-S short-range air defense system shot down a cruise missile during tests at a practice range in northern Russia.
Peru Gets Upgraded Mi-25 Gunships to Boost Drug Fight RIA Novosti 20 Oct 2012 -- Four Mil Mi-25 Hind D attack helicopters, modernized in Russia, have joined the Peruvian Air Force to boost its combat capability in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.
Supporters Rally In Moscow In Support Of Opposition Election RFE/RL 20 Oct 2012 -- Hundreds of people have gathered in Moscow in support of elections for the Opposition Coordination Council.
Russia Successfully Tests Intercontinental Missile RFE/RL 19 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says that an ICBM has been successfully test-fired from Russia's testing ground in Plesetsk.
India’s CCS clears Rs 8,000 crore missile purchase for Armed Forces IRNA 19 Oct 2012 -- Proposals worth over Rs 8,000 crore for procuring around 10,000 'Invar' missiles from Russia for the Army's T-90 tanks and over 200 air-launched versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the IAF were cleared.
India Approves $1.5-Bln Russian Missile Buy RIA Novosti 19 Oct 2012 -- The Indian government approved a $1.5-billion deal to buy 200 air-launched variants of the Russian-Indian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and 10,000 Russian-made Invar anti-tank missiles.
Rocket Maker Khrunichev Appoints New Head RIA Novosti 19 Oct 2012 -- Russia's space agency Roscosmos has appointed Alexander Selivyorstov as general director of space rocket maker Khrunichev.
Pussy Riot Member Takes Case to European Court VOA 19 Oct 2012 -- The only freed member of the anti-Kremlin all-female punk band Pussy Riot has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.
Pussy Riot Member Turns to European Human Rights Court RIA Novosti 19 Oct 2012 -- Yekaterina Samutsevich, a member of the anti-Putin punk group Pussy Riot, has lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.
Aide to Protest Leader Udaltsov Put on Wanted List RIA Novosti 19 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Investigative Committee has put Leonid Razvozzhayev, an aide to prominent opposition figure Sergei Udaltsov, on the federal wanted list.
Russia Warns of 'Technical Response' to NATO Missile Plans RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russia may deliver a "technical response" to NATO over its plans to deploy a European missile defense program.
US Defense Research Agency, a Model for Russia RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russian officials have compared the country’s new defense research agency—signed into law by President Vladimir Putin this week—to the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Russia Potential Aggressor for NATO RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- NATO considers Russia one of the key potential cyber-aggressors for the North Atlantic alliance, the Kommersant business daily quoted its sources in NATO's headquarters as saying.
Russian Aerobatics Team Boss Fired RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- The commander of Russia’s famed Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatics team, Lt. Col. Valery Morozov, has been fired from the air force for taking bribes.
Russia’s Narcotics Police to Get Spy Drones RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russian counter-narcotics police will soon receive the first batch of reconnaissance unmanned air vehicles to track drug-trafficking in remote and hard-to-access areas.
Secretary Clinton Remarks on Energy Diplomacy in the 21st Century US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2012
Udaltsov Aide Charged, Faces 10 Years In Jail RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- Konstantin Lebedev, an aide to opposition Left Front movement leader Sergei Udaltsov, has been formally charged with plotting to organize mass riots and could be jailed for up to 10 years.
Putin Backs Ban on Muslim Head Scarfs at Schools RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was against allowing students to wear Muslim head scarfs at schools, but welcomed the idea of returning to school uniforms.
Putin Opposes Head Scarves In Schools RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against the wearing of head scarves in Russian schools.
Russia to Boost Defense Spending 59% by 2015 RIA Novosti 17 Oct 2012 -- Russia plans to boost annual defense spending by 59 percent to almost 3 trillion rubles ($97 billion) in 2015, up from $61 billion in 2012.
Putin Signs 'DARPA' Future Research Fund Bill RIA Novosti 17 Oct 2012 -- Russia will go ahead with setting up a defense research agency analogous to America's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, after President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill on the new body.
Russia 'Will Not Be Dictated To' On Arms Sales RFE/RL 17 Oct 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that only the United Nations Security Council can restrict Russian weapons sales abroad.
Russia to Test Pantsyr Gun System Against Cruise Missiles RIA Novosti 17 Oct 2012 -- The Russian armed forces are to carry out live firing tests of the Army's Pantsyr short-range gun-missile air defense system against cruise missile targets for the first time at a range in northern Russia.
Russian Gun-Makers Protest Low Wages RIA Novosti 17 Oct 2012 -- Workers at Russian small-arms maker Izhmash - home of the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle - gathered on Wednesday for a spontaneous rally to protest reduced wages.
Russian Opposition Leader Investigated VOA 17 Oct 2012 -- Russian authorities say they have launched a criminal case against opposition leader Sergei Udaltsov, accusing him of planning to ignite mass riots.
Criminal Case Opened Against Russian Opposition Leaders RFE/RL 17 Oct 2012 -- A criminal case has been opened against the leader of the Russian opposition's Left Front movement, Sergei Udaltsov, and several other opposition leaders.
Russian Protest Leader Udaltsov Faces 10 Years in Jail RIA Novosti 17 Oct 2012 -- Russian anti-Putin protest leader Sergei Udaltsov faces up to 10 years behind bars after investigators brought charges of “organizing mass disorder” against him.
With Pussy Riot Moving To Penal Colonies, Misery Of Russian Prison Camps Gains Fresh Focus RFE/RL 17 Oct 2012 -- A judge said the "correction" of the women, who were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, was possible "only in isolation from society."
Pussy Riot Seek Deferred Sentence RIA Novosti 17 Oct 2012 -- The defense team for the two jailed Pussy Riot members has asked the court to defer execution of their two-year prison sentences until their children reach age 14, lawyer Mark Feigin said.
Russia Tests Short-Range Interceptor Missile RIA Novosti 16 Oct 2012 -- Russia's Aerospace Defense Force successfully tested a short-range anti-missile defense system.
India to Cut Stealth Fighter Order by Third RIA Novosti 16 Oct 2012 -- India is cutting its order for a fifth-generation stealth fighter being developed jointly with Russia by a third, India's Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne told India Strategic.
Belarus Hopes for Russian Financing for Army RIA Novosti 16 Oct 2012 -- Belarus hopes that Russia will help it modernize its military in order to protect Russia’s own Western borders, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said.
Russian Sailors Leave Avrora RIA Novosti 16 Oct 2012 -- Russian Navy sailors on the cruiser Avrora - a symbol of the October 1917 Bolshevik Revolution - left the ship for the last time as it was handed over to a civilian crew.
Five Suspects Charged Over Politkovskaya Murder RFE/RL 16 Oct 2012 -- Russian investigators have charged five suspects in connection with the 2006 killing of investigative journalist and Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskaya.
Probe Into Politkovskaya Murder ‘Completed’ RIA Novosti 16 Oct 2012 -- A preliminary investigation into the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been completed, Russia’s Investigative Committee said.
Pussy Riot Members Lose Appeal To Remain In Moscow Prison RFE/RL 16 Oct 2012 -- Two members of the Russian punk performance-art group Pussy Riot have lost their appeal to stay in a Moscow pretrial detention center.
France to Make Surveillance Flights over Russia, Belarus RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2012 -- French observers will conduct inspection flights over Russia and Belarus under the Open Skies Treaty, while Russian inspectors will do the same over the territory of Norway.
Russia to Protect South Borders With S-400 Air Defense Systems RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2012 -- The air defense units of Russia’s Southern Military District will be rearmed with advanced S-400 Triumf air defense systems by the end of 2012.
Russian Navy Tests Modified Anti-Sub Helicopter RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Navy's Northern Fleet is carrying out flight tests and warfare trials of its modified Kamov Ka-27M anti-submarine helicopter from large destroyers.
Vote In Key Moscow Suburb Highlights Electoral Fraud Claims RFE/RL 15 Oct 2012 -- Pro-Kremlin and opposition supporters are trading barbs and blows following local polls around Russia that handed the ruling party an easy victory in most races.
Opposition Sees Fraud In Russia Voting RFE/RL 15 Oct 2012 -- Russia’s opposition is alleging that nationwide local elections have been marred by widespread violations, including multiple voting and stuffing of ballot boxes.
Rampant Vote Rigging in Russian Elections – Report RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2012 -- About 850 violations were reported by vote monitors at the regional polls that took place in 77 of 83 Russian regions on Sunday, electoral watchdog Golos said.
Ruling Party Victorious in Russian Election VOA 15 Oct 2012 -- Russia's ruling party is the big winner in Sunday's elections.
Pussy Riot Denied Request to Serve Sentence in Moscow RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2012 -- The two remaining Pussy Riot members are to serve their prison terms in a colony outside Moscow.
U.S. Says Moscow 'Morally Bankrupt' On Syria RFE/RL 13 Oct 2012 -- The Obama administration has accused Russia of pursuing a "morally bankrupt" policy on Syria.
US Blasts Russian Stance on Syria as 'Morally Bankrupt' RIA Novosti 13 Oct 2012 -- The US State Department on Friday accused Russia of a 'morally bankrupt' policy in Syria, two days after Turkey intercepted a Syrian passenger jet headed from Moscow to Damascus over suspicions it had military equipment on board.
Russia Orbits Two European Galileo-IOV Navigation Satellites RIA Novosti 13 Oct 2012 -- A Russian Soyuz-ST-B carrier rocket, launched on Friday evening from the Kourou space center in French Guiana, has orbited two Galileo-IOV (In-Orbit Validation) communications satellites, Russian space agency Roscosmos said.
Three Dead, One Injured in Russian Navy Be-12 Plane Crash RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- A Russian amphibious antisubmarine warfare aircraft in service with the Black Sea Fleet crashed on Friday in Ukraine killing three and injuring one crewmember, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
US to Continue Talks with Russia on Nunn-Lugar Program RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- The United States is interested in continuing talks with Russia on a US-funded Russian armaments disposal program, known as the Nunn-Lugar program, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said on Thursday.
Russia Demands Fair Treatment of Suspects in US Export Case RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded on Friday that US authorities stop applying psychological and moral pressure on Russian citizens arrested last week on suspicion of illegally exporting 'sensitive US technology' to Russia.
Russia and India Sign Transport Plane Deal RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- India and Russia gave the green light on Friday to a long-delayed joint project to develop a Military Transport Aircraft, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (OAK) said after the signing ceremony in New Delhi.
Russia to Salvage Sunken Nuclear Subs - Media RIA Novosti 11 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to raise and scrap two sunken nuclear submarines in the northern Barents and Kara seas in order to prevent potential radioactive pollution of the area, the Izvestia newspaper said on Thursday.
Soldier Charged Over Russia Munitions Blast RIA Novosti 11 Oct 2012 -- An army conscript has been charged with causing this week's explosion at a military ammunition disposal site in Russia's Urals region, investigators said on Thursday.
Russia Will Not Renew Arms Deal With US VOA 11 Oct 2012 -- Russia says it will not renew a two-decade-old agreement with the United States aimed at securing nuclear and chemical weapons in the former Soviet Union.
US Hopes to Renew Arms Program Despite Russian Objections VOA 11 Oct 2012 -- The Obama administration says it retains hope of extending a landmark pact with Russia to secure and dismantle nuclear and chemical weapons in the former Soviet Union. The State Department praised the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program one day after the Russian government cast doubt on its renewal when it expires next year.
India to buy 42 combat planes from Russia IRNA 11 Oct 2012 -- India is all set to procure 42 Su-30 MKI combat aircraft and 71 medium-lift helicopters from Russia.
NATO At Fault Over Arms Talks Stalemate - Lavrov RIA Novosti 10 Oct 2012 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused NATO on Wednesday of increasing armed forces and weaponry disparity in Europe, while demanding Moscow fulfils its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFTE), which Russia left in 2007.
Russia Walks Out of Nunn-Lugar Agreement – Paper RIA Novosti 10 Oct 2012 -- Moscow is to abandon participation in a decades-old program with the United States aimed at dismantling weapons of mass destruction, Russian daily Kommersant reported Wednesday.
US Sees No Problem in Russia-Iraq Military Deals RIA Novosti 10 Oct 2012 -- The United States does not see any problem for its military cooperation with Iraq after learning that Baghdad and Moscow have signed arms deals worth over $4.2 billion in the sphere of military-technical cooperation, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
US Technology Export Case Suspect to Appeal Remand RIA Novosti 10 Oct 2012 -- The defense of Russian Anastasia Diatlova, a defendant in a high-profile illegal technology export case in the United States, will appeal Houston court's ruling to remand her in custody, defense lawyer Alexei Tarasov said.
Russia to Deliver Indian Carrier in Fall 2013 – Minister RIA Novosti 10 Oct 2012 -- Russia plans to deliver the overhauled aircraft carrier Vikramaditya to the Indian Navy in the fourth quarter of 2013, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Wednesday after an intergovernmental meeting in New Delhi.
Locals Moved as Urals Ammo Dump Blows Up RIA Novosti 09 Oct 2012 -- Residents were evacuated on Tuesday after munitions at a military ammunition disposal site exploded near the Donguz rail station in Russia's Orenburg region, the Emergencies and Civil Defense Ministry said.
Iraq PM Confirms $4 Bln Arms Deal with Russia RIA Novosti 09 Oct 2012 -- Russia will deliver attack helicopters and mobile air-defense systems to Iraq in arms deals worth $4.2 billion signed earlier this year, it was disclosed today during a visit to Moscow by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in which he met his counterpart Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
India May Seek $100 Mln Fine Over Carrier Delay RIA Novosti 09 Oct 2012 -- India may seek more than $100 million in penalty payments from Russia for delays in handing over the refitted aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, India's Economic Times reported on Tuesday.
Russia Hopes to Win Indian Transport Helicopter Tender RIA Novosti 09 Oct 2012 -- Russia is hoping to win a tender on the delivery of 15 heavy-lift helicopters to the Indian Air Force, state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said.
British Inspectors to Make Surveillance Flight over Russia RIA Novosti 08 Oct 2012 -- Inspectors from Britain will conduct an inspection flight over Russia under the Open Skies Treaty, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said.
Iraqi PM Floats Defense-tech Deal with Russia RIA Novosti 08 Oct 2012 -- Iraq needs Russian assistance in its military and defense sectors, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stressed on Monday.
Russian Military Pay Rises, But Draft to Remain - Chief RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2012 -- Although salaries for members of the armed forces are rising fast, Russia will continue to rely on conscription in coming years, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said in an interview with the newsweekly Itogi to be published on Monday.
US Court Denies Bail to Russian in Technology Export Case RIA Novosti 06 Oct 2012 -- Houston court on Friday denied bail to Alexander Posobilov, a defendant in a high-profile illegal technology export case in the United States, defense lawyer Alexei Tarasov said.
Accused Russian Tech Agents Deny Charges - Lawyer RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- Four Russians accused of illicitly obtaining military cutting-edge microelectronics for Russia in the United States deny any wrongdoing.
Accused Russian Agent Appears in US Court RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- A naturalized US citizen, accused of being a Russian agent, and six others charged in an alleged plot to ship high-tech microelectronics to the Russian military and intelligence agencies, appeared in a Houston federal courtroom.
Moscow Denies Links to US Blacklisted Firms RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- The companies blacklisted by the US on suspicion of illegally passing information to a foreign state did not give anything to Russia's defense industry, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.
Is 'Soviet Union Light' the Future of Putin's Russia? VOA 05 Oct 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin once described the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.”
Russia Keeps Tajik Base, Risking Taliban Face-Off RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- Russia won a 30-year deal on a military base in Tajikistan, but the price includes risk of placing Russian servicemen under fire if violence flares up in volatile Central Asia.
Russia Signs Deal To Prolong Troop Presence At Tajik Military Base RFE/RL 05 Oct 2012 -- Russia and Tajikistan have signed an agreement allowing Russian troops to stay at a military base in Tajikistan until 2042.
Russia to Keep Tajik Military Base Until 2042 RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- Moscow and Dushanbe reached an agreement on Friday on a Russian military base in Tajikistan, which will remain in the former Soviet republic until at least 2042.
Russian, Central Asian Pilots in Air Defense Drills RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- Russian and Central Asian military pilots are carrying out joint exercises to repel missile strikes over Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Russian Military to Receive First Il-476 Transport Plane in 2014 RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Armed Forces will start receiving Il-476 heavy transport planes in 2014.
Pakistan, Russia Intensify Contacts to Improve Ties VOA 04 Oct 2012 -- Pakistan and Russia have held high-level discussions focusing on how to expand their political, economic and military relationship.
Russian FM calls for restraint after Syrian firing into Turkey's territory IRNA 04 Oct 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed shock at the casualties in cross border shelling into Turkey by the Syrian forces and called for restraint.
Moscow Denies Involvement In Alleged U.S. Procurement Network RFE/RL 04 Oct 2012 -- Moscow says Russian spy agencies were not involved in an alleged network illegally exporting high-technology components from the United States.
US Blacklists Firms over Russian Tech Spy Ring RIA Novosti 04 Oct 2012 -- The United States Commerce Department has blacklisted 165 foreign companies and individuals in connection with the activies of several people from the former republics of the USSR suspected of spying activity.
Russian Air Force Accepts First Yak-130 RIA Novosti 04 Oct 2012 -- Russia’s Irkut aircraft-manufacturing plant delivered the first six Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten combat trainers to the Russian Air Force.
Russian Defense Ministry Signs Multi-billion-dollar Plane Contract RIA Novosti 04 Oct 2012 -- Russia's Defense Ministry on Thursday signed a contract worth about 140 billion rubles ($4 billion) to buy 39 IL-476 transport planes.
U.S. Charges 11 Over Alleged High-Tech Electronics Export Scheme RFE/RL 03 Oct 2012 -- U.S. prosecutors have announced criminal charges against a group that allegedly illegally exported high-technology electronics from the United States to Russian military and intelligence agencies.
U.S. Busts Up Alleged Russian Spy Ring RIA Novosti 03 Oct 2012 -- Eleven members of an alleged secret Russian military procurement network have been charged in the United States with illegally shipping sophisticated microelectronics to Russian military and intelligence agencies.
U.S. Court Charges 11 Russians with Illegal Tech Exports RIA Novosti 03 Oct 2012 -- A group of 11 Russians were charged in New York with involvement in a multimillion-dollar scheme to "steal American technology" for Russian military and intelligence agencies.
Lavrov Says Russia-U.S. 'Reset' Can't Last Forever RFE/RL 03 Oct 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Russia and the United States should do more to strengthen mutual economic ties because the "reset" in relations cannot go on indefinitely.
Russia Says Won’t Treat European Foundations as it did USAID RIA Novosti 03 Oct 2012 -- Russia will not treat European foundations like it did the United States Agency for International Development.
Indian Carrier Handover Delayed - Builders RIA Novosti 02 Oct 2012 -- The refurbishment of an Indian Navy aircraft carrier has hit further snags, with handover delayed to fall 2013, Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation said.
PACE Report Strongly Criticizes Russia RFE/RL 02 Oct 2012 -- A report debated on October 2 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe strongly criticized Russia.
Council of Europe Chides Russia in New Report RIA Novosti 02 Oct 2012 -- Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe accused Russia of arbitrary intervention in its neighbors’ affairs and eroding democracy at home.
Ex Prison Official on Trial over Magnitsky Death RIA Novosti 02 Oct 2012 -- A former prison official at the pretrial detention center where Sergei Magnitsky was held created intolerable conditions verging on torture, the mother of the Russian lawyer who died in custody in 2009 while investigating alleged official corruption, said.
Russian Military Rejects Court Ruling on Flights Suspension RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- The Russian military will appeal a court ruling that deemed combat jet flights over the city of Chelyabinsk illegal.
Russian Court Grounds Military Jet Flights Over Noise RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- A regional court in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk ordered a temporary suspension of flights by Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft from a nearby base.
Prosecutors Want Steeper Fines for Draft Dodgers RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- The Chief Military Prosecutor’s Office has proposed raising fines for young men shirking compulsory military service, CMPO department head Alexander Nikitin said.
Turkish Inspectors Set for Surveillance Flight over Russia RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- Inspectors from Turkey and Norway will conduct an inspection flight over Russia under the Open Skies Treaty, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Moscow Court Postpones Jail Sentence Appeal by Punk-Rock Band VOA 01 Oct 2012 -- An appeal by three punk-rock musicians convicted of hooliganism for protesting the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed by a Moscow court.
Russian Court Delays Pussy Riot Defendants' Appeal RFE/RL 01 Oct 2012 -- A Russian court has opened and then adjourned for more than a week the appeal hearing for three members of the punk collective Pussy Riot.
Pussy Riot Appeal Delayed Amid Confusion RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- Confusion descended upon a Moscow city court in what’s become a tradition in the courtroom proceedings of feminist punk group Pussy Riot.
Russian PACE Delegation Fights Stricter Monitoring RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- Russia’s delegation to the current session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe opposes imposition of stricter monitoring of Russia’s PACE commitments.
USAID Stops Operations in Russia RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- The United States Agency for International Development, which has funded Russian non-governmental organizations, stops its operations in Russia from Monday.
Moscow Court Declares 'Innocence of Muslims' Extremist RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2012 -- Moscow's Tverskoi Court declared the American anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims" extremist, the latest in a series of legal moves against it in Russia.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

October 2012 - Russia Special Weapons News