May 2016 - Russia Special Weapons News

Syrian Observatory, Reuters spreading lies about airstrikes: Russia Press TV 31 May 2016 -- Russia has accused the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Reuters news agency of spreading lies about its involvement in a series of airstrikes is Syria's northwestern Idlib province.
EU's Juncker Says Russia Visit Is For Talks; No Letup In Sanctions RFE/RL 31 May 2016 -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says his planned trip to Russia next month is intended to maintain dialogue rather than signal a rethinking of European sanctions.
Russian Navy Begins Transporting Supplies for Arctic Military Facilities Sputnik 31 May 2016 -- The Russian military has begun transporting materials to Arctic required to build a high-tech military infrastructure that is due to be completed by 2017, Northern Fleet press service head Vadim Serga said Tuesday.
Russia's Black Sea Fleet Receives Last of 6 New Diesel-Electric Submarines Sputnik 31 May 2016 -- The last of six Varshavyanka-class (NATO reporting name Improved Kilo-class) diesel-electric powered submarines for the Russian Black Sea Fleet has been launched at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
Russia's Pacific Fleet to Order 6 New Diesel-Electric Submarines - Official Sputnik 31 May 2016 -- The Russian Navy has made a final decision to order the construction of six Varshavyanka-class (NATO reporting name Improved Kilo-class) diesel-electic powered submarines for the Pacific Fleet, Deputy Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Adm. Alexander Fedotenkov said Tuesday.
NATO Planes Escort Russia Jets Over Baltic Sea Twice Last Week - Ministry Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- NATO aircraft twice escorted Russian planes flying over the Baltic Sea over the past week, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said Monday in a statement.
NATO Attempts to Use Confrontational Approach in Black Sea - Moscow Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- NATO attempts to use confrontational approaches in the Black Sea and Moscow will prepare measures to neutralize any potential threats, Russia's envoy to the alliance said Monday.
South Ossetia Postpones Referendum On Accession To Russian Federation RFE/RL 30 May 2016 -- Leonid Tibilov, de facto president of Georgia's breakaway Republic of South Ossetia, has been forced to abandon his plans to hold a referendum in August on amending the region's constitution to empower its leader to request South Ossetia's incorporation into the Russian Federation.
Turkey: Russia ties to be mended shortly Press TV 30 May 2016 -- A senior Turkish official says his country and Russia do not have any insurmountable issues, and that sour relations between the two sides would be mended in a "short while."
Turkey Makes No Particular Steps to Restore Relations With Russia Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- Turkey makes a lot of proposals to restore relations with Russia though does not take concrete steps to drive the issue from the deadlock, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Monday.
Russia to Complete Construction of New Space Intelligence Center in 2017 Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- A new space surveillance and tracking center will be completed by late 2017 in the Russian Far Eastern town of Zeya, the Russian Federal Agency for Special Construction (Spetsstroy) said Monday.
Salehi: Talks for Iran's heavy water supply to Russia not finalized yet IRNA 30 May 2016 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali-Akbar Salehi said on Monday that agreement on supply of 40 tons heavy water to Russia has not been finalized yet.
Rosatom eyeing Iran heavy water deal Press TV 30 May 2016 -- Russia announced on Monday that the country's nuclear agency Rosatom is considering the possibility of buying heavy water from Iran.
Nuclear Deal in Action: Russia Mulls Buying Heavy Water From Iran Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency may purchase Iranian heavy water, Moscow's envoy said.
Russian Glonass-M Satellite Reaches Target Orbit on Soyuz Carrier Rocket Sputnik 29 May 2016 -- The Glonass-M navigation satellite, launched from Russia's Plesetsk space center atop a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket, was brought to its target orbit by the Fregat upper stage, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Russia to launch regular manned moon missions as of 2025 Press TV 28 May 2016 -- Russia will commence regular manned missions to the moon between 2025 and 2040, says Russia's federal space agency.
Putin: Russia Will Respond to US Missile Shield in Europe VOA 28 May 2016 -- Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin says he will respond to the defensive missile system the United States and its partners are building in Eastern Europe, because it threatens Russia's security.
Not by T-14 Alone: New Machine Due to Join Russia's Armata Family Sputnik 28 May 2016 -- In addition to Russia's 21st century T-14 battle tank and heavy infantry fighting vehicle T-15, the so-called Terminator-3 is due to join the Armata family. Dave Majumdar of the National Interest discloses why NATO should "fear" the new mysterious fighting vehicle.
More Than Meets the Eye: Russian Subs Still Going Strong Sputnik 28 May 2016 -- Even though the Russian Navy may be no match for America's naval might, some of its submarines are a long way ahead of their American analogues, Vzglyad business newspaper wrote.
Pondering Power Projection: What Type of Aircraft Carrier Does Russia Need? Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Commenting on the changing global geopolitical balance, respected Russian defense analyst Konstantin Sivkov discusses the kinds of new aircraft carriers Russia must develop in order to be able to defend its interests worldwide.
Russia vows to retaliate against US provocations Press TV 27 May 2016 -- The whirlpool of mistrust among Russia, the United States, and the European Union is getting deeper and deeper as they keep missing every chance of reinforcing relations. This time Russia is voicing frustration that a lack of meaningful interaction is leaving Moscow with no choice but to look for ways to neutralize threats to its national security.
Russia to strengthen defenses on far-east islands Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Russia will take measures to develop military infrastructure in far-eastern islands that are also claimed by Japan, in an effort to prevent the emergence of even "the smallest threats."
Putin Arrives In Greece On First Visit To EU This Year RFE/RL 27 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Greece on his first visit to the European Union this year as the bloc weighs whether to extend sanctions against Russia amid continuing tensions over Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.
Putin Calls For Revival Of Ties With Europe Ahead Of Greek Visit RFE/RL 27 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called for the revival of relations between Moscow and European Union on the eve of his first visit to the bloc this year.
Russia, India Determine 14 Possible Purchasers of BrahMos Cruise Missiles Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The Russia-India committee has determined 14 countries including Chile, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, which can purchase the Indo-Russian supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, according to BrahMos Aerospace enterprise spokesman Praveen Pathak.
Take Off: India & Russia Poised to Agree Development of Fifth Gen Fighter Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- India and Russia are set to embark on an ambitious mission to co-develop one of the most advanced Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Experts say hail the decision, as western countries are reluctant to actual transfer of technology.
Iran, Russia to build second, third power plants in Bushehr IRNA 27 May 2016 -- Iran and Russian Federation are involved in negotiations to build the second and third power plants in Bushehr, Russian state company, Rosatom, said on Friday.
Russia, Iran to Launch Full-Scale Operations of Bushehr NPP Units 2-3 Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Russia and Iran are about to launch full-scale of operations on the construction of the second and third units of the Beshehr Nuclear Power Plant, Rosatom's press service announced Friday.
Turkey supplying Daesh with bomb components: Russia Press TV 25 May 2016 -- Russia has claimed Turkey is supplying Daesh Takfiri terrorists with the parts necessary to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
US Vietnam Arms Embargo Lift a 'Wake-Up Call' for Russia? Not Really… Sputnik 25 May 2016 -- The recently announced lift of a decades-long US ban on lethal arms supplies to Vietnam is seen by some experts as a 'wake-up call' for Russia, which is the largest arms supplier to the country, however others suggest that it won't alter the arms trade between the two, as the ties run much deeper than that.
Almost 3,000 Russians Left Country to Join Terrorist Groups Sputnik 25 May 2016 -- About 3,000 Russian citizens have gone to join terrorist organizations abroad, Russian National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) deputy head Yevgeny Ilyin said Wednesday.
Steel Typhoon: Russian Special Forces Get New Armored Vehicle Sputnik 25 May 2016 -- Russian Armed Forces reconnaissance and special forces units will soon be bolstered by new mine-resistant, ambush-protected Typhoon vehicles.
Russian, Portuguese Arrested In Rome On Suspicion Of Spying RFE/RL 25 May 2016 -- A Portuguese and a Russian were arrested in Rome over the weekend on suspicion of espionage, the European Union's judicial cooperation unit Eurojust said on May 24.
Russian Banker Sentenced in Connection with Conspiracy to Work for Russian Intelligence US Department of Justice 25 May 2016 -- Evgeny Buryakov, aka Zhenya, 41, was sentenced to 30 months in prison today for conspiring to act in the United States as an agent of the Russian Federation without providing prior notice to the Attorney General.
U.S. Jails Russian Banker For Conspiracy To Spy RFE/RL 25 May 2016 -- A Russian banker has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges in what U.S. prosecutors have described as a Cold War-style spy ring.
Russian Military Modernization Poses Increased Threat to NATO Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Russia's military investments recent increase poses the threat to NATO and the United Kingdom, UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said Tuesday.
NATO Troops Deployment in Europe 'New Step' to Worsen Regional Security Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Russia's envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko stated that the NATO's plan to deploy four NATO battalions in Eastern Europe is a new step for the deterioration of the security level in Europe and the deterioration of the regional security.
Russia Denies IS Attack at Syrian Base VOA 24 May 2016 -- A Russian military official has denied claims by the Islamic State group that it destroyed four helicopters and other Russian equipment at a Syrian base.
Daesh Propaganda Fail: Moscow Slams 'Fake' Reports of Attack on Syria Base Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- There are no casualties among personnel of the Russian base in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry stated on Tuesday.
Russian-Syrian Operations Killed 28,000 Terrorists From Daesh, Nusra Front Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Since the beginning of joint Russian-Syrian military operations 28,000 terrorists from the Daesh and Nusra Front were killed, according to Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Evgeny Lukyanov.
Free Syrian Army Blames Government for Breaking 'Silent Period' in Damascus Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Syrian government troops violated the period of silence in the Damascus suburbs of Darayya and Eastern Ghouta by trying to capture one area under opposition control, according to the statement of the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
Russia Considers Expanding Its List of 'Historic Waters' in Arctic Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has prepared and presented to the Russian Security Council suggestions on adding additional Arctic seas to the list of Russian historic waters, according to Deputy Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Adm. Alexander Fedotenkov.
Roscosmos Proposes International Team to Create Super-Heavy Carrier Rocket Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The deputy head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos said that Russia offers its international partners to jointly create a new super-heavy-lift launch vehicle.
Russian Soyuz Rocket Launched From Guiana Space Center Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- Russian Soyuz ST rocket carrying two satellites for the European Galileo navigation system was successfully launched at 08:48 GMT from the Guiana space center, according to Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos).
Russian Embassy Has No Comments on Detention of Russian Spy in Rome Sputnik 24 May 2016 -- The Russian Embassy in Italy is not commenting on media reports alleging that a Russian citizen was arrested in Rome on suspicions of spying, an employee of the embassy said Tuesday.
Russia ready for 'coordination' with US-led coalition to liberate Raqqah Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is ready for "coordination" with the so-called US-led coalition to liberate the city of Raqqah in Syria, which has been the de facto capital of the Takfiri Daesh terrorists.
Russia calls for 3-day 'regime of calm' near Syria capital Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Russia has called for a three-day regime of silence in some conflict zones near the Syrian capital Damascus, calling on the US to push militants under its influence to join the truce.
US Lifting Vietnam Arms Embargo a 'Wake-up Call' for Russia VOA 23 May 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama's announced lifting of a decades-old arms embargo against Vietnam is raising eyebrows not only in China, where a dispute with Hanoi in the South China Sea inflames military tensions, but also in Russia.
Russia's Putin reaffirms support for Syria in fight against terrorism Press TV 23 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has renewed his pledge to assist the Damascus government in battling Takfiri terrorists, after multiple bombings killed over 140 people across the coastal Syrian cities of Tartus and Jablah.
Russia to Respond to US Missile Shield in Europe - Security Council Sputnik 23 May 2016 -- Russia will find ways to respond properly to the deployment of US missile defense systems in eastern Europe, Deputy Secretary of Russia's Security Council Yevgeny Lukyanov said Monday.
Russia's Space Station Mir Plunged Into Ocean Before Time Sputnik 23 May 2016 -- The first ever space station Mir could have been kept aloft a little longer, although this would hardly be viable financially, a Russian space agency Roscosmos executive in charge of manned missions said.
Warning Of War, Ex-Deputy Commander Says NATO Must Counter 'Russian Adventurism' In Baltics RFE/RL 22 May 2016 -- A former NATO deputy supreme commander is warning that the alliance could find itself in a full-fledged armed conflict with Russia within a year if it does not strongly step up its presence in the Baltic states.
Alliance Divided: NATO Members at Odds Over Restoring Dialogue With Russia Sputnik 22 May 2016 -- Divisions are growing among NATO country members over the need to restore dialogue with Russia, an article in Financial Times read. Concerns are growing that the standoff between Moscow and the West is getting out of control.
Russian Satellites Resistant to Any Possible Control Interception Sputnik 21 May 2016 -- The control system of Russia's satellite constellation is protected from any outside intervention, and disabling Russian satellites or intercepting control over them is not possible, Russia's Titov Main Test and Space Systems Control Center said Saturday.
US Surveillance Plane Approaches Russian Border for 8th Time in 2 Weeks Sputnik 21 May 2016 -- An United States Air Force RC-135 surveillance aircraft came perilously close to the Russian border over the Baltic Sea.
Russia expresses concern over NATO eastward expansion People's Daily 21 May 2016 -- Russia on Friday expressed concern again over the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), one day after the military alliance and Montenegro signed an accession protocol.
Moscow vows response to NATO build-up on Russia's frontiers Press TV 21 May 2016 -- Moscow has pledged to monitor NATO moves on Russia's borders, warning to take necessary measures in response to the security risks arising from the Western military alliance's build-up.
Russia's Mi-28 Attack Helicopter to Get Laser Missile Defense Gear Sputnik 21 May 2016 -- Russia's Mi-28 Night Hunter attack helicopters will soon be equipped with an advanced on-board laser system to defend against MANPAD missiles and air-to-air missiles, a senior adviser to the deputy head of the Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET), told RIA Novosti.
Russia's Western Military District Equipped With Nebo-U Mobile Radar Sputnik 21 May 2016 -- Russia's Western Military District (WMD) received into service the 55Zh6 Nebo-U (NATO reporting name Tall Rack) mobile radar, the district spokesman said Saturday.
US rejects Russia's call for join airstrikes in Syria Press TV 20 May 2016 -- The United States has rejected a proposal by Russia to conduct joint airstrikes against Daesh terrorists in Syria from next week, but did not rule out the possibility of discussing ways to better monitor an existing ceasefire in the war-torn country.
Russia beefs up military presence in southwestern regions Press TV 20 May 2016 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says his country has boosted its military presence in the country's southwest with "precision long-range weapons" to fend off developing threats.
Russian Company to Repair Mi-8 Helicopters Operated by Czech Military Sputnik 20 May 2016 -- The Russian Helicopters manufacturer will conduct repairs by the end of 2016.
Russia Ready to Maintain Dialogue With Japan, Discuss Peace Treaty - Putin Sputnik 20 May 2016 -- Russia is ready and willing to maintain dialogue with Japan, including the discussion of the peace treaty, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
Russia bewildered by NATO meeting announcement Press TV 20 May 2016 -- Russia has censured NATO officials for an announcement that the military alliance is planning to hold a meeting with Moscow without seeking prior confirmation from the Russian side.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Sochi, May 19, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 May 2016
The Monster Under The Kremlin RFE/RL 19 May 2016 -- If Boris Yeltsin's Russia often resembled a mafia masquerading as a country, it was a mafia run by a weak, feeble, and frequently inebriated godfather. This, of course, was a recipe for chaos, as it gave Yeltsin's capos and underbosses a lot of leeway, which they used with impunity. Putin, in contrast, sent a clear and early message to the underworld: the state is the biggest gang in town and all others are subordinate to it.
Work Hails U.S-Norway Ties, Expresses Concern About 'Revanchist' Russia AFPS 19 May 2016 -- The global security landscape is changing, with a "revanchist" and "resurgent" Russia posing a major concern, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said here today.
Russia to Carry Out Four Commercial Launches From Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik 19 May 2016 -- Russia will conduct four commercial launches from the Vostochny space center in Russia's Far East in 2018, the director of Roscosmos state corporation's representative office at Vostochny said Thursday.
Good Morning Vietnam! Why the Russian Navy is Returning to Cam Ranh Bay Sputnik 19 May 2016 -- Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Nguyen Thanh Sean says that his country is not opposed to the Russian Navy returning to the base in Cam Ranh Bay, on the condition that its presence is not directed against any third country. Will Russia take the opportunity to regain a foothold in Southeast Asia? Svobodnaya Pressa journalist Anton Mardasov explores.
Russia to Build New Amphibious Assault Ship to Replace Mistral Sputnik 19 May 2016 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that Russia plans to build amphibious assault ships for naval Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters.
Russian Defense Ministry to Become First Customer of New Mi-38 Helicopter Sputnik 19 May 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry will become the first costumer to purchase the Mil Mi-38 multirole helicopter.
Russia to Renew Production of Mi-14 Nuclear-Capable Anti-Sub Helicopters Sputnik 19 May 2016 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that ministry plans to renew the production of Mi-14 Haze nuclear-capable amphibious anti-submarine helicopters.
Russia Wades Into South China Sea Dispute With ASEAN Accord VOA 18 May 2016 -- Russia is set to finalize an agreement with ASEAN countries including controversial references to maritime navigation and militarization of the South China Sea, a draft of the accord obtained by VOA Khmer shows.
Russian Lawmakers Back Putin's Move To Create National Guard RFE/RL 19 May 2016 -- Russian lawmakers gave tentative approval to forming a national guard, with some saying the Kremlin needs the new force as a tool against possible unrest.
New Weaponry, More Spending, Tough Rhetoric Stoke Fears Of New U.S.-Russia Arms Race RFE/RL 18 May 2016 -- A new Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Upgraded U.S. nuclear gravity bombs and air-launched nuclear cruise missiles. A European exclave freshly bristling with Russian ballistic missiles.
Russia Open for 'Added Value' Dialogue With NATO Sputnik 18 May 2016 -- Moscow is open for dialogue with the Northern Alliance, including in the Russia-NATO Council format, but the discussions should bring "added value" to bilateral relations, Russia's envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko said Wednesday.
Russia Targets Over 14Bln Worth of Arms Sales in 2016 Sputnik 18 May 2016 -- Russia is planning to meet its goals on deliveries of weaponry under foreign sales contracts worth over $14 billion in 2016, the head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said Wednesday.
US Spies at Russia's Northern Doorstep: Intelligence Tightens Around Russia Sputnik 18 May 2016 -- On Monday, US Air Force strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135 flew along Russia's northern borders, according to military flight tracking websites, becoming yet another flight in a string of recent observations; and while some experts refer to it as a "normal practice", others remind about the risk of confrontation in the Arctic.
Russia to start work on new Bushehr nuclear plant by year-end: Rosatom Press TV 18 May 2016 -- Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, says the company is to begin engineering for the Bushehr-2 nuclear power plant by the end of 2016 after preparations are made by Iran in the project's construction site.
Full Steam Ahead: Rosatom Ready to Start on Iran's New Nuclear Reactors Sputnik 18 May 2016 -- Engineers from Rosatom and their Iranian colleagues are planning to start the construction of a further two nuclear reactors at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant by the end of the year, a source told RIA Novosti.
Royal Air Force Typhoons scramble to meet Russian aircraft UK MOD 17 May 2016-- Royal Air Force Typhoons have completed their second interception in less than a week during the latest NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.
Russian Military Denies Reports of New Base in Syria's Palmyra Sputnik 17 May 2016 -- According to Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, Russian Defense Ministry categorically denied on Tuesday reports of construction of a new Russian military base in the historical part of Syria's ancient city of Palmyra.
Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome to Have 3 Launch Pads - Energia Corporation Sputnik 17 May 2016 -- Russia's Energia Space Corporation said that newly-built Vostochny space center in Russia's Far East will eventually have three launch pads.
Report: NSA Tapped Phone Of Russian Crime Boss To Probe For Putin Ties RFE/RL 17 May 2016 -- Documents leaked by former U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden suggest that the spy agency eavesdropped on a Russian mob kingpin in an effort to determine his possible ties to President Vladimir Putin.
Russian Opposition Leader Navalny, Supporters Attacked By Cossacks RFE/RL 17 May 2016 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny and several members of his Anticorruption Foundation (FBK) were attacked by Cossacks at an airport in the southern Black Sea resort city of Anapa on May 17.
Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny, Supporters Attacked VOA 17 May 2016 -- A group of men attacked Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and members of his anti-corruption foundation on Tuesday at an airport in southern Russia.
'Extremely Aggressive' Russia Endangers Lives, Work Says AFPS 16 May 2016 -- In buzzing the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea last month, Russia engaged in reckless actions that unnecessarily endangered lives, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said.
Russian, Belarusian FMs Criticize U.S. Missile-Defense Plans RFE/RL 16 May 2016 -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey says Belarus and Russia are concerned about the establishment of U.S. missile-defense systems in Eastern Europe.
Why Russia May Not Need Hmeymim Base to Continue Crushing Daesh in Syria Sputnik 15 May 2016 -- Russia has withdrawn the bulk of its forces from Syria and agreed with Washington a ceasefire in the country. However, Moscow would have to return its aircraft to the Syrian battlefield since Washington continues to supply arms to terrorist groups, an article on the foreign affairs analysis website Voltaire Network read.
Russian Navy to Receive Over 10 Raptor Patrol Boats by Late 2018 Sputnik 15 May 2016 -- The Raptor boats are used during troop landing and search and rescue operations.
Russian yacht released by North Korea Press TV 15 May 2016 -- North Korea has released a Russian yacht that it had earlier impounded, with the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang confirming that the five-member crew of the vessel are now on their way home.
NATO Concerned Over 'Russia's Military Dominance' in Black Sea Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- Two months ahead of NATO's summit in Warsaw, many members of the alliance worry that Russia will increase its military presence in the Black Sea, The Financial Times reported.
Germany Warns Russian Cyberspies Aim To Damage Infrastructure RFE/RL 14 May 2016 -- Germany's domestic intelligence agency has warned that Russia is trying to sabotage critical infrastructure through cyberspying.
Kapustin Yar Range Upgrades to Complete in 2017 - Russian Missile Forces Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- Upgrades at Russia's Kapustin Yar test range will be completed by 2017, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) chief of range services said Saturday.
Russia's Northern Fleet Troops Work Out New 2016 Arctic Winter Tasks Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- The Russian Northern Fleet land and coastal troops continued readiness exercises to work out tasks in the Arctic during 2016 winter drills and expeditions, including with the use of snowmobiles and sleds, the fleet commander said Saturday.
Why Russia's Reviving Its Nuke Trains Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- Russian "Barguzin" strategic missile trains may become an asymmetric response to NATO's complex European Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system deployed in Romania and Poland, military experts believe.
IS Says It Executed Woman Who Spied for Russia VOA 13 May 2016 -- The Islamic State (IS) group has announced it executed a native of the North Caucasus, whom it accused of spying for the Russian intelligence services.
North Korean Consulate in Russia 'Concerned' With Yacht Detention Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- The North Korean Consulate General in Russia said it was "concerned" with the detention of a yacht carrying Russian athletes, the acting head of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Vladivostok said Saturday.
N Korea Yet to Provide Any Explanation Over Detained Russian Yacht Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- Moscow is still waiting for explanations from Pyongyang for the reasons why a yacht with Russian athletes on board was detained by the North Korean Coast Guard, a Russian embassy media spokesman told RIA Novosti.
North Korean Coast Guard Detains Yacht With Primorye Athletes Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- North Korea's Coast Guard has detained a yacht carrying Primorye athletes, a representative of the "Vladivostok" rescue center told RIA Novosti.
NATO 'Must Be Ready to Defend' Europe: Polish FM Considers Russia a Threat Sputnik 13 May 2016 -- NATO must enhance its presence in Central and Eastern European regions to deter the perceived Russian aggression, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said Friday.
Obama warns Russia against military build-up in N Europe Press TV 13 May 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has warned Russia against its "aggressive" military build-up in northern Europe.
'Russian Aggression' On Agenda As Obama Hosts Nordic Leaders RFE/RL 13 May 2016 -- Russia's increased military assertiveness was high on the agenda as U.S. President Barack Obama hosted the leaders of five Nordic countries at the White House.
Russian Drones Repeatedly Violated Poland's Airspace - Defense Minister Sputnik 13 May 2016 -- Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said that Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had repeatedly violated country's airspace in the past.
Russia will put end to US missile system threat: Putin Press TV 13 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized the deployment of US missile system in Eastern Europe near Russia, and vowed to neutralize any threats by the complex against his country's security.
Kremlin Calls Olympic Doping Charges 'Treacherous Slander' RFE/RL 13 May 2016 -- The Kremlin has rejected claims made by a former anti-doping official that dozens of Russian athletes - including more than a dozen medalists at the 2014 Winter Olympics - were part of a large-scale, state-run doping program.
Russia Starts Flight Tests of 'Orion' Reconnaissance Drone Sputnik 13 May 2016 -- Russia has started testing its "Orion" reconnaissance drone, a source in the military defense sector told RIA Novosti Friday.
Briefing with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 12, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 May 2016
British navy ships shadow Russian frigate around UK Press TV 12 May 2016 -- British navy ships have tracked a Russian vessel in UK waters and escorted it out of the region.
Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft near Baltics UK MOD 12 May 2016 -- Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets have carried out their first intercept of Russian aircraft in this round of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission (BAP).
Putin Is Selling A Narrative On Syria And Some Media Organizations Are Buying It RFE/RL 12 May 2016 -- It's been a banner week for the Kremlin's propaganda machine. At home, and across the border in the parts of Ukraine held by Russia-backed separatists, Russian military hardware was out on display for the May 9 Victory Day parade marking the defeat of the Nazis in World War II.
US missile system in Romania poses threat to Russia: Kremlin Press TV 12 May 2016 -- A senior Russian official has said the activation of a US missile system in Romania would constitute a threat to Russia's national security.
New US Missile Defense Systems in Europe 'Not Directed Against Russia' Sputnik 12 May 2016 -- The new US missile defense systems planned for deployment in Europe are not directed against Russia, US Department of State spokesman Noel Clay told Sputnik on Thursday.
Russian Defense Ministry Considers Purchase of Multirole Ka-60 Helicopters Sputnik 12 May 2016 -- The Ka-60 is designed for cargo transportation to the combat areas, search and rescue operations, as well as for the landing missions and patrol activities.
Putin: Russian Army Receives 4,000 Pieces of Military Equipment in 2015 Sputnik 12 May 2016 -- Russia's state defense contracts were fulfilled by 97 percent in 2015, President Vladimir Putin said.
Iran missile program poses no threat to Europe, says Russia Press TV 12 May 2016 -- Russia says Iran's missile program does not pose a threat to Europe at all, dismissing allegations of perceived threats as unfounded.
Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on US-Russia Video Conference Discussing the Flight Safety Memorandum of Understanding DoD 11 May 2016
Turkey says Black Sea turned into Russian lake Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on NATO to bolster its presence in the Black Sea which he claims has turned into a "Russian lake."
Moscow, Kiev agree on Ukraine demilitarized zone Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Moscow and Kiev have agreed upon establishing demilitarized zones in areas held by pro-Russia fighters in eastern Ukraine, Germany says.
Russian trooper killed in Syria's Homs Press TV 11 May 2016 -- A Russian soldier has succumbed to his injuries two days after he came under fire from Takfiri terrorists in the Syria's central Homs province, Russian military officials say.
UK, US, France block Russia's bid to blacklist Syria militant groups Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Britain, France, the United States and Ukraine have reportedly blocked Russia's request to add two Syrian militant groups to a UN terror blacklist and sideline them from the Syrian peace process.
Russia strikes turned tide in Syria's anti- terror fight: Putin Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday underlined the effectiveness of Moscow's campaign in Syria, saying the operation helped turn the tide of the Damascus government's fight against terrorists.
Russian Bid To Blacklist Syrian Rebel Groups Nixed At UN RFE/RL 11 May 2016 -- The ambitious U.S. plan to protect Europe from ballistic missiles goes online this week, and Russia is already making clear that a stern, if not outright belligerent, response may be forthcoming.
Russia to test-fire massive nuclear missile: Report Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Russia is preparing to start test-firing a highly powerful nuclear missile, which is said to be capable of destroying an entire country in seconds, a report says.
Russian Prosecutors Target Opposition Leader Navalny In Fresh Probe RFE/RL 11 May 2016 -- Russian prosecutors have asked at least two state-owned companies to provide information about possible illegal actions taken by opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, who says he believes similar requests have been sent to several other companies targeted in his anticorruption investigations.
Russia Launches Criminal Investigation Of Prokhorov's RBC Media Holding RFE/RL 11 May 2016 -- Russian authorities have launched a criminal case against a respected media group whose in-depth reporting has pulled back the curtain on the dealings of the country's business and political elites, including investigations into President Vladimir Putin's circle of friends and family.
Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the United States on Syria US Dept. of State 09 May 2016 -- "The Russian Federation and the United States of America, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), recognize the progress that has been made with respect to the cessation of hostilities (CoH) in Syria, in accordance with our Joint Statement of February 22, 2016, and in improving humanitarian access. (...) As a result, we have decided to reconfirm our commitment to the CoH in Syria and to intensify efforts to ensure its nation-wide implementation."
Russia, US pledge adherence to Syria truce Press TV 09 May 2016 -- Russia and the United States have confirmed their commitment to an existing ceasefire in Syria and intend to intensify their efforts to ensure its implementation.
Blood Sport: The Rise Of Russia's Gangster Athletes RFE/RL 08 May 2016 -- The Soviet government incorporated sports into its official ideology while still in its infancy following the 1917 October Revolution. But it was after World War II that it made a serious push to deploy sporting excellence as evidence of the communist state's superiority over the capitalist West, establishing thousands of sports schools and clubs to identify and train future champions. It was during this postwar push for sporting preeminence that Soviet athletes made their first serious contacts with the criminal underworld (...)
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 6, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 May 2016
Russia-Japan Leaders Meet as Tensions Loom VOA 06 May 2016 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in Russia Friday hoping to ease strained relations between Tokyo and Moscow before President Vladmir Putin heads to China for a bilateral summit next month.
Russia slams NATO's joint drills with Georgia Press TV 06 May 2016 -- Russia has criticized NATO's upcoming joint military exercises in Georgia, calling them a provocative step to intentionally destabilize the Caucasus region.
Putin To Discuss Kurile Islands Dispute With Japanese Leader RFE/RL 06 May 2016 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi to deepen ties and try to resolve a long-running territorial dispute.
Will New Russian Force Be 'Putin's Personal Army'? VOA 05 May 2016 -- While Russian lawmakers are busy changing the country's election laws in preparation for parliamentary elections this year, the lower house of parliament is due this month to consider whether President Vladimir Putin's new National Guard should be allowed to shoot Russian citizens without warning.
Poland Charges Warsaw Lawyer With Spying For Russia RFE/RL 06 May 2016 -- Poland has charged a Warsaw lawyer with dual Polish-Russian citizenship with spying for Russian military intelligence, a prosecutor has said.
Russia, China to hold military exercise Press TV 06 May 2016 -- Russia and China are to hold their first ever computer-assisted joint military exercise to improve cooperation and coordination between their militaries.
'Resurgent Russia' Poses Threat to NATO, New Commander Says AFPS 04 May 2016 -- In the face of a "resurgent Russia" and other emerging challenges, NATO needs to stay agile and ready to "fight tonight," the alliance's new supreme allied commander for Europe said today.
Russia warns NATO of retaliation in face of military build-up Press TV 04 May 2016 -- Russia says it will engage in retaliatory measures if NATO continues its plans to deploy four extra battalions in Poland and the Baltic states.
NATO's New Commander: 'Ready To Fight If Deterrence Fails' RFE/RL 04 May 2016 -- NATO has a new supreme commander, whose job is to strengthen it as a defense force after years of reductions of U.S. troops in Europe.
New NATO Commander Says Military Alliance Still Vital RFE/RL 04 May 2016 -- NATO's new supreme commander in Europe says the military alliance remains essential more than 25 years after the end of the Cold War.
U.S. Military Chief Urges Russia To End 'Saber-Rattling,' Move Forward RFE/RL 04 May 2016 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter urged Russia to stop "going backwards" towards the Cold War era with "saber-rattling" and aggressive actions that have put NATO on high alert.
Estonia Says Russian Jets 'Incredibly Reckless' In Baltics' Airspace RFE/RL 04 May 2016 -- Russian military planes regularly violate Estonian airspace in what the country's defense minister described on May 3 as "incredibly reckless" behavior.
Bellingcat Report Says Russian Buk 332 Shot Down Flight MH17 RFE/RL 04 May 2016 -- A team of open-source researchers investigating the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 says it has positively identified a Russian Buk missile launcher that shot down the plane.
Russian Artillery Engaged in Aleppo as Dozens Killed in Rebel Assault VOA 04 May 2016 -- Russian artillery units were involved Wednesday in fighting in Syria's divided northern city of Aleppo in the fiercest ground clashes in a year between rebel groups and Assad regime forces in the area, which has suffered two weeks of blistering government airstrikes. It is the first time Russian ground troops have assisted Syrian government forces outside the coastal province of Latakia or at Palmyra, say rebel commanders.
Russia to deploy 3 divisions to borders to counter NATO: minister Press TV 04 May 2016 -- Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Russia is set to deploy three new military divisions to its borders to counter the eastward expansion of the NATO military alliance, local media report.
Russia to Deploy Troops to Counter Growing NATO Presence VOA 04 May 2016 -- Russia says it will deploy three divisions of troops along its borders to counter NATO's increasing military presence in Eastern Europe.
Putinfellas RFE/RL 03 May 2016 -- As deputy mayor of St. Petersburg in the 1990s, Vladimir Putin spent a lot of time with gangsters. (...) And when he moved into the Kremlin, Putin put his old mafia contacts to use as key tools of Russian statecraft.
Investigating Money And Power, Prokhorov's RBC Seen In Firing Line RFE/RL 03 May 2016 -- Just a few years ago, Russian media group RBC had its own reputation to worry about. (...) But it's since become one of Russia's most trusted outlets shedding light on the nexus of money and power, even peering deep inside President Vladimir Putin's circle of friends and, it appears, family.
Spain Issues Warrants For Top Russian Officials, Putin Insiders RFE/RL 03 May 2016 -- A Spanish judge has issued international arrest warrants for several current and former Russian government officials and other political figures closely linked to President Vladimir Putin.
NATO Jets Escorted Russian Jets Over Baltic Sea 5x Within Week - Lithuania Sputnik 02 May 2016 -- NATO fighter aircraft were asked to guard the Baltic States' airspace, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said in a press release on Monday.
Elite Equipment: Russian Paratroopers to Get New Armored Vehicle Sputnik 02 May 2016 -- The first mock-up model of a new Russian assault armored vehicle for use during training is already in production, according to Russian Airborne Troops chief Vladimir Shamanov.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

May 2016 - Russia Special Weapons News