February 2017 - Russia Special Weapons News

NATO Calls on Russia to Recognize Georgian Borders VOA 28 Feb 2017 -- A top NATO official on Tuesday called on authorities in Georgia's Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia to rethink plans to close two crossing points into Tbilisi-controlled territory.
Putin unveils deal with Tajikistan to bolster Tajik-Afghan border security Press TV 28 Feb 2017 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has unveiled a deal with neighboring Tajikistan under which the two countries will intensify measures to jointly protect the Tajik-Afghan border using a Russian military base.
Putin Says Russian Base In Kyrgyzstan Key To Regional Stability RFE/RL 28 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has wrapped up a three-nation tour of Central Asia with a visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he touted a Russian air base as a key to stability in the region.
Putin: Russia, Kyrgyzstan to Strengthen Military Ties, Moscow May Close Its Base Sputnik 28 Feb 2017 -- The Russian leader said Moscow and Bishkek agreed to step up military and technical cooperation and added that Russia is ready to close its military base in Kyrgyzstan should Biskek ask for it.
Pamfilova Takes Daghestan's Leaders To Task Over Vote-Rigging RFE/RL 28 Feb 2017 -- Reporting to Russian President Vladimir Putin last September on the conduct of the State Duma elections, Ella Pamfilova, chair of Russia's Central Election Commission, singled out Daghestan as one of the federation subjects where irregularities were most blatant and prevalent. Pamfilova elaborated on that assessment during meetings in Makhachkala two weeks ago with the republic's leaders, journalists, and representatives of various political parties, publicly warning republic head Ramazan Abdulatipov that "we do not need inflated statistics" that undermine voters' trust in the electoral process.
S-400 Deal to Be 'Priority' in Upcoming Talks Between Putin, Erdogan in Moscow Sputnik 28 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan will discuss the purchase of S-400 air defense missile systems during their upcoming meeting in Moscow, Turkish chief presidential adviser Ilnur Cevik said Tuesday.
Putin Says Moscow Will Not Support New Sanctions Against Syria RFE/RL 28 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow will not support new sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, warning that imposing new punishments would hurt efforts to end Syria's six-year-old civil war.
Russia won't support Western-backed UN motion on Syria: Putin Press TV 28 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced a draft United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that would impose sanctions on the Syrian government over its alleged use of chemical weapons, stressing that Moscow will not support fresh restrictive measures against Damascus.
'No Mercy': Russia 'Should Prepare to Live Under Sanctions Indefinitely' - PM Sputnik 28 Feb 2017 -- Russia should not expect any mercy, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.
Russia, US Should Uphold Existing Nuke-Cutting Treaty - Deputy Defense Minister Sputnik 28 Feb 2017 -- Moscow will discuss proposals on revising the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty if Washington sends any, Russia's deputy defense minister said.
Lithuania Jails Russian, Ex-Officer For Spying For Russia RFE/RL 28 Feb 2017 -- A court in Lithuania has sentenced a Russian citizen and a former Lithuanian military officer to prison on charges of spying for Russia.
Russia to Help Boost Tajik-Afghan Border Protection Using Russian Base - Putin Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Moscow and Dushanbe have agreed to intensify efforts to protect the Tajik-Afghan border, using a Russian military base, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday after talks with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon.
Russia, Tajikistan to Continue Efforts to Ensure Stability in Central Asia Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- Russia and Tajikistan will continue coordination of efforts aimed at ensuring stability and security in Central Asia, according to a joint statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Putin And Rahmon Agree To Bolster Tajik-Afghan Border Security RFE/RL 27 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in the midst of a three-nation tour of Central Asia that he has agreed with Tajikistan's president to jointly bolster security along the Tajik-Afghan border.
US, France to Start Open Skies Flight Over Russia on Monday Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- US and French inspectors will conduct an aerial surveillance flight over Russia, the head of Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said Monday.
Russia to Start Air Mission Over Turkey on Monday Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The head of Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said that Russian inspectors would conduct an aerial surveillance flight over Turkey.
On Alert: Crimea to Get BUK Missile Systems Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Navy will deploy batteries of BUK missiles in Crimea to protect its surface ships and submarines against drones and cruise missiles to beef up anti-access/area-denial capabilities around the Black Sea peninsula, the newspaper Izvestia wrote.
Report: Japan Ready To Offer Russia Economic Plan For Disputed Island Chain RFE/RL 26 Feb 2017 -- Japan is ready to propose a specific plan to Russia for the joint economic development of an island chain that both countries claim, The Nikkei Asia Review reports.
US blames Ukraine mission attack on Russia Press TV 26 Feb 2017 -- The United States government has condemned an attack on special monitoring missions in eastern Ukraine, calling on Russia to "immediately" observe ceasefire in the restive region.
U.S. Demands Russia Observe Cease-Fire; Says Combined Russian-Separatist Forces Attack Monitors RFE/RL 26 Feb 2017 -- The United States has called on Russia to "immediately" observe a cease-fire deal in eastern Ukraine -- saying that a combined force from Russia's military and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine had been targeting international monitors.
Thousands March In Moscow To Commemorate Slain Kremlin Critic Nemtsov RFE/RL 26 Feb 2017 -- Thousands have marched in Moscow to commemorate slain Kremlin critic and former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov who was killed two years ago.
Russian N Fleet to Participate in Russian-Norwegian Barents Drills in September Sputnik 26 Feb 2017 -- Russian Northern Fleet will participate in the annual Russian-Norwegian exercise in September, the fleet's press service said on Sunday in a statement.
US needs more talks with Russia to avoid conflicts in Syria: Air Force general Press TV 25 Feb 2017 -- A top US Air Force general says the United States and Russia need to enhance communication to avoid accidents in the skies over Syria because the country's airspace is shrinking as the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group loses more territory.
Russia Upgrading Nuclear Forces to Reach Cap Allowed by New START Treaty Sputnik 25 Feb 2017 -- Russia is now upgrading its nuclear arsenal to the number allowed by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), according to Franz Klintsevich, first deputy chairman of Russia's Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security.
Russia Working on Extremely Long-Range Cruise Missile for White Swan Sputnik 25 Feb 2017 -- The Russian State Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Systems (GosNIIAS) is working on an extremely long-range cruise missile as part of efforts aimed at modernizing the Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported, citing GosNIIAS' First Deputy of the General Director and Supervisor of Studies Evgeny Fedosov.
Russia to Overhaul Five Military Airfields in Couple of Years – Commander Sputnik 25 Feb 2017 -- Russia's Aerospace Forces plan plans to rebuilt five airfields in the country's southwest and Far East, the commander said on Saturday.
Russia, Iran Agree on Joint Production of Nuclear Fuel Sputnik 25 Feb 2017 -- Russia and Iran have agreed a roadmap for joint production of nuclear fuel, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) said Saturday in an interview with a local news agency.
Russia Vows To Veto Sanctions On Syria Over Chemical Weapons RFE/RL 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia says it is ready to veto a draft UN resolution calling for sanctions against Syria over the use of chemical weapons on civilians.
Russia Expected to Veto UN Resolution Blaming Syria for Chemical Attacks VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia says it will veto a draft U.N. resolution blaming the Syrian government for some chemical weapons attacks in Syria if it is brought to a vote.
Russia Builds an Integrated Defense Line on Its Eastern Flank Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia will deploy a division to the Kuril Islands this year, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday. Moreover, the first Bastion coastal defense system has recently been deployed to Kamchatka. The moves are part of Defense Ministry's plan to build an integrated defense system in Russia's Far East.
Russia 'Categorically Against' Trump's Possible Suspension of New START Treaty Sputnik 24 Feb 2017 -- Russia is categorically against the possible suspension of the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) and will insist on extension of the document, Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the defense committee in the Russian upper house of parliament, told Sputnik on Friday.
Russia Has No Intention to Use Military on Kuril Islands Against Japan Sputnik 23 Feb 2017 -- Russia does not intend to use its division which will be deployed to the Kuril Islands against Japan and is ready for military cooperation with Tokyo on the issue, Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the defense committee in the Russian upper house of parliament, told Sputnik on Thursday.
Japan Lodges Protest Over Russia's Plan to Deploy Division on Kurils Sputnik 23 Feb 2017 -- Japan sent a note of protest against Russia over its plan to deploy a division on the Kuril Islands later in the year, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.
Putin: Russia aims to stabilize legitimate authority in Syria Press TV 23 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country has no plans to interfere in Syria's internal affairs and its aim is to stabilize the legitimate government in the Arab country which is battling terrorists.
Russia Open To U.S. Plan To Create Safe Zones, If Syria Is Involved RFE/RL 23 Feb 2017 -- Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on creating safe zones in Syria, but believes that any such plan needs to be coordinated with the Syrian government, Moscow's top diplomat said.
Number One With a Bullet: Russia's New T-50 Jet Gets Sophisticated Shells Sputnik 23 Feb 2017 -- Russia's fifth generation fighter jet, the T-50, is equipped with new aircraft cannon shells which have been upgraded to enable 'smart' targeting, according to the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Russia's Polyana Command & Control Post Can Track 500 Targets Simultaneously Sputnik 23 Feb 2017 -- This week Russian civil and defense concern Roselektronika premiered Polyana-D4M1, an automated command and control system for air defense, at the IDEX-2017 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Sputnik gets into the details of what exactly the system is capable of.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 22, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2017
Moscow Supports Search for Mutually Acceptable Solution to Karabakh Conflict Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- The Russian foreign minister said there was no alternative to the current format of co-chairs of the Minsk Group on Nagorno-Karabakh.
UAE Signs $700Mln Anti-Tank Missile Contract With Russia Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- Russia and the United Arab Emirates signed a contract on delivering anti-tank missiles for the Emirati army.
Armenia's Cooperation With NATO 'Not Against Strategic Alliance With Russia' Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- Armenia's defense minister told Sputnik that Yerevan's cooperation with NATO does not threaten its relations with Russia.
Yerevan Considers Russian Base 'Very Important Component' of Armenia's Security Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told Sputnik that Russia's base in Gyumri is "a very important component" of Yerevan's security strategy.
Russia hails successful anti-terror operation in Syria Press TV 22 Feb 2017 -- Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has praised Moscow's counter-terrorism military campaign in Syria, citing its success in testing new weapons and eliminating terrorists wreaking havoc in the Arab country.
Russian Aerospace Forces Have Eliminated Over 3,000 Militants in Syria in 2017 Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces have eliminated more than 3,000 militants, including 26 warlords, in Syria, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday. The aircraft have made 1,760 sorties in 2017. The minister underscored the key role of special task forces in the fight against terrorists.
Why Turkey Wants to Obtain Russian-Made S-400 Air Defense Systems Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- Turkey urgently needs to deploy its own independent air defense system to cope with modern security threats, retired Turkish Brigade General Nejat Eslen told Sputnik, stressing that the Russian-made S-400 Triumf is one of the best anti-aircraft systems in the world.
In Syria And Ukraine, Russia Positions Itself As Solution To Problems It Created RFE/RL 22 Feb 2017 -- The world is becoming ever more tumultuous. But amid the general storm one country can be relied upon to maintain a sanguine -- and sanguinary -- course: Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Russian Defense Chief Says New Weapons Tested In Syria Campaign RFE/RL 22 Feb 2017 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has expressed satisfaction with Moscow's military campaign in Syria and says it has been a good test of new weapons and special-forces units.
Message for Tokyo? Russia Deploys Bastion-P Coastal Defense System in Kamchatka Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- Russia has deployed the first battery of its Bastion-P next-generation mobile coastal defense system in the southern Kamchatka Peninsula, Izvestia reports. Experts say the deployment will help protect Russia's strategic nuclear submarines, and can help send an important message to Tokyo about the on-going Kuril Islands dispute.
Russia Still India's Most Dependable Defense Partner Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- India is the largest buyer of Russian weapons, taking home 38 per cent of Moscow's exports. Washington's efforts to increase defense selling to India under make in India program are shrouded in doubts with the Donald Trump administration pushing for protectionism and saving American jobs.
Russia Says Military Neutrality Of Sweden, Finland Is Crucial For Security RFE/RL 21 Feb 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said the military neutrality of Sweden and Finland is fundamental to the security of the Baltic region.
Kremlin Dismisses Back-Channel Ukrainian Peace Plan As 'Absurd' RFE/RL 21 Feb 2017 -- The Kremlin has dismissed a Ukrainian peace plan created by a pro-Russian Ukrainian lawmaker and given to the White House, calling its provision on Crimea "absurd."
Kremlin on Donbass Republics: DPR, LPR 'in Severe Blockade on Part of Ukraine' Sputnik 21 Feb 2017 -- The Kremlin spokesman commented on the possibility of Russia recognizing Donbass republics following President Vladimir Putin's decree giving a legal status to the documents of the republics' citizens.
Turkey-Russia Talks on S-400 Deliveries 'Positive' - Turkish Foreign Minister Sputnik 21 Feb 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister said that negotiations with Russia on deliveries of advanced S-400 Triumf air defense systems to Turkey are progressing successfully.
Russia Begins Sukhoi T-50 Fighter Missile, Bomb Armament Tests Sputnik 21 Feb 2017 -- Deputy Defense Minister said that tests of the Russian fifth-generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA) are in the process of the integration of missile and bomb armament.
Fifth S-400 Air Defense Regiment Enters Combat Duty Near Moscow Sputnik 21 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Armed Forces have deployed another S-400 Triumf missile system to the Moscow Region.
Lavrov Rejects Claim Moscow Was Behind Montenegro Coup Plot RFE/RL 20 Feb 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has denounced allegations that Moscow was behind a failed plot to assassinate Montenegro's prime minister and overthrow his pro-Western government -- saying the claims are "unsubstantiated."
Russia to Supply T-90MS Tanks to a Middle East Country Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- Russia will supply T-90MS battle tanks to a country in the Middle East.
Russia, Egypt to Sign Military Equipment Deal If Cairo Solves Money Troubles Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- CEO of the Rostec State Corporation said that Russia is ready to sign the deal on military technology deliveries to Egypt as soon as Cairo solves its financial problems.
Russia to Complete BTR-80 Delivery Contract to Bangladesh in 2017 Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- Russia will complete the delivery of BTR-80 amphibious armored personnel carriers (APCs) to peacekeepers in Bangladesh this year, the vehicles' developer told Sputnik on Monday.
Russia Defends Recognizing Ukrainian Separatist Documents As Outcry Mounts RFE/RL 20 Feb 2017 -- Russia defended its decision to recognize documents issued by separatists it backs in eastern Ukraine amid mounting criticism from Western governments that the move undermines prospects for peace in the region.
Putin Recognizes Docs of Donetsk, Lugansk Republics 'for Humanitarian Reasons' Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree on the recognition of the passports of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's republics (DPR and LPR) does not run counter to the Minsk agreements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
Armata T-15 and Kurganets-25 IFVs Will Get 'Smart Ammunition' Starting Next Year Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- On Monday, Tekhmash, the company developing shells for the Armata T-15 and Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicles, announced that all-new smart munitions will be delivered by next year.
Four Russian military killed in Syria bomb attack last week: Moscow Press TV 20 Feb 2017 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says four Russian military personnel were killed and two others sustained injuries in a bombing attack in central Syria last week.
Vitaly Churkin, Russia's Combative 'Diplomatic Maestro' At UN, Dead At 64 RFE/RL 20 Feb 2017 -- Vitaly Churkin, a veteran Soviet and Russian diplomat who served as Moscow's envoy to the United Nations as its ties with the West plunged to levels unseen since the Cold War, has died at the age of 64.
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin Dies Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin died at the age of 64, just a day before his 65th birthday, in New York on Monday.
Russia's Long-time UN Ambassador Dies Suddenly VOA 20 Feb 2017 -- Russia's long-time U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin died suddenly Monday in New York, a day before he would have turned 65 years old.
U.S. Senator Vows To Punish Russia For Alleged Election Meddling RFE/RL 19 Feb 2017 -- A leading Republican senator has vowed to seek increased punishments against Russia for its alleged interference in the U.S. presidential election, saying that "2017 is going to be the year of kicking Russia in the ass in Congress."
Russia Plans to Supply Thailand With 4 Mi-17V5 Helicopters - Rostec Official Sputnik 19 Feb 2017 -- Russia plans to deliver four military transport Mi-17V5 helicopters to Thailand, Rostec state corporation's international cooperation head Viktor Kladov told Sputnik on Saturday.
Interview: OSCE Says Russian Move Undermines Ukraine Peace Efforts RFE/RL 19 Feb 2017 -- Russia's decision to recognize identification documents issued by separatists in eastern Ukraine will hurt the chances for a cease-fire to take hold, the head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) told RFE/RL on February 19.
Northbound: Russia to Form New Arctic Air Defense Division in 2018 Sputnik 20 Feb 2017 -- As Russia has set a priority of developing its Arctic territories, Russia's Aerospace Forces announced on Sunday that a new air defense division will be formed in the region to strengthen security there.
Boosting Naval Power: Russia Plans to Build 40 New-Gen Minesweepers Sputnik 19 Feb 2017 -- The Russian navy is planning to enhance its minesweeping fleet with 40 new-generation vessels equipped with automated search and detonation devices. Seven of those ships are expected to be put in service in the near future.
Top-Notch Kh-101 Cruise Missiles That Russia Unleashes on Daesh in Raqqa Sputnik 19 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces sent the time-tested Tupolev Tu-95 (Bear) strategic bombers equipped with the Raduga Kh-101, one of the most advanced cruise missiles in Russia's arsenal, to destroy Daesh targets near the city of Raqqa, the so-called capital of the terrorist group in Syria.
Russian Military Equipment Testing Launches in Arctic - Defense Ministry Sputnik 19 Feb 2017 -- Testing of new models of Russian military equipment has begun in the Arctic, Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Dmitry Bulgakov said on Sunday.
US will continue to hold Russia accountable: Trump's VP Press TV 18 Feb 2017 -- The US will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions, says Vice President Mike Pence, even though President Donald Trump is looking for better ties with Moscow.
Pence Tells Europe U.S. Remains Its 'Greatest Ally,' Urges More Defense Spending RFE/RL 18 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has told European leaders that the United States "is now and will always be your greatest ally," seeking to assuage concerns about Washington's commitment to transatlantic ties under President Donald Trump.
Pence Says US Will Hold Russia Accountable; Moscow Calls for 'Post-West' Order VOA 18 Feb 2017 -- In his first major foreign policy speech, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence has said that America will be 'unwavering' in its support for the NATO alliance, but warned European allies that they must step up defense spending.
NATO Officials Say Russian 'Fake News' Seeks to Undermine Alliance VOA 18 Feb 2017 -- Emails accusing German soldiers stationed in Lithuania of rape were sent this week to local news outlets, the latest incident in what NATO officials say is a Russian "fake news" campaign aimed at eroding public support for the military alliance.
Poroshenko Claims Putin's Decree on Donbass Passports 'Violates' Int'l Law Sputnik 18 Feb 2017 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko claimed that the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, validating the documents of the residents of the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR) in Russia is a "violation of international law."
Lavrov Explains What's Behind Putin's Decision on Donbass Residents' Passports Sputnik 18 Feb 2017 -- Russia decided to validate Donbass residents' documents for humanitarian reasons and the presidential decree will remain in force until the Minsk peace deal is implemented, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday.
Putin's Decree Declares Donetsk, Lugansk Residents' Docs Valid in Russia Sputnik 18 Feb 2017 -- President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Saturday that declared documents issued to permanent residents of several areas in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Lugansk regions valid in Russia, the Kremlin press office said.
Russia fighter jets pound Daesh positions in Syria's Raqqah Press TV 18 Feb 2017 -- Russia says its warplanes have successfully hit positions held by the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in Syria's northern province of Raqqah, the stronghold of the militant outfit in the war-torn Arab country.
Lavrov Says Russia Wants Military Cooperation With NATO, 'Pragmatic' U.S. Ties RFE/RL 18 Feb 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the "post-Cold War order" has come to an end but that Cold War thinking persists among some leaders in the West.
Ousted White House Aide May Have Lied To FBI About Talks With Russian Envoy RFE/RL 17 Feb 2017 -- U.S. media are reporting that former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn may have lied to FBI agents in an interview last month, saying he had not discussed sanctions against Russia with Moscow's U.S. ambassador.
Pentagon Still Sees 'Great Many Barriers' to Restore Military Ties With Russia Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Despite holding a meeting between the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford and his Russian counterpart, the Pentagon still sees numerous obstacles to restoring military-to-military relations with Russia.
Pentagon Tracking Activities of Russian Ship Off East Coast, Finds No Violations Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- The United States is monitoring activities of Russian intelligence ship Viktor Leonov, which has been sailing in international waters off the US east coast, and has seen no violations, the US Department of Defense spokesperson Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Friday.
Kremlin Denies Claims Russian Government Forced MPs to Vote for Crimea Accession Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday denied claims of possible forced voting in 2014 for Russia's reunification with Crimea.
Russian Long-Range Bombers Launch Cruise Missile Strikes on Daesh in Raqqa Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian Tu-95MS long-range bombers have launched cruise missile strikes on Daesh targets near the Syrian city of Raqqa, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
No external force can affect Iran-Russia ties: Deputy FM Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says his country's relations with Iran are not affected by any external influences.
Putin: NATO keeps trying to draw Russia into confrontation Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over what he termed as the military alliance's constant attempts to drag Moscow into a military confrontation.
Russia Cautious on Flynn Resignation, Dismisses Tougher Ukraine Line VOA 17 Feb 2017 -- Russia has reacted defensively and cautiously this week after the resignation of President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who was considered among the most Kremlin-friendly in the new administration.
Meeting of Federal Security Service Board President of Russia 16 Feb 2017 -- Vladimir Putin took part in an annual expanded meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Board to discuss the FSB's results for 2016 and the priority tasks for ensuring Russia's national security.
Dunford Meets Russian Counterpart to Strengthen Mil-to-Mil Contacts AFPS 16 Feb 2017 -- Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with his Russian counterpart, Army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, here today.
U.S. Defense Secretary Says Russia Must 'Prove Itself' Before NATO Ties Fully Restored RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says Russia must "prove itself" before Moscow can return to "a partnership of sorts with NATO."
Pentagon Chief Rules Out US-Russia Military Collaboration VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- At a meeting of NATO members in Brussels Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis ruled out any military collaboration between the United States and Russia because current conditions are not ideal.
News Analysis: Munich Security Conference - What's In It For Moscow, Washington, and Europe? RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- When leading officials meet in the heart of Europe for a prominent annual piece of geopolitical theater, two key players will be offstage: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Moscow Vows to Take Measures in Response to NATO Buildup in Black Sea Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Russia will study NATO's latest decisions on military buildup in the Black Sea region, which lead to the escalation of tensions, and will take appropriate steps to strengthen its national security, Russian envoy to NATO Alexander grushko said Thursday.
Tillerson Tells Lavrov U.S. Expects Russia To Meet Ukraine Commitments RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told his Russian counterpart that the Kremlin must adhere to its commitments on Ukraine if there is to be cooperation between Moscow and President Donald Trump's administration.
Mattis Has Little Doubt Russia Interfered in Elections Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- The US defense secretary said that he had little doubts that Russia had interfered or attempted to do so in a number of elections.
Bid to Probe Trump Team's Ties to Russia 'Internal US Affair' - Kremlin Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- US lawmakers' initiative to investigate connections between President Donald Trump's team and Russia is the United States' internal affair, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
Calls Grow Louder for Probes of Trump-Russia Ties VOA 16 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Senate's top Democrat said Thursday that Congress and the Justice Department must conduct meticulous, thorough investigations of any links between Russia and President Donald Trump's inner circle stretching from last year's campaign to the present.
More Top U.S. Lawmakers Question Russian Ties With Trump Aides RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Top U.S. lawmakers have continued to question the relationship between Russia and President Donald Trump's aides, with a growing number of Republicans joining calls for inquiries into the matter.
Ukraine Says Russian Hackers Targeting Kyiv's Power Grid, Financial System RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Ukraine has accused Russian hackers of targeting its power grid, financial system, and other infrastructure with thousands of attacks and a new type of virus that attacks industrial processes.
Russia: Pentagon Should Not Seek Dialogue From 'Position Of Strength' RFE/RL 16 Feb 2017 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia is prepared to improve ties with the Pentagon, but warned against Washington seeking cooperation from a "position of strength."
Trump: Reports of New Russian Missile Won't Harm US Ability to Work With Moscow Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- A Russian spy ship allegedly detected off the US eastern coast, a newly deployed Russian cruise missile and Russian military airplanes flying near a US destroyer in the Black Sea will not damage Washington's efforts to build relations with Moscow, US President Donald Trump said in a press conference on Thursday.
Russia Not Interfering in Internal Affairs of Other Countries - Lavrov Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Russia is not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, particularly the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday at a meeting with new US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Much Ado About Nothing: Why Russian Ship Off US Coast is No Cause for Concern Sputnik 16 Feb 2017 -- Earlier this week, media reported that a Russian military ship was spotted in international waters off the east coast of the United States. According to unnamed US military officials, the ship, the SSV-175 Viktor Leonov, was detected 130 km from the coast of Delaware.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 15, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Feb 2017
Russia tells White House it will not return Crimea to Ukraine Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia has rejected US calls to "return" Crimea to Ukraine, saying that the strategic peninsula in the Baltic Sea [sic. ed. Black Sea] is part of Russian territory.
'Russia Does Not Return Its Territories' - Moscow on WH Statement on Crimea Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia does not return its territories, Russian Foreign Ministry spokewoman Maria Zakharova said commenting on the White House statement that US President Trump is expecting Moscow to return Crimea to Kiev.
Russia denies US claims of unsafe flybys in Black Sea Press TV 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia has denied claims of "unsafe" encounters between Russian military jets and a United States destroyer in the Black Sea.
Karelia Governor Is Fifth To Resign In Russia In Recent Days RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- The governor of Russia's northwestern region of Karelia, Aleksandr Khudilainen, has become the fifth regional leader to step down in recent days.
Russia Won't Discuss Crimea, Dismisses Report Of Contacts With Trump Team RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says Moscow will not discuss the return of Crimea to Ukraine with the United States or any other country.
Russia Said To Deploy Cruise Missile That Violates Arms Control Treaty RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- U.S. media are reporting that Russia has deployed a new cruise missile that the United States contends is in violation of an arms control treaty.
Russian Ship Off US East Coast Reportedly Nears Submarine Base in Connecticut Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- A Russian ship, which was detected in the international waters off the east coast of the United States on Tuesday, has been spotted not far from a US Navy submarine base in the state of Connecticut, Fox News reported.
Russia's Navalny Plans to Run for President Despite Legal Hurdles VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny did not fall into despair after a court in Kirov on February 8 upheld his guilty verdict in the Kirovles embezzlement case.
Lawmakers Call for Congressional Approval on Russia Sanctions VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday to prevent the Trump administration from repealing sanctions on Russia without congressional approval.
Russian Actions Seen as Challenging Trump Administration VOA 15 Feb 2017 -- A secret deployment of a new nuclear-capable missile in apparent violation of an arms control treaty. Russian spy ships lurking 50 kilometers from a U.S. East Coast submarine base while Moscow's jets buzz an American Navy destroyer in the Black Sea. These actions are being seen by some as a test of how the new Trump administration will react at a time when it faces heat for taking what critics call a suspiciously soft line toward the Russians.
Russia Ready to Increase Licensed Production of Su-30MKI Fighter Jets in India Sputnik 15 Feb 2017 -- Russia is willing to ramp up the licensed production of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Trump wants Russia to 'return Crimea,' Spicer says Press TV 14 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump wants Russia to "return Crimea" to Ukraine, after the region's unification with Russia.
Russian Observers See Flynn's Exit as Setback for Trump White House VOA 14 Feb 2017 -- Russian experts weighed in Tuesday on the resignation of Michael Flynn as White House national security adviser and its potential impact on U.S.-Russian relations.
Russian MoD Denies Incidents With Russian Planes Near US Destroyer in Black Sea Sputnik 14 Feb 2017 -- There were no incidents involving Russian military planes flying near a US destroyer in the Black Sea on February 10, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
Pentagon Accuses Russia of 'Unsafe, Unprofessional' Actions Near US Destroyer Sputnik 14 Feb 2017 -- The United States is concerned about the incidents with Russian aircraft flying near the US destroyer in the Black Sea earlier in February, and considers them unprofessional, Defense Department spokesperson Michelle Baldanza told Sputnik on Tuesday.
White House: Trump Made It Clear Russia Must 'Return Crimea' To Ukraine RFE/RL 14 Feb 2017 -- The White House has said that President Donald Trump fully expects Russia to return control of Crimea to Ukraine.
Trump Expects Russia to 'Return Crimea' to Ukraine - White House Sputnik 14 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump expects Russia to "return Crimea" to Ukraine, the White House spokesman said on Tuesday.
US spots Russian intelligence-gathering ship off East Coast: Officials Press TV 14 Feb 2017 -- American officials say a Russian intelligence-gathering ship has been spotted patrolling off the East Coast of the United States, the first such operation since President Donald Trump took office, according to a report.
In Flynn Saga, Kremlin Allies See Effort To Thwart Improved U.S. Ties RFE/RL 14 Feb 2017 -- Officially, the Kremlin has said the resignation of U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn over allegations of improper contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States is an "internal matter" for Washington.
Russian Aerospace Forces to Receive First MiG-35 Multirole Jets in 2017-18 Sputnik 14 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces will start receiving advanced MiG-35 fighter jets in 2017 and 2018.
Russia, India Agree on Joint Works on 5th Generation Fighter Sputnik 14 Feb 2017 -- Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Deputy Director said that Russia and India have agreed a draft contract for the joint development of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Russian side is ready for its signing.
Russia Extends India's T-90S Tank Production License, Ready for New Orders Sputnik 14 Feb 2017 -- Russia is ready to supply more T-90S battle tanks to India at New Delhi's request.
French Presidential Front-Runner Macron Claims Russia Interfering In Election RFE/RL 14 Feb 2017 -- French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron's party chief said Macron is being targeted by Russian media and internet attacks with the goal of helping the election campaigns of his pro-Moscow rivals.
Turkish-Russian Rapprochement Questioned VOA 13 Feb 2017 -- Russia is to host a pan-Kurdish conference Wednesday, and among those invited to attend are members of the Syrian Kurdish group the PYD.
Russia Gathers Stakeholders, Sans US or NATO, for Afghanistan Conference VOA 13 Feb 2017 -- Russia is hosting a conference in Moscow this week that will bring together Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India and Iran to discuss a possible solution of the conflict in Afghanistan.
Trump's national security adviser under attack for Russia ties Press TV 13 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, has come under attack for reportedly contacting Russia and discussing then-President Barack Obama's sanctions against the country.
Russia Sends Military Police Battalion to Syria to Boost Security of Personnel Sputnik 13 Feb 2017 -- Russia has sent a military police battalion to protect its personnel in Syria.
Russian Navy Enters Active Phase of Int'l Drills in Arabian Sea Sputnik 13 Feb 2017 -- Russia's anti-submarine ship Severomorsk has started active phase of the international AMAN-2017 drills.
Supersonic BrahMos Russian-Indian Missile Upgraded to Be Launched From Fighters Sputnik 13 Feb 2017 -- India is due to test the air-launched version of the supersonic Russian-Indian BrahMos cruise missile in the next three months, according to the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Russian Military Inspectors to Assess Designated Area in Turkey Sputnik 13 Feb 2017 -- Chief of Directorate of Treaty Monitoring of the Russian Defense Ministry Sergey Ryzhkov said that a group of Russian inspectors would visit a designated location in Turkey under the Vienna Document to verify the information on the military activity in the area.
Pakistan Looking Forward to More Bilateral Military Exercises With Russia Sputnik 12 Feb 2017 -- Pakistan is looking forward to hold more bilateral exercises with Russian colleagues in the future, Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah told Sputnik on Sunday while visiting the Russian anti-submarine destroyer Severomorsk.
U.S. Democrats Call For Inquiry, Firing Of Flynn Over Possible Russian Sanctions Talk RFE/RL 11 Feb 2017 -- Germany's defense minister said that U.S. demands that NATO partners increase defense spending are "fair," while her U.S. counterpart praised Germany's role in fighting the war in Afghanistan.
US Commander Warns of Russian, Iranian, Pakistani Influence in Afghanistan VOA 11 Feb 2017 -- The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says Russia, Pakistan and Iran are pursuing their own agendas with regard to the fragile country, complicating the fight against terrorism and extremism.
UK jets intercept two Russian bombers in intl. airspace Press TV 11 Feb 2017 -- The UK has scrambled its fighter jets to intercept two Russian bombers in the international airspace, claiming that they were flying on the edge of British territories.
Syrian Army Supported by Russian Warplanes Destroy Daesh Stronghold Near Al-Bab Sputnik 11 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday that the Syrian army supported by Russian aviation have destroyed a Daesh stronghold near the city of al-Bab in the Aleppo province.
Iran Could Allow Russia Use its Airspace to Support Operation in Syria Sputnik 11 Feb 2017 -- Tehran and Moscow have been cooperating on a number of issues related to the Syrian conflict and it is possible that Iran will allow Russia use its airspace to support the anti-terrorist operation in Syria, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Saturday.
Shamkhani: Russian planes' flight over Iran to Syria needs joint decision IRNA 11 Feb 2017 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said on Saturday that the use of Iran's airspace by the Russian planes dispatched for fighting terrorism in Syria needs preparation including precise assessment and pre-scheduled planning.
Iran could allow Russian bombers to use its airspace ISNA 11 Feb 2017 -- Cooperation between Iran and Russia in fighting against terrorism was absolutely strategic, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council emphasized on Saturday.
Syria-bound Russian planes using Iran airspace for anti-terror operations: Shamkhani Press TV 11 Feb 2017 -- A senior Iranian official says Russian warplanes are using the Islamic Republic's airspace for anti-terror operations in Syria.
Russia Successfully Tests Ship-Borne Ka-52K Helicopter Sputnik 11 Feb 2017 -- Russia successfully tested its latest Ka-52K Katran reconnaissance and combat helicopter during the recent Mediterranean cruise by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Rossiiskaya Gazeta reported.
Reports: Flynn Discussed Sanctions With Russian Envoy Before Trump Took Office RFE/RL 10 Feb 2017 -- U.S. media reports say White House national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador to the United States during the month before President Donald Trump took office.
Reports: Trump Adviser Discussed Sanctions with Russian Envoy VOA 10 Feb 2017 -- National Security Advisor Michael Flynn reportedly had conversations about U.S. sanctions against Russia with Russia's ambassador to the United State, despite denials from the Trump administration that the talks dealt with that subject, The Washington Post and The New York Times are reporting.
Trump denounced nuclear arms treaty with Russia during call with Putin Press TV 10 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has told Russian leader Vladimir Putin he does not want to renew a 2010 nuclear arms reduction treaty between Washington and Moscow because the deal was bad for the United States.
Turkey gave coordinates for al-Bab airstrikes: Kremlin Press TV 10 Feb 2017 -- Moscow says the Russian air force conducted recent airstrikes that accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers in Syria based on coordinates provided by Turkey.
Turkish MoD Claims Russia Knew Turkish Army's Coordinates in Al-Bab Strike Area Sputnik 10 Feb 2017 -- The Turkish General Staff claimed that Russian military had been warned in advance of the presence of Turkish servicemen in the area targeted by the Russian jets in Syria's al-Bab.
Russia-US ties need to be restored in interest of both nations: Putin Press TV 10 Feb 2017 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia has called for the restoration of relations between Moscow and Washington in the interests of both nations, following a five-year period of "degradation."
Total Order Volume for Russian Su-30 Aircraft Surpasses 470 - Manufacturer Sputnik 10 Feb 2017 -- The demand for Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighter aircraft is high, over 470 planes have been ordered, IRKUT Corporation told Sputnik Friday.
Prospects of New START Treaty Depend on Washington's Stance - Kremlin Sputnik 10 Feb 2017 -- The Kremlin cannot comment on its position regarding the New START treaty extension yet, as there is a need to update information on the parties' stance, and the negotiations will depend on the US stance on the issue, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 9, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Feb 2017
Putin condoles with Erdogan after mistaken airstrikes kill 3 Turkish troops Press TV 09 Feb 2017 -- Moscow has "expressed condolences" to Ankara over the accidental death of three Turkish soldiers in Russian counter-terrorism air raids in Syria.
Russia trying to 'publicly legitimize the Taliban': US commander Press TV 09 Feb 2017 -- The commander of American and NATO forces in Afghanistan has accused Russia of trying to undermine the United States in the country by attempting to "publicly legitimize the Taliban."
Turkey Satisfied With Russia's Response After Airstrike Incident - Source Sputnik 10 Feb 2017 -- A high-ranking Turkish military source in Ankara told Sputnik that Turkey has positively assessed Russia's constructive position in connection with the airstrike incident in northern Syria.
Ambassador: Russia will avoid interfering in South China Sea disputes People's Daily 09 Feb 2017 -- Russia will not interfere in disputes surrounding the South China Sea, and it warns other countries against doing so as well, Russian ambassador to China Andrey Denisov said.
Russian Official Calls Romania 'A Clear Threat' And NATO Outpost RFE/RL 09 Feb 2017 -- A Russian Foreign Ministry official says Moscow views Romania as a NATO outpost and a "clear threat" because it hosts part of a U.S. missile shield in Europe.
NATO's Deployment in Baltics Threatens Russia - Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) military deployment in the Baltics poses a threat to Russia and does not suggest that the buildup will end there, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.
Report: Trump Called Obama-Era Nuclear Reduction Treaty a Bad Deal on Putin Call Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- Sources inside the White House have revealed that US President Donald Trump paused to ask aides what the New START treaty was, during a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, before telling Putin it was one in a string of bad deals completed by the Obama administration.
Kremlin Confirms Accidental Russian Airstrike Kills Turkish Soldiers in Syria Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Sputnik that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over an accidental Russian airstrike that had killed Turkish soldiers in Syria.
Putin, Erdogan Agree to Expand Russia-Turkey Military Coordination in Syria Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed in a phone call on Thursday the situation in Syria and steps aimed at expanding joint efforts in the fight against Daesh and other terrorist groups in the war-torn country, the Kremlin press service said.
Russian MoD Denies Reports of Alleged Strikes in Syria by Tochka-U Systems Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry denied reports of alleged strikes in Syria carried out by Russia's Tochka-U ballistic missile systems.
Kremlin Comments on Alleged Russian Supply of Tochka Ballistic Missiles to Syria Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- Kremlin has no information on US media reports of alleged Russia's supplies of Tochka tactical ballistic missiles (NATO reporting name SS-21 Scarab) to Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
Turkey Satisfied With Russia's Response After Airstrike Incident - Source Sputnik 10 Feb 2017 -- A high-ranking Turkish military source in Ankara told Sputnik that Turkey has positively assessed Russia's constructive position in connection with the airstrike incident in northern Syria.
Lavrov: NATO Actions at Russian Border Have Destabilizing Character Sputnik 10 Feb 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that NATO actions at the Russian border have provocative and destabilizing character.
Top U.S. Senator Suggests Empowering Trump Officials Who Are Tough On Russia RFE/RL 09 Feb 2017 -- A top U.S. senator has suggested lawmakers should empower officials in Donald Trump's administration whose views on Russia diverge sharply from those voiced by the president.
Russian MoD Confirms Tu-160 Strategic Bombers' Patrols Over Neutral Waters Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers conducted on Thursday patrol flights over neutral waters in the Northern hemisphere without violating international rules, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Russian Aerospace Forces Snap Air Defense at Moscow Area of Engagement Sputnik 09 Feb 2017 -- Russian Aerospace Forces tested air defense systems in the Moscow area of engagement as part of three-day nationwide snap checks, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Some Republican Senators Want Trump to Take Tough Stance on Russia VOA 09 Feb 2017 -- Nine Republican senators have signed a letter calling on President Donald Trump to take a tough stance when dealing with Russia, though they did encourage the president to "seek common ground."
US senators seek veto power over Trump on Russia sanctions Press TV 08 Feb 2017 -- A growing number of US senators from both major political parties plan to increase sanctions against Russia and give Congress the authority to prevent President Donald Trump from lifting sanctions on Moscow unilaterally.
Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza Emerges From Coma, Condition Improving RFE/RL 08 Feb 2017 -- Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr. who has been hospitalized in critical condition for the second time in two years in what his family and friends suspect was a deliberate poisoning, has awoken from a coma and improved noticeably, his lawyer and wife told RFE/RL.
Moscow Believes Turkey Not Creating Buffer Zone in North Syria Amid Al-Bab Op Sputnik 08 Feb 2017 -- Moscow believes Turkey is not currently creating a buffer zone in northern Syria, a senior Russian diplomat told Sputnik.
Russia's Putin orders snap Air Force drills Press TV 08 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered snap drills by the country's Air Force to evaluate its preparedness against potential aggression, according to the Russian defense minister.
McCain slams Trump for US-Russia comparison Press TV 08 Feb 2017 -- US Republican Senator John McCain has harshly criticized a recent argument by President Donald Trump that Washington and Moscow are morally equivalent.
Russia-US Thaw at Risk if Senate Gets Veto Power on Lifting Sanctions on Russia Sputnik 08 Feb 2017 -- The US Senate's veto power on lifting anti-Russia sanctions by the US presidential administration would impede normalization of relations between the two countries, Konstantin Kosachev, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian upper house of parliament, told Sputnik Wednesday.
U.S. Senators Submit Bill Seeking Veto Power Over Trump On Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 08 Feb 2017 -- A group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation that would hamstring any effort by President Donald Trump's administration to lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
Russian Oppositionist Navalny Calls Latest Conviction 'Telegram From Kremlin' RFE/RL 08 Feb 2017 -- A court in the Russian city of Kirov has found opposition political activist and anticorruption campaigner Aleksei Navalny guilty of embezzlement.
Navalny Gets 5-Yr Suspended Sentence for Embezzlement VOA 08 Feb 2017 -- A Russian judge has given prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny a five year suspended sentence after he was convicted of embezzlement, a decision that may prevent him from running in next year's presidential election.
'Poisoned' Kremlin Critic Vladimir Kara-Murza: What You Need To Know RFE/RL 08 Feb 2017 -- Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, Jr., has fallen gravely ill in Moscow for the second time in two years, and his wife has said doctors' preliminary diagnosis this week was the same as the first: "poisoning" by an unidentified substance.
Rights Group Warns Russia Moving Toward 'Martial Law' On The Internet RFE/RL 08 Feb 2017 -- Russia is increasingly cracking down on Internet users as courts impose harsh jail sentences for posts expressing political views, a rights advocacy group warned.
Russia, Turkey, Iran and UN hash out details of monitoring regime for Syria ceasefire UN News 07 Feb 2017 -- The delegations of Russia, Turkey and Iran as well as United Nations representatives held their first meeting yesterday to discuss the establishment of a ceasefire implementation regime in Syria that was decided at the 23-24 January talks held in the Kazakh capital of Astana, a UN spokesperson in Geneva said today.
Wife Says Gravely Ill Putin Critic Was Poisoned VOA 07 Feb 2017 -- The wife of Russian journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent opposition activist and Kremlin critic, says "acute poisoning" has left her husband gravely ill in a Moscow hospital.
Afghanistan Favors Deeper Cooperation With Russia on Security Issues Sputnik 07 Feb 2017 -- Afghanistan's top diplomat said Kabul sought deeper security cooperation with Moscow.
Merkel 'appeals to' Putin regarding peace in eastern Ukraine Press TV 07 Feb 2017 -- Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Russia's President Vladimir Putin to use his "influence" on pro-Russians in eastern Ukraine to help establish peace in the war-ravaged region.
Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Demoralize and Strike Fear Into Daesh in Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 07 Feb 2017 -- The Syrian troops in Daesh-besieged Deir ez-Zor have significantly improved their positions thanks to Russian airstrikes, the Russian General Staff said.
'Deliberate Lie': Russian MoD Denies Reports of Airstrikes on Syria's Idlib Sputnik 07 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry denied Tuesday media reports alleging that the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out an airstrike on the Syrian city of Idlib.
Russia rejects accusations of airstrikes on Syria's Idlib Press TV 07 Feb 2017 -- Russia has refuted reports about its alleged role in air raids on Syrian city of Idlib, saying its jets have not targeted the militant-held northwestern city since the start of 2017.
Russia to Start Churning Out Armata Tanks in 2018 Sputnik 07 Feb 2017 -- Russia will start the mass production of the advanced T-14 Armata battle tanks in 2018.
Kremlin: No Such Thing as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Sputnik 06 Feb 2017 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there is no conflict between Russia and Ukraine and Donbass is exclusively an intra-Ukrainian conflict.
'You Think Our Country's So Innocent?' Trump's 'Truth Bomb' Sputnik 07 Feb 2017 -- "Putin's a killer." This was the claim made by Fox News "journalist" Bill O'Reilly during his recent interview with Donald Trump. Trump's reply came in the form of a simple question. "What, you think our country's so innocent?"
Wife Says Kremlin Critic Diagnosed With 'Acute Poisoning'; Blood Samples Sent To Israeli Lab RFE/RL 06 Feb 2017 -- The wife of well-known Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, Jr., who fell critically ill last week in Moscow for the second time in two years, said doctors have diagnosed him with "acute poisoning by an undetermined substance."
Kremlin Wants Apology From Fox News Over Putin 'Killer' Comment, Says Iran Not 'Terrorist' RFE/RL 06 Feb 2017 -- The Kremlin says it wants an apology from Fox News over what it said were "unacceptable" comments one of the U.S. channel's presenters made about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
New US sanctions on Iran unacceptable: Russia Press TV 06 Feb 2017 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has expressed his regret over the new United States' sanctions against the Islamic Republic, saying bans are not an appropriate means to resolve issues.
Russia disagrees with US on Iran characterization Press TV 06 Feb 2017 -- Russia says it disagrees with the administration of US President Donald Trump's characterization of Iran as a "terrorist state."
Trump Respects Putin, Says 'Getting Along' With Russia Will Help Defeat Daesh Sputnik 06 Feb 2017 -- Good relations between the United States and Russia would be a "good thing" especially if cooperation contributed to the defeat of Daesh jihadist group, US President Donald Trump said Sunday.
Trump says US government has 'a lot of killers, isn't 'so innocent' Press TV 05 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump says the American government has "a lot of killers" and is not "so innocent," adding that he respects Russian President Vladimir Putin for fighting against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group.
Trump Defends Putin, Says U.S. Has 'Killers' Too RFE/RL 05 Feb 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has shrugged off a description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "killer," saying the United States has "a lot of killers" as well.
Trump Says 'Respects' Putin, But Not Sure They Will Get Along VOA 05 Feb 2017 -- President Donald Trump says that though he "respects" Russian President Vladimir Putin, they may not necessarily get along.
Trump Responds to Fox News Criticism of Russia, Saying US Not 'So Innocent' Sputnik 05 Feb 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has responded to criticism of Russia by a US television channel Fox News journalist, by remarking that Washington is not so "innocent."
Baltic Bastion: Latvia Building 171-Mile Fence on Border With Russia Sputnik 05 Feb 2017 -- As anti-migrant hysteria sweeps the world, little Latvia has rushed to fence itself off from its surrounding neighbors, constructing nine-foot high walls around its periphery.
Russia voices concern over Daesh growth in Afghanistan Press TV 05 Feb 2017 -- Russia has expressed concerns about growing militancy in Afghanistan, warning that the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group is expanding its foothold in the conflict-ridden Asian country.
Russia to deliver 10 Su-35 fighter jets to China this year People's Daily 05 Feb 2017 -- The Information Telegraphic Agency of Russia (TASS) reported on February 2 that a source engaged in Russia's foreign military technical cooperation revealed that Russia will deliver the second batch of ten Su-35 fighter jets to China this year.
Russia to take corresponding measures if South Korea deploys THAAD People's Daily 04 Feb 2017 -- Russia will take corresponding measures to ensure its national security if South Korea deploys the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, Alexander Timonin, Russian Ambassador to South Korea, said at a press conference on Friday in Seoul.
British Defense Minister Accuses Kremlin Of 'Weaponizing Misinformation' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2017 -- Britain's defense minister says Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to undermine the West by spreading lies and hacking critical infrastructure.
Russian-Iranian Military Cooperation 'Not Limited to Supply of S-300 Systems' Sputnik 04 Feb 2017 -- The Committee on Defense and Security of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian legislature, will visit Iran next month to discuss weapons sales as well as the peaceful resolution of the war in Syria.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 3, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 Feb 2017
Russia rejects US envoy's remarks on Crimea Press TV 03 Feb 2017 -- Russia has dismissed accusations by the newly-appointed US envoy to the United Nations about the Crimean Peninsula, saying people in the territory made a conscious decision to join Russia in a referendum more than two years ago.
Russian Long-Range Bombers Strike Terrorist Targets in Syria's Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 03 Feb 2017 -- Russian long-range Tu-22M3 bombers have continued striking terrorist targets in Syria's province of Deir ez-Zor.
US ambassador to UN condemns Russia's 'aggressive actions' in Ukraine Press TV 03 Feb 2017 -- The new US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has strongly condemned Russia's "aggressive actions" in Ukraine even as the administration of US President Donald Trump seeks to improve ties with Moscow.
U.S. Ambassador To UN Says No Lifting Of Russia Sanctions Until Crimea Returned RFE/RL 03 Feb 2017 -- The new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has expressed "strong condemnation of Russia's actions" in eastern Ukraine and warned that Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia will not be lifted until Crimea is returned to Kyiv.
Navalny Denounces 'Putin's Band' As Retrial Draws To Close RFE/RL 03 Feb 2017 -- Prosecutors have asked a Russian judge to convict Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny and hand him a suspended five-year sentence in a retrial he says is aimed at barring him from running for president in 2018.
Putin says Ukraine escalating conflict to shore up US support Press TV 02 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the Ukrainian authorities of escalating the fresh bout of violence in the eastern part of the country, saying the Kiev government has resorted to such a ploy in order to rally support from the administration of US President Donald Trump and other Western powers.
Slight Change to Russia Sanctions Puts Many on Edge VOA 02 Feb 2017 -- Efforts to fix an unintended consequence of recent sanctions against Russia nearly set off a new controversy for the Trump administration, underscoring the high level of anxiety present in relations between Washington and Moscow.
Lukashenka Accuses Russia Of 'Grabbing Belarus By The Throat' RFE/RL 03 Feb 2017 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has lashed out at Russia, accusing his powerful neighbor of violating treaties and using its role as an energy supplier to "grab us by the throat."
U.S. Treasury Eases License Sanctions On Russia's FSB RFE/RL 02 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has eased some financial sanctions imposed on Russia's lead domestic security agency, a move experts said appeared to be aimed at helping U.S. technology companies.
US Treasury Eases Some Restrictions on Russian Security Agency VOA 02 Feb 2017 -- The U.S. Treasury Department announced Thursday that it is easing some restrictions on business transactions with Russia's Security Service (FSB), despite cyber-sanctions put in place by former President Barack Obama.
Executive Order 13694 of April 1, 2015 Blocking the Property of certain Persons Engagin in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities - General License No. 1 Authorizing certain Transactions with the Federal Security Service Office of Foreign Assets Control - Dept. of the Treasury 02 Feb 2017
John McCain Calls Trump Easing of Sanctions on Russia's FSB 'Technical Fix' Sputnik 02 Feb 2017 -- The announcement the Trump administration will relax certain sanctions against Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) appears to be a "technical fix" rather than a change in US policy toward Russia, US Senator John McCain told reporters.
Hungarian Leader Calls For Improved EU-Russia Ties During Putin Visit RFE/RL 02 Feb 2017 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he hopes relations between the European Union and Russia will improve in the near future and encouraged all parties to increase cooperation.
Kremlin Critic Hospitalized With Similar Symptoms To 2015 Poison Scare RFE/RL 02 Feb 2017 -- A Kremlin critic whose sudden and severe illness in 2015 led to suspicions that he had been poisoned is on life support in a Moscow hospital with similar symptoms, his wife told RFE/RL.
This is When 5th-Generation PAK FA Fighter Jets Will Join Russian Army Sputnik 02 Feb 2017 -- Deliveries of PAK FA fifth-generation fighter aircraft to the Russian Armed Forces are most likely to start under the new 2018-2025 arms procurement program, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Thursday.
Congressional Democrats Call For Probe Of Flynn's Ties To RT RFE/RL 01 Feb 2017 -- A group of senior Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives have asked the Defense Department to investigate whether President Donald Trump's national security adviser violated the constitution by accepting money from Russia's state-funded RT television network.
Ukraine Says Russia Fired On Military Transport Plane Over Black Sea RFE/RL 01 Feb 2017 -- Ukrainian military authorities say that an unarmed military transport plane was hit by antiaircraft fire from a Russian naval vessel over a disputed area of the Black Sea.
Russian Official Confirms Heavy Shelling of Yasinovataya by Kiev Forces Sputnik 01 Feb 2017 -- A Russian representative at the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) confirmed the shelling on Wednesday of Yasinovataya in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, where SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug was at the time.
Russian Military Denies Shooting at Ukrainian Transport Plane in Black Sea Sputnik 01 Feb 2017 -- The Russian Black Sea Fleet categorically denied claims by Kiev that a Ukrainian military transport plane came under fire from Russian drilling platforms in the Black Sea on Wednesday.
Putin Heads To Budapest Amid Concerns Over EU Unity RFE/RL 01 Feb 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to Hungary for his second visit in two years, a development that has many in the European Union looking on with concern.
Russian cybersecurity experts arrested in 'US-linked' treason case Press TV 01 Feb 2017 -- Two senior Russian cyber security officials along with a top anti-hacking expert have been arrested in a US-linked treason case.
Russian Lawyer Says FSB Officers, Kaspersky Manager Charged With Treason RFE/RL 01 Feb 2017 -- А Russian lawyer has confirmed the arrests of two Federal Security Service (FSB) officers and a manager at a Russian cybersecurity company on treason charges, and that they are suspected of passing classified information to U.S. intelligence.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

February 2017 - Russia Special Weapons News