January 2018 - Russia Special Weapons News

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 31, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Jan 2018
Pentagon Fears Rapid Advancement of Chinese, Russian Anti-Satellite Weapons Sputnik 31 Jan 2018 -- Kessler Syndrome, here we come! The Pentagon has fretted that China and Russia are developing anti-satellite (ASAT) missiles that could shoot US low Earth orbit (LEO) objects out of the stars within the next two years.
Putin Names Air Force Regiment After Estonia's Capital RFE/RL 31 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree naming the 23rd fighter aviation regiment the "Tallinn" regiment, after the capital of neighboring Estonia.
U.S. Senators Decry Decision To Hold Off On New Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 31 Jan 2018 -- WASHINGTON -- U.S. senators have criticized President Donald Trump for not imposing new sanctions on Russia after his administration released a list of 210 officials and billionaires from the country's ruling elite, exposing them to scrutiny and potential future punitive measures.
CIA Boss Claims Russia Poised to Meddle in Yet Another US Election Sputnik 30 Jan 2018 -- Despite the fact that the ongoing US investigation into the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign has failed to produce any tangible results, a top American intelligence official now says that Moscow "will continue" to try and influence elections in the United States.
CIA Chief Says Russia Will Try To Meddle In Midterm Elections RFE/RL 30 Jan 2018 -- CIA Director Mike Pompeo has said Russia will target U.S. midterm elections in November as part of the Kremlin's efforts to influence domestic politics across the West.
Russia to 'target' US midterm polls: CIA chief Press TV 30 Jan 2018 -- The government of Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to "target" the midterm congressional elections that will be held later this year, says CIA Director Mike Pompeo, repeating claims that Moscow seeks to interfere in other countries' political affairs.
Russian Su-27 jet safely intercepts US spy plane over Black Sea Press TV 30 Jan 2018 -- A Russian Su-27 jet has intercepted a US Lockheed EP-3 surveillance plane over the Black Sea.
Russian Fighter Flies Within 1.5 Meters Of U.S. Navy Plane RFE/RL 30 Jan 2018 -- Washington says a Russian military jet engaged in an "unsafe interaction" with a U.S. Navy surveillance plane over the Black Sea on January 29, coming within 1.5 meters and crossing directly in front of the U.S. plane.
Russia's Sochi hosts final day of Syria talks Press TV 30 Jan 2018 -- Talks between the Syrian government and the opposition in the Russian resort city of Sochi enter their second and final day in the hope of paving the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict gripping the Arab state.
US to impose new sanctions on Russia soon Press TV 30 Jan 2018 -- The United States seeks to impose new sanctions on Russia "in the near future," under a new law designed to punish Moscow for alleged meddling in the 2016 US election.
'Kremlin List' signals breakdown of Russia-US ties: Senator Press TV 30 Jan 2018 -- Russian officials have slammed the US for publishing a blacklist of senior Russian government officials, with a senator saying the move is tantamount to a breakdown of already tense relations between the two sides.
'Kremlin Report' Targets Russian Elite, Putin Signals Muted Response RFE/RL 30 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. Treasury Department released a list of 210 officials and billionaires from Russia's ruling elite, exposing them to scrutiny and potential future sanctions in a move President Vladimir Putin called an "unfriendly act" and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said would "poison" ties for a long time to come.
'Hostile Provocation': Senior Russian Lawmaker Blasts Kremlin Report Sputnik 30 Jan 2018 -- The US Government has released the so-called Kremlin Report as part of its comprehensive sanctions package that targets Russia, according to leading Russian politician Frantz Klintsevich.
US Treasury Secretary Says 'Kremlin Report' Will Trigger New Sanctions Sputnik 30 Jan 2018 -- The report that was published on Monday includes the list of over 200 top Russian officials and businessmen who could be sanctioned by the US administration in the future.
US State Department: CAATSA Working, No Need for New Sanctions Against Russia Sputnik 30 Jan 2018 -- The US State Department informed Congress that sanctions legislation was already deterring Russian defense sales, hence additional penalties do not need to be imposed at this time. The move triggered a backlash from lawmakers who accused President Donald Trump's administration of being weak on Moscow.
Moscow: Inclusion of Top Russian Officials in 'Kremlin List' Unprecedented Sputnik 30 Jan 2018 -- Senior officials of the Russian presidential administration and the government, including Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have been added to the so-called "Kremlin Report," that could pave way for more anti-Russia sanctions.
Background Briefing on the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) Section 231 US Dept. of State 30 Jan 2018
Trump Administration Defends Decision Not to Immediately Impose New Russia Sanctions VOA 30 Jan 2018 -- The Trump administration on Tuesday defended its decision not to impose immediate sanctions on Russians named in a congressionally mandated report detailing the wealth and political activities of Kremlin insiders and billionaires.
Russia's Elite Denounces US 'Putin' List VOA 30 Jan 2018 -- Russian officials from President Vladimir Putin on down have denounced the United States' publication of the so-called "Putin list" - a U.S. Treasury-issued registry of 210 Russians identified as close to the Russian leader - under a new sanctions law tied to allegations of Kremlin interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.
US Issues List of Russian Politicians, Oligarchs But No New Sanctions VOA 30 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has released a congressionally mandated list of Russian politicians and business figures who are close to President Vladimir Putin's government, along with their relationship to top leaders and their net worth.
Treasury Releases CAATSA Reports, Including on Senior Foreign Political Figures and Oligarchs in the Russian Federation US Treasury 29 Jan 2018 -- Today, pursuant to the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017 (CAATSA), the U.S. Department of the Treasury delivered the following five reports to appropriate Congressional committees
Russia Intercepts US Spy Plane in International Airspace Over Black Sea Sputnik 29 Jan 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that one of their Su-27 fighter jets intercepted a US Navy EP-3 Aries surveillance plane in international airspace over the Black Sea on Monday. The Pentagon slammed the interception as "unsafe," but Moscow replied that they took "all necessary precautions" to avoid a hazardous situation.
Putin, Netanyahu Hold Talks In Moscow RFE/RL 29 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Moscow for talks covering the Syrian conflict and Iran's role in the Middle East.
U.S. Envoy: 'More Openness' From Russia, But No Ukraine Peacekeeper Deal RFE/RL 29 Jan 2018 -- Russia has shown more "openness" to U.S. suggestions on a possible UN peacekeeping mission in war-torn eastern Ukraine, but Washington and Moscow remain far from striking a deal, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine says.
New US sanctions move attempt to influence presidential election: Russia Press TV 29 Jan 2018 -- The sanctions report expected to be released imminently by the United States against Russia intends to influence Russia's presidential election in March, the Kremlin says.
Kremlin Alleges U.S. 'Oligarchs List' Aims To Influence Election RFE/RL 29 Jan 2018 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says that Moscow believes a hotly anticipated U.S. list of rich Russians seen as close to President Vladimir Putin is an attempt to meddle in the country's March 18 election.
Day After Nationwide Protests, Kremlin Says Navalny No Threat RFE/RL 29 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says the Kremlin does not consider opposition leader Aleksei Navalny a threat.
Russia opposition leader Navalny freed without charges after brief detention Press TV 28 Jan 2018 -- Russian opposition Leader Alexei Navalny has been released without charges several hours after he was detained by police during a rally.
Russian opposition supporters stage scattered rallies Press TV 28 Jan 2018 -- The supporters of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny have staged scattered protest rallies in several cities in Russia, calling for the boycott of an upcoming presidential election.
Russian Police Try To Pull The Plug, But Navalny's YouTube Protest Rolls On RFE/RL 28 Jan 2018 -- As Aleksei Navalny's followers came out in mass protests last March and June, the police were quick to pull the plug on the opposition leader's most potent tool for spreading his message: his YouTube channel.
Navalny Among Scores Detained At Election Boycott Rallies In Russia RFE/RL 28 Jan 2018 -- More than 250 people, including opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, have been detained across Russia as they rallied in support of an election boycott.
Purported Photo Lifts Veil Off Russia's Next Generation Air Defense Gun Sputnik 28 Jan 2018 -- Russia is developing a new generation of anti-aircraft artillery systems capable of taking out a wide array of aerial, ground and naval targets.
Russia's Winter of Election Discontent VOA 28 Jan 2018 -- Several thousand people braved sub-zero temperatures in cities across Russia to protest what they say is a lack of competition ahead of March presidential elections all but guaranteed to extend Vladimir Putin's grip on power through 2024.
Thousands March in Pro-Opposition Rallies Across Russia VOA 28 Jan 2018 -- Thousands of pro-opposition marchers, some braving temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius, rallied in dozens of Russian cities Sunday to back jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Russia 'Will Study' New U.S. Proposals For Ukraine RFE/RL 27 Jan 2018 -- U.S. suggestions on deploying a UN mission in war-ravaged eastern Ukraine look quite feasible and Russia will study them carefully, Kremlin aide Vladislav Surkov was quoted as saying by Russian media after meeting with his American counterpart, Kurt Volker.
US, allies in Europe, irked by new Russia gas pipeline scheme Press TV 27 Jan 2018 -- US authorities have voiced deep frustration over a planned Russian pipeline that would bypass Washington's allies in Central Europe and carry gas to Germany.
U.S., Poland Oppose Gas Pipeline Linking Russia And Germany RFE/RL 27 Jan 2018 -- The United States and Poland on January 27 took a common stand against a planned gas pipeline linking Russia to Germany, saying it is politicizing energy and undermining attempts to make Europe less dependent on Russian resources.
Tillerson: Russia Using Energy as 'Political Tool' in Europe VOA 27 Jan 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson accused Russia of using energy as a "political tool" in Europe as he held talks with his counterpart Saturday in Warsaw, Poland.
FBI Releases Files Into Death Of Former Russian Press Minister Lesin RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- The FBI has released dozens of pages from its investigation into the death of Mikhail Lesin, files that largely corroborate earlier police and other reports about the circumstances behind the former Russian press minister's 2015 death.
Russia's Violations of Georgian Sovereignty US Dept. of State 26 Jan 2018
U.S. Condemns Russian Military Deal With Georgian Breakaway Region RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- The United States has condemned an agreement between Russia and the leaders of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia concerning a joint military force.
Moscow Accuses US of Deliberately Delaying Scrapping Own Chemical Weapons Sputnik 26 Jan 2018 -- The United States ia deliberately pushing back the deadline for the complete destruction of its own chemical arsenals, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday in a commentary on the January 23 Paris meeting of the so-called International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons.
Russian MoD on UK Defense Minister's Claims: 'Beyond Common Sense' Sputnik 26 Jan 2018 -- UK's new Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson claimed a potential Russian "attack" on the nation's critical infrastructure could kill thousands.
Russian lawmaker says Moscow will act in retaliation for new US sanctions Press TV 26 Jan 2018 -- A senior lawmaker at Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, says Moscow will retaliate in the wake of the latest sanctions imposed by the United States.
US imposes sanctions on Russian firms, individuals Press TV 26 Jan 2018 -- The United States has expanded its sanctions against Russia by adding more individuals and companies to its blacklist because of what Washington calls Moscow's continued interference in Ukraine.
U.S. Imposes New Sanctions Over Ukraine Conflict As U.S., Russian Envoys Set To Meet RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- The United States hit 21 people and nine companies linked to the Russia-backed conflict in eastern Ukraine with new economic sanctions, the latest effort by Washington to put pressure on groups most actively involved in the nearly 4-year-old conflict.
Jailed Ex-Governor Belykh Asks Russian Court To Acquit Him Of Bribery RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- Jailed former Russian regional Governor Nikita Belykh maintained his innocence as his bribery trial drew to a close, calling the case against him the result of a "police provocation" and asked the court to acquit him.
Russian Supreme Court Denies Navalny's Appeal To Run For President RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- Russia's Supreme Court has declined opposition leader Aleksey Navalny's appeal to be allowed to run for president in the March election, the court told the media on January 26.
Treasury Sanctions Additional Individuals and Entities in Connection with the Conflict in Ukraine and Russia's Occupation of Crimea US Treasury 26 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated 21 individuals and 9 entities under four Executive Orders (E.O.s) related to Russia and Ukraine, including three individuals and two entities related to Russia's transfer of four turbines made by a Russian-German joint venture to Crimea.
US Slaps New Sanctions on Russian, Ukrainian Separatist Officials VOA 26 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. Treasury has announced new sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian citizens involved in the Russian annexation of Crimea, barring them from doing business with Americans and freezing any assets they hold under U.S. jurisdiction.
Russia helping North Korea export coal, Western sources claim Press TV 26 Jan 2018 -- Western European intelligence sources claim that Russia is helping North Korea bypass sanctions – pushed primarily by the United States – by acting as an intermediary to transfer North Korean coal to South Korea and Japan.
Russia Said To Have Helped North Korea Export Coal, Despite Sanctions RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- North Korea has exported coal to Japan and South Korea via Russian ports in a probable violation of UN sanctions, Reuters is reporting.
U.S. Urges Russia To Reconsider Reported Jet Sale To Burma RFE/RL 26 Jan 2018 -- The United States on January 25 urged Moscow to reconsider an agreement to supply Russian fighter planes to Burma, the Southeast Asian country hit by instability caused by ethnic conflict.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 25, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Jan 2018
Russian Website Under Fire After Investigation Of FSB Chief RFE/RL 25 Jan 2018 -- A Russian news site has come under fire from authorities - and, according to the editor-in-chief, its own investors - after it published an investigation into possible undeclared real estate secretly held by the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Russian Police Vow Clampdown On Election Protesters Who Break The Law RFE/RL 25 Jan 2018 -- Russian police will act "toughly" to prevent any violations of the law at protests ahead of the March 18 presidential election, a senior Interior Ministry official says.
Russia Rejects U.S. Criticism On Syrian Chemical Weapons RFE/RL 24 Jan 2018 -- Russia has lashed out over a U.S. charge that Moscow bears responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and accused Washington of seeking to stymie efforts to end the war in the Middle Eastern country.
Russia successfully tests advanced Mi-171A2 helicopters in extreme cold weather People's Daily 24 Jan 2018 -- Russia's advanced multi-role Mi-171A2 has completed its tests at extremely low temperatures, local media reported on Wednesday.
At European Court, Navalny Accuses Russia Of Political Persecution RFE/RL 24 Jan 2018 -- Opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has told the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that his repeated arrests at the hands of the Russian authorities are politically motivated.
US Navy tracking 'Russian spy ship' off North Carolina Press TV 23 Jan 2018 -- The US Navy has started tracking a Russian spy ship off North Carolina, US officials say, days after the vessel departed a port in Trinidad and Tobago.
Spain Warns Russia's Catalonia Hacking Efforts Could Intensify VOA 23 Jan 2018 -- Russian hacking operations to support Catalonian independence are continuing and could intensify, according to a report published this week by the Center for Strategic and Defense Studies, CESEDEN, a Spanish Defense Ministry think tank.
Russia Protests New Effort To Punish Chemical Attackers RFE/RL 23 Jan 2018 -- Amid criticism from Russia, officials from dozens of countries are meeting in Paris for the launch of a new initiative targeting the perpetrators of chemical attacks.
U.K. Freezes Assets Of Two Suspects In 2006 Litvinenko Killing RFE/RL 23 Jan 2018 -- The United Kingdom has frozen the assets of two Russians accused of carrying out the 2006 killing in London of former Federal Security Service officer Aleksandr Litvinenko.
Russia: US actions in Syria either provocative or ill-informed Press TV 22 Jan 2018 -- Russia has slammed US actions in Syria that "encourage separatist sentiments among Kurds" as either a provocation or ill-informed after Turkey launched a major operation against US-backed militants in the Arab country.
Lavrov Says Western 'Russophobia' Worse Than During Cold War RFE/RL 22 Jan 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the level of what he described as "Russophobia" in Western countries is higher than it was at the peak of the Cold War.
Moscow Court Orders Closure Of Key Navalny Campaign Foundation RFE/RL 22 Jan 2018 -- A court in Moscow has ordered the closure of a foundation that has been bulwark of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's presidential campaign.
Twitter: 667,775 Americans Engaged With Russian 'Troll' Tweets In 2016 RFE/RL 20 Jan 2018 -- Twitter said it has found Russian efforts to influence the U.S. presidential election in 2016 were more extensive than it originally thought, with some 677,775 Americans having followed or liked tweets put out by a notorious Russian troll farm.
Russian Trolls Found Amplifying U.S. Republican Charge Against FBI RFE/RL 20 Jan 2018 -- Russian trolls have helped create a big swell of support online for a move by U.S. Republicans to force the release of a classified document that they say provides evidence of bias against U.S. President Donald Trump at the Justice Department.
Moscow Slams Leak Of Embassy Bank Transfers Around U.S. Election RFE/RL 19 Jan 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry is demanding that the United States stop the leak of confidential diplomatic information after a media report this week provided details of what it said were "suspicious" Russian embassy bank transfers.
Mattis: Countering China, Russia Now Top US Defense Priority VOA 19 Jan 2018 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says the United States is losing its competitive military advantage over China and Russia, marking the central challenge to America's armed forces.
US military edge over Russia, China eroding: Mattis Press TV 19 Jan 2018 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has warned of "growing threats" from Russia and China, saying US military's advantages over the two countries have eroded in recent years.
Pentagon Chief Calls Russia, China 'Revisionist Powers' RFE/RL 19 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. defense secretary has called Russia and China "revisionist powers" and said the focus of U.S. military strategy was shifting away from terrorism and back toward what he called "great power competition."
Russia begins delivery of S-400 missiles to China, sources say Press TV 19 Jan 2018 -- Russia has started delivering batteries of the S-400 Triumf advanced missile defense system to China as part of a 2014 agreement, sources close to the Russian military say.
Components for Russian S-400 Defense Systems Damaged on Way to China - Moscow Sputnik 19 Jan 2018 -- A number of auxiliary components for S-400 air defense systems that had been sent from Russia to China under the 2014 contract were damaged during the shipment by sea, the Russian defense industry cooperation service (FSMTC) said Friday.
Russia court declines to review opposition figure Navalny's complaint Press TV 19 Jan 2018 -- Russia's Constitutional Court has reportedly declined to review a complaint from opposition leader Alexei Navalny, which he had filed over a ban on his participation in the upcoming presidential election due to a criminal record.
Russia to Decommission Two Largest Nuclear Subs in the World - Source Sputnik 19 Jan 2018 -- The submarines have already been withdrawn from operational status in the Russian Navy as their further use is unprofitable.
Draft U.S. Document Confirms Russian Plans For 'Doomsday' Weapon RFE/RL 18 Jan 2018 -- Some two years ago, Western intelligence and military experts scrambled to make sense of a strange new Russian weapon whose designs were glimpsed briefly in a mysterious report on Russian state TV.
Lavrov Tells Security Council Iran Nuclear Failure Would Be 'Alarming' RFE/RL 18 Jan 2018 -- At the UN Security Council, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that if the Iran nuclear agreement with world powers fails, it would send an "alarming" message to the international community.
Russia dismisses 'detrimental' Vancouver summit on North Korea Press TV 18 Jan 2018 -- Russia has criticized a recent conference that had been organized by Canada and the United States to discuss North Korea as harmful to peace on the Korean Peninsula.
NATO Sees Russia as 'Peer Competitor' - Senior Military Officer Sputnik 17 Jan 2018 -- General Petr Pavel, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, during a press conference answered questions on the alliance's stance on Russia, possible ways of Daesh threat's eradication and training assistance to Iraq.
NATO Notes Russia's 'Resurgence,' Urges Vigilance RFE/RL 17 Jan 2018 -- U.S. General Curtis Scaparrotti, NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, has warned that the alliance will not be "dominant" in certain areas in five years if it fails to modernize and adapt to the growing threat from Russia.
EU Issues Call To Action To Combat Russian 'Propaganda' RFE/RL 17 Jan 2018 -- The European Commission and lawmakers have accused Russia of orchestrating a "disinformation campaign" aimed at destabilizing the bloc and called for increased measures to combat the threat.
Trump Accuses Russia of Helping North Korea Evade Sanctions VOA 17 Jan 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Russia of helping North Korea evade international sanctions, and said Pyongyang is making daily progress in its quest to develop ballistic missiles that can reach the United States.
UK Royal Air Force scrambles jets to intercept Russian bombers Press TV 16 Jan 2018 -- The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has scrambled two fighter jets to intercept a pair of Russian strategic bombers approaching Britain's airspace, the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) claims.
British Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Strategic Bombers RFE/RL 16 Jan 2018 -- Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) has scrambled two fighter jets to intercept Russian strategic bombers near U.K. airspace.
Lithuania Bars Kadyrov, 48 Other Russians Under Magnitsky Law RFE/RL 16 Jan 2018 -- Lithuania has issued its first blacklist of 49 Russians banned for allegedly violating human rights or engaging in corruption and money laundering under its new Magnitsky law.
Russia Does Not Support Trump Push to Alter Iran Nuclear Deal VOA 15 Jan 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that Russia does not support U.S. President Donald Trump's calls to renegotiate the international agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program.
Lavrov: Russia trying to implement Iran deal IRNA 15 Jan 2018 -- Russia is trying to implement Iran nuclear deal completely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.
Moscow will not back US attempt to change Iran nuclear deal: Lavrov Press TV 15 Jan 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stressed that Moscow will not back US attempts to change the 2015 nuclear deal struck between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries.
UK fighter jets intercept Russian bombers approaching UK airspace UK MOD 15 Jan 2018 -- RAF Typhoons have scrambled over the North Sea to intercept Russian Blackjack bombers
Russia deploys new S-400 missile division to Crimea: Russian media Press TV 14 Jan 2018 -- Moscow has deployed a new regiment of its advanced S-400 air defense missile system to Crimea amid simmering tensions with Kiev over the security situation in the Black Sea Peninsula.
New S-400 Air Defense System Battalion Put on Combat Duty in Crimea Sputnik 13 Jan 2018 -- The second battalion of S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems was put on combat duty in Russia's southwestern the Crimean Peninsula near the city of Sevastopol, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.
Moscow sees Trump's Iran deal comments as negative: RIA Agency ISNA 13 Jan 2018 -- Moscow considers comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on the nuclear deal with Iran as "extremely negative", Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said in remarks carried by RIA state news agency on Saturday.
Russia warns US against grave mistake of pulling out of Iran nuclear deal Press TV 13 Jan 2018 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said the US would be making a grave mistake by pulling out of Iran's nuclear deal and underlined Moscow's determination to keep the landmark accord intact.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 12, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Jan 2018
Russian military eliminates militants behind Syria air base attack Press TV 12 Jan 2018 -- Russia says its artillery units have wiped out a group of foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists, who lobbed a barrage of mortar shells at the Russia-run Hmeimim air base in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia late last year.
Putin's envoy, Assad hold talks on terror fight, peace process in Damascus Press TV 12 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's point man has met with Syrian President Assad for talks on counterterrorism fight and the Arab country's path towards peace and reconstruction.
New Bill On 'Foreign Agent' Media Advances In Russian Duma RFE/RL 12 Jan 2018 -- Russian lawmakers have given preliminary approval to a bill that would enable the government to brand some individual journalists and bloggers -- not only media outlets -- as foreign agents.
Putin Again Dismisses U.S. Allegations Of Russian Meddling RFE/RL 11 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin again denied persistent allegations that Moscow has interfered in election campaigns in the United States and European countries.
Partisan Finger-pointing Threatens Russia Probes on Capitol Hill VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- Finger-pointing and acrimony surrounding probes of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election intensified Thursday, with the Trump White House and Democratic lawmakers trading accusations of undermining and manipulating investigations that require bipartisan buy-in to succeed.
US 'Not Involved' With Drone Attacks on Russian Bases in Syria - Pentagon Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- The United States was not involved in any way with the recent drone attacks on Russian bases in Syria, Joint Staff Director Kenneth McKenzie said during a press briefing on Thursday.
Moscow slams US Senate report on Russian president as 'unfounded' Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Russia has lambasted as "unfounded" a report released by the US Senate that accuses Moscow of carrying out disinformation campaigns to undermine democracies, including the Kremlin's alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.
Russia Denounces US Senate Report on Meddling as 'Unfounded' VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- Russia has denounced a U.S. Senate report which accuses the Kremlin of election meddling with the intent to undermine democracies, saying it is "unfounded" and damaging for relations between the two countries.
Putin Charges U.S. Is Backing Navalny Bid For Russian President RFE/RL 11 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that anticorruption crusader Aleksei Navalny was being supported by the United States in his election bid.
S-400 Deployment in Crimea Aiming to Ensure Russia's Security - Kremlin Sputnik 10 Jan 2018 -- Russia's taking measures to ensure its security should not be perceived as a threat to anyone, the Russian side has the right to such steps, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked to comment on reports on the deployment of the second S-400 air defense missile system division in Crimea.
U.S. Senate Report Calls For Stronger Response To Russian Meddling RFE/RL 10 Jan 2018 -- A new report compiled by U.S. Senate researchers warns that Russia has been emboldened by its efforts to interfere in U.S. and European elections, and calls for a stronger U.S. response to deter Moscow.
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin Releases Report Detailing Two Decades of Putin's Attacks on Democracy, Calling for Policy Changes to Counter Kremlin Threat Ahead of 2018, 2020 Elections Office of Senator Ben Cardin 10 Jan 2018 -- A Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic staff report released Wednesday and commissioned by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the Committee's ranking member, details Russian president Vladimir Putin's nearly two decades-long assault on democratic institutions, universal values, and the rule of law across Europe and in his own country. The report comes one year after Senator Cardin introduced the Counteracting Russian Hostilities Act of 2017, which served as the basis for the sanctions package signed into law last August, and makes a series of recommendations to adequately bolster U.S. and European defenses and counter the growing Kremlin threat to democratic institutions.
Sputnik Partner 'Required To Register' Under U.S. Foreign-Agent Law RFE/RL 10 Jan 2018 -- State-supported Russian media outlet Sputnik says its U.S.-based partner company RIA Global LLC has been ordered to register as a foreign agent by the U.S. government.
Dry Cargo Ship Collides With Russia's Yamal Landing Craft Carrier in Aegean Sea Sputnik 10 Jan 2018 -- The Russian Yamal landing ship and Sierra Leone-flagged dry cargo ship have collided in the Aegean Sea. No one has been injured, the vessels then continued along their planned routes, Viacheslav Trukhachev, a Black Sea Fleet press representative reported.
Russia Rejects CIA Chief's Assertion It's Meddling In U.S. Congressional Elections RFE/RL 09 Jan 2018 -- Russian officials on January 8 rejected an accusation by CIA Director Mike Pompeo that Russia is attempting to interfere in U.S. congressional elections this year and has been meddling in U.S. elections "for decades."
Russian troops remaining in Syria can fight terror attacks on bases: Kremlin Press TV 09 Jan 2018 -- Moscow says the number of Russian troops remaining in Syria following the collapse of Daesh is sufficient for defending its bases against any possible militant attack.
Russia Hints At U.S. Involvement In Drone Attack On Its Air Base, Naval Facility In Syria RFE/RL 09 Jan 2018 -- Russia has hinted at U.S. involvement in recent drone attacks against its air base and its naval facility in western Syria.
Turkey Summons Russian, Iranian Envoys Over Syria Safe Zone Violation - Reports Sputnik 09 Jan 2018 -- Turkey has lodged a diplomatic protest over claims about attacks in Syria's Idlib safe zone by the Syrian army, Daily Sabah reports citing sources in Ankara's Foreign Ministry.
Top White House Aide Says Russia Looks To Influence Mexico Vote RFE/RL 08 Jan 2018 -- A senior White House official says the Kremlin has launched a sophisticated campaign to influence Mexico's 2018 presidential election, a video obtained by a Mexican newspaper shows.
UK Royal Navy Frigate Reportedly Intercepts Russian Ships in English Channel Sputnik 08 Jan 2018 -- A UK Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster has been sent to intercept several Russian vessels in the English Channel, local media reported on Monday.
Russian military repels attack by militant drones in Syria: Moscow Press TV 08 Jan 2018 -- Russia says its troops have successfully repelled multiple drone attacks launched by militants on its naval and air bases in Syria.
Russia Says 13 Drones Used In Attack On Its Air Base, Naval Facility In Syria RFE/RL 08 Jan 2018 -- Russia says 13 armed drones have recently been used to attack its air base and its naval facility in western Syria.
Russian Military Prevents Drone Attack by Militants on Its Bases in Syria Sputnik 08 Jan 2018 -- Overnight on January 6, militants in Syria launched a massive attack against Russian military facilities, including the Tartus Naval base and Hmeimin airbase, with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Russia's Supreme Court rejects Navalny's appeal against election ban Press TV 06 Jan 2018 -- Russia's Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed an appeal by opposition politician Alexei Navalny to overturn a ruling that bars him from running in the March presidential election.
Russian Supreme Court Rejects Navalny Appeal On Presidential Election Ban RFE/RL 06 Jan 2018 -- The Russian Supreme Court has upheld its decision to reject an appeal by opposition leader Aleksei Navalny against a decision to bar him from running in Russia's 2018 presidential election.
Russian Airborne Forces' Capabilities Increase Due to Use of Advanced Vehicles Sputnik 06 Jan 2018 -- The capabilities of the Russian Airborne Forces have significantly increased because of the replacement of old military vehicles by the new ones designed on the base of unified platforms, Col. Nikolai Anokhin, the head of the Airborne Forces' logistics department, said Saturday.
Russia Says Two Soldiers Killed In Mortar Attack In Syria RFE/RL 04 Jan 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says two of its soldiers were killed in a mortar attack by antigovernment forces in Syria on New Year's Eve.
Two Russian Servicemen Killed on Dec. 31 in Shelling of Hmeymim Base - MoD Sputnik 04 Jan 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has refuted media reports about the alleged destruction of seven Russian military aircraft by militants during an attack at the Hmeymim air base in Syria.
Airborne 'Typhoon': Russia Develops Special Armored Vehicle for Paratroopers Sputnik 04 Jan 2018 -- The Typhoon-VDV will be equipped with modern weapon systems and will boast an increased level of armor protection. The vehicle is currently being tested. Its mass production is planned for 2019.
Russia confirms copter crash in Syria, cites technical fault Press TV 03 Jan 2018 -- Russia has confirmed that a Russian military helicopter earlier crashed in northwestern Syria, killing two pilots and injuring a technician.
Russia's oil production highest since 1999 Press TV 03 Jan 2018 -- New figures show Russia's oil production in 2017 increased to the highest level in the past 30 years to reach an average of 10.9 million barrels per day.
Turkish FM Says Negotiating With Russia Over S-400 Technology Transfer RFE/RL 02 Jan 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Ankara is still negotiating with Moscow about a technology transfer as part of its controversial purchase of Russia's S-400 air-defense missile system.
Open Skies Treaty: Russia's Restrictions for US Observers Enter Force Sputnik 01 Jan 2018 -- With Russia due to limit the number of airfields that can be used by US surveillance aircraft within the framework of the Open Skies Treaty as of January 1, the document seems to face a test for durability this year.

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January 2018 - Russia Special Weapons News