June 2016 - Russia Special Weapons News

NATO Buildup on Russian Border Aimed at Military Parity Scrapping - Putin Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- NATO activity on the Russian border is aimed at scrapping of the military parity between the sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
EUCOM Claims Russian Ship 'Intentionally Displayed False Signal' Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- Russia's Neustrashimy-class frigate Yaroslav Mudry was deliberately "displaying a false international signal" during a recent close encounter with the US guided missile destroyer Gravely in the Mediterranean, a spokesman for the US European Command (EUCOM) said.
Russia Urges US to Stop 'Dangerous' Activity After Incident With US Warship Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry urged the United States to stop "dangerous and unprofessional activity" after an incident with US destroyer in the Mediterranean.
US Destroyer Tried to Repulse Russian Frigate From Carrier - Admiral Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- Dangerous maneuvering of a US destroyer near a Russian frigate was part of the US Navy tactics to repulse any ships from a US aircraft carrier, a former Chief of Staff of the Russian Navy said on Thursday.
Armenian parliament ratifies treaty on joint air defense system with Russia Press TV 30 Jun 2016 -- Armenian lawmakers have ratified an agreement on joining a unified air defense system with Russia in the Caucasus region.
Russia Develops New Memory System for Soyuz MS-01 Flight to ISS Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- A new digital memory system has been developed for Russia's new Soyuz MS series manned transport spacecraft, which is set to record technical, physiological and audio data during the Soyuz MS-01 flight with the upcoming International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 48, the Russian Space Systems company said Thursday.
Turkey did apologize for shooting down Russian plane, Putin says Press TV 30 Jun 2016 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin says Turkey did apologize to Moscow for shooting down a Russian jet fighter last year, although Ankara insists it has only expressed regret over the incident.
Why Russia Needs New Naval Base on Kuril Islands Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- Construction of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet base on Matua in the Kuril Islands chain will begin as soon as this year, a military source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Russia Unhampered in Deploying Iskander Missile Systems to Kaliningrad Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- According to the Russia's envoy to NATO, Russia is unhampered in deploying Iskander ballistic missile systems in Kaliningrad.
Russia Categorically Opposes Plans to Deploy US THAAD Systems in S Korea Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- Russia categorically opposes plans to deploy US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense systems in South Korea since this will pose direct threat to the country's security, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Alexander Timonin told Sputnik in an interview.
Moscow Not Considering Six-Party Talks on N Korean Nuclear Issue 'Dead' Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- Russia is not considering the six-party talks on Korean nuclear issue to be "dead," stressing the necessity to continue work on resuming the negotiations, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Alexander Timonin told Sputnik in an interview.
Russia Supplies Mi-26TS Heavy Transport Helicopter to China Sputnik 30 Jun 2016 -- The Russian Helicopters company on Thursday announced that it had supplied the fourth Mi-26TS heavy transport helicopter to China.
Armenia Ratifies Joint Air-Defense With Russia RFE/RL 30 Jun 2016 -- Armenian lawmakers have approved the cabinet's decision to join Russia's air-defense system amid protests by the opposition.
Russia Says U.S. Diplomat In Moscow Altercation A Spy RFE/RL 30 Jun 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says a U.S. diplomat who was involved in an altercation with a Russian guard outside the Moscow Embassy was a spy returning from an unspecified intelligence operation.
Russia Seeks to Reassure Over Brexit Volatility VOA 29 Jun 2016 -- As Britain and Europe struggle to come to terms with the British vote in favor of leaving the European Union, financial markets are roiling across the globe, including in Russia.
Russia to Continue Rocket Engine Supplies to US Under Existing Contracts Sputnik 29 Jun 2016 -- Russia will continue to supply the United States with RD-180 rocket engines under existing contracts despite calls from Washington for greater reliance on domestic procurement, Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak said in an interview with Sputnik.
Alleged Russia threat pretext for NATO expansion: Moscow official Press TV 29 Jun 2016 -- A senior Russian official says the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is inching towards his country's borders using "unsubstantiated" claims about Moscow's threat.
Putin orders government to normalize trade ties with Turkey Press TV 29 Jun 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his government to start the process of normalizing trade ties with Turkey, seven months after Ankara-Moscow relations went into a downward spiral following Turkey's shooting down of a Russian jet last year.
Putin, Erdogan talk on telephone: Kremlin Press TV 29 Jun 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have held their first phone conversation since Ankara downed one of Moscow's jets in Syria last year, the Kremlin said.
U.S. Diplomat Tackled, Injured By Guard Outside Moscow Embassy RFE/RL 29 Jun 2016 -- A U.S. official has told RFE/RL that a U.S. diplomat was tackled and injured by a Russian security service guard outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow earlier this month in what appeared to be an unprovoked attack.
All New Russian Navy Ships, Submarines to Be Equipped With Fizik-1 Torpedo Sputnik 29 Jun 2016 -- All new Russian Navy ships and submarines will be equipped with the Fizik-1 universal deep water homing torpedo which has a target range 2.5 times greater than the USET-80, currently in service, a military source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
US Navy's 'Road Hog': US Destroyer 'Deliberately Provoked' Russian Ship Sputnik 29 Jun 2016 -- USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, came dangerously close to Russia's Yaroslav Mudry patrol boat in what was clearly a "deliberate provocation" and "lack of maritime culture," Captain 1st rank Mikhail Lukanin told Radio Sputnik.
Two Chinese anti-terrorist forces dispatched to Russia for joint training People's Daily 29 Jun 2016 -- A departure ceremony is held in a training base for the outstanding soldiers who will leave for the "Cooperation-2016" joint anti-terrorist training on June 28. (Photo from WeChat)
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow June 28, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Jun 2016
Pentagon Contacts Moscow About US Destroyer's Encounter With Russian Ship Sputnik 28 Jun 2016 -- The United States is in contact with Russian authorities about the incident concerning a Russian frigate approaching the US guided missile destroyer Gravely in the Mediterranean Sea, US Department of Defense spokesperson Michelle Baldanza told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Russian Helicopters Transfers Two Mi-17 Choppers to Serbian Military Sputnik 28 Jun 2016 -- According to the holding press release, Russian Helicopters company has carried out the first delivery of its choppers to Serbia.
After 'Apology' Back-And-Forth, Turkey Moves On RFE/RL 28 Jun 2016 -- and he is really not the type to do so. Reconciling with Israel and Russia? Never! Erdogan is an Islamist (is he?) facing Israel -- no way. And Russia, well, Turkey and Russia are too deeply involved on opposite sides in Syria. So, no!
Moscow Says U.S. Destroyer Came Dangerously Close To Russian Ship RFE/RL 28 Jun 2016 -- Russia has complained that a U.S. naval ship passed too close to one of its ships in the Mediterranean Sea and released a video that Moscow says shows how dangerous the encounter was.
Russian Military Industry Set to Become Driver of Civilian Economy Sputnik 28 Jun 2016 -- Economic analyst Dmitri Pskezin comments on the Russian government's plans to successfully convert cutting-edge developments in Russia's military sector to the civilian economy.
Russia Developing New Military Ship to Track Ballistic Missiles Launches Sputnik 28 Jun 2016 -- According to the manufacturing company Iceberg Central Design Bureau report, Russia is developing a new military ship that would track the launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Russia First to Adopt Digital Cameras on Open Skies Flights Sputnik 28 Jun 2016 -- Russia will become the first among the 34 Open Skies Treaty countries to use digital cameras when performing observation flights, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said on Tuesday.
Brexit's Impact on Russia Stirs Concern VOA 28 Jun 2016 -- There is growing angst over how Britain's decision to leave the European Union will impact Russia's strategic footing around the globe, but disagreement about how much it will affect Moscow, just as the West moves to curb Russian aggression in the Baltics and Syria.
U.S. OKs Russian Overflights Despite Worries About Intrusive Surveillance RFE/RL 28 Jun 2016 -- The United States has authorized a Russian surveillance jet to overfly U.S. territory as part of an international treaty, closing a dispute that had elicited vocal criticism from some lawmakers over the technology being used by the Russians.
Turkey's Erdogan Apologizes to Putin over Downed Jet - Kremlin People's Daily 28 Jun 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent his apologies to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the death of a Russian pilot of the Su-24 bomber downed by Ankara in November last year, voicing readiness to mend ties, the Kremlin said Monday.
Turkey denies apology to Russia over downed jet Press TV 28 Jun 2016 -- Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says Turkey has only expressed regrets to Russia over a downed jet in Syria, denying reports of an apology.
Erdogan apology for downing jet too little, too late: Russian official Press TV 28 Jun 2016 -- A senior Russian official says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's apology for the last year's downing of a Russian military jet is too late and too little, and is the result of his failed foreign policies.
Turkey Reaches Out to Russia to End Feud VOA 28 Jun 2016 -- Turkey's president has reached out to his Russian counterpart, expressing regret for November's downing of a Russian bomber by a Turkish fighter. There is rising expectation bilateral relations will be repaired, but mutual suspicions are expected to remain.
US accuses Russia of harassing its diplomats Press TV 28 Jun 2016 -- The United States has complained bitterly to Moscow over harassment of American diplomats by Russian security agents and traffic police, the State Department says.
Russia Calls Former U.S. Ambassador 'Incompetent,' Complains Of FBI, CIA Harassment RFE/RL 28 Jun 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has launched a fresh volley in an increasingly ugly war of words with its U.S. counterparts, calling a former U.S. envoy incompetent and complaining that Washington was pressuring Russian diplomats.
U.S. Complains To Russia About Increased Harassment Of Diplomats RFE/RL 28 Jun 2016 -- Russian harassment and spying on U.S. diplomats in Moscow has increased significantly, an issue that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Lithuania Rues Losing Strong Defender Of Russian Sanctions In EU RFE/RL 28 Jun 2016 -- Lithuania, concerned about losing a strong defender of Russian sanctions in the European Union, has called for a gradual British exit from the EU that preserves ties with London.
Erdogan Expresses Regret Over Russian Pilot's Death RFE/RL 27 Jun 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Teyyip Erdogan has written to Russian President Vladimir Putin to express "condolences" to the family of a pilot who died after Turkish forces shot down a Russian warplane and to appeal for a return to "friendly ties."
Erdogan Sends Condolences to Putin Over Death of Russian Su-24 Pilot Sputnik 27 Jun 2016 -- According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Erdogan "is sorry" and is willing to deal with the crisis in the relations between two countries.
New EU Policy Document Calls Russia 'Strategic Challenge' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2016 -- A new European Union policy document describes Russia as "a key strategic challenge," wording that constitutes a compromise between member states that are more hawkish toward Moscow and those resisting an escalation of rhetoric.
Russian Military Tests Readiness With Snap Inspections VOA 27 Jun 2016 -- Russia recently wrapped up nine days of inspections of its military forces in order to judge their readiness. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered the inspections, which lasted from June 14 to 22.
Russia Rejects Much Engagement Sought by US, Ambassador Tefft Says VOA 27 Jun 2016 -- The United States is seeking to engage and involve Russia on a range of international issues – including the most sensitive to their relations – but is often given the cold shoulder, according to U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Tefft.
Ankara apologizes to Moscow over downing Russian jet Press TV 27 Jun 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has apologized to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over Ankara's shooting down of a Russia's military jet last year which shattered ties between the two countries.
Moscow, Ankara step up measures to smooth ties: Turkish deputy PM Press TV 27 Jun 2016 -- Turkish deputy prime minister says his country and Russia have stepped up measures to normalize ties soured since last November.
Russian Anxiety Over Montenegro's NATO Accession RFE/RL 26 Jun 2016 -- U.S. General Philip Breedlove and U.S. Admiral James Stavridis. They said that Montenegro has "built a small but capable military and reformed its security services to meet NATO standards" and "made significant progress" on rule of law, corruption, and organized crime.
Russia, China Boost Energy Ties During Putin's Beijing Visit RFE/RL 26 Jun 2016 -- Russia and China have signed a number of energy agreements as President Vladimir Putin seeks to boost energy ties with Asia.
Russia Aerospace Forces to Receive Six S-400 Air Defense Systems in 2016 Sputnik 26 Jun 2016 -- Six S-400 Triumph air defense missile systems will be delivered to Russian Aerospace Forces in 2016.
Russia's Unhelpful Game In Syria RFE/RL 25 Jun 2016 -- On June 16, U.S. F-18 fighter jets scrambled to intercept a group of Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers that had just conducted an air strike against a camp of soldiers who are central to the mission of the United States and the United Kingdom in their efforts to defeat the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
Putin's Pivot East Meets Tepid Chinese Enthusiasm RFE/RL 25 Jun 2016 -- Vladimir Putin has invested a lot of energy trying to pivot eastward to China to counterbalance Western economic sanctions over Ukraine.
Russia Hands Egypt Keys to Brand-New Corvette Warship Sputnik 25 Jun 2016 -- Russian Navy spokesman Viktor Kochemazov has confirmed that Russia delivered a R-32 missile corvette to the Egyptian Navy.
Russia, China Agree to Jointly Build Heavy Helicopter, Long-Range Plane Sputnik 25 Jun 2016 -- According to reports, Russia and China signed deals to cooperate on the construction of a wide-fuselage long-range plane and a civil heavy-lift helicopter.
After 'Brexit' Vote, Fears Of EU Losing Influential Voice On Russia RFE/RL 24 Jun 2016 -- For several years now, the Kremlin and its allies have courted Euroskeptic political movements in what has been widely seen as an effort to undermine unity in the European Union's Russia policy - including sanctions for Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.
Run Silent, Run Scared: Russian Sub Hunter to Tote Powerful New Bomb Sputnik 24 Jun 2016 -- Russian engineers are working to adapt the all-new Zagon-2 antisubmarine corrected air bomb for use by Mi-14 helicopters, RIA Novosti wrote citing Techmash Concern's CEO Sergei Rusakov.
Russia Revels In Brexit Vote RFE/RL 24 Jun 2016 -- Russian politicians, journalists, and nationalists are reveling in the United Kingdom's historic vote to leave the European Union, banking on a Brussels more amenable to Moscow, and casting Brexit both as a sign of Europe falling apart at the seams and of waning U.S. influence.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 23, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jun 2016
Former U.S. Defense Officials Warn Of Russian Response To NATO Summit RFE/RL 23 Jun 2016 -- A former top U.S. Defense Department official has warned that the buildup of NATO troops in Eastern Europe, and Russia's own troop movements along its western borders, are deepening the risk of an accidental outbreak of war.
Russian Duma Drops Citizenship-Stripping Clause Ahead Of Antiterror Bill Vote RFE/RL 23 Jun 2016 -- Russian lawmakers, who are expected on June 24 to pass controversial antiterrorism legislation, have reportedly dropped the proposed bill's most contentious elements: a mechanism to strip certain Russians of their citizenship.
Italy's Demand Delays Extension Of EU Sanctions Against Russia RFE/RL 23 Jun 2016 -- Italy has once again delayed an attempt to extend the European Union's economic sanctions against Russia, despite an accord reached by EU diplomats earlier in the week for sanctions to be prolonged by another six months.
Moscow Warns U.S. Against Imposing Cold War-Style Restrictions On Russian Diplomats' Travel RFE/RL 23 Jun 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has warned Washington against imposing new rules on the movements of Russian diplomats in the United States, threatening that Moscow might institute similar restrictions.
Putin's War On Europe RFE/RL 23 Jun 2016 -- The vibe at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum was distinctively different this year, with European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy making high-profile appearances.
Russia Working on Modernization of Mine System for Mi-9, Mi-17 Helicopters Sputnik 23 Jun 2016 -- Russian enterprises within the Techmash group are working on the modernization of the helicopter mine dispensing system for the Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17, the group's general director, Sergey Rusakov, said Thursday.
Russia to act against NATO's aggressive rhetoric: Putin Press TV 22 Jun 2016 -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia will take adequate measures to counter NATO's increasingly "aggressive rhetoric."
Zvezda Shipyard Expansion Among Russia's Top Construction Projects Sputnik 22 Jun 2016 -- The expansion of the Zvezda shipyard in Russia's Far East is one of the most important construction projects in the country as it will enable the realization of the country's Arctic development plans, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Wednesday.
U.S. Senators Push Resolution Condemning 'Dangerous' Russian Military Actions RFE/RL 21 Jun 2016 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators have introduced a resolution condemning Russia for what they call "dangerous and unprofessional" military actions in recent months.
Russia says losing patience with US over Syria situation Press TV 21 Jun 2016 -- Russia has warned the United States that Moscow's patience is running thin over Washington's refusal to target Takfiri militants fighting against the Syrian government.
First Stage of Vostochny Cosmodrome Construction to Be Finished by November Sputnik 21 Jun 2016 -- Russia's deputy prime minister ordered to complete the first stage of the Vostochny Cosmodrome's construction by October 21.
Russian Aerospace Forces Successfully Test Short-Range Antimissile System Sputnik 21 Jun 2016 -- A short-range antimissile system was successfully tested early Tuesday at a Central Asian testing range, the country's Defense Ministry said.
EU Diplomats Agree To Extend Sanctions Against Russia RFE/RL 21 Jun 2016 -- EU ambassadors have agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, despite some calls for a more conciliatory approach from within the bloc.
Russia's New Air Defense Ready to Repel 'All Current and Future Threats' Sputnik 21 Jun 2016 -- An antimissile system tested by the Russian Aerospace Forces would allow for repelling the existing and advanced missile threats coming from the United States, analysts told RIA Novosti.
EU Envoys Vote to Extend Russia Sanctions VOA 21 Jun 2016 -- European Union ambassadors meeting in Brussels agreed to extend current economic sanctions against Russia for another six months because the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved.
US jets fail to stop Russian bombers over Syria: Report Press TV 20 Jun 2016 -- American fighter jets have unsuccessfully tried to stop Russian bombers from striking US-backed militants in Syria, a new report claims.
Russia's State TV Airs Evidence Of Russian Cluster Bombs In Syria RFE/RL 20 Jun 2016 -- Russia's state-run RT network has broadcast footage appearing to show Russian jets in Syria armed with cluster bombs, weapons which are widely condemned for their indiscriminate nature and which Moscow has denied using during its intervention in the five-year-old conflict.
Chechnya Schedules Preterm Parliamentary Elections RFE/RL 20 Jun 2016 -- At the proposal of parliamentary speaker Magomed Daudov, Chechnya's 41 lawmakers voted unanimously on June 16 to dissolve the legislature and schedule preterm parliamentary elections for September 18, concurrently with elections for the new Russian State Duma and for the post of Chechen Republic head.
Russia's Ivan Gren Landing Ship Arrives in Baltic Sea Port for Testing Sputnik 20 Jun 2016 -- The Ivan Gren landing ship has arrived in the Russian port of Baltiysk for testing before it goes into service with the Russian navy later this year, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported.
Kremlin Has No Preferred Option in Rosneft Privatization Issue Sputnik 20 Jun 2016 -- Moscow has no preferences in the issue of Indian or Chinese investors' participation in the privatization of Russia's energy giant Rosneft, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
Aging Russian-Ukrainian An-124 May Be Replaced With Russian Cargo Jet Sputnik 20 Jun 2016 -- The Russian Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP aircraft maker, which is part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), may design a new Russian transport aircraft in place of the Russian-Ukrainian Antonov An-124 Ruslan heavy strategic airlift jet, the company's managing director said.
Russia's Aviastar-SP to Produce Elements for 2nd Il-112 Plane in 2016 Sputnik 20 Jun 2016 -- According to the managing director of aircraft-maker Aviastar-SP, Russian Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP aircraft-maker will produce elements for the second experimental Il-112 light military transport aircraft prototype before the end of 2016.
African, Asian States Interested in Buying Modernized Russian Il-76 Planes Sputnik 20 Jun 2016 -- According to the managing director of aircraft-maker Aviastar-SP, African and Asian states are expressing interest to procure Russia's Ilyushin Il-76-MD-90A heavy military transport aircraft.
Russian Return To 'Soviet Riviera' Brings Hope, Concern To Breakaway Abkhazia RFE/RL 19 Jun 2016 -- On the evening of April 16, a lawmaker who was battling to prevent Russians from buying property in Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region stepped out of his car by the decaying Soviet-era port and set off down the palm-lined Black Sea waterfront.
Russia, US agree to coordinate military operations in Syria Press TV 19 Jun 2016 -- Russia says it has reached an agreement with the US to improve coordination between their military operations in Syria where they are backing opposing sides.
Russia Says It Agrees With U.S. To Improve Military Coordination In Syria RFE/RL 19 Jun 2016 -- Russia agreed to improve coordination with the United States on military operations in Syria, following blunt accusations from the Pentagon that Moscow had targeted U.S.-backed opposition forces.
Putin Supportive of American Proposals for Syria VOA 19 Jun 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he agrees with an American proposal to incorporate opposition representatives in Syria's government, but balked at the idea that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should step down immediately.
Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on U.S.-Russia Video Conference DoD 18 Jun 2016 -- The Department of Defense today held a video conference co-chaired by Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs Elissa Slotkin and Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, director, J-5, Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff, with Russian Ministry of Defense counterparts.
Russian Defense Minister Orders Hmeimim Base to Increase Aid to Syrians Sputnik 18 Jun 2016 -- Russian Defense Ministry's spokesman said that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered the Hmeymim airbase command to increase assistance to the Syrian population, especially in the settlements blocked by terrorists.
Putin Calls U.S. Missile Shield 'Great Danger,' Vows Russian Response RFE/RL 18 Jun 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the U.S. missile shield in Eastern Europe a "great danger" and vowed that Moscow will respond by enhancing its own missile strike capability.
Putin & Renzi's 'Chemistry' Ushers in New Era for EU-Russian Relations Sputnik 18 Jun 2016 -- At a plenary session at the St. Petersburg forum on Friday, President Putin and Prime Minister Renzi offered visions for Eurasia that are in many ways complementary, Italian newspapers reported.
Russia to Respond 'Symmetrically' to Any NATO Military Build Up Sputnik 18 Jun 2016 -- Deputy Secretary of Russia's Security Council said that Moscow will give a symmetrical and effective answer to any NATO build up along the Alliance's eastern borders.
Russian forces kill 6 militants in restive Dagestan Press TV 17 Jun 2016 -- At least six militants have been killed when Russian law enforcement forces carried out separate counter terrorism operations in the troubled North Caucasus republic of Dagestan.
Russia May Move Military Units Anywhere on Own Territory Sputnik 17 Jun 2016 -- Russia has the full right to deploy military units within its own borders, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Jet Set: Russia's T-50 Stealth Fighter 'Ready for Mass Production' Sputnik 17 Jun 2016 -- Russia's new state-of-the-art fighter is poised and ready to be mass produced, according to the Russian newspaper Izvestia.
Ukrainian PM: Maintain Western Sanctions Until Russian Withdrawal RFE/RL 16 Jun 2016 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman urged Western governments to maintain tough sanctions on Russia until it withdraws forces from eastern Ukraine and cedes control of Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that Moscow seized from Kyiv in 2014.
Minsk Implementation Seen as Key to EU-Russia Relations VOA 16 Jun 2016 -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's trip to Russia this week has raised further speculation that EU sanctions against Russia, over its actions in Ukraine, are wavering just ahead of a vote on whether to extend the punitive measures.
U.S. Official Confident EU Will Continue To Back Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 16 Jun 2016 -- The U.S. State Department's chief sanctions-policy coordinator is confident the European Union will maintain its travel and economic restrictions against Russia until Moscow fulfills the terms of a peace agreement to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Kremlin Propaganda In Czech Republic Plays Long Game To Sow Distrust In EU RFE/RL 16 Jun 2016 -- Sowing distrust and disbelief in Europe and its institutions is the main aim of Russian propaganda in the Czech Republic, according to a new study.
NATO accuses Russia of military activities at bloc's borders Press TV 16 Jun 2016 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has defended the military alliance's planned deployments in Poland and three Baltic states, saying they are aimed at deterring Russia.
Russian ships 'shadowing' US, NATO vessels in Baltics Press TV 16 Jun 2016 -- A US Navy commander says Russian surveillance ships are shadowing American and NATO vessels in the Baltic Sea where they are staging a drill.
NATO Military Rotation in Eastern Europe Poses Threat to Russia - Envoy Sputnik 16 Jun 2016 -- Moscow does not see a difference between constant rotation and permanent deployment of NATO forces near the Russian borders, and will respond adequately to this threat, Russian envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko said Thursday.
Afghanistan Seeks Russian Helicopters Delivery After Request - Deputy FM Sputnik 16 Jun 2016 -- Afghanistan seeks to secure the delivery of Russian helicopters and increased military support from Russia as soon as possible, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai told Sputnik on Thursday.
Ankara 'Makes Three Important Steps' Toward Thaw With Moscow Sputnik 16 Jun 2016 -- According to Turkish newspaper Habertürk, over the last week Ankara made three important steps toward the improvement of political, economic and cultural ties with Russia.
Russian Army to Receive Further 55 Multirole Su-30SM Fighters by 2019 Sputnik 15 Jun 2016 -- Russia's Armed Forces will receive another batch of 55 Su-30SM multirole fighters by 2019, the production director of Russia's Irkut Corporation, Sergei Yamanov, said Wednesday.
Good Choice! Belarus Plans to Buy Russian Su-30SM Fighter Jets Sputnik 15 Jun 2016 -- Minsk plans to purchase Russian Su-30SM-type multirole fighters, Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov said Wednesday.
Erdogan's Letter to Putin Means 'Ankara Ready to Open New Page' With Moscow Sputnik 15 Jun 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's national holiday, sending him a letter in which he expressed hope for the improvement of ties between both countries. In an interview with Radio Sputnik, Turkish politicians from various parties commented on the issue.
Balkans Look to NATO as Russia's Influence Wanes VOA 15 Jun 2016 -- As NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels discuss efforts to deter Russian aggression, rising tensions not seen since the Cold War will be on the minds of central and eastern European foreign ministers gathering Thursday in the former Yugoslavia.
Moscow Slams NATO-Kiev Talks on Increased Military Presence in Black Sea Sputnik 15 Jun 2016 -- Moscow is concerned about NATO-Ukraine discussions on Kiev's role in the Alliance's increased military presence in the Black Sea region, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said Wednesday.
U.S. Ex-Ambassadors Spar Over Russia, NATO, And Ukraine RFE/RL 15 Jun 2016 -- Two former U.S. ambassadors to Russia clashed over past and future assessments of relations between Washington and Moscow, and which country bears the greater responsibility for deepening bilateral tensions.
Erdogan sends first letter to Putin since Su-24 downing Press TV 14 Jun 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a congratulatory letter to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's National Day in the first such contact since bilateral relations hit a low after Ankara downed a Russian fighter jet in November last year.
NATO deployments will invoke counter measures: Russia Press TV 14 Jun 2016 -- Moscow has vowed to initiate countermeasures against NATO's plans to deploy four battalions close to Russian borders.
Ukrainian Says 'Tortured' In Russia As Moscow, Kyiv Exchange More Prisoners RFE/RL 14 Jun 2016 -- Two Ukrainians have lambasted Russia after being freed from jail there and flown home in the second high-profile prisoner exchange in weeks, with one saying he was tortured and another predicting the two countries would be "enemies" as long as Vladimir Putin is in the Kremlin.
Erdogan Sends Letter to Putin, Hopes for Improved Ties With Russia Sputnik 14 Jun 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's national holiday, expressing hope for good bilateral relations.
Less is More: Russia Opts for Lower-Cost but More Capable Navy Sputnik 14 Jun 2016 -- The Russian Navy has received a welcome boost with the arrival of two of its new series of naval frigates – the Admiral Grigorovich, which arrived at its home base in Sevastopol on Thursday, and the Admiral Essen, scheduled to join the fleet shortly.
US Democratic National Committee Network Hacked VOA 14 Jun 2016 -- The U.S. Democratic National Committee (DNC) said Tuesday its computer network was breached by Russian government hackers who gained access to opposition information on presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Global nuclear weapons: downsizing but modernizing SIPRI 13 Jun 2016 -- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) today launches its annual nuclear forces data, which highlights the current trends and developments in world nuclear arsenals. The data shows that while the overall number of nuclear weapons in the world continues to decline, none of the nuclear weapon-possessing states are prepared to give up their nuclear arsenals for the foreseeable future.
Report: U.S., Russia Slowly Reducing Nuclear Arsenals RFE/RL 13 Jun 2016 -- A Sweden-based nonproliferation think tank says the world's biggest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia, are slowly reducing their nuclear arsenals but are modernizing their capacities.
Explainer: What's Behind Russia's Problem With Soccer Hooligans? RFE/RL 13 Jun 2016 -- Shocking footage from the French stadium after a 1-1 soccer draw between England and Russia on June 11 showed Russian fans storming a section full of England fans, raining down kicks and punches as England supporters fled. It was just the latest instance of fan violence in Marseille involving the English and Russians that marred the opening stages of the 2016 European Championship.
Russia Expects to Reach $13-Bln Goal on Military Equipment Sales Abroad Sputnik 13 Jun 2016 -- Sales of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport are strictly in accordance with the schedule, according to Director General Anatoly Isaykin.
Russian Top Secret Hypersonic Glider Can Penetrate Any Missile Defense Sputnik 11 Jun 2016 -- Russia's new Yu-74 ultra-maneuverable hypersonic glide vehicles may become yet another response to the deployment of NATO's missile installations in Eastern Europe, according to military analysts.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 10, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Jun 2016
Russia Vows Countermeasures After US Vessel Enters Black Sea Sputnik 10 Jun 2016 -- Months after Russian jets responded to the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic, a US destroyer is now testing the waters of the Black Sea.
Russia May Launch Mass Production of New Ilya Muromets-Class Icebreakers Sputnik 10 Jun 2016 -- The new generation of Russia's diesel-electric icebreakers designed for the Russian Navy, the Ilya Muromets-class, can go into mass production, Rear Adm. Igor Zvarich, the Navy's technical department chief, said Friday.
'US carrier deployment sends a message to Russia' Press TV 09 Jun 2016 -- The United States is sending Russia a message by deploying a new aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, says a report.
Russian Proton-M With US Intelsat Satellite Launched From Baikonur Sputnik 09 Jun 2016 -- The Russian Proton-M rocket carrying a US Intelsat DLA-2 satellite was successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Thursday, a Roscosmos spokesman said.
Russia's Admiral Grigorovich Frigate Arrives at New Home in Sevastopol Sputnik 09 Jun 2016 -- Black Sea Fleet's spokesman said that Russia's Admiral Grigorovich frigate has arrived at its permanent base in Sevastopol.
Russian Arctic Dev't Commission Favors Arctic Technology Test Range Sputnik 09 Jun 2016 -- Russia's State Commission for Arctic Development is set to test all technologies to be used in the Arctic zone, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and the commission's head Dmitry Rogozin said Thursday.
Russia Needs to 'Reclaim' Arctic, Far East for Industrial Use Sputnik 09 Jun 2016 -- Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia needs to redouble its efforts to "recolonize" hard-to-reach territories in the Arctic and in the Far East.
Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Su-27 Crashed Near Moscow, Pilot Killed Sputnik 09 Jun 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has confirmed that a Su-27 fighter jet crashed in the Moscow region.
HMS Kent shadows Russian submarine in North Sea UK Royal Navy 08 Jun 2016 -- A Royal Navy warship is shadowing a Russian submarine sailing towards the English Channel.
Russia surprised UK needs help to track submarines near surface Press TV 08 Jun 2016 -- Russia has poked fun at the UK's intercept of one of its submarines, saying it was surprised that the Royal Navy needed NATO's help in tracking a submarine travelling at slow speeds "in surface position."
UK warship intercepts Russian submarine near English Channel Press TV 08 Jun 2016 -- The British navy has intercepted a Russian submarine as it was cruising toward the English Channel, UK media report.
Nuland: Russia Feeling 'Pain' Of U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 08 Jun 2016 -- A top U.S. official says economic sanctions continue to be the most powerful leverage Washington has over Russia, and that those measures have thwarted potential Russian efforts to seize larger swaths of Ukrainian territory, including the capital.
Putin Preaches Free-Press Gospel At State-Run Media Forum RFE/RL 07 Jun 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told a media forum in Moscow that information should not be subject to "repressive actions," comments that come amid mounting signs that his government is stepping up efforts to curtail dissenting voices in the Russian media.
Crimean Tatars Face Russian Crackdown VOA 05 Jun 2016 -- Topuz Bakhtiyar's large family was fast asleep in their first-floor apartment in a five-floor building on Tsvetochnaya Street in the city of Yalta, Crimea, early in the morning of February 12 when a group of heavily armed masked men broke the windows and stormed the apartment. Shouting commands in Russian, the raiders locked the women in one room, the kids in another, and searched the house. They then handcuffed Bakhtiyar and took him away, leaving the family in shock and with some bloody scratches from broken glass.
U.S., Russia In Dispute Over Strikes On Syrian Al-Qaeda Branch RFE/RL 04 Jun 2016 -- A behind-the-scenes dispute between the United States and Russia broke into the open on June 3, with Moscow claiming Washington asked it not to target Al-Qaeda's branch in Syria with air strikes.
Chafing At Sanctions, Moscow Pokes And Pries At EU Unity RFE/RL 03 Jun 2016 -- Standing before a classical Greek frieze at a press conference in Athens last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented his visit in terms suggesting a thinly disguised quid pro quo.
Navalny: Russia Run by 'Mafia' System VOA 03 Jun 2016 -- Alexei Navalny, the leading Russian opposition activist who heads the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) and the unregistered Party of Progress, was interrogated by police this week, after which his office and home were searched. The police action was connected to a libel case against him brought by former Russian Interior Ministry investigator Pavel Karpov.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 2, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Jun 2016
New Astronaut Training Complex to Open at Vostochny Cosmodrome by 2022 Sputnik 01 Jun 2016 -- Russia's new Vostochny Space Center's astronaut training complex will be completed by 2022, the head of the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center said.
Russia's Gulf of Finland Expedition Results Remarkable Sputnik 01 Jun 2016 -- The results of the first part of the Russia's Bolshoi Tyuters' RGS expedition in the Gulf of Finland have been tremendous, expedition head Artyom Khutorskoy told Sputnik on Wednesday.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

June 2016 - Russia Special Weapons News