July 2016 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia likely to provide Iran satellite components ISNA 31 Jul 2016 -- Components for Iranian satellites may be produced by Russia's Roscosmos space corporation, said Russian Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov after meeting with Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Vaezi in Moscow.
Russia Denies Plan To Seize Syria's Aleppo After Civilian Evacuation RFE/RL 30 Jul 2016 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov denied allegations that Russia and Syria are preparing to storm Syria's Aleppo after clearing civilians out of the city under the guise of a humanitarian operation.
Russia, China slam US plan to station missile system in South Korea Press TV 30 Jul 2016 -- Russia and China have voiced worries about the planned deployment of an advanced US missile system to the Korean Peninsula, saying that such a move poses a threat to security in the already tense region.
Russia's military resurgence impressive: NATO Press TV 30 Jul 2016 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) says the Russian army has achieved "impressive" progress in recent years to become "a very serious adversary" to the military bloc and the United States.
Russia's Putin Visits Slovenia Amid Simmering Tensions With West RFE/RL 30 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a visit to the small Balkan state of Slovenia amid tensions between Moscow and the West over the Kremlin's role in Ukraine.
Scaparrotti Discusses Russian, North Korean Threats at Aspen Forum AFPS 29 Jul 2016 -- The participants in the Aspen Security Forum received a "two-fer" last night as Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti and "Washington Post" journalist David Ignatius spoke about the general's experiences Korea and Europe.
U.S. Diplomats Accuse Russia Of Undermining Ukraine Peace Plan RFE/RL 29 Jul 2016 -- Two top U.S. diplomats working to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine have accused Russia of continuing to supply separatist fighters with fuel and weapons and creating a "deteriorating security situation" in the region that is as bad as it was a year ago.
Crimea's Merger With Southern Russia Will Complicate West's Sanctions Game Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- Russian authorities have announced that the special Crimean Federal District has been merged with the neighboring Southern Federal District. According to experts, the move, designed to improve administrative efficiency, could also mean big headaches for Western governments' anti-Russian and anti-Crimean sanctions policies.
Russia, China Warn Against Placing US Missiles in South Korea Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- Russia and China condemn US plans to missiles to South Korea, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Russia's Advanced New Surveillance Satellites to Keep an Eye on US Carriers Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has plans to launch a new orbital surveillance system aimed to bolster the reconnaissance capabilities of the Aerospace Defense Forces. What kinds of capabilities will the new system have? One of Russia's leading online news and analysis portals spoke to military experts to try and find out.
Russian Yasen-Class Nuclear Submarines to Be Ready by 2023 – Russian Navy Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- Navy Deputy Commander-in-Chief said that a series of Russian Yasen-class (NATO reporting name: Severodvinsk-class) nuclear-powered submarines will be ready by 2023.
Russian New Yasen-Class Nuclear Subs Able to Carry All Sea-Based Cruise Missiles Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- According to the sub's designer, Russia's new Yasen-class nuclear submarines are able to fire all sea-based cruise missiles from the country's arsenal.
Russia'a 7th Yasen-Class Attack Submarine to Be Laid Down in July 2017 Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- Seventh Yasen-class submarine will be laid down in July next year, according to the Sevmash shipbuilding company'd Director General Mikhail Budnichenko.
Russian Navy to Create Special Icebreaker Fleet to Protect Interests in Arctic Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Navy will create a special group of icebreakers for the protection of islands along the country's Arctic coast, the Russian Izvestia newspaper reports.
Russia in Talks With India on Delivering 3 New Guided Missile Frigates Sputnik 29 Jul 2016 -- Russia and India are discussing a delivery of three new guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy, the deputy chief of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) said Friday.
U.S., UN Concerned About Russian 'Humanitarian Operation' In Aleppo RFE/RL 28 Jul 2016 -- The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns about what Russia is calling a "large-scale humanitarian operation" in Syria, saying Moscow's announcement appears to be a demand for the surrender of militant groups and the forced evacuation of civilians from the besieged city of Aleppo.
Putin Pushing Russia's Foreign Policy Boundaries, DoD Official Says AFPS 28 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is pushing the boundaries for what his country's foreign policy is going to be about for the next decade, the acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs said today at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado.
Putin Reshuffles Regional Leaders Ahead Of Vote; Russian Customs Chief Out RFE/RL 28 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has abruptly reshuffled several regional leaders and dismissed the ambassador to Ukraine in a substantial shake-up that also included the removal of the country's longtime customs chief.
Russian Next-Generation 'Doomsday Plane' Finally Ready for Action Sputnik 28 Jul 2016 -- On July 27 Voronezh Aircraft Factory finally presented Russia's Ministry of Defense the new specialized airborne command system also known as the 'doomsday plane'.
Putin Merges Russia's Crimean, Southern Federal Districts Sputnik 28 Jul 2016 -- Russia's Southern and Crimean federal districts are united into an enlarged Southern Federal District, according to the newly issued presidential decree.
Russia's New Lider-Class Destroyer to Be Laid Down in 2019 Sputnik 28 Jul 2016 -- Russia's cutting-edge project 23560 Lider-class nuclear-powered destroyer will be set up in 2019.
Russia to Finish Construction of Novorossiysk Naval Base by 2020 Sputnik 28 Jul 2016 -- Novorossiysk navak base will have been constructed by the end of 2020, Adm. Igor Kasatonov, the former head of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, said in an interview.
Russia to Send Aircraft Carrier to Mediterranean Before 2017 for Up to 4 Months Sputnik 28 Jul 2016 -- Russia will deploy its aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea before the end of 2016 for a period of up to four months.
China, Russia navies to hold drill in South China Sea: spokesperson People's Daily 28 Jul 2016 -- The navies of China and Russia will hold a joint drill in South China Sea in September, spokesperson Yang Yujun of China's Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Trump Suggests Russia Should Hack U.S. Election Rival Clinton's E-Mail RFE/RL 27 Jul 2016 -- Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has suggested Russia should hack the e-mails of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, eliciting widespread disbelief and fueling further fears about the prospect of a foreign government meddling in the U.S. election.
Russia Boasts of Troop Buildup on Flank, Draws Flak VOA 27 Jul 2016 -- The U.S. State Department expressed concern Wednesday about new troop buildups that Russia has announced that it says are meant to counterbalance an increased military presence near its borders.
Russia strengthens SW military flank in response to NATO buildup Press TV 27 Jul 2016 -- Russia has strengthened its southwestern military flank in response to the increasing military buildup by NATO and the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine.
Russia rejects claims of meddling in US election campaign Press TV 27 Jul 2016 -- The Kremlin has dismissed the US allegations of interfering in the country's presidential election campaign after Washington blamed Russian hackers for a leak of US Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails.
Russia to Finish Building Military Bases Off Arctic Coast by Year-End Sputnik 27 Jul 2016 -- Russia will finish building autonomous military bases the Arctic by the end of this year.
India, Russia Make Conscious Efforts to Increase Defense Ties Sputnik 27 Jul 2016 -- After several years of frozen relations, a coming thaw shows a veritable increase in Indian-Russian defense ties.
Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on U.S.-Russia Video Conference DoD 26 Jul 2016
Russian Officials Search Home Of Customs Chief In Smuggling Probe RFE/RL 26 Jul 2016 -- Russian investigators said on July 26 that they have searched the office and home of the country's top customs official in connection with a smuggling case, the second high-profile security services action against another government agency in a week.
Russia's 6th Yasen-Class Nuclear Submarine to Be Laid Down on July 29 - Source Sputnik 26 Jul 2016 -- Russia's sixth Yasen-class submarine will be laid down at the Sevmash ship-building company in the city of Severodvinsk on July 29, a defense industry source told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.
BTR-82A Armored Vehicles First Used During Russian Drills in Tajikistan Sputnik 26 Jul 2016 -- Russian troops used the BTR-82A armored personnel carriers for the first time during drills in Tajikistan, an aid to the commander of Russia's Central Military District said Tuesday.
Russia dismisses allegations of hacking US's DNC Press TV 26 Jul 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has rejected allegations by the US Democratic National Convention (DNC) that Moscow was behind a recent hack of its computer systems.
Kremlin: Charges Of Russian Involvement In Democrats Leaked E-Mails 'Absurd' RFE/RL 26 Jul 2016 -- The Kremlin has dismissed allegations that Russia was behind a hack of the Democratic National Committee's e-mails as absurd.
Report: Russia's FSB Searches Office Of Top Customs Official RFE/RL 26 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has reportedly searched the office of the top customs official and the home of his former adviser in what would mark the second high-profile security services action against another government agency in a week.
Bulgaria accuses Russia of increasingly violating NATO airspace Press TV 25 Jul 2016 -- Bulgaria has claimed a rise in violations of its airspace by Russian military and commercial aircraft, calling it provocative.
Afghan Security Adviser to Discuss Russia's Mi-35 Deliveries Sputnik 25 Jul 2016 -- Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar told Sputnik on Monday he planned to discuss Russian arms and Mi-35 helicopter deliveries with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev on Tuesday.
Russia calls plans for regime change in Syria 'villainy' Press TV 25 Jul 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has strongly rejected any rhetoric on regime change in Syria, saying that the calls for toppling the government of President Bashar al-Assad come from narrow-minded or villainous people.
FBI, Congress To Probe Possible Russian Link To DNC E-Mail Hack RFE/RL 25 Jul 2016 -- The top Democrat on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee says the committee has been briefed on a reported hack into the Democratic National Committee's e-mail system and would seek information about the origin of the attack - including a possible connection to Russia or other countries.
Trump Retorts Claims Russia Orchestrated New DNC Leaks as 'New Joke in Town' Sputnik 25 Jul 2016 -- US Republican nominee Donald Trump mocked Hillary Clinton's campaign for claiming Russia was behind the damning leak of US Democratic National Committee's (DNC) emails in a bid to help him into the White House.
Moscow Denies Bulgaria's Claims of Violating NATO Airspace by Russian Planes Sputnik 25 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed Sophia's claims of Russian planes allegedly violating NATO airspace over the Black Sea.
Russian Navy Creates Spetsnaz Units to Hunt for Enemy Saboteurs Sputnik 25 Jul 2016 -- Two special units are being created as a part of Russia's Naval Fleet which are designed to detect the enemy saboteurs in Russia's coastal and littoral waters as well as undertake reconnaissance in an enemy-controlled territory, izvestia.ru reported.
Clinton Campaign Suggests Russian Role In Leaked E-Mails To Help Trump RFE/RL 24 Jul 2016 -- On the eve of the July 25 opening of the four-day Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the Democratic Party was busy reacting to information from party emails leaked to the public.
IOC: No Blanket Ban On Russian Athletes; Federations To Decide RFE/RL 24 Jul 2016 -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on July 24 that it will not impose a blanket ban on Russian athletes at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro following damning reports on the country's doping record, but will leave the decision on these athletes' participation to the relevant individual federations.
IOC Won't Ban All Russian Athletes from Rio Olympics VOA 24 Jul 2016 -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided against banning all Russian teams from competing in next month's Rio Olympics over allegations of an elaborate doping scheme.
Afghanistan Plans to Buy Russian Mi-17, Mi-35 Helicopters Sputnik 24 Jul 2016 -- Kabul intends to strike a deal on buying Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters from Russia.
Is a Secret Deal Underway for Russia's 1,616MPH Supersonic MIG-29M? Sputnik 23 Jul 2016 -- Reports indicate that Russia has produced as many as 46 new supersonic MiG-29M fighter jets with rumors that a buyer has been lined up for a $2 billion warplane contract.
Russia Creating Cutting-Edge Universal Nuclear Battleship Sputnik 23 Jul 2016 -- Russia's Severnoye Design Bureau has started working on the Project 23560 Leader-class destroyer that will combine the features of a destroyer, large antisubmarine warship and guided missile cruiser.
Over 100 Russian Northern Fleet Ships, Subs Take Part in Barents Sea Drills Sputnik 23 Jul 2016 -- Over 100 military ships, nuclear and diesel submarines, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Russian Northern Fleet took part in large-scale exercises in the Barents Sea and its southern inlet, the White Sea, the fleet's press service said Saturday.
Iran, Russia to ink heavy water deal 'soon' Press TV 23 Jul 2016 -- Iran and Russia will sign a deal soon for the sale of 40 tonnes of heavy water, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says.
Moscow, Tehran Close to Signing Deal on Purchase of Heavy Water Sputnik 23 Jul 2016 -- Moscow and Tehran are close to signing a deal on the sale of 40 tons of Iranian heavy water to Russia, head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said Saturday.
Russia Able to Ramp Up Military Presence in Syria at Short-Notice if Needed Sputnik 22 Jul 2016 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia could expand its military presence in Syria very quickly if necessary.
Russia Appoints New Commander of Syrian Operation Sputnik 22 Jul 2016 -- Lt. Gen. Alexander Zhuravlev replaced Col. Gen. Alexander Dvornikov as the commander of the Russian operation in Syria, according to a source.
Russia Conducts Electronic Launches From New Iskander Missile Systems Sputnik 22 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry's Eastern Military District troops held the first training electronic launches of the new Iskander-M tactical operational missile complexes in Russia's Astrakhan region, the district's spokesman said Friday.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 21, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jul 2016
Russian Agent Sentenced to 10 Years for Acting as Unregistered Russian Government Agent and Leading Scheme to Illegally Export Controlled Technology to Russian Military US Dept. of Justice 21 Jul 2016 -- Alexander Fishenko, a dual citizen of the United States and Russia, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $500,000 in criminal proceeds following his guilty plea on Sept. 9, 2015 to a 19-count indictment. Fishenko pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the Russian government within the United States without prior notification to the Attorney General, conspiring to export and illegally exporting controlled microelectronics to Russia, conspiring to launder money and obstruction of justice.
Russian Agent Sentenced for Illegally Exporting US High-tech Gear VOA 21 Jul 2016 -- A federal court in New York on Thursday sentenced an admitted agent of the Russian government to 10 years in prison and ordered him to forfeit $500,000 in profit he'd gained from his criminal activity, which focused on acquiring and secretly shipping abroad high-tech microelectronics for Russian military equipment.
New Naval Sonar Network to Allow Russia to 'Hear' Enemy Subs Via Satellites Sputnik 20 Jul 2016 -- Russia develops a unique sonar system capable of detecting enemy ships and submarines at a distance of hundreds of kilometers via a satellite network, according to the newspaper Izvestia.
Top Moscow Investigators Detained Over Alleged Organized Crime Ties RFE/RL 19 Jul 2016 -- Russia's main domestic security agency has opened a criminal probe into officials with the country's top investigative body over allegations that they received bribes from a crime syndicate and committed other official misconduct.
Statement in response to the report by the World Anti-Doping Agency Kremlin 18 Jul 2016 -- "President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Recent events and the tense atmosphere that has formed around international sport and the Olympic movement involuntarily recall the situation in the early 1980s. (...) Today, we see a dangerous return to this policy of letting politics interfere with sport. Yes, this intervention takes different forms today, but the essence remains the same; to make sport an instrument for geopolitical pressure and use it to form a negative image of countries and peoples."
IOC Vows 'Toughest Sanctions' After Fresh Anti-Doping Probe Finds Russian 'State-Dictated' Cheating RFE/RL 18 Jul 2016 -- The International Olympic Committee has vowed to take "the toughest sanctions available" as world sports' top anti-doping body called for a ban on all Russian athletes competing at next month's Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Russia Tests Hydrogen-Powered Drones in Syria - Senior Military Source Sputnik 18 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces tested new hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Syria that allowed for longer flight times, a high-ranking Russian military official told RIA Novosti on Monday.
World Anti-doping Agency Urges Olympic Ban on Russian Athletes VOA 18 Jul 2016 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency is urging the International Olympic Committee to ban all Russian teams from the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Russia delivers first S-300 missiles to Iran: Report Press TV 18 Jul 2016 -- Russia has reportedly delivered the first missiles of the advanced S-300 long-range air defense system as part of a military contract between Moscow and Tehran.
WADA publishes McLaren Investigation Report July 18, 2016 - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to consider, under their respective Charters, to decline entries, for Rio 2016, of all athletes submitted by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and the Russian Paralympic Committee.
MCLAREN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS REPORT INTO SOCHI ALLEGATIONS July 18, 2016 - The investigation into allegations of doping by Russian athletes found that the country's sports ministry oversaw a scheme to manipulate positive test results. Allegations of sample switching made by Moscow's former Anti-Doping Laboratory Head Grigory Rodchenkov were found to be widely credible, World Anti-Doping Agency lead investigator, Richard McLaren, said 18 July 2016. "The Moscow laboratory operated, for the protection of doped Russian athletes, within a state-dictated failsafe system," McLaren said. "Through the coordinating efforts of the CSP (Center of Sports Preparation of National Teams of Russia), Russian athletes were instructed to collect what were thought to be clean urine samples outside of the 'wash-out' periods for any performance enhancing drugs they were using." The Reported noted that "The FSB was intricately entwined in the scheme to allow Russian athletes to compete while dirty. The FSB developed a method to surreptitiously open the urine bottles to enable sample swapping."
Armata Tanks to Get Russian-Made Sights as MoD Phases Out Imports Sputnik 17 Jul 2016 -- The next generation of armored vehicles based on the Armata and Kurganets tracked platforms will feature Russian-made sight matrices instead of French ones now, Gazeta.ru wrote citing Defense Ministry sources in Moscow.
Russian airstrikes kill 18 Daesh militants in central Syria: Group Press TV 16 Jul 2016 -- At least 18 members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group have been killed in Russian airstrikes in central Syria, including near the ancient Semitic city of Palmyra, a monitoring group says.
Putin Introduces Bill on Ratification of Combined Force Deal With Abkhazia Sputnik 16 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a bill on ratification of agreement on combined force with partially recognized republic of Abkhazia in the State Duma, the lower chamber of parliament, the data published in Duma's information system said Saturday.
Joint Press Availability With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
Kerry, Lavrov Hold Moscow Talks RFE/RL 15 Jul 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry held more than four hours of talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, trying to find new agreement on military operations in Syria and movement toward ending the five-year-old conflict.
Russia airstrikes in Syria cut off terrorists' supply routes: Defense minister Press TV 15 Jul 2016 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says his country's aerial campaign against foreign-sponsored Takfiri militant groups operating inside Syria has changed the course of the developments on the ground in favor of the Damascus government.
Russia Urges US to Join Ceasefire Efforts Around Syria's Aleppo - Shoigu Sputnik 15 Jul 2016 -- The Russian defense minister called on the US-led coalition to join ceasefire efforts near Syria's city of Aleppo.
Russian Armed Forces to Receive 9 More Mi-8 Helicopters by End of 2016 Sputnik 15 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Armed forces will receive nine Mi-8 military transport helicopters, three of which have been designed for use in the Arctic, by the end of the year, the managing director of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant said on Friday.
Russian Aerospace Forces Receive 4 Jets, 23 Helicopters, 15 Drones Sputnik 15 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces put into service four jets, 23 helicopters and 15 drones in the second quarter of 2016, Anatoly Gulyaev, head of the Armaments Department of the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
Russian MoD to Deploy S-400 Air Defense Systems in Crimea in August Sputnik 15 Jul 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry will deploy a regiment of S-400 air defense systems in Crimea by the end of the summer, Lt. Col. Evgeniy Oleynikov said Friday.
Russian Army Receives Iskander Brigade, S-400 Regiment, Over 90 Aircraft Sputnik 15 Jul 2016 -- According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the country's armed forces recieved a number of new weapons systems in the second quarter of 2016.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 14, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Jul 2016
Why Russia is Strengthening Its Arctic Northern Periphery Sputnik 14 Jul 2016 -- Moscow regards the development of the Russian Arctic as an issue which has long-term strategic importance. New military infrastructure, deployed on the perimeter of the country's northern border will ensure both the security of Artic offshore natural resources and the sovereignty of the state.
Italy Court Rules Against Suspected Russian Spy's Extradition to Portugal Sputnik 14 Jul 2016 -- The Rome court of appeals ruled that a Russian citizen, whose extradition is sought by Lisbon, will not be handed over to the Portuguese authorities, according to a source.
Remarks With Russian President Vladimir Putin US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2016
Readout of Secretary Kerry's Meeting With Russian President Putin US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2016
Despite Putin Jibes, Russia Places Hope In 'Brexiteer' Boris Johnson RFE/RL 14 Jul 2016 -- In a single sentence, he once called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "manipulative tyrant" and likened him to the big-eared, bug-eyed "house elf" from the Harry Potter series. But the surprise appointment of Boris Johnson to head the British Foreign Office is being cautiously welcomed by Moscow -- and his predecessor's exit pointedly cheered.
White House: US Not Currently Cooperating With Russia on Syria VOA 14 Jul 2016 -- A spokesman for the White House says the United States is not conducting or coordinating with Russia on military operations in Syria, ahead of a visit to Russia by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
Kerry To Offer Russia Greater Cooperation Against Islamic State RFE/RL 14 Jul 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Moscow for a visit in which he is expected to offer greater military cooperation against Islamic State (IS) militants in exchange for Russia and Syria starting a political transition to a new government.
Russia conducts 50 anti-Daesh sorties near Palmyra Press TV 14 Jul 2016 -- Russian fighter jets have carried out 50 air strikes in three days on positions of the Daesh Takfiri group near Syria's recently-liberated city of Palmyra.
Syrian President says Russia Never Asked Him to Leave Office VOA 14 Jul 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Russia has never asked him to relinquish power as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry heads to Moscow where he is expected to push for a revised cease-fire and roadmap to peace.
Moscow slams NATO's 'confrontational' plans for military buildup near Russia Press TV 14 Jul 2016 -- Russia has lambasted NATO for expanding its presence in the Baltic states near Russia, saying the US-led alliance is fomenting a Cold-War atmosphere.
NATO Secretary General welcomes frank and open discussions in NATO-Russia Council NATO 13 Jul 2016 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the value of political dialogue following the NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday (13 July 2016). "Today we had very useful discussions. We addressed some of the most important issues on the Euro-Atlantic security agenda. This shows the value of the NATO-Russia Council," he said.
NATO-Russia Council Session Does Little to Ease Tension VOA 13 Jul 2016 -- A meeting Wednesday of NATO and Russian ministers, billed as an opportunity to defuse tensions after the alliance's recent declaration that it was in deterrence mode on Russia, produced no "meeting of the minds," NATO's chief said.
Russian destroys major Daesh base with long-range bombers Press TV 13 Jul 2016 -- Daesh has been dealt a major blow in Syria by Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers launched from an airbase located in Russian's southern regions.
OSCE Expresses Concern Over Russia's List Of 'Terrorists, Extremists' RFE/RL 13 Jul 2016 -- for reporting honestly on developments in Crimea independent of the Kremlin's orders."
New Russian Bomber to Be Able to Launch Nuclear Attacks From Outer Space Sputnik 13 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces Academy is developing a hypersonic strategic bomber capable of striking with nuclear warheads from outer space, Lt. Col. Aleksei Solodovnikov told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Destroy Daesh Camp, Tanks & Militants in Syria Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Russian Tu-22M3 strategic long-range bombers have destroyed a number of militants, large Daesh camp, ammunition depots and tanks in Syrian on July 12, the Russian Defense Minsitry stated.
Russian Helicopters to Overhaul Serbian Aircraft Factory, Repair Mi-8/17s Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Russian Helicopters plans to modernize Serbian aircraft-making factory to provide maintenance for military choppers, the firm's deputy chief told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Russia's 'Polar Bear Spetznas' Step Up Defense of Country's Arсtic Borders Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Amid NATO's buildup along Russia's borders, including in the Arctic region, Moscow is stepping up efforts to strengthen its northern defense. Moreover, in addition to the Navy and Aerospace Defense Forces, the Arctic's defense is increasingly coming to depend on troops from the ground forces – serving under extremely harsh climactic conditions.
India May Build Up Its Military Power With Russia's Shtorm Aircraft Carrier Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Russia has offered its latest aircraft carrier design, Project 23000E Shtorm to the Indians. That's according to a senior Indian Navy official speaking to Defense News.
India to Lease One More Akula-Class Nuclear Sub From Russian Navy Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- India agreed to lease the second Akula-class submarine from the Russian Navy, local media reported Tuesday citing a source in the military.
Foreign Buyers Snap Up Shares Of Russia's Alrosa Diamond Firm RFE/RL 12 Jul 2016 -- The Russian government sold a stake in Alrosa, the world's largest diamond producer, generating $818 million to help close the country's growing budget deficits.
Moscow Slams NATO For Focusing On 'Nonexistent' Russia Threat RFE/RL 10 Jul 2016 -- Russia has slammed NATO for focusing on what it called a "nonexistent" threat from Russia at a summit in Warsaw.
Russia Expels Two US Diplomats In Tit-For-Tat Reponse RFE/RL 10 Jul 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry said it expelled two U.S. diplomats from Moscow last month in response to what it called a similar "unfriendly" move by Washington, amid a deepening diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
Moscow Slams NATO For Focusing On 'Nonexistent' Russia Threat RFE/RL 10 Jul 2016 -- Russia has slammed NATO for focusing on what it called a "nonexistent" threat from Russia at a summit in Warsaw.
Obama: 'No Business As Usual' With Russia Until Ukraine Peace Deal Implemented RFE/RL 09 Jul 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said there can be "no business as usual" with Russia until it "fully implements" the agreement aimed at ending the war between Kyiv's forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
US Expels Two Russian Officials Over Police Attack in Moscow VOA 09 Jul 2016 -- The United States has expelled two Russian diplomats in retaliation for an attack on a U.S. diplomat in Moscow at the hands of Russian police.
NATO Leaders Endorse New Deployments To Eastern Europe RFE/RL 08 Jul 2016 -- NATO leaders have endorsed a major new deployment of armed forces to Eastern Europe, a direct response to growing belligerence from Russia and the largest such move by the alliance since the end of the Cold War.
On Russia, NATO Shifts From Reassurance to Deterrence VOA 08 Jul 2016 -- It is being called the most critical NATO summit since the end of the Cold War.
U.S. Expels Two Russians In Connection With Diplomat Altercation In Moscow RFE/RL 08 Jul 2016 -- The United States has expelled two Russian officials following a violent altercation last month between an American diplomat and a Russian guard outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Republic of Crimea of the Russian Federation, July 7, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Jul 2016
Kerry Says U.S. Will Remain Firm On Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 07 Jul 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has reassured Ukraine that sanctions against Russia will remain in place unless Moscow fulfills its obligations under the Minsk agreement reached last year, and announced additional humanitarian aid for Kyiv.
Putin Signs Contentious Counterterror Legislation RFE/RL 07 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law contentious counterterrorism legislation that opposition activists and rights advocates have denounced as unconstitutional and a blunt tool to suppress dissent.
Putin Signs Counterterrorism Law Criticized by Telecom Chiefs, Rights Activists VOA 07 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed into law a controversial package of amendments to the country's existing counterterrorism laws.
NATO says meeting with Russia slated for July 13 Press TV 06 Jul 2016 -- The secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) says the Western military alliance will hold fresh talks with Russia next week.
Head of Sweden's Military Wants to Have Direct Contact With Russia Sputnik 05 Jul 2016 -- Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces Micael Byden wants to have direct contact with the Russian Armed Forces amid growing tensions in the Baltic Sea, local media reported Tuesday.
Putin, Russian Security Council Discuss Baltic Airspace RFE/RL 05 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has chaired a meeting with the country's Security Council to discuss possible "confidence-building" steps in the skies over the Baltic region and details in connection with a NATO summit later this week, a presidential spokesman said.
Russia Buying Chinese Yuan To Diversify Away From Dollar, Euro RFE/RL 05 Jul 2016 -- Russia's central bank has started buying the Chinese yuan to diversify its foreign-currency reserves away from the euro and U.S. dollar and become less vulnerable to Western sanctions.
Reliable Russian Aircraft Cruiser to Stand In for Missing French Mistrals Sputnik 05 Jul 2016 -- The Ka-52K Katran attack helicopters will soon be deployed aboard the Russian aircraft cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, in what will allow the warship to have characteristics similar to those of the Mistral assault ships France had originally promised to build for Russia, according to the Russian newspaper Izvestia.
Russia's Irkut to Finish Su-30 Fighter Jets Deliveries to Algeria in 2017 Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- According to annual report, Russia's Irkut aircraft manufacturer will finish the deliveries of 14 Sukhoi Su-30MKA multirole fighters to Algeria in 2017.
US, Canada to Hold Observation Flight Over Russia Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- Еhe head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said that the United States and Canada will carry out an observation flight over Russia's territory under the Open Skies Treaty.
Turkish FM Denies Saying Ankara Will Open Incirlik Airbase to Russia Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- Turkey is ready to cooperate with Russia on the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group, but there are no talks on using the Incirlik airbase, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Monday.
Turkey Turns To Russia In Fight Against IS RFE/RL 04 Jul 2016 -- Is it just a show of resolve, or a new conviction - or desperation? The Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said on July 4 in Istanbul that Turkey might "open the Incirlik air base" to Russia "as we did to all others who actively fight" the Islamic State extremist group. "We cooperate with anyone who fights against [IS], so why not work together with Russia?"
Ankara may let Moscow use Incirlik base to fight Daesh: Turkey FM Press TV 04 Jul 2016 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country is open to allowing Russia to use the Incirlik Air Base in south-central Turkey to launch airstrikes against the positions of Daesh in Syria, as Ankara and Moscow further move to mend fences.
Kremlin Only Learned of Turkey's Airbase Proposal Through Media - Spokesman Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- Kremlin spokesman stated that Kremlin found out about about Turkey's proposal regarding the Incirlik airbase through the media.
Turkey Could Allow Russia to Use Incirlik Air Base - Foreign Minister Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- According to the Turkish Foreign Finister, Russia might be allowed to use Incirlik Air Base.
Putin Signs Law Boosting Anti-Terror Defense of Atomic Facilities Sputnik 05 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that will boost anti-terrorist defense of atomic facilities by creating a special security zone around them.
Putin Creates National Guard Force RFE/RL 04 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law on the creation of a National Guard.
Putin Signs Law to Assign Veteran Status to Russian Military in Syria Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- All Russian military personnel who were involved in the 6-month-long operation are to be assigned veteran status, which presupposes special support and aid from the government, according to the document, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Flight Tests of Russia's Advanced PAK FA Fighters Almost Completed - Sukhoi Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- According to the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer, flight tests of Russia's Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighter aircraft are at the final stage.
Delivery of New Sukhoi T-50 Jets to Russian Aerospace Forces to Begin 2018 Sputnik 04 Jul 2016 -- According to Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer, Russia will start serial production and deliveries of the Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighter aircraft to the country's Aerospace Forces in 2018.
Putin Warns Finland Against Joining NATO, Says Moscow Would Shift Troops Sputnik 03 Jul 2016 -- During a meeting with Finnish President Niinisto on Friday, the two leaders engaged in a frank discussion on how best to ensure peace in the region leading to historic steps by both sides.
Russian Work on Defense Against Hypersonic Weapons Systems in Full Swing Sputnik 03 Jul 2016 -- Russian military scientists' work on developing defensive capabilities against the threat of hypersonic weapons systems is in full swing, according to Ground Forces Air Defense Force chief Alexander Leonov.
Russian navy sending flagship aircraft carrier to Syria Press TV 02 Jul 2016 -- Russia is sending the flagship of its navy, the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, to join the battle against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria.
US blasts Russian Navy ship's "erratic" maneuver Press TV 02 Jul 2016 -- The United States has hit out at Russia over a "high risk" maneuver of a Russian frigate near an American warship in the eastern Mediterranean.
Russian Military Delivers Over 5 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Syria's Hama Sputnik 02 Jul 2016 -- The Russian military has delivered over five tonnes of humanitarian aid to the town Suqaylabiyah in Syria's Hama province, the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation at the Hmeymim airbase said Saturday.
Russia to mobilize forces if Finland joins NATO: Putin Press TV 02 Jul 2016 -- Russia has threatened it will mobilize its forces to areas closer to its border with Finland should Helsinki choose to join the US-led military alliance of NATO.
Success for Russia': Moscow Rises Into the Lead in Aerial Surveillance Sputnik 02 Jul 2016 -- Russia has become the first member of the Treaty on Open Skies to be allowed to use digital surveillance equipment during its observation flights. Moscow, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, will be able to maintain this technological advantage over Canada, Italy, France, the UK and the US, who still use analog cameras, for several years.
Russian MoD Ready to Discuss Flight Transponder Use Over Baltics With NATO Sputnik 02 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday said that its experts are ready to discuss with their NATO counterparts the use of flight transponder equipment in military flights over the Baltic Sea if the alliance is willing to implement such measures.
Putin: NATO Jets Fly Over Baltics Without Turning on Identification Devices Sputnik 01 Jul 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that NATO jets fly over the Baltic region without turning on their identification devices more often that Russian military aircraft.
Loose Interpretation: Russian Military Criticizes Pentagon Remarks on Syria Sputnik 01 Jul 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry on Friday strongly criticized recent remarks by US Defense Secretary Ash Carter about Russia's role in the anti-terrorism fight in Syria.
Russia to Respond to US Missile Defense in Poland - Putin Sputnik 01 Jul 2016 -- Russia will be forced to respond adequately to the deployment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) missile defense system in Poland and the Western alliance's estward military buildup, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
Ramzan Kadyrov's Trojan Horse RFE/RL 01 Jul 2016 -- It is no secret that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has long considered Daghestan's Khasavyurt district that borders on Chechnya part of his bailiwick. Two recent interlinked moves are clearly intended to strengthen his influence not only in Khasavyurt, but elsewhere in Daghestan.
Putin Hints At Troop Movements If Finland Joins NATO RFE/RL 01 Jul 2016 -- President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia would move troops toward its border with Finland if the Scandinavian country became a member of NATO, whose eastward expansion since the fall of the Soviet Union has long angered the Kremlin.
Top Secret Project 705: Soviet Submarine Still Causing a Stir in the West Sputnik 01 Jul 2016 -- The Soviet top secret Project 705 is still prompting heated debate: the question remains open whether the superfast elusive Cold War-era Lira-class submarine or its successor will ever enter service again.
Russia Plans to Sell Over 120 Mi-28NE, Mi-35M Helicopters in 2016-2018 Sputnik 01 Jul 2016 -- Russia's Rostvertol plant, manufacturing military and commercial helicopters, plans to supply domestic and foreign customers with over 120 Mi-28NE attack helicopters and multirole Mi-35M helicopters in 2016-2018, the company said in its annual report for 2015.
Russia Preparing to Test-Fly Advanced Sarmat ICBMs Sputnik 01 Jul 2016 -- Russia started preparations for flight tests of the country's latest Sarmat silo-based heavy ballistic missiles, local Izvestia newspaper reported Friday, citing military sources.

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July 2016 - Russia Special Weapons News