December 2017 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russian Supreme Court Rejects Navalny Appeal On Presidential Election Ban RFE/RL 30 Dec 2017 -- The Russian Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by opposition leader Aleksei Navalny against a decision to bar him from running in Russia's 2018 presidential election.
Putin Signs Law Increasing Penalties For Recruiting, Financing Extremists RFE/RL 30 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill increasing penalties for the recruitment of extremists, the latest measure to address what officials have described as a threat from militant fighters returning home from the Middle East.
Reuters: Russian Tankers Fueled North Korea Via Sea Transfers RFE/RL 30 Dec 2017 -- The Reuters news agency reports that Russian tankers have supplied fuel to North Korea on at least three occasions in recent months by transferring cargoes at sea, providing an economic lifeline to the communist state.
Turkey, Russia sign deal on supplying S-400 missile systems Press TV 29 Dec 2017 -- Turkey and Russia have signed an accord for Moscow to supply Ankara with S-400 surface-to-air missile defense systems, finalizing a deal that the two countries had been working on for more than a year.
Turkey Signs Russian Missile Deal, Reportedly Worth $2.5 Billion RFE/RL 29 Dec 2017 -- Turkish defense officials say Ankara and Moscow have signed a deal under which Russia will supply up to two S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries to Turkey.
Russia, Turkey Sign Loan Agreement on Supply of S-400 Air Defense Systems Sputnik 29 Dec 2017 -- Russia and Turkey signed a loan agreement on the supply of Russia's S-400 air defense missile systems in Ankara on Friday, the TRT channel reported.
Russia to probe opposition figure over election boycott campaign Press TV 29 Dec 2017 -- Authorities in Russia will launch a probe into whether opposition figure Alexei Navalny has violated Russian law by campaigning for a boycott of the next presidential election, the Kremlin says.
Putin Signs Law Allowing Expansion Of Russian Naval Facility In Syria RFE/RL 29 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying an agreement enabling Russia to expand operations at its naval facility in the Syrian port of Tartus.
Russia To Limit U.S. Military Surveillance Flights Over Russia Next Year RFE/RL 29 Dec 2017 -- Russia plans to limit U.S. military reconnaissance flights over Russian territory under the Open Skies Treaty starting January 1 in response to limits on Russian flights over the United States recently announced by Washington, Russian news agencies reported.
Zhirinovsky Registers For His Fifth Russian Presidential Election RFE/RL 29 Dec 2017 -- Vladimir Zhirinovsky, an eccentric nationalist firebrand whose party rarely defies President Vladimir Putin, has become the first officially registered candidate in Russia's March 18 presidential election.
Interview: Sobchak Calls Presidential Run A Step To Changing Russian System, Rejects Navalny Boycott RFE/RL 29 Dec 2017 -- Russian journalist and TV personality Ksenia Sobchak has dismissed calls by a barred opposition leader for an election boycott as "pointless" and said her candidacy in the March presidential vote could help fuse opposition elements into a legitimate political force in Russia.
Russia's president signs law toughening terrorist recruitment sentences Press TV 29 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially approved a bill toughening punishment for the recruitment of terrorists amid fears of the return of defeated Takfiri militants from Syria.
Putin Signs Law to Ratify Russia-Syria Agreement to Expand Naval Base in Tartus Sputnik 29 Dec 2017 -- The president's approval is the final step of implementation of the Russia-Syria agreement, which was signed on January 18, after the expansion of the Russian naval facility was ratified by the Russian State Duma on December 21.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 28, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Dec 2017
US Remains Committed to Successful Operation of Open Skies Treaty - Pentagon Sputnik 28 Dec 2017 -- The United States will continue to implement the Open Skies Treaty while new measures to limit Russian military flights in US airspace are planned to encourage Moscow to cooperate in a way beneficial for both sides, a Pentagon spokesperson told Sputnik on Thursday.
Russian Space Agency Says Regains Communications With Angolan Satellite RFE/RL 28 Dec 2017 -- The Russian space agency says it has regained communications with an Angolan telecommunications satellite launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome.
Putin says St. Petersburg blast was 'terrorist' attack Press TV 28 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that a recent bomb blast in a busy supermarket in Saint Petersburg was "a terrorist act."
After Supermarket Blast, Putin Says Terror Suspects Should Be 'Liquidated' RFE/RL 28 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said a blast that injured at least 10 people at a St. Petersburg supermarket was a terrorist act, and urged security forces to "take no prisoners" when dealing with imminent threats from terror-plot suspects.
Russian Opposition Politician Yashin Detained In Moscow RFE/RL 28 Dec 2017 -- Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin has been detained in Moscow days after staging a demonstration that authorities said was held without their permission.
Kremlin Says Legality Of Navalny's Call For Election Protests Will Be Checked RFE/RL 28 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin says law enforcement authorities will "no doubt" examine whether opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has broken the law by calling for nationwide protests in support of a boycott of Russia's March 18 presidential election.
The Five Big Russia Questions For 2018 RFE/RL 28 Dec 2017 -- With 2017 almost behind us, and 2018 nearly upon us, here are five questions The Power Vertical will be keeping an eye on going forward.
Russia Launches Angola's First Telecom Satellite Using Ukrainian Rocket RFE/RL 27 Dec 2017 -- Russia on December 26 launched a rocket carrying Angola's first telecom satellite from the Baikonur space center with the rare use of a rocket from Ukraine, despite collapsed ties between the two nations.
State Department: US, Russia Agree to Continue Diplomacy Over N. Korea VOA 27 Dec 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have "agreed to continue to work toward a diplomatic solution to achieve a denuclearized Korean peninsula," the U.S. State Department said Wednesday.
Russia 'tests new intercontinental ballistic missile' Press TV 27 Dec 2017 -- Russia says it has successfully test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Putin submits documents for 2018 Kremlin race Press TV 27 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has handed in the required documents to run for re-election in Russia's 2018 presidential vote.
Kremlin Dismisses Criticism That Barring Navalny Taints Presidential Election RFE/RL 27 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin has rejected concerns that Moscow's decision to bar opposition leader Aleksei Navalny from running against President Vladimir Putin undermines the legitimacy of Russia's presidential election.
Interview: Kremlin Warning To Navalny About Election Boycott Serves As Fuel For His Campaign RFE/RL 27 Dec 2017 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has called for voters to boycott the March 18 presidential election after he was officially barred from being a candidate. His call for people not to vote led Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to issue a warning, saying that Navalny's call for a boycott should be "studied" to see if it violates the law.
Navalny Calls For January 28 Protests In Support Of Election Boycott RFE/RL 27 Dec 2017 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who has been barred from challenging President Vladimir Putin in a March election, is calling for a "voters' strike" and nationwide demonstrations on January 28 in support of a boycott of the ballot.
Russian Naval Group to Be Permanently Deployed in Eastern Mediterranean Sputnik 27 Dec 2017 -- Russian General Staff Chief Army General Valery Gerasimov has unveiled plans for the Russian naval group in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea after the end of the military operation in Syria.
Russia to Limit Airfields Available to US Under Open Skies Treaty - Source Sputnik 27 Dec 2017 -- The new number of airfields, available to the United States in accordance with the Open Skies Treaty will be reduced by Russia as a mirror response to the US-announced measures, a source reported.
U.K. Navy Escorts Russian Warship In North Sea RFE/RL 26 Dec 2017 -- The United Kingdom's Royal Navy says it has escorted a Russian warship through the North Sea near British territorial waters.
Russia has begun forming permanent presence in military bases in Syria: Defense minister Press TV 26 Dec 2017 -- Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says the country has begun establishing a permanent presence in its two military bases in Syria.
Russia Establishing Permanent Presence At Bases In Syria RFE/RL 26 Dec 2017 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Russia has started establishing a permanent presence at its two military bases in Syria -- the Russian naval facility in Tartus and the Russian-run Khmeimim air base near the city of Latakia.
Celebrity-Laden Action Group Officially Nominates Putin As Candidate For Russian Presidency RFE/RL 26 Dec 2017 -- The All-Russia People's Front (ONF), an action group consisting of politicians, celebrities and other well-known Russians, has officially nominated Vladimir Putin as an independent candidate in next year's presidential election.
Russia Starts Forming Permanent Groups in Syria's Tartus, Hmeymim Bases - Shoigu Sputnik 26 Dec 2017 -- Russia has started forming a permanent group in Syria's Tartus and Hmeymim, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a conference call.
Russia's Lavrov warns US over aggressive North Korea rhetoric Press TV 26 Dec 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned the US against its "aggressive rhetoric" towards North Korea.
Lavrov 'United In Opinion' With Tillerson On North Korea But Differs On Resolving Crisis RFE/RL 26 Dec 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he is "united in opinion" with his U.S. counterpart Rex Tillerson on the issue of North Korea but that they differ on how to resolve the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
Russian Navy Gets Brand New Admiral Makarov Frigate Sputnik 26 Dec 2017 -- Russian Kaliningrad-based Yantar Shipyard has announced that the new Admiral Makarov frigate for the Russian Navy has been commissioned.
Russia bars opposition figure Navalny from running for president Press TV 25 Dec 2017 -- Russia's Central Election Commission has barred opposition figure Alexei Navalny from running for president in the March 18 election.
Russia's Election Commission Rejects Navalny's Presidential Bid RFE/RL 25 Dec 2017 -- Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) has rejected anticorruption activist and opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's bid to run against President Vladimir Putin in the presidential election in March, saying he was ineligible because of a past criminal conviction.
Navalny Calls for Presidential Election Boycott After Being Barred as Candidate VOA 25 Dec 2017 -- Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is calling for a boycott of the country's next presidential ballot after election officials barred him from running.
Navalny Submits Documents To Election Commission, Demands To Take Part In Presidential Vote RFE/RL 24 Dec 2017 -- Russian anticorruption activist and opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has submitted documents needed to be registered as a presidential candidate to the country's Central Election Commission.
Russia ready to cooperate with US on Afghanistan Press TV 23 Dec 2017 -- Russia says it is ready to engage in cooperation with the United States in Afghanistan as Washington struggles to contain a growing insurgency in the country some 16 years after it was invaded.
Putin begins election campaign with vow to modernize Russia Press TV 23 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has commenced his campaign for the 2018 elections with a vow to modernize the country.
Chechen Leader Accuses Social Media Of Bowing To Pressure After U.S. Sanctions Tightened RFE/RL 23 Dec 2017 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya, has accused social-media networks of bowing to pressure from Washington and disabling his Russian-language pages after the U.S. Treasury Department hit him with financial and travel sanctions.
Top US commander warns of war with Russia, Pacific countries Press TV 22 Dec 2017 -- A US top commander has warned of an imminent war by pointing to a shift of focus on conflicts in the Middle East to Russia and the Pacific region.
Serbia Negotiating Purchase Of More Russian Arms After Vucic's Visit To Moscow RFE/RL 22 Dec 2017 -- Serbia is negotiating the purchase of military helicopters from Russia in one of several possible new Russian arms purchases that could heighten tensions in the Balkans.
Provision of US arms to Ukraine can mean more bloodshed: Russia Press TV 22 Dec 2017 -- Russia has warned the United States about the consequences of supplying arms to Ukraine, saying that the provision of weapons may cause new bloodshed in the country's troubled east.
Russia to finalize Saudi S-400 deal by year-end Press TV 22 Dec 2017 -- Russia says it is working with Saudi Arabia to finalize a deal to sell advanced S-400 missile systems to the oil-rich kingdom.
Russia's Putin slams Washington's new national security strategy Press TV 22 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized US President Donald Trump's newly announced national security strategy as both "offensive" and "aggressive," adding that Moscow would take due notice of the stance.
Putin Calls Trump's New Security Strategy 'Aggressive' RFE/RL 22 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the U.S. security strategy unveiled by President Donald Trump as "aggressive," saying Moscow would take that into account in its own actions.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 21, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2017
Russia, Turkey finalize deal on S-400 missile defense system: Putin's aide Press TV 21 Dec 2017 -- Russia has finalized an agreement with Turkey on the sale of the S-400 air defense missile system.
U.S. Justice Department Says Intelligence Report Spurred FARA Requirement For RT RFE/RL 21 Dec 2017 -- The U.S. Justice Department says its decision to require RT to register as a foreign agent under a decades-old law was prompted in part by conclusions from the U.S. intelligence community about the state-funded Russian TV network.
Russia spy agencies foiled 60 terror attacks: Putin Press TV 20 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed security and intelligence forces in his country for efforts that foiled more than 60 terrorist attacks.
U.S. Sanctions Chechen Leader Kadyrov, Four Others Under Magnitsky Act RFE/RL 20 Dec 2017 -- The U.S. Treasury has hit the leader of Russia's Chechnya region with financial sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, a U.S. law that aims to punish Russians alleged to be involved in human rights violations.
News Analysis: U.S. Policy Toward Russia Toughens, Despite Trump Talk RFE/RL 20 Dec 2017 -- Statements from the Kremlin and the White House last weekend about thwarting a purported terrorist attack in St. Petersburg seemed to suggest that the United States and Russia were entering a new era of comity and cooperation.
What is Known About Russia's 5th Gen Husky-Class Stealth Subs Sputnik 20 Dec 2017 -- The first Husky-class submarine is planned to be completed by 2030. The fifth-generation sub will join Russia's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, many of which are currently being modernized, including with advanced cruise missiles.
Treasury Targets Individuals Involved in the Sergei Magnitsky Case and Other Gross Violations of Human Rights in Russia US Treasury 20 Dec 2017 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated five individuals pursuant to the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (the Magnitsky Act). In addition, the U.S. Department of State issued its annual submission to Congress on the U.S. Government's actions to implement the law. As a result of today's actions, any property or interests in property of those designated within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and transactions by U.S. persons involving the designated persons are generally prohibited.
US Sanctions Chechen Strongman Kadyrov, 4 Other Russians VOA 20 Dec 2017 -- The United States has financially blacklisted five Russians, including Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, whom it accused of carrying out deadly repression against people trying to expose government corruption.
Russia Criticizes Trump's 'Imperial' Security Strategy VOA 19 Dec 2017 -- Russia said Tuesday it sees U.S. President Donald Trump's new national security strategy as "imperial" and showing a lack of willingness to accept a multi-polar world.
Kremlin: New US Strategy Has 'Imperial Nature' Sputnik 19 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin has commented on the new US national security strategy, announced by Donald Trump on Monday.
Russia Calls U.S. Security Strategy 'Imperial,' China Denounces 'Cold War' Thinking RFE/RL 19 Dec 2017 -- Russia and China have lambasted U.S. President Donald Trump's new national security strategy, which refers to them as rivals of Washington that are seeking to undermine U.S. power and interests.
McMaster Says Russia's 'Destabilizing Behavior' Needs To Be Countered RFE/RL 19 Dec 2017 -- White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster says Western countries need to counter Russia's "destabilizing behavior," saying that Moscow is running "a very sophisticated campaign of subversion" to undermine free and open societies.
Launching Campaign, Putin Says Russia's 'Stability' Crucial RFE/RL 19 Dec 2017 -- President Vladimir Putin has kicked off his reelection campaign by calling for the protection of Russia's "freedom" and "stability," suggesting the country needs to ward off influence from abroad and attempts by the domestic opposition to shake up politics.
U.S. Hits Russian Missile Designer With Export Restrictions Over Treaty Dispute RFE/RL 19 Dec 2017 -- The United States has announced new licensing and export restrictions on Russian missile designer Novator and a military research company, charging both with involvement in a missile that Washington says violates a key Cold War arms-control treaty.
What A Difference A Year Makes: Russian Lawmakers Pan Trump's Security Doctrine, Kremlin Sees Silver Lining RFE/RL 19 Dec 2017 -- Just over a year ago, some Russian lawmakers raised a glass of bubbly to celebrate the victory of Donald Trump and his "America first" pledges in the U.S. presidential election.
Russia to Equip Husky-Class Sub With Robotics Capable of Operating in Air, Water Sputnik 19 Dec 2017 -- Russia's fifth-generation Husky-class nuclear submarine will be equipped with robotic systems able to operate in water and air, Oleg Vlasov, head of the robotics sector of the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau in St. Petersburg, told Sputnik on Tuesday.
US Blacklists 2 Russian Companies Over Alleged INF Treaty Violations Sputnik 19 Dec 2017 -- The United States has blacklisted two Russian defense companies, Novator and Titan-Barrikady, by placing them onto the Entity List for alleged violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, the US Department of Commerce said in a document on Tuesday.
Russia Holding Norwegian Man On Suspicion Of Spying RFE/RL 19 Dec 2017 -- Russia is holding a Norwegian man on suspicion of spying after he allegedly received classified documents from a Russian man who is also under arrest, an official said on December 19.
US plans to confront China, Russia in new national security strategy Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- US President Donald Trump is poised to present a new national security strategy that envisions a world in which the United States confronts China and Russia – the two powers which are challenging American global hegemony.
Trump Says U.S. Seeks 'Great Partnership' With 'Rival Powers' Russia And China RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new U.S. national security strategy that takes a hard line on China and Russia, but he said Washington would seek a "great partnership" with the two world powers while defending its national interests.
New U.S. Security Strategy To Focus On Countering China, Russia RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- The White House on December 17 released a new U.S. national security strategy that takes a hard line on China and Russia, saying the two countries are trying to shape a world antithetical to U.S. values and interests.
Kaspersky Lab Appeals To U.S. Court To Overturn Government Ban RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- The Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab says it has asked a federal court to overturn a ban on the use of its products in U.S. government agencies, claiming that the move has violated the company's right to due process.
Putin's Spokesman Says 'Exemplary' CIA Tip-Off Helped Save Many Lives RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says that a tip-off from the CIA about an alleged terror plot in St. Petersburg "helped save many lives" and should serve as an "exemplary" model of productive U.S.-Russian cooperation.
Russian Presidential Campaign Officially Under Way RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Russia's presidential campaign is officially under way.
Sino-Russian anti-missile drill successfully conducted in Beijing People's Daily 18 Dec 2017 -- A 6-day air defense drill conducted by Chinese and Russian troops was successfully concluded in Beijing on Dec.16, marking another milestone in the two nations' joint efforts to deal with regional ballistic and cruise missile threats.
Mattis Says Close U.S.-Russian Jet Encounters Over Syria May Not Be Accidental RFE/RL 17 Dec 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is questioning whether recent close encounters between Russian and U.S. warplanes over Syria were mistaken or the result of what he called "dangerous" maneuvers by some Russian fighter-jet pilots.
Mattis warns of unsafe Russia flights in Syria amid Moscow's rejection Press TV 17 Dec 2017 -- US Secretary of Defense James Mattis has warned against Russian jet fighters flying "dangerously" over what he views as "a safe zone" in Syria, a country that has repeatedly censured violation of its ground and air space by American military forces.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin The White House 17 Dec 2017
Putin thanks Trump for CIA tip used to thwart St. Petersburg terror attack Press TV 17 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked his US counterpart for CIA tip which helped operations to thwart several bombing attacks in Saint Petersburg.
Kremlin Says CIA Helped Russia Thwart Terrorist Attacks In St. Petersburg RFE/RL 17 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin says that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provided information that helped Russia thwart planned terrorist attacks in St. Petersburg.
Kremlin on Putin-Trump Talks: CIA Gave Russia Intel That Helped Foil Terror Act Sputnik 17 Dec 2017 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Friday that it had prevented the activities of Daesh terrorist group's supporters in St. Petersburg, who planned to carry out a terrorist attack later in December.
Russia: CIA Information Thwarted St. Petersburg Attack VOA 17 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin said Sunday that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency provided Russian authorities with information that thwarted a series of Islamic State bombings planned in St. Petersburg.
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty NATO 15 Dec 2017 -- For 30 years, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has been crucial to Euro-Atlantic security. By removing an entire class of U.S. and Russian weapons – ground-launched intermediate-range missiles – the Treaty has contributed to strategic stability and reduced the risk of miscalculation leading to conflict. As such, full compliance with the INF Treaty is essential and we remain fully committed to the preservation of this landmark arms control treaty.
UK military chief says Russia can cut NATO undersea cables Press TV 15 Dec 2017 -- A UK military chief has accused Russia of developing unconventional warfare, saying it could use its developed submarines to attack undersea cables essential to communications between NATO members.
Russia regrets EU decision to prolong sanctions Press TV 15 Dec 2017 -- Russia has regretted a decision by the European Union to renew economic sanctions on Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine, the Kremlin says.
Russia Criticizes EU Decision To Extend Ukraine-Related Sanctions RFE/RL 15 Dec 2017 -- Russia has hit back at a decision by leaders of the European Union to extend for another six months the economic sanctions imposed on Moscow over its "destabilizing" actions in Ukraine.
Russia busts Daesh cell in Saint Petersburg Press TV 15 Dec 2017 -- Russia has dismantled a cell of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Saint Petersburg that was planning to carry out imminent terror attacks in the northern city.
NATO Levels Missile Accusations Against Moscow, As Treaty Dispute Escalates RFE/RL 15 Dec 2017 -- NATO has accused Russia of developing a missile system in violation of a key Cold War arms treaty, the latest accusation from the West in a dispute that some fear will lead to the treaty's demise.
Moscow Court Convicts Former Economy Minister, Hands Down Eight-Year Prison Term RFE/RL 15 Dec 2017 -- A Moscow court has found former Russian Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev guilty of taking a "large bribe" in a high-profile corruption case and sentenced him to eight years in a strict-regime prison.
Russia 'not ready to strangle' North Korea with more bans Press TV 15 Dec 2017 -- Russia says it is not ready to "strangle" North Korea economically with new stringent sanctions.
Trump Says Russia 'Not Helping' On North Korea RFE/RL 15 Dec 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he is not satisfied with Russia's cooperation in efforts to pressure North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program.
Trump, Putin Discuss North Korean Crisis While Voicing Mutual Praise RFE/RL 15 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the crisis over North Korea's nuclear program in a phone call in which Trump also thanked Putin for praising his management of the U.S. economy.
Putin, Trump discuss "urgent" bilateral issues, Korean Peninsula on phone People's Daily 15 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed "urgent issues" in bilateral diplomatic relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula in a phone call Thursday, the Kremlin said in a statement.
Bait And Switch: At Putin Presser, Fish Hysterics Hang In The Air RFE/RL 14 Dec 2017 -- The issues raised by journalists at President Vladimir Putin's hours-long press conference were predictably eclectic, ranging from his upcoming reelection campaign to the war in Ukraine; from the economy to GPS trackers on cows.
Putin Targets Navalny, Defends Trump, Sets Stage For Reelection With Hours-Long Press Conference RFE/RL 14 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced he will run for reelection as an independent in March, defended U.S. President Donald Trump against allegations that his campaign colluded with Moscow, and accused the United States of violating a key nuclear arms control treaty in remarks at a marathon press conference in the Kremlin.
Russia's Selective Takedowns Of Critics Of Its Crimea Seizure RFE/RL 14 Dec 2017 -- Since its seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Russia has used a statute criminalizing public calls for separatism to jail at least a half dozen people for criticizing that land grab. It appears presidential hopeful Ksenia Sobchak, who has voiced similar dissent, won't be added to that list.
EU Leaders Agree To Extend Ukraine-Related Sanctions For Six Months RFE/RL 14 Dec 2017 -- European Union leaders have agreed to extend economic sanctions against Russia for six months over Moscow's aggressive actions in Ukraine.
UN Envoy Urges Russia To Prod Syria To Accept Peace Deal RFE/RL 14 Dec 2017 -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has urged Russia to convince the Syrian government to reach a peace deal to end the nearly seven-year-old war.
US F-22 aircraft intercept Russian jets, fire flares at them over Syria Press TV 14 Dec 2017 -- American fighter jets have intercepted Russian military aircraft over Syria, the Pentagon has announced, claiming the Russian pilots were flying over a banned area.
U.S. Jets Fire Flares In Tense Encounter With Russian Jets Over Syria RFE/RL 14 Dec 2017 -- U.S. and Russian air force jets have had a tense midair encounter in eastern Syria, with the Americans firing flares and deploying chaff in an effort to persuade the Russian jets to leave, the Pentagon says.
US, Russia Militaries Discuss Close Call Between Their Jets Over Syria - CENTCOM Sputnik 14 Dec 2017 -- The incident involving Russian and US aircraft has taken place in the Syrian airspace east of the Euphrates river, according to the Washington Examiner.
Moscow Denies Russian Jets Intercepted By US F-22s in Syria Sputnik 14 Dec 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry released a statement Thursday denying reports of an alleged "intercept" of Russian Su-25s by US F-22 fighter jets in Syria.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 13, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2017
Moscow seeks UNSC's nod to supply arms to Central African Republic Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- Russia has reportedly asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for authorization to supply light arms and ammunition to the embattled armed forces of the Central African Republic (CAR).
U.S. Officials Skeptical Of Putin's Announced Troop Withdrawal From Syria RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- U.S. officials are voicing skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria, in particular saying that his declaration of victory against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group seems premature.
Russian Plant Admits It Emits Nuclear Isotope Amid Leak Reports RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- A senior executive at the Russian nuclear-processing plant suspected of being behind a spike of radioactivity over Europe in September-October has admitted that the facility emits the isotope that was recorded above the Ural Mountains.
Russia Bristles At U.S. Allegations It Is Waging 'New Generation Warfare' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- Russia has lashed out at the United States over remarks by White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who accused Moscow of using multiple methods of "subversion and disinformation and propaganda" to destabilize other countries.
Russia: US 'muscle flexing' on North Korea not helpful Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The US military's "muscle flexing" for North Korea is bound to have grave consequences, Russia has warned, calling on Washington to take on a more "constructive" role to resolve its differences with Pyongyang.
Russian military delegation in North Korea Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- A Russian Defense Ministry delegation has arrived in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.
Russia Welcomes Tillerson's Offer Of Talks With North Korea RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- Moscow has welcomed a new U.S. offer of talks with North Korea, with senior Russian officials calling it constructive and the "only correct approach" to tension over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
Russia begins troop withdrawal from Syria People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- MOSCOW, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia has begun a partial withdrawal of its troops in Syria under the order of President Vladimir Putin, local media reported on Tuesday.
Russian troops return home as part of partial withdrawal plan Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- A group of Russian troops deployed to Syria has returned home as part of Russia's partial withdrawal of its forces from the war-torn country.
Putin Declares 'Mission Accomplished' on Syria; but, Could It Prove Premature? VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- Vladimir Putin confirmed last week he would seek a fifth term as Russia's president next March – and this week, he kicked off his re-election campaign, not in his home country, but overseas in the Middle East.
Russia's Fregat Upper Stage Fall Caused by Incorrect Software Operation Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- The Russian state space corporation has revealed the reasons behind the downfall of the Fregat upper stage and 19 satellites, carried by a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket.
Russian FSB Says Terror Plot Foiled, Suspects Arrested RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has uncovered an extremist "cell" that was directed by the militant group Islamic State (IS) and was planning terror attacks in Moscow during the New Year's holidays and the upcoming presidential campaign.
U.S. Official Says Upcoming Deadline For New Russian Sanctions Will Be Met RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- A top U.S. State Department official said the administration was committed to meeting a February deadline to specify new measures against Russia officials and influential businessmen for Moscow's alleged meddling in the 2016 election.
China, Russia stage missile tracking drills People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- China and Russia began their second joint computer-assisted anti-missile drills on Monday as the US and its allies South Korea and Japan simultaneously began joint missile tracking exercises, a coincidence that has raised fears of possible clashes amid the strained situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Russia S-400 missile deal almost done: Erdogan Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that a deal to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems will be finalized by the end of the week.
Putin Visits Ankara as Bilateral Relations Continue to Deepen VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- In their third meeting in a month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Ankara. The talks primarily focused on Syria, but Putin's visit coincides with U.S.-Turkish relations, reeling from a crisis sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Putin Says Russia to Withdraw 'Significant Part' of Troops from Syria VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he has ordered his military to withdraw a "significant part" of Russia's forces from Syria, after regaining control of most of the country. Russia would now focus on talks between the Syrian opposition and the government.
Russian president orders troops to begin pullout from Syria Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to begin withdrawing from Syria during a surprise visit to the Arab country, RIA Novosti news agency reported.
Putin Visits Syria Base, Orders Partial Russian Withdrawal RFE/RL 11 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to Syria, declaring victory and ordering the Russian military to start withdrawing a "significant portion" of its forces from the war-ravaged Middle Eastern country.
Russia Hits Back At U.S. Charges Of INF Treaty Violations RFE/RL 10 Dec 2017 -- Russia has hit back against charges by the United States that Moscow is violating terms of an important Cold War arms treaty.
Russian General Named In Bellingcat MH17 Report Plans To Sue RFE/RL 09 Dec 2017 -- A senior Russian general who was accused in a recent investigation of being a coordinator of separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and of possibly playing a role in the downing of a civilian airliner in July 2014 has said he plans to sue the authors of the report for defamation.
US Allegations of Russia Violating INF Treaty Absolutely Unfounded – Moscow Sputnik 09 Dec 2017 -- The INF treaty, which prohibits the development, deployment and testing of ground-launched ballistic or cruise missiles with ranges between 300 and 3,400 miles, celebrated its 30th anniversary on December 8.
Trump Approves New Sanctions Against Russia Over Alleged INF Treaty Violations Sputnik 09 Dec 2017 -- The US Commerce Department will impose sanctions on Russian companies that have provided technology to help develop the new weapon outlawed by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Politico reported on Friday.
Russia Accused Of Harassing Moldovan Politicians With 'Fabricated' Lawsuits RFE/RL 08 Dec 2017 -- The head of Moldova's ruling party has accused Russian authorities of harassing him and other party officials with bogus lawsuits.
Russia Says Falling Satellite Could Have Been Source Of Radioactive Cloud RFE/RL 08 Dec 2017 -- The state corporation in charge of Russia's nuclear energy industry, Rosatom, says that a spike in radioactivity over Europe earlier this autumn could have come from a falling satellite.
U.S. Sets New Economic, Military Measures Against Russia For INF Missile Dispute RFE/RL 08 Dec 2017 -- The United States said it was taking military and economic measures against Moscow in response to a festering, and increasingly tense, dispute over a Russian missile that Washington says violates an important Cold War treaty.
Russia's foreign minister censures Washington's provocation in Korean Peninsula Press TV 08 Dec 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has censured the joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, saying the drills could provoke North Korea to carry out more missile tests.
China and Russia Urge Restraint, Diplomacy as Korean Crisis Worsens Sputnik 08 Dec 2017 -- Leaders from the foreign ministries of both China and Russia have called on North Korea and the United States to end the cycle of provocation that the DPRK recently claimed was making war on the Korean Peninsula inevitable.
No Apparent Breakthroughs At Tillerson-Lavrov Vienna Talks RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Face-to-face talks in Vienna between the top U.S. and Russian diplomats appear to have produced no breakthrough on the Ukraine crisis and other issues that have been heightening tensions between the two countries.
Russia Says Caspian Legal Status Resolved, Agreement Ready For Signing RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after a recent meeting of foreign ministers from the Caspian Sea littoral states that after more than 20 years of talks, an agreement on the legal status of the Caspian was "practically ready" for signing.
Russian mission to defeat Daesh terrorists in Syria accomplished: Top general Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- A high-ranking Russian commander says his country's military campaign against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria has been accomplished, and there are now no remaining settlements controlled by the extremists in the war-ravaged Arab country.
Russian Armed Forces Complete Mission to Destroy Daesh in Syria - Gen. Staff Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- The Russian Armed forces have fulfilled their objective of destroying the military forces of the Daesh terrorist group in Syria, the head of the Russian General Staff Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said on Thursday.
Russia Says IS Has Been Defeated in Syria VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- Russia's military said Thursday that its mission to oust the Islamic State group in Syria had been accomplished and that the country was "completely liberated" from the group.
Awaiting Bribery Verdict, Russia's Ulyukayev Alleges 'Monstrous' Set-Up RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- A Moscow judge will issue a verdict next week in the bribery trial of former Russian Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev, who called the sting operation that landed him in court a "monstrous and cruel" set-up.
Russia Claims U.S. Intelligence Agencies Trying To Recruit Russian Journalists RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Moscow on December 6 accused U.S. intelligence services of trying to recruit Russian journalists working in the United States.
European Parliament Member From Hungary Charged With Spying For Russia RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Hungarian prosecutors have filed charges against a Hungarian member of the European Parliament for allegedly spying for Russia.
Pentagon Questions Advances Made by Russia to Defeat Daesh in Syria Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Islamic State had been defeated on both banks of the Euphrates River in Syria, while Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov said that Syria was fully freed from terrorists.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 6, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Dec 2017
Putin declares 'complete victory' on both banks of Euphrates in Syria Press TV 06 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 'complete victory' over the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group on both banks of the Euphrates River in Syria, stressing the significance of switching to a political process to ultimately end the crisis in the Arab country.
Putin Informed About Daesh's Total Defeat in Syria's Euphrates Valley Sputnik 06 Dec 2017 -- Over the past months, the Syrian government forces have achieved a major breakthrough in the province of Deir ez-Zor, and now the remaining terrorist units have been expelled from the Euphrates River Valley.
Putin Announces He Will Run For Reelection In March RFE/RL 06 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced he will seek a new six-year term in the March 2018 election.
Putin Announces He's in the Running for Another Term Sputnik 06 Dec 2017 -- Russia's incumbent president has declared his intention to seek re-election for a second consecutive term in the country's upcoming 2018 election.
Young People And Factory Workers: Launch Of Putin's Reelection Bid Hints At Campaign Strategy RFE/RL 06 Dec 2017 -- The first appearance was in front of throngs of euphoric young people. The second was before cheering workers at a car manufacturing plant in a regional city. Vladimir Putin has finally announced what few had doubted: He will seek reelection as Russia's president in the March vote.
Russian Duma Bars RFE/RL, VOA As 'Foreign Agents' RFE/RL 06 Dec 2017 -- The Russian State Duma has voted to prohibit U.S. media outlets branded by the government as "foreign agents" from entering the lower house of parliament.
Explainer: What's Next For Russia And Its Athletes After Winter Olympics Ban? RFE/RL 06 Dec 2017 -- Russia is a perennial powerhouse in the Winter Olympics, with its athletes routinely hauling in golds, silvers, and bronzes in the biathlon, figure skating, cross-country skiing, and in the more distant past, ice hockey.
Putin: Russia's Suspension from Olympics is Politically Motivated Sputnik 06 Dec 2017 -- The Russian Olympic Team's suspension from the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea is an orchestrated and politically-motivated decision, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
Russia Says It Will Analyze Winter Olympics Ban Before Making Any Decisions RFE/RL 06 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says the Kremlin will analyze the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruling barring Russia from the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics before making any decisions about the country's participation.
IOC Bans Russia From 2018 Winter Olympics RFE/RL 05 Dec 2017 -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics over allegations of state-sponsored doping but said that some Russian athletes would be allowed to compete "under strict conditions."
Police Report Details Final Days Of Former Russian Press Minister Lesin RFE/RL 05 Dec 2017 -- A city police report found that Mikhail Lesin, the former Russian press minister who later fell out of favor with the Kremlin, had been drinking heavily in the days prior to being found dead in a Washington hotel in November 2015.
Russian Ministry of Justice Declares 9 Media Outlets 'Foreign Agents' Sputnik 05 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin has retaliated following a US decision to signal out the Russian-owned network RT America with regulatory amendments targeting several key media outlets.
Kremlin Asserts Putin Was Not Influenced By Flynn-Kislyak Meeting RFE/RL 04 Dec 2017 -- The Kremlin says that Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to hold off on retaliating against new U.S. sanctions last year was made "absolutely independently," without any influence by Michael Flynn.
US Using Political Pressure to Draw Balkans Into NATO - Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 04 Dec 2017 -- The director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department of European Cooperation has explained to Sputnik Moscow's position on NATO expansion in the Baltics and the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbass.
Russian Prosecutors Seek 10-Year Sentence For Ex-Economy Minister RFE/RL 04 Dec 2017 -- Russian prosecutors have recommended a 10-year prison term for former Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev for extortion, while the defendant asked the court to acquit him and called for perjury charges against the head of state oil giant Rosneft.
Putin Orders Review Of Laws On Peaceful Demonstrations RFE/RL 02 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the Prosecutor-General's Office to review the implementation of laws and regulations affecting the right of Russian citizens to assemble and demonstrate freely.
Russia Negotiating Deal For Its Warplanes To Use Egyptian Bases RFE/RL 01 Dec 2017 -- Russia has approved a draft agreement with Egypt for Russian warplanes to use Egyptian military bases, in a move allowing Moscow to increase its military presence in the Middle East.
Russia, Egypt Finalizing Military Cooperation Agreement VOA 01 Dec 2017 -- Arab media is reporting that Egypt and Russia are on the verge of signing a military cooperation agreement that would allow each side to use the other's air space and air bases for a period of five years. Russian media reported that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has endorsed the draft agreement crafted by the defense ministry.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2017 - Russia Special Weapons News