March 2018 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russian Oligarch Magomedov Arrested On Suspicion Of Embezzlement RFE/RL 31 Mar 2018 -- A Moscow court has placed billionaire businessman Ziyavudin Magomedov under arrest for two months after prosecutors accused him and two of his partners of embezzling billions of rubles in state funds.
Russia expels over 50 more British diplomats Press TV 31 Mar 2018 -- Russia has ordered the expulsion of over 50 more British diplomats in a dispute over the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in the United Kingdom.
Russia Says Britain Must Cut More Than 50 Diplomats Amid Tit-For-Tat Expulsions RFE/RL 31 Mar 2018 -- Russia says Britain must trim its diplomatic personnel in Russia by more than 50 people amid a diplomatic tit-for-tat ignited by the poisoning of an ex-spy on British soil.
Russia test-launches Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile Press TV 30 Mar 2018 -- Russia has successfully test-launched the massive Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Plesetsk cosmodrome in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 kilometers north of Moscow.
Russia to expel 60 U.S. diplomats, close U.S. consulate in St. Petersburg People's Daily 30 Mar 2018 -- Russia will expel 60 U.S. diplomats and shut the U.S. consulate general in St. Petersburg in tit-for-tat retaliation for Washington's moves against Moscow over an ex-spy incident, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Moscow Summons Ambassadors From Countries That Expelled Russian Diplomats RFE/RL 30 Mar 2018 -- Russia has served expulsion notices to a slew of staff in Western embassies in a diplomatic tit-for-tat ignited by the poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 29, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Mar 2018
Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Russia's Expulsion of American Diplomats The White House 29 Mar 2018
Trump Campaign Aide 'Talked Frequently' With Person Linked To Russian Intelligence RFE/RL 29 Mar 2018 -- A top campaign official for U.S. President Donald Trump had repeated communications during the final weeks of the 2016 presidential race with a business associate the FBI believes had ties to Russian intelligence, a court filing says.
Trump to Putin: 'If you want to have an arms race we can do that, but I'll win' Press TV 29 Mar 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has reportedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that if Washington and Moscow reignite the arms race, the United States would win it.
Poland's purchase of US-made Patriot poses threat to Russia's security: Moscow Press TV 29 Mar 2018 -- Russia has slammed a military deal between Poland and the United States to provide Warsaw with the advanced Patriot anti-missile system, saying it poses a serious threat to Russia's borders.
Russian Ex-Spy's Daughter 'Improving Rapidly' RFE/RL 29 Mar 2018 -- British health officials say the daughter of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal is no longer in critical condition and is "improving rapidly," weeks after a March 4 nerve-agent attack in an English city.
Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Russia's Expulsion of American Diplomats The White House 29 Mar 2018
British Police Say Skripals Probably Poisoned At Home RFE/RL 28 Mar 2018 -- British police said they believe former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter likely first came into contact with a military-grade nerve agent at their front door.
Readout Of President Donald J. Trump's Call With Prime Minister Theresa May Of The United Kingdom The White House 28 Mar 2018
Statement by NATO Secretary General on further decisions following the use of a nerve agent in Salisbury NATO 27 Mar 2018
NATO Cuts Russian Mission Staff Over Spy Poisoning RFE/RL 27 Mar 2018 -- NATO has joined more than two dozen governments around the world in expelling Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain.
West expels Russian diplomats, intelligence officials over spy poisoning People's Daily 27 Mar 2018 -- Under Western coordination, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and intelligence officials and the closure of the Russian Consulate in Seattle, in response to the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy in Britain.
In United Front, West Expels Dozens Of Russian Diplomats Over Poisoning; Russia Vows Retaliation RFE/RL 27 Mar 2018 -- The United States, European Union member states, Ukraine, and Canada have ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in England -- a move the Kremlin vowed to match with "the principle of reciprocity."
U.S. House Speaker Says White House Made 'Right Call' To Expel Russian Diplomats RFE/RL 26 Mar 2018 -- The speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives said President Donald Trump made the "right call" in deciding to expel dozens of Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of a Russian ex-spy on British soil.
US has informed UN of decision to expel Russian diplomats UN News 26 Mar 2018 -- A United Nations spokesman confirmed on Monday that the world body was aware of the announcement by the United States Government of its decision to take action against certain Russian diplomats in the US.
Holding Russia Accountable for Its Destabilizing Behavior US Dept. of State 26 Mar 2018 -- "On March 4, Russia used a military-grade nerve agent to attempt to murder a British citizen and his daughter in Salisbury."
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada The White House 26 Mar 2018
Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the Expulsion of Russian Intelligence Officers The White House 26 Mar 2018
Statement from the Press Secretary on the Expulsion of Russian Intelligence Officers The White House 26 Mar 2018
Basking In Big Official Win, Putin Urges Unity, Blasts 'Irresponsible Populism' RFE/RL 23 Mar 2018 -- President Vladimir Putin has thanked voters for their "unprecedented support" and urged Russians to put political differences aside in the name of progress, addressing the country moments after election officials formally declared him the winner of the March 18 election.
EU Vows More Measures Against Russia Over Nerve-Agent Attack RFE/RL 23 Mar 2018 -- European Union member states have agreed at a summit in Brussels to take additional punitive measures against Russia for a nerve-agent attack in Britain.
Pro-Putin Biker Group Visits Republika Srpska On 'Russian Balkans' Tour RFE/RL 22 Mar 2018 -- Nearly two dozen members of the pro-Kremlin motorcycle group Night Wolves have visited Banja Luka, the administrative center of Bosnia's predominantly Serb entity, Republika Srpska, as part of what they are calling a "Russian Balkans" tour.
Kremlin Calls Johnson Likening Putin To Hitler 'Disgusting' RFE/RL 22 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman has said that British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's comparison of Russia's hosting of the World Cup with the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany was "disgusting" and "unacceptable."
Russian Military Reveals How US Could Intercept New Sarmat Missile Sputnik 22 Mar 2018 -- Development work on the new Russian intercontinental ballistic missile has wrapped up, with the Sarmat expected to begin its introduction into the Missile Forces in the near future.
Russia's Aging Topol ICBMs to Be Scrapped for Gold, Silver Sputnik 22 Mar 2018 -- All of Russia's Topol mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles are due to be replaced with a modernized version of the Topol-M by the early 2020s.
Theresa May to EU leaders of Russia's 'threat' Press TV 22 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May will warn European leaders of Russia's "threat" to the EU member states after accusing Moscow of using the Novichok nerve agent on the UK soil.
May To Warn EU Leaders Russian Threat 'Doesn't Respect Borders' RFE/RL 22 Mar 2018 -- Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May said she would tell other European Union leaders that they must unite to counter a threat from Russia that "doesn't respect borders."
Britain Opens Inquest Into Russian Businessman's 'Murder' RFE/RL 22 Mar 2018 -- A British court has opened an inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov, who was found at his home in London earlier this month.
UK Court Allows Blood Samples to be Taken from Skripals for OPCW Testing Sputnik 22 Mar 2018 -- Moscow has repeatedly demanded that London should abide by the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and provide Russia with access to the samples of the nerve-agent which was allegedly used to poison Sergei Skripal and his daughter.
UK Prime Minister Announces Nerve Agent Type in Skripal Poisoning Investigation Sputnik 22 Mar 2018 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that UK experts identified the substance used in the incident of the poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in Salisbury as belonging to the Novichok group of nerve agents, the UK government said Thursday in a statement.
Briefing by Director of the Foreign Ministry Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov, Moscow, March 21, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Mar 2018-- BUG: the source does not exist in description file
Japan's deployment of US missile system affects Russia's security interests: Lavrov Press TV 21 Mar 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that the deployment of US missile system components in Japan would have a direct impact on his country's national security and regional interests.
Trump Defends Congratulatory Call To Putin RFE/RL 21 Mar 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to congratulate President Vladimir Putin on his re-election, saying a good relationship with Russia is necessary to help solve some of the world's problems.
Putin Seeks Changes In Anti-Doping Rules That Led To Bans On Russia RFE/RL 21 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his country's envoys to seek changes in international doping rules that have led to Russia's banishment from major world sporting events since 2015.
Pro-Putin Night Wolves Bikers Start 'Russian Balkan' Tour In Serbia RFE/RL 21 Mar 2018 -- The Night Wolves, a motorcycle club known for its allegiance to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has started what it is calling a "Russian Balkans" tour with a visit to the Serbian town of Sid.
Russia's White Swan Strategic Bomber Just Got a 1,000 km+ Range Upgrade Sputnik 21 Mar 2018 -- Russia is in the process of upgrading and expanding its fleet of Tupolev Tu-160 supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bombers.
Russia's Top Election Official Blasts US Accounts of Restricted Poll Monitoring VOA 21 Mar 2018 -- Russia's top election official has lashed out at U.S. State Department criticism that in the recent presidential election, Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) denied observer status to 4,500 monitors linked to anti-corruption crusader Alexei Navalny, along with 850 others with ties to Golos, the independent Moscow-based election watchdog.
Russia says UK may be behind ex-spy chemical attack Press TV 21 Mar 2018 -- Russia says Britain may have been behind the poisoning of a former double agent and his daughter, deepening the diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow.
Deny And Distort: A Timeline Of Russia's Changing Story On Skripal Poisoning RFE/RL 21 Mar 2018 -- Since the poisoning of the Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter on March 4 in England, Russian officials have been consistent about one thing: Moscow didn't do it.
Labour Leader Under Fire From Party MPs for Stance on Skripal Poisoning Sputnik 21 Mar 2018 -- Twitter exploded as opposition leader Corbyn was being grilled over his suggestion to give Russia samples of the agent used to poison Skripal amid an investigation into the case.
Trump, Macron Call for Action Against Russia for Spy Poisoning VOA 21 Mar 2018 -- The U.S. and French presidents, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, agreed in a phone call Wednesday on "the need to take action to hold Russia accountable" for its use of a nerve agent in the attack in Britain on a former Russian spy and his daughter, the White House said.
Fighters Russia Donated To Serbia To Enter Service By Year-End RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- Six MiG-29 fighter jets that Russia donated to Serbia will have their first test flights and enter service by the end of 2018, Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin has said.
Trump calls Putin to congratulate him on re-election victory Press TV 20 Mar 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has said he spoke to Vladimir Putin over the phone to congratulate the Russian president on his re-election victory, and they discussed the possibility of a meeting in the near future.
Europeans show mixed reactions to Putin's win, US still silent Press TV 20 Mar 2018 -- The West has been sharply divided in its reaction to Vladimir Putin's decisive win in the Russian presidential election; while some European leaders have sent warm wishes to Putin in the hope of closer ties with Moscow, some others have taken advantage of the moment to say the strained relations would be irreversible under Putin.
Seeing 'Churov's Saw': Russian Researcher Says Putin May Have Received 10 Million Fraudulent Votes RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- Humans love round numbers, and Russian election officials appear to be no exception.
Putin's Pals, The Night Wolves, Troll Bosnia And The Region RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- The motorcycle club whose members were at the vanguard of Russia's occupation of Crimea, nicknamed "Putin's Angels" by the media, is on the road again.
U.S. Says Russia Increasing Deployment Of 'Banned' Cruise Missile RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- The commander of U.S. nuclear forces says that Russia has increased its deployment of cruise missiles that Washington asserts are in violation of a key Cold War arms-control treaty, a signal that Moscow continues to be undeterred by U.S. warnings.
Trump Congratulates Putin On Reelection, Hopes To Meet Soon RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Vladimir Putin two days after the Russian leader's landslide election victory, saying he hopes the two leaders will soon meet to discuss several crises around the world.
Russian Army to Adopt Terminator-2 Tank Support Vehicle Sputnik 20 Mar 2018 -- The Russian army will soon adopt into service the latest version of BMPT-72 tank support combat vehicle, also known as Terminator 2, an informed source in the Rusian defense industry told Sputnik.
Trump Congratulates Putin, Two Plan to Meet in 'Not-Too-Distant Future' VOA 20 Mar 2018 -- President Donald Trump congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election during a phone call on Tuesday and the two leaders agreed to hold talks soon.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia The White House 20 Mar 2018
Corbyn Reiterates Calls for UK to Investigate Skripal Poisoning With Russia Sputnik 20 Mar 2018 -- In the aftermath of the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal, the British government hastily opted to expel 23 Russian diplomats from their posts in the UK, leading to a package of retaliatory diplomatic sanctions by Russia against the UK.
Merkel Claims Russia Must Prove Non-Involvement in Skripal Poisoning Case Sputnik 20 Mar 2018 -- Russia must prove that it has nothing with poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK city of Salisbury, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
EU Leaders To Seek Better Communication On Threats After Nerve-Agent Attack RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- EU leaders are set to ask foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini to look into ways to improve the 28-member bloc's strategic communication, counterintelligence, and cyberdefense in the wake of the nerve-agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in England earlier this month.
Expelled Russian Diplomats Head Home As U.K. Mulls Furthur Poisoning Response RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- Twenty-three Russian diplomats who were ordered out of Britain in response to the poisoning of a former spy with a deadly nerve agent left the country on March 20, as London decided not to impose further sanctions on Moscow for now.
Telegram App Under The Gun In Russia After Supreme Court Ruling RFE/RL 20 Mar 2018 -- Russia's media regulator ordered Telegram to give the Federal Security Service (FSB) access to users' messaging data within 15 days, prompting a defiant response from the popular app's co-founder.
Putin says Russia will decrease military spending Press TV 19 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will reduce its military spending during his new term as the leader of the country, a day after he was re-elected in a presidential election with a landslide.
Putin Softens Rhetoric Toward West Amid Criticism Over Landslide Win RFE/RL 19 Mar 2018 -- Vladimir Putin has softened his rhetoric toward the West after winning a fourth term as Russia's president in a landslide victory the United States said it expected and international observers chided for giving voters no "real choice."
Russians Asking 'What Now?' After Election VOA 19 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is "not planning any constitutional reforms for now," even before the final tally in a presidential election that critics have dubbed a predestined spectacle.
Russia, UK trade barbs over ex-spy poisoning Press TV 19 Mar 2018 -- Russia and the UK have engaged in a war of words over allegations of Moscow's role in the poisoning of a former spy and his daughter using a nerve agent in a British town, with President Putin dismissing the claims as "nonsense" and "absurd."
EU, NATO Chide Russia On Skripal Poisoning, Slow Response RFE/RL 19 Mar 2018 -- EU foreign ministers and the head of NATO have strongly condemned the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain, and offered London "solidarity" over the attack.
Chemical Weapons Experts In Britain To Collect Toxin Samples RFE/RL 19 Mar 2018 -- International chemical weapons experts are scheduled to arrive in Britain on March 19 to get samples from the nerve agent involved in the poisoning of a Russian ex-spy in England.
Theresa May: Russia Had Intention and Motive to Poison Skripal Sputnik 19 Mar 2018 -- The UK's certainty of Moscow's involvement in Skripal's poisoning has increased after last week's statement by UK Prime Minister Theresa May, claiming that it was "highly likely" that Moscow was behind the poisoning of the ex-Russian intelligence officer.
EU Statement on Skripal Case Speculative and Unsubstantiated - Moscow Sputnik 19 Mar 2018 -- Earlier in the day, the EU has vehemently condemned a poisoning attack on ex-Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, stressing that the bloc takes the UK assessment of Moscow's possible involvement in it "extremely seriously."
Boris Johnson says Russia has stockpiled nerve agents for past 10 years Press TV 18 Mar 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has accused Russia of stockpiling nerve agents "within the last 10 years," to allegedly use it for assassination.
Putin wins fourth term as Russia's president with 73.9% of vote: Exit poll Press TV 18 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has scored a landslide re-election victory for the fourth time with 73.9 percent of votes, according to an exit poll by state-owned pollster, VTsIOM.
Exit Poll says Putin Easily Wins Russian Presidential Vote VOA 18 Mar 2018 -- Exit polls in Russia say President Vladimir Putin has won another term in office, winning more than 73 percent of the vote.
Britain Accuses Russia Of Stockpiling Novichok Nerve Agent RFE/RL 18 Mar 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has accused Russia of stockpiling a nerve agent believed to have been used in an attack on a Russian double agent and his daughter in Britain.
UK Has Evidence Russia Stockpiling Novichok for 10 Years - Boris Johnson Sputnik 18 Mar 2018 -- The United Kingdom will give the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) samples of the poisonous substance used in the Skripal case, said Boris Johnson in BBC prime time.
Boris Johnson Slams Moscow's Response to Expulsion of Russian Diplomats From UK Sputnik 18 Mar 2018 -- UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson believes that Russia's retaliatory measures taken after London's decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats in connection with the Salisbury incident will only harm Russians.
Putin Expected To Sail To Fourth Term; Voter Turnout The Only Question RFE/RL 18 Mar 2018 -- Voters in Russia are casting ballots in a presidential election that is all but certain to secure President Vladimir Putin a fourth term in office.
Evolving 'Super Candidate' Putin Strategizing for 'Super Majority' Turnout VOA 18 Mar 2018 -- In a Russian presidential campaign season in which Kremlin officials have insisted that candidates abide by federal election laws, numerous news outlets have reported President Vladimir Putin's exception to the rule.
Russian nuclear-powered submarines reached US coast undetected: Commander Press TV 17 Mar 2018 -- A division of Russian nuclear-powered submarines has reportedly carried out a drill near American military bases close to the US coast without being detected, a Russian commander says.
US senators warn Russia not to sell S-400 to other states Press TV 17 Mar 2018 -- A group of lawmakers in the US Senate have warned Russia that the sale of advanced Russian weaponry, particularly the S-400 surface-to-air missile defense systems, to foreign countries would lead to new sanctions against Moscow.
Russia Sells $4 Billion Of Eurobonds Despite Escalating Tensions RFE/RL 17 Mar 2018 -- Russia has sold $4 billion in debt on the Eurobond market in London despite rapidly escalating tensions with Britain and the West.
Russian Scientist Says Other Countries May Have Novichok Samples RFE/RL 17 Mar 2018 -- The Russian scientist who originally helped develop the nerve agent believed to have been used in the poisoning of a Russian double agent in Britain said other countries could have also produced test samples of the substance.
Putin Expected To Sail To Fourth Term As Russians Begin Voting RFE/RL 17 Mar 2018 -- Voters in Russia are heading to the polls on March 18 in a presidential election that is all but certain to secure President Vladimir Putin a fourth term in office.
UK Police Open Murder Investigation Over Death of Russian Businessman Glushkov Sputnik 18 Mar 2018 -- UK Metropolitan Police said that they had opened a murder investigation after the death of Nikolai Glushkov, a former top manager of Russian Aeroflot airline, in London.
Russia Comes Up With More Poisoning Theories VOA 18 Mar 2018 -- As the dispute between Britain and Russia mounted Saturday over the poisoning on British soil of a former Russian spy, with the Kremlin announcing the expulsion of 23 British diplomats, Russia's foreign ministry came up with yet another theory about the origin of the toxin used.
UK potential origin of 'Novichok' nerve agent: Russia Press TV 17 Mar 2018 -- Russia has once again denied accusations of involvement in the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal in Britain, saying the substance used in the attack could have originated from the countries studying the "Novichok" nerve agent, including the UK, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Britain Ponders Next Steps In Russia Standoff Over Ex-Spy Poisoning RFE/RL 17 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain would consider its next steps alongside its allies in the coming days after Russia had earlier said it would expel 23 British diplomats amid a standoff over a nerve-agent attack on a former spy.
Putin Urges Russians To Vote In Patriotic Appeal RFE/RL 16 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Russians to vote in the presidential election on March 18, urging citizens to "use your right to choose the future for our great and beloved Russia."
Russia To Expand 'Blacklist' Of Americans In Response To Sanctions RFE/RL 16 Mar 2018 -- A senior Russian diplomat says that Moscow will respond to a new set of U.S. sanctions by expanding its "blacklist" of Americans who are barred from traveling to Russia.
Why Wait? Takeaways (Already) From This Weekend's Russian Election RFE/RL 16 Mar 2018 -- As Russians prepare to go to the polls in the March 18 presidential election, the usual questions don't apply. No one needs to ask which candidate ran the most effective campaign, which one put forward the most compelling platform, who will make it to the second round. And no one needs to ask who will win.
Putin likely ordered Russian spy's poisoning: UK FM Boris Johnson Press TV 16 Mar 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson claims it is "overwhelmingly likely" that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered a nerve agent attack against a former Russian spy in southern England.
Russia to expel UK diplomats as chemical attack crisis deepens Press TV 16 Mar 2018 -- Russia plans to expel UK diplomats in retaliation for Britain's decision to kick out 23 Russians over Moscow's alleged nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy on English soil, deepening the diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow.
U.K.'s Johnson Says Putin Probably Behind Ex-Spy Attack RFE/RL 16 Mar 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said it is "overwhelmingly likely" that Russian President Vladimir Putin made the decision to use a highly toxic chemical against a former double agent in England, prompting a swift and angry response in which the Kremlin called his remarks "shocking and unforgivable."
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 15, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2018
Colombia Probes Voter Registration Cyberattacks Traced to Russia's Allies VOA 15 Mar 2018 -- Colombian government and military officials say the government is investigating tens of thousands of cyberattacks on the country's voter registration systems, and traced the incidents to Russia's key allies in the region.
NATO Chief: Not Seeking Cold War With Russia, But Will Defend Allies RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the West is not looking to start a new Cold War or an arms race with Russia, but he reiterated that the military alliance will defend "all allies against any threat."
Defense Official Says Russia 'Complicit' in Syrian Deaths AFPS 15 Mar 2018 -- Russia has not lived up to its promises on Syria, a senior Pentagon official said here today.
US imposes sanctions on Russia for election meddling, cyber attacks Press TV 15 Mar 2018 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions against Russia's spy agencies and more than a dozen individuals for their alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and other "malicious cyber attacks."
Candidate With Benefits: The 'Administrative Resources' That Help Putin RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- All things supposedly being equal, one candidate has been more equal than others in the run-up to Russia's presidential election.
Amnesty Warns Russia Is Escalating Opposition Crackdown As Election Nears RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- Amnesty International has accused Russia of mounting a "fierce crackdown" on political activists ahead of this week's presidential election, systematically violating their rights through "arbitrary" arrests and detentions.
New U.S. Sanctions Target Russian Intelligence, Companies For Election Meddling, Cyberattacks RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- U.S. authorities announced new financial sanctions against Russia's top intelligence agencies, more than a dozen Russian citizens, and the company known as the Russian "troll factory" in the latest U.S. push to punish Moscow.
Q&A: Ex-White House Official Says New Russia Sanctions Will Have 'Marginal, If Any, Impact' RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- The United States has unveiled the latest round of financial sanctions targeting Russian individuals, companies, and intelligence agencies -- a move billed by administration officials as sending a strong warning about Russian election meddling, malicious cyberactivity, and other actions.
US Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Entities - Treasury Sputnik 15 Mar 2018 -- The United States has imposed new anti-Russia sanctions in response to cyber attacks, including the Notpetya virus, the US Department of the Treasury said in a statement on Thursday.
Treasury Sanctions Russian Cyber Actors for Interference with the 2016 U.S. Elections and Malicious Cyber-Attacks US Treasury 15 Mar 2018 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five entities and 19 individuals under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) as well as Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, "Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities," as amended, and codified pursuant to CAATSA.
US Sanctions Russians for Election Meddling, Joins Condemnation of Nerve Agent Attack VOA 15 Mar 2018 -- The Trump administration is joining harsh international condemnation of Russia for a nerve agent attack in Britain blamed on Moscow, while for the first time imposing fresh sanctions – directly blaming Russia for election interference.
'Once hard ice melts:' China, Russia back Korean peace Press TV 15 Mar 2018 -- China and Russia have expressed their full support for a peace drive launched by South Korea to resolve the persisting Korean crisis, a top South Korean official says.
Russia says UK accusations of nerve agent attack 'unacceptable' People's Daily 15 Mar 2018 -- Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said Wednesday that Britain's allegations that Moscow was responsible for a nerve attack were "completely unacceptable."
British govt. using poisoning incident to 'deflect' attention away from Brexit: Moscow Press TV 15 Mar 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the British government has implicated Moscow in the poisoning of a former spy in an attempt to "deflect attention" away from difficult negotiations between London and the European Union over Brexit.
Haley calls for action against Russia for spy attack in UK Press TV 15 Mar 2018 -- US Ambassador to the United Nations has accused Russia of carrying out the recent nerve agent attack against a former spy in the UK, calling for action against Moscow to ensure it never uses "chemical weapons" again.
Don't give us ultimatums: Russian UN envoy Press TV 15 Mar 2018 -- Russia's ambassador to the United Nations calls for proof to be presented over Moscow's alleged involvement in the poisoning of a former spy in Britain.
EU Said Unlikely To Impose New Sanctions Over Nerve-Agent Attack RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- The European Union is unlikely to introduce new sanctions against Russia after the nerve-toxin poisoning of a former Russian double agent in England 11 days ago, people familiar with the matter have told RFE/RL.
Britain's Allies 'Abhor' Nerve-Agent Attack On Russian Ex-Spy RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- The leaders of France, Germany, the United States, and Britain say Russian responsibility is the "only plausible explanation" for the poisoning of a former spy with a military-grade nerve agent in England 11 days ago.
Skripal Case: Johnson Says U.K. May Target 'Corrupt' Putin Allies RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said that the country's law enforcement agencies were investigating rich Russian individuals with assets in Britain, and suggested that those who owe their wealth to their ties with President Vladimir Putin could be brought to justice.
Britain's Allies Express Support On Russian Poisonings But No Quick Response RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- Allies have expressed support for Britain after it announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the poisoning of a former spy with a military-grade nerve agent, but offered no quick response to the incident.
New Zealand Probes Russian Ex-Spy's Poisoning Claims RFE/RL 15 Mar 2018 -- Police in New Zealand said on March 15 that they are investigating claims by a man who said he once worked for Russian intelligence and was poisoned in Auckland more than 10 years ago.
Corbyn Agrees With May on Russia's Alleged Complicity in Ex-Spy Poisoning in UK Sputnik 15 Mar 2018 -- Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the UK Labour Party, on Thursday effectively backtracked on his position by agreeing with the government's claims on Russia's alleged complicity in the incident with former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter, who were exposed to a nerve agent in Salisbury.
Britain, France, Germany, US Jointly Condemn Russian Spy Poisoning VOA 15 Mar 2018 -- The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and the U.S. have jointly condemned the poisoning of a former Russian spy on British soil that has been blamed on Moscow, calling it "the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War."
Statement from the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on the Attack in Salisbury The White House 15 Mar 2018
Russian Mercenaries: Vagner Commanders Describe Life Inside The 'Meat Grinder' RFE/RL 14 Mar 2018 -- The Russian mercenaries fighting in Syria say they are not in the country for the money or to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the United Kingdom's Decision to Expel Russian Diplomats The White House 14 Mar 2018
Czech Court Delays Extradition Of Hacking Suspect In U.S.-Russia Tug-Of-War RFE/RL 14 Mar 2018 -- A last-minute complaint from Yevgeny Nikulin, the Russian cybercrime suspect at the center of a tug-of-war between Moscow and Washington, has delayed a final decision on his extradition to the United States or Russia.
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the use of a nerve agent in Salisbury NATO 14 Mar 2018 -- The UK briefed the North Atlantic Council today on the use of a nerve agent in Salisbury on 4 March.
Russia: UK trying to mislead intl. community over poisoning case Press TV 14 Mar 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized the UK for trying to "mislead" the international community over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain, saying London has staged a "political performance" in the case.
UK expels 23 Russian diplomats over alleged nerve agent attack Press TV 14 Mar 2018 -- The UK plans to expel 23 Russian diplomats after an alleged nerve agent attack on a Russian former double spy in southern England, the biggest single expulsion in over 30 years.
Showdown Looms Over Poisoned Spy As Russia Fails To Respond To U.K. Deadline RFE/RL 14 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to announce measures against Russia on March 14, after Moscow ignored a midnight deadline to explain how a nerve agent developed during the Cold War was used to poison a former Russian spy in Britain.
Britain To Expel 23 Russian Diplomats Over Nerve-Agent Poisoning RFE/RL 14 Mar 2018 -- Prime Minister Theresa May says Britain will expel 23 Russian diplomats and halt high-level contacts as part of a package of measures against Moscow, which ignored a deadline to explain how a deadly chemical developed during the Cold War was used to poison a former Russian spy in the English city of Salisbury last week.
Russian UN Envoy: 'Unacceptable' for UK to Accuse Moscow of Nerve Agent Attack Sputnik 14 Mar 2018 -- During an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the poisoning of Russian intelligence agent-turned-British double agent Sergei Skripal, Russian ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya called the UK's allegations that Moscow was responsible "completely unacceptable" and demanded to see material proof.
Britain to Brief UN Security Council on Spy Poisoning Probe VOA 14 Mar 2018 -- Britain will brief members of the U.N. Security Council Wednesday on an alleged chemical weapons attack on an ex-Russian spy and his daughter in the city of Salisbury on March 4.
Ties with US cannot get any worse, Russia says after Tillerson's exit Press TV 14 Mar 2018 -- Russia says relations with the United States could not get any worse, following US President Donald Trump's dismissal of his secretary of state, who in a previous, personal capacity had good ties with Moscow.
Russia Agrees to Speed Air Defense System Delivery to Turkey Sputnik 13 Mar 2018 -- Russia will speed up the delivery of its S-400 air defense systems to Turkey at the latter's request, says Russian presidential aide Vladimir Kozhin.
Russia Destroyed Stocks of Nerve Agent UK Claimed Was Used to Kill Ex-Spy - MP Sputnik 13 Mar 2018 -- Russia not only stopped the production of the Novichok nerve agent, but also destroyed all its reserves, as confirmed by international observers of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), security services veteran, Russian upper house lawmaker Igor Morozov told Sputnik on Tuesday.
MoD: Russia to Respond if its Military Threatened by Possible US Strike in Syria Sputnik 13 Mar 2018 -- After the false flag chemical weapons attack, the US planned to strike government held districts in Damascus as a "response," according to the Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
Top U.S. Official Warns Of 'Destructive' Russian Role In Balkans RFE/RL 13 Mar 2018 -- A senior U.S. official has warned of what he called Moscow's "increasingly destructive role" in the Balkans, saying that Russia is undermining democracy in the region.
NATO Allies host Russian arms control inspectors NATO 13 Mar 2018 -- Today (13 March 2018), Estonia hosted Russian arms control inspectors, demonstrating Allies' ongoing commitment to transparency. The inspectors visited the Estonian Defence Forces 1st Infantry Brigade at Tapa military base, where NATO's multinational battlegroup is based.
Moscow: NATO planning to create 'military Schengen' near Russia Press TV 13 Mar 2018 -- A senior Russian military official says NATO has a new priority of creating a "military Schengen" to enable the rapid deployment of military forces and hardware near Russian borders.
Russian military to respond if US strikes Syria: Senior general Press TV 13 Mar 2018 -- A top Russian general says his country will respond to a US strike on Syria, targeting any missiles and launchers involved in such an attack, if the lives of Russian servicemen are threatened.
Russia warns US against dire consequences of attacking Syria IRNA 13 Mar 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the United States against attacking Syria, saying that if this happens, Washington will seriously face dire consequences.
Trump Stops Short of Blaming Russia Over Former Spy Poisoning VOA 13 Mar 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Tuesday British evidence that the Russians may have been behind the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in England, but he stopped short of blaming Moscow "until we get the facts straight."
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom The White House 13 Mar 2018
Trump calls for 'unambiguous answers' from Moscow on ex-spy attack Press TV 13 Mar 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has called on Moscow to provide "unambiguous answers" about the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in England.
Russia 'not guilty' in poisoning ex-double agent in UK: FM Lavrov Press TV 13 Mar 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has strongly rejected the UK's accusation that Moscow was behind the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain, saying his respective country "is not guilty" in the incident.
Russia responsible for nerve agent attack on spy in UK: Tillerson Press TV 13 Mar 2018 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Russia must be held responsible for the recent nerve agent attack that nearly killed a former spy in the UK.
U.S. 'Outraged' Over 'Likely' Poisoning By Russia, Warns Of 'Certain' Allied Response RFE/RL 13 Mar 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States is "outraged" over what he said was Russia's likely poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal in Britain, and warned that Moscow "certainly will" face an allied response over the matter.
U.S., Britain Agree Russia Must Provide Answers On Chemical Attack RFE/RL 13 Mar 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed with British Prime Minister Theresa May that Moscow must provide "unambiguous answers" about how a Russian-developed chemical agent was used against a former Russian spy in Britain, the White House said on March 13.
Q&A: French Expert Says Novichok Toxin Is 'Clearly A Direct Link To Russia' RFE/RL 13 Mar 2018 -- Novichok, the toxic nerve agent that British authorities believe was used in the near-fatal poisoning of former spy and retired Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, is a powerful substance that is exceedingly difficult to manufacture.
Police Investigating Death Of Russian Businessman In London RFE/RL 13 Mar 2018 -- A lawyer says a Russian businessman who associated with a prominent critic of the Kremlin has died in London.
UK probing exile death of Russian amid spy case row with Moscow Press TV 13 Mar 2018 -- British police have announced it is investigating the death of a Russian businessman with links to a former Kremlin critic amid increasing tensions between London and Moscow over a nerve agent attack on a double spy in Britain earlier this month.
Former Moldovan Lawmaker Sentenced To 14 Years For Spying For Russia RFE/RL 13 Mar 2018 -- A former member of the Moldovan parliament has been sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges of high reason and espionage for Russia.
U.S., Russia Remain World's Top Exporters Of Weapons RFE/RL 12 Mar 2018 -- The United States remains the world's top weapons seller, accounting for 34 percent of global arms sales over the past five years, a new study shows.
Estonia Says Russian Plane Violated Its Airspace In The Baltic Sea RFE/RL 12 Mar 2018 -- Estonia says a Russian military cargo plane has violated its airspace near Vaindloo Island in the Baltic Sea.
Russian Military Denies Claims of Violation of Estonian Airspace by Il-76 Plane Sputnik 12 Mar 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry denied allegations of the violation of the Estonian airspace by a Russian Il-76 military transport plane on Monday.
EU Extends Sanctions Against Russians, Pro-Russia Ukrainian Separatists RFE/RL 12 Mar 2018 -- The European Union on 12 March officially prolonged its asset freezes and visa bans against 150 Russian officials and Russia-backed Ukrainian separatists.
Russia to start delivering S-400 missile systems to Turkey in early 2020 Press TV 12 Mar 2018 -- Russia will begin the delivery of S-400 surface-to-air missile defense systems to Turkey under an agreement concluded between the two countries late last year.
Mattis warns Syria, Russia on chemical weapons deployment Press TV 12 Mar 2018 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has warned the Syrian government against using chemical weapons implying it would prompt military consequences, as it did last year when US President Donald Trump ordered a strike on a Syrian air base.
Putin's 'Ukrainians, Tatars, Jews' Remark Triggers Backlash RFE/RL 12 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent suggestion that Jews and other minorities in Russia could have been behind the meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election have prompted a backlash in the United States.
MoD: Russia's Newest Hypersonic Missile Capable of Destroying Aircraft Carriers Sputnik 12 Mar 2018 -- Russia's deputy defense minister has offered new details on the new hypersonic missile announced by President Putin in a recent speech to lawmakers.
Putin Suggests Jews, Ethnic Groups May Have Meddled in US Election VOA 12 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is suggesting that Jews, Ukrainians or Tatars might have meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, but again is rejecting Kremlin interference.
Russia to Create Service Center for Air Defense in Iran – Presidential Aide Sputnik 12 Mar 2018 -- Russia will set up an after-sales service center for the maintenance of air defense systems in Iran, Presidential Aide for defense industry cooperation Vladimir Kozhin said Monday.
Russia rejects as 'circus show' British claims on ex-spy case Press TV 12 Mar 2018 -- Russia has denounced as a "circus show" British Prime Minister Theresa May's allegations that Moscow was highly likely behind a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in England.
Ex-spy poisoning in Britain totally unrelated to Russia, says Kremlin Press TV 12 Mar 2018 -- Moscow says it had no role in the poisoning of a former spy in Britain, noting the case is not an issue for the Russian government.
UK eyes sanctions on Russia over 'nerve agent attack' Press TV 12 Mar 2018 -- The UK has announced that it is preparing to unveil new sanctions against Russia in response to an alleged chemical agent attack which London has blamed on Moscow.
British PM Says 'Highly Likely' Russia Was Behind Nerve-Agent Attack RFE/RL 12 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May says evidence shows that it is "highly likely" that Russia is behind the nerve-agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter in the city of Salisbury despite Kremlin denials that Moscow was involved in the incident.
Deadly Nerve Agent Novichok Is A Decades-Old Cold War Foe RFE/RL 12 Mar 2018 -- Novichok, the powerful nerve agent that British Prime Minister Theresa May says was used in the attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, means "newcomer" in Russian. But the military grade chemical is anything but.
Moscow Calls May's Claim About Russian Trace in Ex-Spy's Poisoning 'Circus Show' Sputnik 12 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that Moscow was either responsible for ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal's poisoning, or allowed the military-grade nerve agent to get into the hands of those who were.
Putin on Skripal Case: UK Should Sort It Out Itself, Then We Will Talk Sputnik 12 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has advised Britain to deal with the poisoning of former GRU colonel Sergei Skripal at home before discussing the incident with Russia.
British PM: 'Highly Likely' Russia Behind Attack on Former Spy VOA 12 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday a "military-grade nerve agent" known to have been developed by Russia was used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and that her government has concluded it is "highly likely" Moscow was responsible.
UK Health Officials: Public Risk 'Low' After Poisoning of Former Russian Spy VOA 12 Mar 2018 -- British health officials said Sunday that traces of a nerve agent used in the suspected attempted murder of a Russian spy in Britain were found in a pub and restaurant he visited, but that the risk to public health remains low.
White House Calls Attack on Ex-Spy in UK 'An Outrage,' But Doesn't Mention Russia VOA 12 Mar 2018 -- The White House is stopping short of blaming Russia for the poisoning of a former Russian military intelligence officer who was a double agent for Britain's intelligence services.
Putin indicates Crimea will never return to Ukraine Press TV 11 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Crimea's rejoining to Russia from Ukraine in 2014 was a move that can 'never' be reversed.
Britain's Ruling Conservatives Under Pressure to Return Russian Donations VOA 11 Mar 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to return millions of dollars given by Russian oligarchs and their lobbyists to her ruling Conservative party. One of the biggest donors is the wife of a former Russian deputy finance minister, once nicknamed "Putin's banker."
Russia successfully test fires hypersonic missile Press TV 11 Mar 2018 -- The Russian air force has successfully test fired a hypersonic air-to-surface missile for the first time, Russia's defense ministry says.
Russia Test-Fires 'Hypersonic' Missile RFE/RL 11 Mar 2018 -- Russia says it has successfully test-fired a "hypersonic" missile, which President Vladimir Putin earlier this month claimed flies 10 times faster than the speed of sound.
Putin says alleged Syrian government chemical weapons attacks 'fake news' Press TV 10 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Western allegations pertaining to the Syrian government launching chemical attacks on terrorists-held areas are "fake news."
Latvian FM: Putin's 'Global Catastrophe' Remarks 'Irresponsible' VOA 10 Mar 2018 -- Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics says Vladimir Putin's recent comments on retaliating against nuclear-armed adversaries, which the Russian president acknowledged would lead to a "global catastrophe," represent a level of animosity not seen since the early Cold War.
Britain Says 'Too Early' To Pin Blame Over Poisoning Of Russian Ex-Spy RFE/RL 10 Mar 2018 -- The British government held another top-level security meeting on March 10 to discuss the poisoning of a Russian ex-spy and his daughter with a nerve agent.
Putin 'Couldn't Care Less' If Russians Meddled In U.S. Election RFE/RL 10 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he "couldn't care less" if Russian citizens sought to meddle in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, insisting that the Kremlin had nothing to do with the efforts.
Russian State Pollsters: Putin Popularity Slipping Ahead of Election VOA 09 Mar 2018 -- A respected Russian-language business newspaper is reporting a 12-percent drop in President Vladimir Putin's popularity in cities with more than 1 million inhabitants between mid-January and mid-February.
South Korea, China, Russia welcome possible meeting between Trump and Kim Press TV 09 Mar 2018 -- An unexpected announcement that a meeting is being planned between the leaders of long-time adversaries the United States and North Korea has been welcomed by regional powers China and Russia as well as South Korea.
Russian FM Makes Deals, Affirms Old Friendships on Africa Tour VOA 08 Mar 2018 -- Russia's foreign minister has signed economic agreements and solidified ties in Zimbabwe, one of five stops on an Africa tour that includes former Soviet client states Mozambique, Ethiopia and Angola.
Kremlin 'Trolls' Meddling In Russia's Own Elections? 'Of Course We Are!' RFE/RL 08 Mar 2018 -- Over the last three years, there have been many reports from people working inside the Internet Research Agency in St. Petersburg - an enterprise perhaps better known as Putin's Troll Factory.
Britain Weighing Its Options in Poisoning of Russians VOA 08 Mar 2018 -- The tip-off came from the British government itself that Downing Street had no stomach for a fight over Ukraine and Russia's takeover of Crimea.
UK investigates source of nerve agent in ex-Russian spy attack Press TV 08 Mar 2018 -- British detectives are trying to find the source of the nerve agent they claim was used in the alleged attempted murder of a Russian former double-agent and his daughter.
Suspected Nerve-Agent Attack In U.K. An 'Appalling, Reckless Crime' RFE/RL 08 Mar 2018 -- The suspected poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter with a nerve agent was an "appalling and reckless crime," a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said.
Russian Spy: Police Have Reportedly Identified Nerve Agent, Won't Make It Public Sputnik 08 Mar 2018 -- According to media reports, former Russian military intelligence colonel Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia are in a coma after being exposed to a suspected nerve gas in Salisbury.
Kremlin 'Trolls' Meddling In Russia's Own Elections? 'Of Course We Are!' RFE/RL 08 Mar 2018 -- Over the last three years, there have been many reports from people working inside the Internet Research Agency in St. Petersburg - an enterprise perhaps better known as Putin's Troll Factory.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 7, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Mar 2018
Russia's Military Posture: Ground Forces Order of Battle Institute for the Study of Wart 07 Mar 2018 -- Russia has redeployed and reorganized its ground forces since 2014. That effort has reshaped the threat environment in Europe that America, its allies, and its partners must contend with. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute are releasing a joint report on Russia's ground forces posture.
China, Russia Mounting Growing Challenge to US in Africa VOA 07 Mar 2018 -- China and Russia are working to expand their influence across Africa, hoping to outspend or out-compete the United States, U.S. officials warn, describing it as part of a larger effort by both countries to reshape the world order.
Russia's Military Posture: Ground Forces Order of Battle Institute for the Study of War 07 Mar 2018 -- Russia has redeployed and reorganized its ground forces since 2014. That effort has reshaped the threat environment in Europe that America, its allies, and its partners must contend with. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute are releasing a joint report on Russia's ground forces posture.
Any bid to destroy Russia spells catastrophe for mankind: Putin Press TV 07 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any bid to "destroy" Russia will trigger a response from Moscow that spells "catastrophe for mankind."
Putin Praises Trump, Assails Sanctions, Vows To Defend 'Great Power' Russia RFE/RL 07 Mar 2018 -- Russian leader Vladimir Putin praised U.S. President Donald Trump as a "balanced" man he can negotiate with, but he also assailed the West for "illegitimate and unfair" Ukraine-related sanctions imposed on Moscow.
Indestructible Armata: the Russian Tank That Can Survive Any Hit Sputnik 07 Mar 2018 -- Russia's state-of-the-art T-14 Armata main battle tanks will be integrated into the automatic system of tactical troop and weapons control, Ground Forces Commander Oleg Salyukov has told Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
Helicopter Crashes in Russia's Chechnya, Killing Three People - Source Sputnik 07 Mar 2018 -- A Mi-8 helicopter, belonging to Russia's protection unit, crashed in Russia's region of Chechnya, leaving three people dead. Their bodies were found at the crash site.
Putin: Russia May Use Nukes Only as a Response Strike Sputnik 07 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would use its nuclear weapon only as a response measure.
Commander Reveals Level of Equipment of Russian Land Forces With New Weapons Sputnik 07 Mar 2018 -- The level of equipment of the Russian Land Forces with modern weapons has tripled in comparison with 2012, Russian Land Forces Commander, Col. Gen. Oleg Salyukov said on Wednesday.
Nerve Agent Used In Attempted Murder Of Russian Ex-Spy, British Police Say RFE/RL 07 Mar 2018 -- British police say a nerve agent was used to try to kill former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the southwestern city of Salisbury.
Scotland Yard Confirms Ex Russian Spy, His Daughter Were Targeted by Nerve Agent Sputnik 07 Mar 2018 -- Russian ex-spy and daughter were deliberately targeted, case being treated as attempted murder, according to UK police.
British Police Say Nerve Agent Used in Poisoning of Former Russian Agent VOA 07 Mar 2018 -- British counter-terrorism police say a former Russian double agent, whom Russian President Vladimir Putin had vowed to kill, was poisoned by a nerve agent.
Weeks Before Skripal Incident, Litvinenko's Wife Warned Of Russian Reach RFE/RL 07 Mar 2018 -- While British counterterrorism police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden severe illness of a Russian defector and his daughter, at least one person warned weeks ago of the possibility of a Kremlin foe abroad falling prey to a poisoning.
'More Known' About Substance Involved In Russian Ex-Spy Suspected Poisoning RFE/RL 07 Mar 2018 -- Britain's home secretary says more is known about the substance used in the suspected poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the southwestern British city of Salisbury.
Russian major-general, 26 officers killed in Syria plane crash IRNA 07 Mar 2018 -- A major-general, 26 officers, noncommissioned officers and contract soldiers were killed in an An-26 plane crash in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.
Syrian Group Claims Responsibility For Deadly Russian Plane Crash RFE/RL 07 Mar 2018 -- An Islamist group in Syria has claimed responsibility for a military plane crash that killed dozens of Russian military personnel this week, according to a statement published in a Lebanese newspaper.
Putin Discusses Situation in Syria's Eastern Ghouta With Erdogan Sputnik 07 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed situation in Eastern Ghouta in the context of the UN Security Council's resolution on the Syrian ceasefire in a phone conversation with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Kremlin's press service said in a statement.
Russian An-26 plane crashes in Syria, all 32 onboard killed IRNA 06 Mar 2018 -- According to preliminary information, a technical malfunction led to the aircraft crashing near the Russian military's Hmeimim Air Base in the Syrian province of Latakia.
Russian cargo plane crashes in eastern Syria, 39 killed Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says a cargo plane operated by the Russian military has crashed in Syria, killing at least 39 people on board.
Russia offers militants safe passage out of Syria's Eastern Ghouta Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia says it has offered anti-Damascus militants safe passage out of the Eastern Ghouta region, which they have been using as a launch pad for deadly terrorist attacks on civilians in the Syrian capital.
Death Toll In Russian Plane Crash In Syria Rises To 39 RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has raised the death toll from a military transport plane crash near the Hmeimim air base in Syria to 39.
Russian An-26 Plane Crashes in Syria, All 39 Onboard Killed - Military Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The military investigation bodies of the Russian Investigative Committee have launched a criminal case on violation of flight or preflight regulations after the crash of the Russian transport aircraft near the Hmeymin Air Base in the Syrian province of Latakia.
Russia May Be Guilty of War Crime in Syria, UN Investigators Say VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- A report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria suggests an attack on a densely populated civilian area in Aleppo by the Russian air force may amount to a war crime.
Russia Working on Military Satellite Grouping to Counter US Space Warfare Plans Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- The Russian military's announcement comes just two weeks after remarks by US Air Force top brass that America must prepare to fight and win wars in outer space.
US sanctions on Russia coming soon: American Treasury Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has announced that the steps ordered by Congress for sanctions against Russia will be imposed in coming weeks.
Putin Adviser Says Russia Ready To Deal With Internet Cutoff RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- An adviser to President Vladimir Putin has raised the prospect that the West may seek to disconnect Russia from the global Internet and said that Moscow is ready to deal with such a development if it occurs.
Kyrgyz President Says Russia Undecided On Second Military Base RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Russia has not decided yet whether it needs another military base in Kyrgyzstan, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on March 6.
US Intel Chief: No 'Coherent Strategy' to Thwart 2018 Russian Election Meddling VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- U.S. intelligence chief Dan Coats said Tuesday the U.S. government has yet to put in place any "coherent strategy" to thwart any Russian interference in the November congressional elections, even though it is "highly likely" that Moscow will engage in a campaign of disruption, just as it did in the 2016 presidential election.
U.S. Intelligence Chief: Russia Will Meddle in U.S. Midterm Elections RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- A top U.S. intelligence official has predicted that Russia plans to interfere in the upcoming U.S. congressional elections, but says officials are unsure exactly how and when.
Former Russian spy gravely ill in 'suspicious' UK incident Press TV 06 Mar 2018 -- A former Russian spy has reportedly fallen critically ill in the UK after exposure to an "unknown substance," British media say.
Britain Warns Russia, Vows 'Robust' Response If State Behind Ex-Spy's Illness RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- Britain will respond "robustly" if any foreign government was behind the sudden and severe illness of a former Russian spy and his daughter, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said, warning that no attempt to take a life on U.K. soil will go unpunished.
Name Your Poison -- Exotic Toxins Fell Kremlin Foes RFE/RL 06 Mar 2018 -- The sudden illness in Britain of a Russian man convicted of spying for London has drawn comparisons with another poisoning in the United Kingdom -- the assassination in 2006 of Russian former-spy-turned-Kremlin-critic Aleksandr Litvinenko, who was found by a British public enquiry to have been poisoned by Russian state agents.
Russian Double Agent in Critical Condition After Exposure to 'Unknown Substance' Sputnik 06 Mar 2018 -- At least two people, including a former double agent who spied on Russia for the British, have been hospitalized after being exposed to an "unknown substance." The two individuals were transported to a local medical facility and are currently in critical condition.
Britain Threatens 'Robust' Response If Russia Behind Spy Poisoning VOA 06 Mar 2018 -- Britain has threatened a "robust" response if it is proven that Russia is behind the apparent attempted killing of a former double agent.
Steele Says Russia Blocked Trump from Choosing Romney as Sec of State - Reports Sputnik 05 Mar 2018 -- Former British spy Christopher Steele, the author of an unverified dossier on US President Donald Trump, has claimed that Russia prevented Trump from choosing former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney as secretary of state, US media reported on Monday.
Russian 'Ex-Spy' Critically Ill In Britain After Exposure To 'Unknown Substance' RFE/RL 05 Mar 2018 -- Reports from Britain say a man who is critically ill after being exposed to an unknown substance is the alleged former Russian spy Sergei Skripal.
Former Russian Spy Critically Ill After Exposure to Unknown Substance in Britain VOA 05 Mar 2018 -- A former Russian spy is in critical condition after being exposed to an unknown substance in the English town of Salisbury.
US trying to meddle in Russian presidential election, sow chaos: Ryabkov Press TV 05 Mar 2018 -- Russia says it has proof in its possession showing that the United States is trying to interfere in the country's upcoming presidential election.
Russia's Defense Industry Partners Facing Unprecedented Pressure - Putin Sputnik 05 Mar 2018 -- Countries willing to engage in defense industry cooperation with Russia are facing unprecedented pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
Putin Claims Hundreds Of Spies Thwarted, Urges Focus On Cybersecurity RFE/RL 05 Mar 2018 -- President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia thwarted nearly 500 spies in 2017, and urged the Federal Security Service (FSB) to step up cybersecurity efforts and strengthen measures to protect secret communications.
Putin Calls on FSB to Thwart Attempts to Hinder Russia's Strategic Development Sputnik 05 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the board of the Federal Security Service (FSB); he addressed key aspects of the agency's work and set goals for the development of the country's security apparatus.
Putin: Russian Citizens Accused of US Election Meddling Did Not Represent Moscow Sputnik 04 Mar 2018 -- Russian citizens accused by the United States of interfering in the 2016 US presidential elections did not represent the country's authorities, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the NBC broadcaster in an interview aired on Sunday.
Turkey, Russia Have No Disagreements Over Ankara's Afrin Operation - Erdogan Sputnik 04 Mar 2018 -- There are no contradictions over Turkey's Olive Branch operation in Syria's Afrin between Ankara and Moscow, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.
Moscow will never extradite 13 Russians indicted by US: Putin Press TV 04 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed that Moscow will "never" allow the extradition of 13 Russian nationals who have been indicted by the US for alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election in favor of incumbent American President Donald Trump.
Putin Demands Evidence Of Guilt Of Russians Accused Of Meddling In U.S. RFE/RL 03 Mar 2018 -- President Vladimir Putin said Russia won't take action against Russians accused of meddling in the U.S. presidential election if they did not break Russian laws.
Russia's Putin urges Washington to send hard evidence for meddling allegations Press TV 03 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the US to send him hard evidence that some Russians purportedly interfered in the 2016 US presidential election in favor of incumbent American President Donald Trump, mocking accusations to date as "yelling and hollering in the United States Congress."
Ukraine 'Stabilizes' Gas Supply Amid Fresh Energy Dispute With Russia RFE/RL 03 Mar 2018 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says gas deliveries to Ukraine have "stabilized" after Russian gas giant Gazprom halted gas supplies to the country earlier this week in the latest energy dispute between the two countries.
US plans to deploy 400 anti-ballistic missiles on Russia's doorstep: Russian official Press TV 03 Mar 2018 -- A Russian defense official says the United States is planning to deploy some 400 anti-ballistic missiles on Russia's doorstep as part of its military buildup in Eastern Europe.
Alleged Russian Hacker To Be Sent Where Worst Crimes Committed, Czech Minister Says RFE/RL 03 Mar 2018 -- Czech Justice Minister Robert Pelikan has said he will decide whether to extradite alleged Russian hacker Yevgeny Nikulin to the United States or Russia based primarily on where the most serious crimes were committed.
Russia slams extended US sanctions as illegal, harmful to world Press TV 03 Mar 2018 -- Russia has slammed US sanctions against the country as illegal and harmful to the world after Washington extended embargoes against Moscow over the Ukrainian crisis.
Putin Says He'd Reverse Collapse Of Soviet Union If He Could RFE/RL 03 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would reverse the collapse of the Soviet Union if he had a chance to change Russian history, Russian news agencies reported.
Putin Promises Russian 'Victories' At Campaign Rally At Moscow Stadium RFE/RL 03 Mar 2018 -- Incumbent President Vladimir Putin has held a campaign rally at a major Moscow sports arena, promising "victories" for Russia in remarks to a supportive audience 15 days before an election that seems certain to hand him a new six-year term.
Kremlin: US Sanctions Against Russia Harm Entire World Sputnik 03 Mar 2018 -- Following the extension of anti-Moscow sanctions by the United States for another year over the alleged meddling in the Ukrainian crisis, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented on the move.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Official Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 2, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2018
Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine Voice Concern Over Russian Presence RFE/RL 02 Mar 2018 -- Pro-EU parliamentary leaders from Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia say the continued presence of Russian troops in their countries is destabilizing.
EU Ready To Mediate In Latest Russia-Ukraine Gas Dispute RFE/RL 02 Mar 2018 -- The European Union is ready to mediate in the latest natural-gas dispute between Ukraine and Russia, with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic expected to contact the energy ministers of the two countries this afternoon.
Germany cyber attack claim against Russia 'baseless': Peskov Press TV 02 Mar 2018 -- The Kremlin has rejected allegations by German officials of Russia hacking into Germany's cyber system.
Suspected Russian Cyberattack In Germany Called 'Serious,' 'Damaging' RFE/RL 02 Mar 2018 -- A major cyberattack on the German government reported this week has been "serious," "damaging," and is still going on, German legislators and officials said.
Putin's New Nuclear Arsenal Spawning More Tough Talk VOA 02 Mar 2018 -- Russia is rejecting U.S. accusations it has broken any of its nuclear treaty obligations, arguing it wants only to maintain global peace and stability.
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 02 Mar 2018
Russia denies violating arms control pacts, says not seeking arms race Press TV 02 Mar 2018 -- The Kremlin strongly rejects the allegations that Russia has been violating any arms control agreements, stressing that Moscow does not seek to be part of an arms race.
Russia postpones strategic talks with US in act of protest Press TV 02 Mar 2018 -- Moscow has postponed planned talks with Washington on strategic stability originally set for later this month, after a US delegation refused to attend a Geneva meeting on cybersecurity earlier in the week, Russian envoy to Washington has announced.
NATO, Trump, Merkel Voice Concern Over Putin's New Weapons Claims RFE/RL 02 Mar 2018 -- NATO as well as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump have expressed concern after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his country had deployed or was developing an array of new nuclear-capable weapons.
President Putin Reveals Two Cases When Russia Can Use Nuclear Weapons Sputnik 02 Mar 2018 -- Russia may potentially use nuclear weapons only in the event of an impending nuclear attack, or if there is a threat to the country's existence, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with the NBC broadcaster.
'We Don't Want New Cold War or New Arms Race': NATO Reacts to Putin's Speech Sputnik 02 Mar 2018 -- NATO said that Russian statements were "unacceptable and counterproductive" after President Vladimir Putin revealed a new arsenal of hypersonic weapons announced as "invincible".
Here is What is Known About Russia's Sarmat ICBM, Mentioned by Putin Sputnik 02 Mar 2018 -- Russia's new Sarmat ICBM, which is capable of overcoming missile defense systems, has completed tests and is a "breakthrough" for the country's missile program, President Vladimir Putin announced on March 1. Sputnik tries to find out what this missile is all about.
Russia Not Going to Engage In Arms Race - Kremlin Sputnik 02 Mar 2018 -- Russia's development of new weapons was nothing but a response to the US withdrawal from the ABM treaty, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Putin: New Russian Nuclear-Powered ICBMs Successfully Tested Sputnik 02 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called the rhetoric of a "new cold war" a propaganda launched to justify the arms race, which began when the United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABMT).
Goodbye Arms Control, Hello Arms Race? Putin's New Weapons, And U.S. Policy Shifts, Stoking New Arsenal Buildup RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- If it hasn't started already, then a new arms race is almost certainly about to get under way, arms-control experts and analysts warn.
Q&A: Arms Expert Says Putin's Weapons Boasts Look Like 'Overkill' RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- President Vladimir Putin used a speech before lawmakers and other Russian officials on March 1 to accuse the international community of attempting "to contain Russia" and vowed that a new generation of strategic, homegrown, nuclear-capable weapons would compel the international community "to listen to us now."
US Nuclear Posture Review Takes New Russian Weapons Into Account - Pentagon Sputnik 01 Mar 2018 -- The US Department of Defense has commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual state-of-the-nation address, describing Moscow's military capabilities.
Russian Authorities 'Scared,' Says Convicted Crimean Tatar Activist RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- A court in Russian-controlled Crimea has handed a suspended sentence of two years to a Crimean Tatar activist who opposes Moscow's rule over the Ukrainian region.
Germany admits cyberattack after Russia accused Press TV 01 Mar 2018 -- Germany has confirmed that it has been the target of an ongoing cyberattack on government computer systems.
German Government Computers Hacked; Reports Point To Russia RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- German officials say they are investigating a cyberattack on government computers, although they declined to comment on media reports blaming the hacking on a Russian group blamed for infiltration efforts in the United States and Europe.
Trump NSA Nominee: Russia, China, Others Don't Fear Retaliation for Cyberattacks VOA 01 Mar 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the country's cyberspace operations said Thursday Russia, China and other countries do not fear retaliation for their cyberattacks on the United States.
President's Address to the Federal Assembly President of Russia 01 Mar 2018 -- [national security excerpts]
Russia vows 'instant' response to nuclear attack on itself, allies Press TV 01 Mar 2018 -- President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would regard any use of nuclear weapons against its allies as a "nuclear attack" on itself and give an "instant" response.
'I'm Not Bluffing': Putin Boasts Of New, Advanced Russian Arsenal RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin dedicated around one-third of his nearly two-hour address to a joint session of parliament and other VIPs on March 1 to descriptions and animations or other video clips of new "strategic weapons," almost all of which he suggested were nuclear-capable.
'Listen To Us Now': Putin Unveils Weapons, Vows To Raise Living Standards In Fiery Annual Address RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled a new arsenal of nuclear-capable weapons, vowed to cut Russia's poverty rate in half, and make the country's economy one of the world's mightiest during his annual state-of-the-nation address in Moscow on March 1.
Exxon, Citing Sanctions, To Abandon Joint Ventures With Russia's Rosneft RFE/RL 01 Mar 2018 -- Exxon Mobil Corp has cited U.S. and European sanctions against Russia in announcing that it is abandoning its joint ventures with Russian state-run oil giant Rosneft.
Russian MoD Confirms 5th-Gen. Su-57 Stealth Fighters Were Tested in Syria Sputnik 01 Mar 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has commented on President Putin's annual state-of-the-nation address to the bicameral parliament, the Federal Assembly, to a large extent devoted to the country's success in the military sphere.
Russian Plane Maker Ready to Adapt Su-57 For New Russian Carrier Sputnik 01 Mar 2018 -- Russia's United Aircraft Corporation said it is ready to develop a new version of the Su-57 multirole fighter for Russia's anticipated new aircraft carrier. The company representative said the carrier version of the plane must be developed in conjunction with the carrier's systems.
New Arms Race? Putin Boasts of High-Tech Weaponry VOA 01 Mar 2018 -- On one level it was the kind of speech an incumbent leader seeking reelection would give, offering material improvements, making economic promises, and pledging to create more jobs and build better houses.
Moscow assists Baghdad in ensuring security: FM Jaafari Press TV 01 Mar 2018 -- The Iraqi foreign minister says Baghdad is receiving assistance from Russia in ensuring security in the Arab country, ravaged by the war against the Daesh terror group, and that the two sides "exchange information" on a regular basis.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

March 2018 - Russia Special Weapons News