January 2015 - Russia Special Weapons News

Meet Yevgeny Fyodorov, The Russian Lawmaker Who Wants More Western Sanctions RFE/RL 30 Jan 2015 -- Russia's economy is tanking. The price of oil has flat-lined. New western sanctions are in the pipeline. One proposal -- to disconnect Russia from the SWIFT payment system -- could wreak havoc on the financial system.
Channels of Military Communication Between NATO, Russia to Remain Open Sputnik 30 Jan 2015 -- Channels of military communication between NATO and Russia must remain open to avoid incidents, as both sides have increased their military presence near each other's borders, the alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday.
NATO Scrambles Jets After Russian Refueling Aircraft Flies Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 30 Jan 2015 -- NATO fighter jets have been deployed to intercept a Russian refueling aircraft over the Baltic Sea, Latvian military officials announced on Friday.
Russia Sanctions More U.S. Officials In Response To Magnitsky List RFE/RL 30 Jan 2015 -- Russia says it has blacklisted an additional four U.S. citizens in response to Washington's decision to sanction more Russians suspected of human rights abuses.
Russia Says It Will Bolster Forces In 'Strategic' Areas RFE/RL 30 Jan 2015 -- Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Russia will strengthen its forces in 'strategic areas' as part of efforts to ensure no other country can dominate it.
New Russian Anti-Air System Prevented Terrorist Attacks on Sochi Olympics Sputnik 30 Jan 2015 -- Russia's newest 'Tor' anti-air defense system was used to prevent drone-based terrorist attacks against the Winter Olympics in Sochi, a representative of the plant that produces the systems told Sputnik.
Russia to Keep Up With US, NATO Military Capability Sputnik 30 Jan 2015 -- Measures taken by the Russian Defense Ministry to develop the Strategic Nuclear Forces and raise the capabilities of regular troops will prevent the United States or NATO's superiority over Russia, General Staff head Valery Gerasimov said Friday.
Russia to Ensure Defense of Country Without Arms Race Says Defense Ministry Sputnik 30 Jan 2015 -- The Russian military will fulfill its task of guaranteeing superiority upon completion of the state weapons program, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Friday.
India Considering Adding Japanese Soryu-Class Submarines to its Fleet Sputnik 30 Jan 2015 -- New Delhi is considering a project to build six Japanese Soryu-class diesel-electric submarines in an Indian shipyard, according to Indian media resources.
EU Agrees To Extend Russian Sanctions Over Ukraine RFE/RL 29 Jan 2015 -- The European Union has decided to extend until September an initial group of sanctions against Russian and pro-Russia separatist officials due to the continued fighting in eastern Ukraine and has plans for further action.
EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia VOA 29 Jan 2015 -- Amid a sharp escalation of fighting in eastern Ukraine, European Union foreign ministers agreed Thursday to extend by six months the existing sanctions imposed on Russian and Russia-backed separatist officials for their role in the conflict.
EU FMs Decide to Extend Individual Sanctions Over Ukraine Until September Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- The EU foreign ministers adopted on Thursday a decision to keep in force sanctions targeting individuals and entities allegedly involved in the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis until September 2015, the EU diplomacy chief said.
Russia Warns West of 'Big Catastrophe' Over Ukraine VOA 29 Jan 2015 -- Moscow's envoy to European security watchdog OSCE urged the United States and Europe on Thursday to stop supporting the "party of war'" in Ukraine and warned a "big catastrophe'' could lie ahead, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry.
UK says jets intercepted Russian bombers Iran Press TV 29 Jan 2015 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Thursday that Typhoon fighter jets had intercepted two Russian long-range bombers which had flown close to UK airspace.
Russian Envoy Summoned Over Disruption of UK Civil Aviation by Air Force Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Russian ambassador has been summoned Thursday over the disruption of the UK civil aviation by Russia's Air Force flight, the British Foreign Office said.
UK Military Says Russian Air Force Active Near British Airspace Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Two alleged Russian bombers were seen flying over British airspace on its southern coast, leading the Royal Air Force (RAF) to dispatch two jets in response, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday.
Russia Says Air Force Flight Near UK Complies With International Law Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Two Russian Air Force strategic bombers spotted near British airspace were conducting a planned 19-hour flight over the North Atlantic and did not breach international regulations or any nation's borders, a Russian Air Force spokesman said Thursday.
New Russian Heavy Ballistic Missile Sarmat to Be Test Launched in 2016-2017 Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Full-scale testing of the new Russian Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile may be held in a year or year and a half after the drop tests scheduled in 2015, Lenta.Ru reported Thursday.
Russia, China to Invest $13Bln Into New Long-Haul Airplane Project Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Russia and China may invest $13 billion into a joint long-range passenger aircraft project, the president of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) told journalists Thursday.
Russia Appoints New Commander of Ground Troops in Crimea Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Russia has tasked Lt. Gen. Yuri Petrov, who was appointed deputy Black Sea Fleet commander earlier Thursday, with creating a combat-ready group of ground troops in Russia's region of Crimea.
EU Ministers Meeting To Discuss Russia Sanctions As Ukraine Fighting Rages RFE/RL 29 Jan 2015 -- Fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine has claimed more lives as EU foreign ministers prepared to discuss the possible extension and expansion of sanctions against Moscow for its role in the conflict.
Russia in Talks With Iran on Tor-M1 Missile System Modernization Sputnik 29 Jan 2015 -- Russia's Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol is in talks with Iran on modernizing the short range Tor-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missile defense systems, the plant's assistant director general told RIA Novosti Thursday.
Defiant Lukashenka Warns Russia, West Against Pressuring Belarus RFE/RL 29 Jan 2015 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has displayed defiance toward Russia and the West, warning them in a marathon news conference that he would bow to no one's will.
EU Consensus On Russia Sanctions Stalled By Greek Objections RFE/RL 28 Jan 2015 -- EU diplomats say ambassadors of the 28-nation bloc have failed to reach consensus on new sanctions targeting Russia for its role in the Ukraine crisis and the extension of current sanctions due to objections from Greece.
Strains in US-Russia Relations Predate Current Crisis VOA 28 Jan 2015 -- There are signs of increased strains in U.S. relations with Russia. On Monday, the U.S. accused three Russian citizens in the United States of having ties to a Russian spy ring, a charge Russia denies. The charges follow stepped up U.S. criticism of Russia for what Western powers say is Moscow's continued support of separatists in Ukraine. Analysts say relations between the two countries had begun to fray even before these two incidents.
Russian Parliament Could Condemn 'Annexation' Of East Germany RFE/RL 28 Jan 2015 -- Russia's parliament is considering issuing a statement condemning the 'annexation' of East Germany by West Germany a quarter of a century ago.
EU Draft Says Sanctions On Russia Extended To December RFE/RL 28 Jan 2015 -- According to a draft statement by the European Union, the asset freezes and travel bans imposed on dozens of Russians, Russian entities, and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula will be extended until the end of 2015.
Treasury Secretary Says US Ready to Impose New Anti-Russian Sanctions Sputnik 28 Jan 2015 -- The United States is ready to introduce new sanctions against Moscow if necessary, the US Treasury secretary said Wednesday after meeting with the Ukraine's finance minister.
Russia to Cut Budget Costs by 10% in 2015, Defense Expenses Unchanged Sputnik 28 Jan 2015 -- The Russian government on Wednesday passed on to the country's parliament a legislative project to decrease most categories of budget expenses in 2015 by 10 percent, according to a statement published on the Cabinet of Ministers' website.
Russian Spy Scandal Pulls Back Curtain On Often Humdrum World Of Espionage RFE/RL 28 Jan 2015 -- This week's announcement that the FBI had charged three Russian citizens with spying on the United States threatens to send an even deeper chill through already frosty Moscow-Washington ties.
Spy Scandal Keeps Russian, US Diplomats at Negotiation Table for Second Day Sputnik 28 Jan 2015 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and US Ambassador to Russia John Tefft discussed on Wednesday the bilateral relationship between Moscow and Washington following the arrest of a Russian national in the United States over a conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Brazil Hopes to Ink Pantsir-S1 Air Defense Deal With Russia by Mid-2015 Sputnik 28 Jan 2015 -- Brazil and Russia could sign a contract on the delivery of Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense systems to the Latin American country as early as in the first half of 2015, Brazilian Ambassador to Russia Antonio José Vallim Guerreiro said on Wednesday.
Moscow Condemns Arrest of Alleged Russian Spy in NYC VOA 27 Jan 2015 -- Russia on Tuesday condemned the United States for the arrest of an alleged Russian spy, condemning the move as a 'provocation' that would further damage already strained ties.
Ukraine Labels Russia 'Aggressor State' VOA 27 Jan 2015 -- Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday approved a statement labeling Russia as an 'aggressor state,' while European Union leaders threatened to widen sanctions against it for continuing to back separatists in eastern Ukraine amid escalating violence in the region.
EU To Consider More Sanctions Against Russia As Fighting Persists RFE/RL 27 Jan 2015 -- European Union leaders have asked their foreign ministers to consider an appropriate response to an escalation of fighting in eastern Ukraine, including possible new sanctions against Russia, when the ministers meet in Brussels on January 29.
Ukraine Parliament Calls Russia 'Aggressor State,' Seeks More Aid, Sanctions RFE/RL 27 Jan 2015 -- Ukraine's parliament has adopted a statement branding Russia an 'aggressor state,' a move that deputies hope will pave the way for punishment under international law.
PACE Accuses Russia of Involvement in Escalation of Ukraine Crisis Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) accused Russia of involvement the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis in an amendment to the resolution on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine adopted on Tuesday.
Moscow Condemns Western Attempts to Manipulate Facts Over Ukraine Crisis Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- Western countries are trying to replace real effort aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis with "cynical manipulation of facts," the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
S&P downgrade shows excessive pessimism: Russia minister Iran Press TV 27 Jan 2015 -- Russia's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has slammed Standard & Poor's rating agency for its move to downgrade the country's rating from investment-grade to 'junk' status.
Putin Says Russia's Arms Exports Topped $15Bln in 2014 Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- Russia sold over $15 billion worth of military equipment abroad in 2014 and signed new contracts worth almost $14 billion during the same period, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
Moscow Says US Fails to Provide Evidence for Accusations of 'Russian Spies' Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- The United States has not provided any evidence to support the charges against three Russian nationals accused of gathering data and recruiting agents in the United States, Alexander Lukashevich, the spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Tuesday.
Russian Bank Identifies Alleged Russian Spy as Employee Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- Russia's Vnesheconombank (VEB) confirmed Tuesday that Russian citizen Evgeny Buryakov, detained in the United States on spying charges, served as a deputy representative to the bank in New York.
Questions Remain Unanswered: Inquiry Into Litvinenko's Case Opens in UK Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- More than eight years after the death of ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, a public inquiry into his case opens on Tuesday, the Telegraph reports.
Russian Alleged Agents Worked to Obtain Intelligence on Sanctions Sputnik 27 Jan 2015 -- A Russian alleged intelligence ring broken up by the FBI on Monday was working for the economic branch of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and directed to obtain intelligence on sanctions against Russia and US energy markets, court documents filed in the US District Court for Southern New York reveal.
Worried About Moscow, Belarus's Lukashenka Drifts Toward Brussels RFE/RL 27 Jan 2015 -- Alyaksandr Lukashenka isn't known for waxing poetically about the Belarusian language. But that's exactly what he did at a youth gathering in Minsk earlier this month.
Attorney General Holder Announces Charges Against Russian Spy Ring in New York City US Dept. of Justice 26 Jan 2015 -- Attorney General Eric Holder (...) announced charges against Evgeny Buryakov, aka "Zhenya," Igor Sporyshev and Victor Podobnyy in connection with Buryakov's service as a covert intelligence agent on behalf of the Russian Federation (Russia) in New York City, without notifying the U.S. Attorney General of Buryakov's status as an agent of Russia, as required by federal law.
FBI Breaks Up Alleged Russian Spy Ring in New York City VOA 26 Jan 2015 -- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says federal agents have broken up an alleged Russian spy ring in New York City where three suspects tried to recruit U.S. residents.
News Analysis: How Syriza's Win Could Change EU Policy On Russia RFE/RL 26 Jan 2015 -- The election win by Greece's far-left Syriza party has focused attention on the impact that a potential 'Grexit' could have on the eurozone economies.
Putin Calls Ukrainian Army 'NATO Legion' Sputnik 26 Jan 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that the Ukrainian army has been used by NATO as a deterrent against Russia.
Putin: Ukraine Army in Fact 'NATO Legion' VOA 26 Jan 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says a 'NATO legion' is fighting against rebel forces in eastern Ukraine, and that its goal is to contain Russia.
Russia president calls Ukraine army 'NATO's foreign legion' Iran Press TV 26 Jan 2015 -- The Russian President Vladimir Putin says the Ukrainian army is "NATO's foreign legion" and does not pursue Ukraine's national interests.
Moscow to promote contacts between Kiev, pro-Russians: Lavrov Iran Press TV 26 Jan 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is working to promote contacts between the government in Kiev and pro-Russia forces "within days" in a bid to stop the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Obama Seeks To Increase Pressure On Russia After Ukraine Offensive RFE/RL 26 Jan 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States is considering all options short of military action to turn up the pressure on Russia after Moscow-backed separatists launched a new offensive in eastern Ukraine.
NATO Chief Calls Putin Comments On Ukraine 'Nonsense' RFE/RL 26 Jan 2015 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has dismissed as 'nonsense' accusations made by the Russian president that the Ukrainian Army is acting as the Western alliance's 'foreign legion.'
Obama threatens new sanctions against Russia Iran Press TV 26 Jan 2015 -- US President Barack Obama has once again threatened new sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, saying he would 'ratchet up' pressure on Moscow.
US has 'more tools' against Russia other than sanctions: Lew Iran Press TV 26 Jan 2015 -- The United States has "more tools" other than economic sanctions to ratchet up pressure on Russia, says Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.
S&P Downgrades Russia's Sovereign Rating to 'Junk' BB+ Status Sputnik 26 Jan 2015 -- Standard & Poor's ratings agency said Monday it has lowered Russia's sovereign ratings to 'junk' status from BBB- to BB+ with negative outlook.
US, EU Threaten New Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine VOA 25 Jan 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders are threatening new sanctions on Russia after pro-Russian rebels launched a deadly rocket attack on the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol.
Russia to produce military UAV, S-500 missile system Iran Press TV 26 Jan 2015 -- The Russian deputy defense minister has announced imminent production of a military drone as well as the S-500 missile system as part of military modernization bid.
Russian Army to Introduce Advanced, Long-Range UAV Sputnik 25 Jan 2015 -- The sophisticated drone will be capable of performing reconnaissance missions and destroying targets that have been detected, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said, according to the Russian News Service network.
Report: U.S. Intelligence Links Litvinenko Killing To Kremlin RFE/RL 24 Jan 2015 -- A report in the British newspaper 'The Telegraph' says the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) intercepted communications between the primary suspects in the murder case of former Russian spy Aleksandr Litvinenko, linking his poisoning to the Russian government.
No Time Line Set for Russia-NATO Communication to Move Forward Sputnik 23 Jan 2015 -- Re-establishment of NATO communication with Russian military leaders is not defined by any time frames at the moment despite announcements that NATO intends to restore communication with its Russian counterparts, NATO military spokesperson Colonel Martin Downie told Sputnik on Friday.
NATO Scrambles Fighters After Russian Il-20 Spotted Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 23 Jan 2015 -- NATO scrambled Typhoon fighters after a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft was spotted over the Baltic Sea, Bloomberg reports.
Putin Addresses Russia's Security Council, Laments Kiev's Unresponsiveness Sputnik 23 Jan 2015 -- Moscow received no clear response from Kiev regarding its suggestions on settling the conflict in Donbas, instead of talking to Russia the Ukrainian authorities instead launched large-scale attacks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
Russia, USA to Continue Nuclear Security Cooperation, NNSA Says Sputnik 23 Jan 2015 -- Russia and the United States will continue cooperating in the field of nuclear security, in particular, in disposing of surplus weapon-grade plutonium, a spokesperson for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), part of the US Department of Energy, told RIA Novosti.
NATO Determined to Restore Contacts with Russian Military Top Brass Sputnik 22 Jan 2015 -- The North-Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) intends to restore communication with its Russian counterparts, the military bloc's European Commander, US General Philip Breedlove said Thursday.
Lavrov Says U.S. Wants To Dominate, West Cannot Isolate Russia RFE/RL 21 Jan 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that the United states wants to 'dominate' the world and warned the West that attempts to isolate Russia would fail.
Russia Proposes India to Increase Scale of Joint Military Drills Sputnik 21 Jan 2015 -- The scale and intensity of joint military drills with India should be increased, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said to his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday.
Russia Ready to Cooperate if NATO Opens Up to Equal Dialogue Sputnik 21 Jan 2015 -- The North-Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has chosen the path of confrontation by severing all contact with Russia, the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Wednesday.
Russia Strikes Back at Obama's State of the Union Comments VOA 21 Jan 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lashed out at U.S. President Barack Obama's criticism of the Kremlin's actions in Ukraine.
S-300 Defense System Deliveries to Iran Remain Bilateral Issue, Lavrov Says Sputnik 21 Jan 2015 -- The issue of Russia delivering S-300 missile defense systems to Iran is a topic for bilateral discussions and will remain that way, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
Russian Spy Ship Arrives In Havana Ahead Of U.S.-Cuba Talks RFE/RL 21 Jan 2015 -- A Russian intelligence warship has docked in Cuba's capital, Havana, ahead of historic talks there between U.S. and Cuban diplomats.
Russia Ready to Supply India With Anaerobic Submarines Sputnik 21 Jan 2015 -- Russia could supply the Indian Navy with 'stealthy' submarines, equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems if India opens a tender for them, a senior official at Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Russian, Indian Defense Chiefs Agree to Speed Up Joint Military Projects Sputnik 21 Jan 2015 -- Russia and India have agreed to speed up work on the fifth-generation fighter jet they are developing together, among other joint projects tackled during a Wednesday meeting between the countries' defense ministers.
Moscow rejects new Kiev claims of east Ukraine presence Iran Press TV 20 Jan 2015 -- Russia has denied as 'absolute nonsense' claims by Kiev that Moscow has sent two contingents of its troops into war-ravaged eastern areas of Ukraine.
Russian Soldier Will Be Tried In Armenia, Reportedly By Russian Court RFE/RL 20 Jan 2015 -- Russia says a soldier accused of killing seven members of a single family in Armenia will be tried on Armenian soil, but media reports say the trial will be conducted by a Russian military court.
Putin Says US Military Spending Incomparably Higher Than Russia's Sputnik 20 Jan 2015 -- Moscow is capable to meet challenges posed by other countries without being drawn into an expensive arms race, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
Russia to Test Strategic Missile Forces in Unscheduled Drills Sputnik 20 Jan 2015 -- Russia has kicked off its first unannounced drills of the year for the country's Strategic Missile Forces with over 1,200 active duty servicemen in western Siberia, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Igor Egorov said Tuesday.
Moscow, US End Nuclear Cooperation Program Sputnik 20 Jan 2015 -- Moscow has decided to end its nuclear cooperation program with the US, saying that it no longer needs assistance in safeguarding nuclear sites located in Russia, the Boston Globe reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation.
Chinese, Russian Warplanes Prompt Japan To Scramble Jets At Record Pace RFE/RL 20 Jan 2015 -- Japan says it is scrambling its fighter jets at a record pace to confront Chinese and Russian warplanes in or near its airspace.
Iran, Russia sign military MoU ISNA 20 Jan 2015 -- Iranian and Russian defense ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to boost mutual cooperation on defense and military domains.
Iran, Russia sign defense-military agreement Iran Press TV 20 Jan 2015 -- Iran and Russia have signed an agreement to improve cooperation in defense and military arenas.
Russia, Iran Sign Joint Military Cooperation Agreement Sputnik 20 Jan 2015 -- Russia and Iran signed on Tuesday an intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation.
Wary Of Russian Aggression, Vilnius Creates How-To Manual For Dealing With Foreign Invasion RFE/RL 19 Jan 2015 -- With its mild climate and shuttered nuclear reactor, Lithuania's more than 20 years of independence have been largely free of both natural and technological disasters.
Six-Month-Old Boy Wounded In Armenia Massacre Dies RFE/RL 19 Jan 2015 -- A 6-month-old boy who was stabbed last week in what authorities say was a brutal attack by a Russian soldier in Armenia has died.
EU Urges Broad Alliance Against Terrorism, Rules Out Easing Of Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 19 Jan 2015 -- The European Union's foreign-policy chief and foreign ministers from the bloc are calling for a broad counterterrorism alliance in the wake of Islamist militant attacks in France.
Russian Armed Forces to Adopt Hypersonic Missiles on Mass Scale Sputnik 19 Jan 2015 -- The Russian Armed Forces will receive hypersonic missiles on mass scale in about 15 to 25 years, with the first prototypes to be created by 2020, CEO of Russia's Tactical Missiles Corporation Boris Obnosov said in an interview with the 'Defense of Russia' magazine.
Russia's Foreign Legion Of Doubt RFE/RL 18 Jan 2015 -- If you're between 18 and 30 years old, speak Russian, and have no criminal record, you are in for some good news. You are eligible to enlist in the Russian army.
Space Corporation Says Russia Could Export 30 More Rocket Engines to US Sputnik 16 Jan 2015 -- Russian rocket manufacturer Energia is currently in talks with US space launch provider United Launch Alliance (ULA) over a contract to deliver 30 additional RD-180 rocket engines, Energia head Vladimir Solntsev said Friday.
Russia, US Sign $1Bln Contract on RD-181 Rocket Engine Deliveries Sputnik 16 Jan 2015 -- Russian rocket producer Energiya has signed a $1 billion contract with US Orbital Sciences Corporation for the delivery of 60 RD-181 engines, the company's press service said Friday in a statement.
Russian Western Military District Receives New Batch of Mi-17V5 Helicopters Sputnik 16 Jan 2015 -- Russia's Western Military District has received a fresh batch of Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters and is set to receive more, the head of the district's press service Colonel Oleg Kochetkov told Russia's RIA Novosti on Friday.
EU Parliament Accuses Russia of 'Acts of Terrorism' in Ukraine VOA 15 Jan 2015 -- The European Parliament is accusing Russia of what it calls 'acts of terrorism' in Ukraine. Meeting in Brussels, the European Union legislative body passed a resolution condemning what it called Russia's 'aggressive and expansionist policy' and 'the acts of terrorism and criminal behavior' by Russian-backed rebels in east Ukraine.
Russia may sue France over delay in warships delivery Iran Press TV 15 Jan 2015 -- Moscow says it may file a lawsuit against Paris over France's decision to suspend the delivery of two Russian-ordered warships under a 2011 contract.
START Treaty Vital for US, Russia Despite Differences on Ukraine Sputnik 15 Jan 2015 -- Complying with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and maintaining a transparent relationship with Russia is vital for Washington and Moscow despite current differences on Ukraine, commander of US Strategic Command, Adm. Cecil Haney said on Thursday.
US Concerned About Russia's Emerging Strategic Military Capabilities Sputnik 15 Jan 2015 -- The United States is concerned about Russia's emerging strategic capabilities in nuclear, space, cyber security spheres, Commander of US Strategic Command Adm. Cecil Haney said on Thursday.
EU Parliament Supports France's Call to Postpone Mistral Delivery to Russia Sputnik 15 Jan 2015 -- The European Parliament welcomed France's decision to postpone the delivery of Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia in a resolution issued on Thursday.
Russia Will Test Launch Iskander-M Missiles During March Drills Sputnik 15 Jan 2015 -- Two missile battalions of the Central Military District (CMD) will test launch a number of Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles during exercises in southern Russia in March, CMD spokesperson Col. Yaroslav Roshupkin said Thursday.
Russian Defense Minister Says Ready to Sue France Over Mistral Delivery Sputnik 15 Jan 2015 -- Moscow could file a court case against Paris within six months over the latter's nonfulfillment of a contract to deliver the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier to Russia on time, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.
Merkel: NATO Wants to Cooperate With Russia, Not Pursue Anti-Russia Policy Sputnik 14 Jan 2015 -- NATO wishes to cooperate with Russia, and does not want to pursue anti-Russia policies, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday.
Russia to boost military capabilities in 2015 Iran Press TV 14 Jan 2015 -- Russia's top general says the country plans to boost its military capabilities in the Crimean peninsula, the Arctic and the westernmost Kaliningrad region, amid NATO expansion in Eastern Europe.
Russia to Give France Until February to Deliver Carrier: Defense Official Sputnik 14 Jan 2015 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will not take any action until February over France's failure to deliver the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier, a high-ranking Russian military source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Kudrin: Russia's economy 'not up to modern challenges' Russia Beyond the Headlines 13 Jan 2015 -- According to former Russian finance minister Alexei Kudrin, the fall in Russia's GDP and the accompanying stagnation may last for years. Kudrin, who is currently head of the Civil Initiatives Committee, an NGO that promotes civil rights in Russia, discussed the country's economic future in an interview with RBC Daily.
Russia wants Paris to explain warship delivery delay Iran Press TV 13 Jan 2015 -- Russia has demanded that France give an official explanation over its failure to deliver the first of two Mistral-class warships to Moscow under a 2011 deal, a military source in Moscow says.
Russia Could Revise Commitment to START Due to 'Unfriendly' US Actions Sputnik 13 Jan 2015 -- Russia could revise its commitment to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) in response to 'unfriendly' US actions, the head of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
Russia to Face 'Certain Difficulties' in Arms Purchases in 2015 Sputnik 13 Jan 2015 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has hit "certain difficulties" in its overambitious plans for arms purchases in 2015 due to import substitutions, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Tuesday.
Russia to Reinforce Military Groupings in Crimea, Kaliningrad, Arctic Sputnik 13 Jan 2015 -- Russia will reinforce its military groupings in 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula, the exclave Kaliningrad Region and the Arctic, Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov said Tuesday.
Russia to Merge Air, Space Forces in 2015: Defense Ministry Sputnik 13 Jan 2015 -- Russia will create an Air-Space Force from the merger of its Air Force and Space Forces in 2015, the country's Armed Forces General Staff chief, Valery Gerasimov, said Tuesday.
Russia to Reconstruct 10 Military Airfields in Arctic by Year's End Sputnik 13 Jan 2015 -- Russia will reconstruct 10 military airfields in the Arctic region by the end of 2015, bringing the total number of Russian operational airfields in the region to 14, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Dmitry Bulgakov told journalists Tuesday.
Russia Sends France Formal Inquiry on Non-Delivery of Mistral Warship Sputnik 13 Jan 2015 -- Moscow has sent Paris an official inquiry for an explanation of why a Mistral helicopter carrier was not delivered to Russia according to an earlier signed agreement, a high-ranking official from the Russian Defense Ministry's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) said Tuesday.
Russia must keep USA at gunpoint Pravda.ru 12 Jan 2015 -- Russia's military doctrine can be updated and altered against the changing nature of threats. Pravda.Ru interviewed President of the International Center for Geopolitical Analysis, Doctor of Historical Sciences Leonid Ivashov, about the current state of affairs in the military doctrine of the Russian Federation.
Russian Security Service Denies to Comment on Reports of Recruiting Snowden Sputnik 12 Jan 2015 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) refused to give comment to RIA Novosti on Monday concerning Western media reports stating that the FSB allegedly tried to recruit former CIA employee and NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
Russia's Strategic Missile Forces to Conduct Over 100 Drills in 2015 Sputnik 11 Jan 2015 -- The Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) of Russia are planning to conduct over 100 drills at various levels in 2015, SMF spokesperson Col. Igor Yegorov said Sunday.
Russia, India Complete Draft Project for Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Sputnik 10 Jan 2015 -- Russia and India have completed the preliminary design for the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), the regional director of international cooperation at the united Russian-Indian aircraft manufacturing company said Saturday.
Fitch Cuts Russia's Credit Rating To One Step Above Junk RFE/RL 10 Jan 2015 -- Fitch Ratings has cut Russia's credit rating to the lowest investment grade after plunging oil prices and the Ukraine conflict triggered the worst currency crisis since 1998.
S-400 Air Defense Systems to Protect Skies Above Moscow Sputnik 10 Jan 2015 -- The airspace around Moscow will be protected by the fourth regimental set of S-400 Triumph (SA-21 Growler) air defense systems, Russian Defense Ministry's spokesperson told RIA Novosti Saturday.
Russia's Northern Fleet Receives S-400 Air Defense Systems: Spokesperson Sputnik 09 Jan 2015 -- Russia's Northern Fleet has increased its air defense capability with the addition of S-400 Triumph air defense missile systems, the Fleet's spokesperson Vadim Serga said Friday.
Merkel: Sanctions on Russia Stay Until Fighting Stops in Ukraine VOA 08 Jan 2015 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia for supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine could be lifted only if a cease-fire agreement between Kyiv and the rebels was fully implemented.
Ukraine asks West to pile more pressure on Russia Iran Press TV 08 Jan 2015 -- The Ukrainian prime minister is urging the western governments to show more unity in face of Russia.
Russia's Lavrov Discusses Ukraine With French, German PMs RFE/RL 08 Jan 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has discussed the conflict in Ukraine with his French and German counterparts by telephone.
Yatsenyuk Says Russia Must Remove 'Bandits' From Ukraine RFE/RL 08 Jan 2015 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk says Russia is still sending military forces into Ukraine despite a September 5 deal on a cease-fire and steps toward peace.
Russia's 11th Humanitarian Convoy Delivers Aid to Luhansk Sputnik 08 Jan 2015 -- Russian trucks from the 11th convoy carrying humanitarian aid for conflict-torn eastern Ukraine, have arrived in the city of Luhansk, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said Thursday.
Russian Marines to Prepare for Arctic Warfare in 2015: Northern Fleet Sputnik 08 Jan 2015 -- Russia's Northern Fleet marines will undergo special training in 2015 for military activities in the Arctic, Northern Fleet spokesperson Vadim Serga said Thursday.
Three Caspian States To Hold First Joint Naval Drills RFE/RL 07 Jan 2015 -- The Russian military says Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan will hold joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea for the first time this summer.
Putin Decree Enables Foreigners To Serve In Russian Military RFE/RL 06 Jan 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree enabling foreign nationals to serve in the Russian military. The January 2 decree allows foreigners aged 18-30 to sign up for five-year service contracts with the Russian armed forces, Interior Ministry troops, or the state firefighting service.
Moscow Police Say Another Retired Russian General Commits Suicide RFE/RL 06 Jan 2015 -- Russian authorities say a former Russian air force general committed suicide in Moscow on January 6 by hanging himself.
France: Russia sanctions must stop if Ukraine peace talks progress Iran Press TV 05 Jan 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande has called for sanctions against Russia to be stopped if there is progress in ending the crisis across eastern Ukraine.
Kremlin Foe Navalny Says He Will Not Observe House Arrest RFE/RL 05 Jan 2015 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny says he will no longer observe the terms of his house arrest and has cut off the ankle bracelet used by the authorities to monitor his movements.
Anti-Russia Sanctions to Be Lifted if Progress on Ukraine Reached: Hollande Sputnik 05 Jan 2015 -- France's President Francois Hollande said Monday he expects further progress at the negotiations on the situation in Ukraine that will take place in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, on January 15.
France Calls for Lifting Russia Sanctions if Progress on Ukraine VOA 05 Jan 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande is calling for sanctions on Russia to be lifted if there is progress in Ukraine.
Russia to send another humanitarian aid convoy to crisis-hit east Ukraine Iran Press TV 03 Jan 2015 -- Russia plans to send another aid convoy to Ukraine's restive east, where sporadic exchanges of fire between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russians have deteriorated the humanitarian situation.
Emergencies Ministry Begins 11th Humanitarian Convoy to Donbas Formation Sputnik 03 Jan 2015 -- The formation of the 11th Russian humanitarian aid convoy to Ukraine's eastern Donbas region is underway, Russia's Emergencies Ministry said Saturday.
What's The EEU And What Are Its Chances? RFE/RL 02 Jan 2015 -- Five years ago, Moscow had every reason to feel secure about its neighborhood. Ally Kazakhstan was settling in as the first post-Soviet state to chair the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Belarus had acquiesced to new oil-supply terms from Russia. And all three countries had just joined forces in a new Common Economic Space, a partnership they hoped would eventually outweigh or even absorb the European Union.
Russian Navy to Continue Anti-Piracy Mission off Coast of Somalia Sputnik 02 Jan 2015 -- Warships and support vessels of Russian Navy will continue to perform tasks to prevent pirate attacks on civilian ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa, Navy commander-in-chief Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Friday.
France sets condition for Russia warships delivery Iran Press TV 01 Jan 2015 -- France says it will hand over the two Russian-ordered warships only if Moscow effectively contributes to the process of restoring peace and stability to eastern Ukraine.
Firm Truce in Ukraine Needed for Mistral Delivery to Russia: Paris Sputnik 01 Jan 2015 -- A stable ceasefire and a political roadmap for crisis settlement in Ukraine are needed for the delivery of Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

January 2015 - Russia Special Weapons News