December 2018 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia arrests suspected American spy Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- Russia's domestic security apparatus has arrested an American citizen in Moscow on suspicion of espionage, starting a court action against him.
Russia's FSB Says It Has Detained A U.S. Citizen For Suspected Spying RFE/RL 31 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has detained a U.S. citizen in Moscow over suspected spying.
Russia Formally Notifies US of Detention of American Citizen - State Dept. Sputnik 31 Dec 2018 -- Earlier on Monday, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) detained Paul Whelan, an American citizen, who was charged with espionage against the Russian Federation.
Russia's FSB Detains US Citizen in Moscow During Spy Action Sputnik 31 Dec 2018 -- A criminal case under the article "espionage" has been initiated against an American citizen, the press service of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement.
Russia Launches Criminal Probe of US Citizen VOA 31 Dec 2018 -- Russia has detained an American citizen in Moscow on accusations of spying, according to Russian state media.
Russia's Tupolev Tu-22M3M long-range bomber performs debut flight: Video Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- An upgraded version of Russia's Tupolev Tu-22M, a strategic long-range missile-carrying bomber, has performed its debut flight.
Russia to take tit-for-tat measures if US deploys new missiles in Europe: Lavrov Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warns that his country will be left with no choice but to adopt "tit-for-tat" measures if Washington goes ahead with the plan to kill a key Cold War-era arms control treaty and deploys new missiles in Europe.
Russian troops will get new generation of S-350 Vityaz missile system in 2019: Ministry Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- The Russian military says it will deploy the new generation of S-350 Vityaz short-to-mid range surface-to-air defense missile system next year.
Russia ready for 'wide-ranging' dialogue with US: Putiny Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told his American counterpart Donald Trump that the Kremlin is ready for entering into dialogue with the White House on a "wide-ranging agenda" as Moscow-Washington relations are currently at their worst since the end of the Cold War era.
Turkey to continue cooperation with Russia, Iran on Syria ISNA 30 Dec 2018 -- Turkey intends to continue close cooperation with Russia and Iran in Syria, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday after negotiations in Moscow.
Turkey, Russia agree to 'coordinate' anti-terror Syria operations Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow and Ankara have reached a consensus on coordination of counter-terrorism military activities in Syria amid the withdrawal of American troops from the Arab country.
Moscow regrets Merkel, Macron stance on Russia-Ukraine relations People's Daily 30 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday it regretted the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on some aspects of Russia-Ukraine relations.
Putin Tells Trump That Russia Open To 'Wide-Ranging' Dialogue With U.S. RFE/RL 30 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow remains open for dialogue with Washington.
Russian Aerospace Forces to Get S-350 Vityaz Air Defence Weapon in 2019 Sputnik 30 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Aerospace Forces will get their first medium-range surface-to-air missile system S-350 Vityaz next year, the Defence Ministry said.
Spuds 'N Speculation: Lukashenka Gifts Potatoes To Putin Amid Integration Rumors RFE/RL 30 Dec 2018 -- Four bags of potatoes and a tub of lard. That's what Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka reportedly handed over to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as a Christmas present.
Russia hits Ukraine with sanctions in 'tit-for-tat' measure Press TV 29 Dec 2018 -- Russia has introduced new sanctions targeting Ukraine in response to Kiev's earlier restrictions on specific Russian goods.
Russia completes fence between Crimea and Ukraine Press TV 29 Dec 2018 -- Russian authorities say they have completed construction of a "defensive" fence dividing the Crimean Peninsula, which rejoined Russia in a 2014 referendum from Ukraine.
Medvedev Announces Russian Ban On Ukrainian Goods RFE/RL 29 Dec 2018 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced a ban on Ukrainian goods, including agricultural and industrial products, days after adding Ukrainian firms and individuals to Russia's sanctions list.
Moscow Rejects French, German Appeal To Release Ukrainian Sailors RFE/RL 29 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has rejected what it says are unacceptable demands by Germany and France to release Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia.
Kiev Claims of Taking Control Over Neutral Donbass Zone is Provocation - Moscow Sputnik 29 Dec 2018 -- Claims about Ukrainian army taking control over the neutral zone along the separation line in the Donbass sound like blatant provocation aimed at disrupting the peace process in conflict-hit eastern Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
Russia Will Defend Its Sovereignty, Stop Any Provocation Attempts - Moscow Sputnik 29 Dec 2018 -- The response comes a day after French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Russia to free the Ukranian sailors arrested during the Kerch Strait incident, as well as ensure the free passage of shipping in the Sea of Azov.
U.K. Says 'No Change' On Position On Russian Diplomats RFE/RL 28 Dec 2018 -- Britain has rejected comments by Russia's ambassador to London claiming the two countries have agreed to gradually reinstate dozens of diplomatic personnel who were expelled by both sides following the Novichok poisoning in the English city of Salisbury, Russia's state-run TASS news agency reports.
Putin, Lukashenka Meet Amid Energy Dispute RFE/RL 29 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, are holding talks in the Kremlin on an energy dispute that has hurt ties between the two allies.
Russia Says Crimea Barrier Is Complete RFE/RL 28 Dec 2018 -- Russian authorities say they have finished building a barrier dividing the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow forcibly seized in 2014, from mainland Ukraine.
Kremlin: Entry of Syrian Army to Menbej positive step towards restoring stability IRNA 28 Dec 2018 -- The Russian presidency welcomed the entry of the Syrian Arab Army to Menbej area in the northern countryside of Aleppo and the hoisting of the Syrian flag there.
Syria itself should decide on foreign military advisors: Russia IRNA 28 Dec 2018 -- Syria itself should decide on continuation of presence of foreign military advisors in the country, a Russian official said.
Russia, Turkey, Iran to hold talks on Syria conflict early next week Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- Russia, Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran are set to hold a new round of talks on the ongoing foreign-sponsored Syria crisis early next year, in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision last week to withdraw American troops from the war-ravaged Arab country.
Latest Russian strategic missile makes US missile defenses 'useless': Moscow Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- Russia's latest strategic weapon can travel 27 times faster than the speed of sound, making it impossible to intercept by missile defense systems, a senior Russian official has announced.
Where's Putin's Mojo? RFE/RL 28 Dec 2018 -- He's been in power for as long as many Russians can remember. He carried the last presidential election with nearly 77 percent of the vote. And his country commands such attention abroad that its cartoon about a little girl and her bear buddy has been cast by some in the West as a hybrid-warfare "superweapon."
Russian Envoy Says Moscow, London Agreed To Partially Restore Diplomatic Missions RFE/RL 28 Dec 2018 -- Russia's ambassador to Britain says the two countries have agreed to gradually reinstate dozens of diplomatic personnel who were expelled by both sides following the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury.
Rusal Names New Chairman As Part Of Deal To End U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 28 Dec 2018 -- Russian aluminum giant Rusal says Jean-Pierre Thomas has been elected by the board of directors as the company's new chairman as part of restructuring moves made in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions.
Russian Embassy in UK Says It Is Due to Reinstate Half of Its Staff in 2019 Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Embassy in London said earlier in December that the UK authorities are trying to create a hostile image of Moscow in order to hinder the Russian diplomats' interaction with the country's general public.
Official Reveals Russia's Avangard Hypersonic Missile Speed Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- The Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle flies 27 times faster than the speed of sound, making it impossible to intercept, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told Russia's Zvezda television channel.
Russia's upgraded Tu-22M3 strategic missile-carrying bomber performs debut flight TASS 28 Dec 2018 -- Russia's latest modernized Tupolev Tu-22M3M long-range missile-carrying bomber has performed its debut flight, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Friday.
Russian nukes far better than US nuclear peers: Missile designer Press TV 27 Dec 2018 -- A weapons designer has rated Russian nuclear missiles as being better than those owned by the United States.
Russia: Eastern Syria must return to govt. control after US exit Press TV 27 Dec 2018 -- Russia says the territories currently occupied by American troops in eastern Syria should return to government control following Washington's planned withdrawal of its military forces from the Arab country.
Reason Behind US Syria Withdrawal 'Gambit' is Yet to Be Found - Moscow Sputnik 27 Dec 2018 -- Last week, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of US from Syria, posting on Twitter that the US had defeated the Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country.
What You Need to Know About Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik 27 Dec 2018 -- The Soyuz-2.1a rocket with two Russian and 26 foreign satellites lifted off from the Vostochny space center in Russia's Far East on Thursday, which became the fourth launch from the cosmodrome. The Vostochny cosmodrome is the first civilian spaceport in Russia, designed to prepare and launch spacecraft for scientific, socio-economic and commercial purposes.
Russian Soyuz-2.1a Rocket With Satellites Blasts Off From Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik 27 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Soyuz-2.1a rocket carrying Russian Kanopus-V satellites number five and number six and foreign spacecraft successfully lifted off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on Thursday, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
Russian State Commission Approves Soyuz-2.1a Launch From Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik 27 Dec 2018 -- A Russian state commission, which gathered at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the country's Far East, approved the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with two Russian Kanopus-V satellites and 26 smaller spacecraft from the spaceport, Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday.
Economists: Russia Faces Economic Downturn, Higher Inflation In 2019 RFE/RL 27 Dec 2018 -- Russia faces an economic slowdown and higher inflation in 2019 due to the risk of new Western sanctions, a weaker currency, and a planned tax increase, a poll of economists and financial analysts conducted by the Reuters news agency shows.
Giving Tanks At Grand Russian Military Cathedral RFE/RL 27 Dec 2018 -- Stored for decades, Nazi military hardware captured by the Red Army is destined to serve God and country in Russia.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 26, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Dec 2018
Russia backs bin Salman, warns US not to interfere with Saudi throne succession Press TV 26 Dec 2018 -- Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has "every right" to succeed his ailing father into power, says Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, warning the United States against interfering with the embattled prince's right to rule the kingdom.
Russia Hails Reported US Troop Reduction Plan in Afghanistan VOA 26 Dec 2018 -- Russia has hailed the reported U.S. plans to pull some troops from Afghanistan as "a step in the right direction" but cast doubt on whether Washington really intends to do so.
Russia expands economic sanctions against Ukraine amid escalating crisis Press TV 26 Dec 2018 -- Russia has expanded its economic sanctions on Ukraine, adding over 250 people and businesses to a blacklist amid escalation of tensions between the two countries after Russian border guards opened fire and captured three Ukrainian naval vessels and their 24-member crew off Crimea late last month.
Putin is pleased that Russia has the first in the world a new type of weapon TASS 26 Dec 2018 -- The President noted that the Avangard system will go into service in the Russian Armed Forces in 2019
Putin hails successful test of Avangard hypersonic missile system Press TV 26 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has commended his military forces for carrying out a successful test launch of the cutting-edge Avangard hypersonic missile system.
Russia begins testing of 'Poseidon' underwater nuclear drone Press TV 26 Dec 2018 -- Russia has started underwater trials of its mysterious Poseidon underwater nuclear drone, sources say, an state-of-the-art weapon that Russian President Vladimir Putin says is invincible.
Putin Lauds Successful Test Of Hypersonic Missile System RFE/RL 26 Dec 2018 -- Russia has successfully tested its new Avangard hypersonic missile, the Kremlin said on December 26.
Russia's Avangard System Missile Test-Launched From Orenburg Region - Kremlin Sputnik 26 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Defence Ministry, on orders from President Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday conducted a successful test launch of an Avangard missile from the Orenburg region, hitting a target in Kamchatka, the Kremlin press service reports.
Iranian, Russian navies to further expand cooperation ISNA 26 Dec 2018 -- Iranian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi announced that Iranian and Russian navies will hold joint drills, saying the cooperation between the two countries' navies will be further expanded in future.
Russia Expands Targeted Sanctions Against Ukraine RFE/RL 25 Dec 2018 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has expanded Russia's targeted sanctions against Ukrainian individuals and legal entities.
Tops Iranian, Russian military brass discuss bilateral ties IRNA 25 Dec 2018 -- Head of the Joint Commission of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation Vice Admiral Osipov lgor Vladimirovich met with Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Baqeri.
Russian defense ministry delegation meets Iranian army officials ISNA 25 Dec 2018 -- Iranian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri held separate meetings with deputy chief of the Russian Army General Staff, Vice-Admiral Igor Osipov on Tuesday.
Navy commander: Iran, Russia to boost cooperation in future IRNA 25 Dec 2018 -- Commander of Iran's Army Naval Force declared that the cooperation of naval forces of Iran and Russia in the future will further develop.
Iran, Russia armed forces must boost anti-terror fight: Military chief Press TV 25 Dec 2018 -- The armed forces of Iran and Russia should boost their cooperation in the fight against terrorism given the ongoing very sensitive situation in the region and across the world, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says.
Remarks by Belarusian Leader Upstage Sensitive Kremlin Talks VOA 25 Dec 2018 -- Less than a day before arriving in Moscow to salvage frayed ties with his Russian counterpart, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he no longer considers Russia a "brotherly nation."
UK reaffirms support for Ukraine in face of Russia 'aggression' Press TV 24 Dec 2018 -- The UK has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine in the face of "Russian aggression," as Moscow and Kiev continue to trade barbs over political and territorial disputes.
Russia Repeats Claim That Ukraine Is Preparing A 'Provocation' RFE/RL 24 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has said "it is quite possible" that Ukraine "might switch to full-scale combat actions within the next few days."
Russian Law Enforcement Examining Samples From Soyuz Spacecraft Hole RFE/RL 24 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Roskosmos space agency has turned over to law enforcement agents samples taken from a mysterious hole in a Soyuz capsule docked at the International Space Station (ISS).
US continues to violate UN resolutions on Syria, says Russian FM Press TV 24 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has denounced as "illegitimate" the military presence of American troops in Syria, stressing that the US continues to violate the main resolutions of the UN Security Council on the war-torn Arab country despite a troop withdrawal announcement.
UN General Assembly Adopts Ukraine's Resolution on Russia's Crimea Sputnik 23 Dec 2018 -- The UN General Assembly adopted the Ukrainian resolution on human rights violations in Crimea. A total of 65 countries voted for the adoption of the document, 27 countries voted against, while 70 others abstained.
UN: Rights Violations Continue in E. Ukraine Conflict VOA 23 Dec 2018 -- As Ukraine enters its fifth winter of conflict, the United Nations says civilians continue to be victimized by widespread human rights violations and abuse perpetrated by both the government and Russian-backed rebels in Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. The report issued by the U.N. Human Rights Office covers the three-month period between mid-August and mid-November.
Roscosmos Selects Super-Heavy Rocket Concept Designed for Moon Flights - Source Sputnik 23 Dec 2018 -- The scientific and technical council of Russia's Space Corporation Roscosmos has chosen the variant proposed by the Progress Rocket and Space Center (SRC Progress) and the head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin as the main concept of the new super-heavy rocket for flights to the Moon, a Russian space industry source told Sputnik.
Russian-U.S. Space Cooperation Falls Back To Earth RFE/RL 23 Dec 2018 -- When a SpaceX rocket blasted off on December 5, sending a load of cargo to resupply the International Space Station (ISS), it was a soaring example of how private companies are helping fuel the next generation of U.S. space exploration.
Russia warns of global conflict if US withdraws from INF treaty Press TV 22 Dec 2018 -- Russia has warned that the potential scrapping of the Cold War-era nuclear arms agreement by the United States may lead to a global conflict after a proposal by Moscow for preserving the pact was rejected in a United Nations vote.
Russian Fighter Jets Moved To Annexed Ukrainian Region RFE/RL 22 Dec 2018 -- More than a dozen advanced Russian fighter jets have arrived at a base in the Ukrainian region of Crimea, which Moscow occupied and annexed in 2014.
Doping Inspectors Say Denied Access To Russian Lab Data RFE/RL 22 Dec 2018 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) says its inspectors were denied access to a Moscow laboratory's data as part of their investigation, and Russia's anti-doping agency is at risk of being suspended again.
China Conducts First Test of Russian S-400 Air Defence Systems - Reports Sputnik 22 Dec 2018 -- China was the first foreign state to sign a $3 billion contract in 2015 to buy two cutting edge air defence systems from Russia, which arrived in the Asian state in May 2018.
U.S. Intelligence Chief Says Russia, Iran Sought To Influence 2018 Midterm Voters RFE/RL 21 Dec 2018 -- The top U.S. intelligence official says that Russia, China, Iran, and other foreign powers sought to influence voters in the 2018 midterm elections, but there were no signs that the results were comprised by the attempts.
Report Puts Russia, China and Iran in Line for Sanctions for Election Meddling VOA 21 Dec 2018 -- Voters who went to the polls last month in the United States' midterm elections can rest assured that their votes were registered and counted properly.
DNI Coats Statement on the Intelligence Community's Response to Executive Order 13848 on Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election Director of National Intelligence 21 Dec 2018 -- "Today I submitted the Intelligence Community's report on foreign interference in the 2018 midterm elections to the President and appropriate executive departments and agencies, as directed by Section 1(a) of the Executive Order 13848, Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election."
US Intelligence Report: Russia, China, Iran Sought to Influence 2018 Elections VOA 21 Dec 2018 -- Russia, China and Iran sought to meddle in the recent U.S. midterm election, but their actions did not compromise the "nation's election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts, or disrupted the ability to tally votes," according to a report released Friday by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Russia warns US of confronting Iran IRNA 21 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned US and its allies of confronting Iran for solving problems in the Middle East.
Russia stresses implementation of Iran nuclear deal IRNA 21 Dec 2018 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Friday underlined implementation of the Iranian nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
Iran, Russia reliable partners in JCPOA, global issues: Diplomat Press TV 21 Dec 2018 -- A senior Iranian diplomat says Iran and Russia are "reliable partners" on many international developments and on a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, despite the United States' efforts to create obstacles in the way of the deal's implementation.
Russia to target any U.S. missiles deployed in Europe after nuclear treaty terminated: Kremlin People's Daily 21 Dec 2018 -- If the United States deploys its missile systems in Europe after terminating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Russia will have to aim its own missiles at those systems, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday night.
EU extends anti-Russia sanctions for six months Press TV 21 Dec 2018 -- The European Union has extended its anti-Russian sanctions for another six months after current sanctions expire on January 31, 2019.
The Week In Russia: Putin On Repeat -- Big Press Conference, Little News RFE/RL 21 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin fielded 66 questions at his annual press conference, holding forth for nearly four hours with a record number of journalists accredited for an event he first held in 2001. He didn't make much news.
EU Formally Extends Sanctions Against Russia For Six Months RFE/RL 21 Dec 2018 -- The European Union has formally extended economic sanctions against Russia, first imposed more than four years ago for Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula.
Moscow Court Orders Arrest For Kremlin Critic Browder RFE/RL 21 Dec 2018 -- A Russian court has issued an arrest warrant for Bill Browder, the latest effort in a long-running campaign by Moscow to prosecute the British-American financier.
Russia's Media Regulator Checking Legality OF BBC Operations RFE/RL 21 Dec 2018 -- Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, says it has started checking the legality of the BBC World News channel's Russian operations and its websites, following a statement by British media watchdog Ofcom that Russia's RT television channel had violated impartiality rules.
Moscow Court Issues Warrant for Browder's Arrest in Absentia Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- A Moscow court issued a warrant for the arrest in absentia of Bill Browder, the CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, for creating a criminal group, a Sputnik correspondent reported Friday.
UN General Assembly Votes Down Russian Draft Resolution to Preserve INF Treaty Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- The UN General Assembly has voted against adopting the draft resolution proposed by Russia in support of preserving and complying with the terms of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador announced after the vote.
If US Deploys Missiles in Europe, Russia May Target Them – Kremlin on INF Exit Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- Speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference on 20 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of an increasing tendency to underestimate the threat of a nuclear war in the world.
Expert Report From the Moscow Mechanism for Human Rights Abuses in Chechnya US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2018 -- "Today the United States welcomes the expert, fact-finding report on human rights violations and abuses in the Russian Federation's Republic of Chechnya and impunity for them, which we believe to be a particularly serious threat to Russia's fulfillment of its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) human dimension commitments."
Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference • President of Russia Kremlin.ru 20 dec 2018
Putin Warns Of Risk Of Nuclear War, Talks Up Russian Economy In Annual Press Conference RFE/RL 20 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear conflict should not be underestimated and criticized the United States for abandoning Cold War-era arms treaties, while casting his country's economy in a positive light but calling for improvements.
'Insider' Out: Journalist Who Helped Expose Novichok Suspects Barred From Putin Press Conference RFE/RL 20 Dec 2018 -- The Russian investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov was not expecting problems when he showed up for President Vladimir Putin's annual news conference in Moscow. After all, he was on the Kremlin's list of journalists accredited to the December 20 event -- and even had an official badge.
Trump's Syria Withdrawal Announcement Criticized By Allies, Praised By Putin RFE/RL 20 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his unexpected decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, a move met with concern by members of the anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition, but lauded by Russia.
System of Control Over Arms Falling Apart Across The World - Putin Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The system of arms control is falling apart across the world, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated at the annual press conference.
Putin: Kiev's Provocation in Kerch Strait Likely Helped Poroshenko Rise in Polls Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- Kiev's provocation in the Kerch Strait, when Ukrainian Navy ships illegally crossed the Russian border and as a result were seized by Russian border guards, has been successful in terms of boosting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's ratings ahead of next year's election, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated.
Russia says US raising risk of nuclear war by threatening to leave key arms control treaty Press TV 20 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States is making nuclear war more likely by threatening to leave an arms control treaty with Moscow and refusing to discuss the future of another such bilateral agreement.
OSCE Cites Torture, Executions Among 'Grave' Rights Violations In Chechnya RFE/RL 20 Dec 2018 -- Authorities in Russia's Chechnya region have committed torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and other "very serious" human rights violations and abuses, an expert report has concluded.
Russian Military Reveals New Tank Capable of Firing Depleted Uranium Rounds Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The modernisation of the tank, last upgraded in 1985, has allowed it to be armed with kinetic energy anti-tank rounds made of depleted uranium. The latter increases the density of the round's material, making it more effective against steel armour.
Sanctions Announcement on Russia US Dept. of State 19 Dec 2018 -- Today, the Departments of State and the Treasury took joint action against Russia's continued and blatant disregard for international norms.
Japan Scrambles to Intercept Russian Su-24 Over International Waters Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled fighters to intercept a Russian Su-24 Fencer ground attack aircraft over the Sea of Japan Wednesday, Tokyo announced shortly after the event. It was the second time in a week Japan rushed to meet foreign planes. Meanwhile, Japan has moved to massively expand its air fleet.
Indian Air Force Chief Praises Russian Arms, Bilateral Military Cooperation Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa has lauded Russian-manufactured military equipment, claiming the armaments have played pivotal roles in various air campaigns undertaken by India.
US Treasury Sanctions 15 GRU Members for Alleged Election Interference Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The United States has sanctioned 15 members of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) for taking part in alleged malign activities, including the 2016 US election meddling, hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter, the US Treasury Department said Wednesday.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 19, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Dec 2018
Russia Not Increasing Military Presence in Azov Sea - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 19 Dec 2018 -- Russia is not increasing its military presence in the Sea of ??Azov, its forces there are guarding the Crimean Bridge, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.
'Multiplicity' of rights violations in Ukraine as fifth winter of conflict bites UN News 19 Dec 2018 -- Rights violations have continued unabated and unaddressed in Ukraine and people are still dying amid ongoing conflict between Government forces and armed separatists in the east of the country, a top UN rights official said on Wednesday
Russia slams US illegal presence in Syria as 'obstacle' to settlement Press TV 19 Dec 2018 -- Russia has slammed the "illegal" presence of US troops in Syria as "a dangerous obstacle" to finding a peace settlement.
'Russia to fulfill S-400 sale to Turkey despite Patriot deal' Press TV 19 Dec 2018 -- The Kremlin says there is no link between Turkey's possible purchase of US Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and that of the advanced Russian-built S-400 air defense missile system, saying Moscow is in the process of fulfilling the terms of the deal with Ankara.
U.S. Targets GRU Officers Linked To Hacking, Skripal Poisoning With New Sanctions RFE/RL 19 Dec 2018 -- The United States has imposed new sanctions on more than a dozen current and former Russian military intelligence agents, including two tied to the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England earlier this year and one linked to Kremlin-connected oligarch Oleg Deripaska.
US Sanctions More Russians for 'Malign Activities' VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- The Trump administration is slapping more sanctions on Russian officials and entities for election interference and what the Treasury Department calls other "malign activities."
Treasury Targets Russian Operatives over Election Interference, World Anti-Doping Agency Hacking, and Other Malign Activities US Treasury 19 Dec 2018 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action in response to Russia's continued disregard for international norms. Specifically, OFAC designated a former officer of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) for having acted on behalf of sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska (Deripaska). OFAC also issued new designations related to the Internet Research Agency (IRA), an entity previously sanctioned for its efforts to interfere in U.S. elections.
OFAC Notifies Congress of Intent to Delist En+, Rusal, and EuroSibEnergo US Treasury 19 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today notified Congress of its intention to terminate the sanctions imposed on En+ Group plc ("En+"), UC Rusal plc ("Rusal"), and JSC EuroSibEnergo ("ESE") in 30 days. OFAC has determined that the significant restructuring and corporate governance changes will enable them to meet the criteria for delisting. Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska will remain sanctioned, and his property will remain blocked.
US imposes fresh sanctions on Russia for global 'malign activities' Press TV 19 Dec 2018 -- The United States has imposed new sanctions against Russian individuals and entities over what it calls their "malign activities" around the world.
Soviet Sentimentality: Russians' Regret At U.S.S.R.'s Collapse Hits 14-Year High RFE/RL 19 Dec 2018 -- More Russians regret the breakup of the Soviet Union than at any other time since 2004, an opinion poll shows.
Putin Approves Military Doctrine of Union State - Order Sputnik 19 Dec 2018 -- The Union State of Russia and Belarus was established in 1996 with the intention of providing greater political, economic, and social integration between the two longstanding allies.
Russia Conducts Live-Fire Drills With S-400 in Crimea Sputnik 19 Dec 2018 -- The drills come after Alexander Dvornikov, commander of Russia's Southern Military District, announced that the military had completed rearming air defence forces stationed in Crimea with the potent, world-renowned S-400 system.
Lithuania Arrests Several Citizens Suspected Of Spying For Russia RFE/RL 19 Dec 2018 -- Several Lithuanians have been arrested and charged with spying for Russia, the Baltic state's chief prosecutor said, drawing an angry reaction from Moscow.
Russian Businessman Perepilichny Likely Died Of Natural Causes, U.K. Inquest Finds RFE/RL 19 Dec 2018 -- A Russian businessman who was found dead in southern England six years ago likely died of natural causes, a British inquest has found.
India Defends Decision to Procure Short-Range Russian Air Defence System Sputnik 19 Dec 2018 -- The Russian-made Igla-S Air Defence System was recently declared the lowest bidder for the Indian Army's Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) program, beating Saab's RBS 70NG and MBDA's Mistral. Responding to the defeat, Saab alleged that the Igla-S does not meet the performance requirements outlined in the original tender document.
As Peace Treaty Talk Heats Up, Russian Lawmakers Want Clarification On Kurile Islands RFE/RL 18 Dec 2018 -- Russian lawmakers have asked for an explanation following media reports quoting Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying that Moscow could potentially hand over two islands in the disputed Southern Kuriles chain to Japan.
Russia Refutes Reports on 'Army of Mercenaries' in CAR as Speculations - Moscow Sputnik 18 Dec 2018 -- Recent rumors on Russia's alleged large mercenary presence in the Central African Republic (CAR) are speculations, Andrei Kemarsky, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department of Africa, told Sputnik.
US Confirms Its Commitment to Withdrawing From INF Treaty - Russian FM Sputnik 18 Dec 2018 -- The United States has not shown any specific evidence of Russia's violation of provisions of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper.
Russia will easily make, deploy new defensive missiles if US ditches INF: Putin Press TV 18 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country can easily develop and deploy land-based intermediate-range missiles if the United States carries out a threat to withdraw from the landmark Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).
Putin Open To Other States Joining Russia-U.S. Nuclear Pact RFE/RL 18 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested he is open to the idea of other countries joining a Cold War nuclear-arms treaty between Russia and the United States or to starting talks on a new pact.
Russian Duma Passes Bill To Punish Organizers Of Protests That Include Children RFE/RL 18 Dec 2018 -- The lower chamber of the Russian parliament has passed a bill setting out punishment for people who involve minors in unauthorized protests, rallies, and demonstrations.
Russia's Northern Fleet Resumed Air Patrols of Arctic - Commander Sputnik 18 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Northern Fleet this year resumed regular air patrols of the Arctic, the fleet's commander, Admiral Nikolay Yevmenov, told reporters Tuesday.
Moscow Will Take Steps to Boost Security When US Leaves INF Treaty - Putin Sputnik 18 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed out that the country's new weapons significantly increase the potential of Russia's army and navy, also adding to the balance of forces and global stability.
Russia rejects new US reports on 'election meddling' Press TV 18 Dec 2018 -- The Kremlin has rejected two new US reports on purported Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, saying they lacked details and evidence to prove the allegation.
Russia Rejects Reports Alleging Extensive US Election Meddling VOA 18 Dec 2018 -- The size and scope of Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election was far more extensive and thorough than previously understood, according to two newly released reports.
Russia to Decommission Carrier Vehicle With Ukraine-Made Components - Source Sputnik 18 Dec 2018 -- The last launches of the Rokot carrier rocket fitted with a Ukrainian-made control system will be carried out in 2019, then the vehicle will be decommissioned, a source in the space industry told Sputnik on Tuesday.
UNGA Approves Ukraine Resolution on Navigation in Azov, Black Seas Sputnik 18 Dec 2018 -- The United Nations General Assembly passed by a 2/3 majority vote Ukraine's draft resolution calling on Russia to stop restricting international navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Russia Builds New Military Barracks On Disputed Islands Near Japan RFE/RL 17 Dec 2018 -- Russia says it has built new barracks to house its troops on a disputed island chain near Japan and will build more military facilities there next year.
Russia deploys ten fighter jets to Crimea amid rising tensions with Ukraine Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- Russia has deployed a number of fighter jets to the Crimean Peninsula amid rising tensions with Ukraine, following remarks by the country's foreign minister that Kiev was planning an "armed provocation" in the coming weeks and before the end of the year.
U.S. Ukraine Envoy: Idea Of Extra Russia Sanctions 'Gaining Traction' RFE/RL 17 Dec 2018 -- A drive to impose more sanctions on Russia seems to be "gaining some traction" following a naval confrontation in the Black Sea last month, according to the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine.
Pentagon Confirms They Received Russian Proposal on INF Treaty Talks - Spokesman Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- The US Department of Defense has received the Russian proposal on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty discussion by military experts and will respond as appropriate, the Pentagon spokesman told Sputnik on Monday.
US Not Ruling Out New Sanctions Against Russia Over Kerch Strait - State Dep't Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- Washington has slapped sanctions on Russian individuals and firms operating in Crimea in connection with a November incident, in which Russia seized three Ukrainian Navy vessels that violated its maritime border.
UN Syria envoy set to host top diplomats from Iran, Russia, Turkey this week Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is set to host top diplomats from Iran, Russia and Turkey, as guarantors of the Syria peace process, in Geneva this week.
Assad asks Iran, Russia to stop Western 'interference ' in Syria Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- President Bashar al-Assad has asked Iran and Russia to "stop the interference of some Western states" as Syria is setting up a committee tasked with negotiating a new post-war constitution.
Moscow Court Rejects Russian National Guard Chief's Libel Lawsuit Against Navalny RFE/RL 17 Dec 2018 -- A court in Moscow has rejected a libel lawsuit filed by the head of Russia's National Guard, Viktor Zolotov, against opposition politician and anticorruption activist Aleksei Navalny.
Russian MoD Reveals How Iskander Missile System Proved Effectiveness in Syria Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- This comes after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced in September that Russia would take a spate of measures to enhance safety of its troops in Syria, including the deliveries of the S-300 systems to the Arab country.
Russian Aviation in Syria Carried Out Up to 100 Sorties Per Day - Minister Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said Monday that Russian military aircraft and helicopters managed to carry out up to 100 sorties per day from the Hmeymim air base in Syria due to efficient functioning of the engineering services.
Complexes "Avant-garde" with a hypersonic unit will stand on combat duty in 2019TASS 17 Dec 2018 -- The first Avangard missile systems with a hypersonic block will take up combat duty in 2019 in the Dombarovsky unit (Orenburg Region). This was announced in an interview with the newspaper of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation "Krasnaya Zvezda" by thecommander of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) Sergey Karakaev.
US Senate to detail Russian election meddling: Report Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- The US Congress will publish a report this week detailing Russia's alleged disinformation campaign surrounding the 2016 presidential election campaign, US media have reported.
Senate Report: Russian Social-Media-Interference Operations 'Active And Ongoing' RFE/RL 17 Dec 2018 -- The Russian influence campaign on social media in the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign sought particularly to deepen divisions in society and suppress turnout among Democratic voters, according to a report produced for the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Washington Post: Senate Report Details Vast Russian Meddling Campaign RFE/RL 17 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. Senate is preparing to publish a report this week documenting the enormous breadth of a Russian disinformation campaign that sought to help President Donald Trump win the 2016 presidential election, The Washington Post reports.
Russia's 2016 Election Meddling More Comprehensive Than Realized VOA 17 Dec 2018 -- Two new reports on Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections are shedding more light on the size and scope of the campaign, showing it was far more extensive and thorough than previously understood.
Russian Strategic Missile Forces to Get 100 New Pieces of Armament by Year-End Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces will receive around 100 new pieces of armament, including the Yars missile systems, Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces Col. Gen. Sergei Karakaev said.
Russian Missile Forces Taking Into Account US Possible Withdrawal INF Treaty Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Strategic Missile Forces take into account consequences of the United States' possible withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, while planning their actions, Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces Col. Gen. Sergei Karakaev said.
US Vows to Work With EU States Against 'Russian Aggression' After Kerch Row Sputnik 16 Dec 2018 -- The United States will continue working with European countries as a unified front against Russia's "aggression," the US State Department said in a statement, commenting on the Kerch Strait incident.
Russia submits draft resolution to UN to preserve treaty with US Press TV 16 Dec 2018 -- Russia says it has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly to preserve the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with the United States, following a US decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Cold War-era nuclear arms agreement.
Kremlin-Backed Candidate Wins Rerun Vote In Russia's Far East RFE/RL 16 Dec 2018 -- A Kremlin-backed candidate for governor of Russia's Far East region of Primorye has won a repeat election for the post after officials nullified an earlier ballot over electoral irregularities.
On EU Resolve in Holding Russia Accountable US Dept. of State 15 Dec 2018-- "The United States welcomes recent steps by the EU and its Member States to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine."
Russian lawmakers push for greater internet security against US cyber warfare Press TV 15 Dec 2018 -- Amid a rising threat of cyber warfare from the United States, a draft law pushing for greater Russian internet security has been presented to Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma.
Moscow Says Strategic Bombers Return To Russia After Stay In Venezuela RFE/RL 15 Dec 2018 -- Russia says two nuclear-capable bombers whose flight to Venezuela prompted criticism from the United States and other countries in the Americas have returned to their home airfield.
Washington Doesn't Believe Russia Serious About Readiness to Preserve INF Treaty Sputnik 15 Dec 2018 -- Washington does not believe that Moscow is seriously committed to preserving the Russian-US Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty since the latter does not recognize having violated the treaty, White House National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson Garrett Marquis told Sputnik.
Russia Introduces Draft UNGA Resolution on Preservation of INF Treaty Sputnik 15 Dec 2018 -- Russia has introduced to the UN General Assembly a draft resolution in support of the preservation of the Russian-US Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in the wake of Washington suspending its obligations under the deal, Fyodor Strzhizhovsky, the spokesman of the Russian mission to the United Nations, said.
Russian Tu-160 Strategic Bombers Return to Home Base After Visit to Venezuela Sputnik 15 Dec 2018 -- Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers returned to their home airbase after their flight to Venezuela, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
Kasparov: Russia Increasingly Losing Its Standing On World Stage RFE/RL 14 Dec 2018 -- A prominent Kremlin critic says Russia has been rapidly losing its standing on the world stage due to President Vladimir Putin's "aggressive" policies.
Russian Spy's Guilty Plea Illustrates Danger Facing US VOA 15 Dec 2018 -- Former top U.S. intelligence officials are warning the guilty plea by a former Russian graduate student and self-proclaimed gun-rights advocate should serve as a wake-up call about the Kremlin's brazen desire and ability to interfere with the American political system.
New Africa Strategy Pits US Against China, Russia VOA 14 Dec 2018 -- The United States unveiled a new Africa strategy Thursday designed to prioritize American interests and challenge efforts by China and Russia to develop economic, political and security partnerships across the continent.
US plans to counter China, Russia influence in Africa: Bolton Press TV 14 Dec 2018 -- US National Security Adviser John Bolton says the United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding political and economic influence of China and Russia in Africa.
U.S. Sets New Africa Strategy, Condemns 'Predatory' Practices Of Russia, China RFE/RL 14 Dec 2018 -- The United States has denounced the "predatory" practices of Russia and China in Africa as it unveiled a refocus of its strategy that will include an end to "indiscriminate assistance across the entire continent."
Russian Orthodox Church Asks UN, Western Leaders For Help In Ukraine RFE/RL 14 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Orthodox Church has called on international leaders to "protect" its followers in Ukraine in the face of what it called official pressure on Moscow-appointed clerics.
Russian Military Satellite Meridian to Be Launched in Early 2019 - Source Sputnik 14 Dec 2018 -- Russian military satellite Meridian will be launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the first quarter of 2019, a source in the aerospace industry told Sputnik.
Russia ready to discuss mutual arms inspections with US to save INF pact Press TV 14 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has reportedly expressed Moscow's readiness to discuss mutual inspections with Washington in a bid to save the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) amid US threats to withdraw from the pact.
Russian Tu-160 Strategic Bombers Left Venezuela on Friday - Venezuelan Army Sputnik 14 Dec 2018 -- Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers left Venezuela earlier on Friday, the Venezuelan army said in a statement.
Russia Will be Bound by No Obligations If US Quits INF Treaty - Moscow Sputnik 14 Dec 2018 -- Previously, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Washington would suspend participation in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty if Russia "didn't return to full compliance". Moscow, for its part, has denied claims regarding violations of the treaty, adding that the US was creating a pretext to withdraw from the accord.
Kremlin Says Allegations Against Accused Russian Agent Butina Groundless RFE/RL 14 Dec 2018 -- The Kremlin says that allegations against Maria Butina, a Russian woman accused of acting as an agent of Russia's government in the United States, are "groundless."
Russia: Allegations Against Butina Are 'Unfounded' VOA 14 Dec 2018 -- The Kremlin said Friday that the allegations against the Russian woman who pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to being a spy are "unfounded."
Russia, India reach 'unprecedented' military agreements Press TV 14 Dec 2018 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has held "intensive discussions" with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi, where they reached an "unprecedented" level of military and technical cooperation, despite increasing pressure from the United States.
Lukashenka Says Belarus Will Never Be Part Of Russia RFE/RL 14 Dec 2018 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka says his country will never be part of the Russian Federation.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 13, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2018
Russia Criticizes U.S., EU Calls To Block Nord Stream 2 Pipeline RFE/RL 13 Dec 2018 -- Russia has rejected renewed U.S. and European calls to block the Moscow-backed Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline project under the Baltic Sea.
Maduro Says Visits by Foreign Military Aircraft to Continue Amid Tu-160 Arrival Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said foreign military aircraft will continue arriving in the South American country over the coming months amid a visit by Russian planes to Venezuela.
New Anti-Russia Sanctions to Complicate Talks on Kerch Strait Crisis - Berlin Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- The introduction of additional sanctions against Russia over the recent incident with Ukrainian ships in the Azov Sea will complicate talks on the de-escalation of the situation, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Thursday.
EU Leaders Prolong Economic Sanctions On Russia RFE/RL 13 Dec 2018 -- EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on December 13 said economic sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine will be prolonged for another six months with the official rollover expected next week.
OAS Expresses 'Greatest Concern' Over Arrival Of Russian Military Planes In Venezuela RFE/RL 13 Dec 2018 -- The Organization of American States (OAS) has expressed the "greatest concern" about the arrival of nuclear-capable Russian aircraft in Venezuela.
Gazprom, Partners Invested Over 6 Bln Euros in Nord Stream-2 - Wintershall CEO Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- More than 6 billion euros ($6.8bln) has been invested in the construction of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline, Wintershall CEO Mario Meren wrote in an article published on the Danish news portal Altinget.
Russia to Closely Monitor Washington's Compliance With INF Treaty - Russian MFA Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- The statement comes shortly after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Washington would suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in 60 days unless Russia "returns to full and verifiable compliance". Moscow, for its part, has consistently denied any violations of the treaty.
Russian Tu-160 Strategic Bombers Take to the Skies Over the Caribbean Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers, an An-124 military transport aircraft, and an Il-62 plane arrived in Venezuela on 10 December to conduct interoperability drills with the Venezuelan Air Force this week. The event caused a negative reaction from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who slammed the deployment of Russian bombers.
Russian Law Enforcement Equipment With Advanced ShAK-12 Assault Rifles Underway Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- The equipment of the Russian law enforcement with the advanced ShAK-12 assault rifles, which US media call super guns, is underway, Yury Amelin, the representative of the Russian TsKIB SOO small arms design bureau which is part of the Rostec state defence contractor, told Sputnik.
Russian National Butina Pleads Guilty To U.S. Charge Of Foreign-Agent Conspiracy RFE/RL 13 Dec 2018 -- A Russian woman has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring to act as a foreign agent in a case that the U.S. government said highlighted Moscow's efforts to influence Washington's foreign policy.
Russian National Butina Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Against US Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- Russian national Maria Butina has pleaded guilty in US court on Thursday to one count of conspiracy against the United States.
Accused Russian Agent Pleads Guilty to Conspiring Against US VOA 13 Dec 2018 -- A Russian woman pleaded guilty Thursday in Washington to acting as a Kremlin agent to conspire to build ties with the powerful National Rifle Association gun rights group in the U.S. and infiltrate Republican Party circles to pass information back to Moscow.
Russia Expels Slovak Diplomat In Spy Dispute RFE/RL 13 Dec 2018 -- Russia has declared a Slovak military diplomat persona non grata following Bratislava's expulsion of a Russian diplomat suspected of spying last month.
Russia expels Slovak diplomat in apparent tit-for-tat move Press TV 13 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry says it has declared a military attaché in the Slovak Embassy in Moscow as "persona non grata" and ordered the diplomat to leave Russia.
India, Russia Set Up Working Group for Military Co-operation Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- During the 18th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) held in New Delhi on Thursday, the two countries agreed to set up an additional institutional working group.
U.S. House Of Representatives Condemns Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline RFE/RL 12 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has condemned the Russian-backed Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline, saying the undersea project will boost Russian control over Europe's energy supplies.
Russian Cosmonauts Investigate Mysterious Hole In ISS During Six-Hour Space Walk RFE/RL 12 Dec 2018 -- Russia's space agency said two cosmonauts took samples of the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) as part of efforts to resolve the mystery of a small hole found in a Soyuz spacecraft docked at the station.
Colombia Won't Succumb to Venezuelan Provocations - MoD on Tu-160 Arrival Sputnik 12 Dec 2018 -- Colombia will not let Venezuela make provocations with the assistance of Russia, which recently sent its aircraft to Caracas, Colombian Defence Minister Guillermo Botero said.
Increasing NATO Forces Near Russian Borders Will Only Increase Tensions - MoD Sputnik 12 Dec 2018 -- Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian General Staff, has told NATO Allied Command Operations' Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti that NATO presence near Russian borders was not reducing tensions, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Accused Russian agent to plead guilty, help prosecutors Press TV 12 Dec 2018 -- Maria Butina, who is charged and detained in the United States over conspiracy to act as a Russian government agent by developing ties with American citizens and infiltrating political groups, has reportedly agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with federal prosecutors.
India Negotiating Purchase of Russian Igla-S Missile System - Indian Def Min Sputnik 12 Dec 2018 -- India's Minister of State for Defense Subhash Bhamre said in the parliament that the case of purchase of the missile system is at contract negotiation stage with Rosoboronexport of Russia, the L1 vendor, which has offered Igla-S missile system.
U.S. Diplomat Warns Russia Will Use Gas Pipeline To Tighten Grip On Europe RFE/RL 11 Dec 2018 -- A top U.S. energy diplomat has warned that Russia wants to increase leverage over Europe and its grip over Ukraine, using the proposed Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
Trump 'worried' about impeachment over Russia ties: Report Press TV 11 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump sees impeachment as a "real possibility" when Democrats take over the House of Representatives in a month, amid the ongoing probe into the president's ties with Russia, sources close to the White House say.
Russia rejects US criticism of bombers' flight to Venezuela Press TV 11 Dec 2018 -- The Kremlin has rejected the United States' criticism of Russian military flights to Venezuela, saying remarks made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the issue were "inappropriate."
Two Russian nuclear-capable bombers in Venezuela for joint exercises Press TV 11 Dec 2018 -- A pair of Tu-160 bombers, known as Blackjack", landed in Caracas on Monday following a 6,200-mile flight, which is said to be aimed at showcasing Moscow's growing military prowess and shoring up the position of Venezuela's embattled president, Nicolás Maduro.
Pompeo's Remarks About Russia Sending Tu-160 to Venezuela Unacceptable - Moscow Sputnik 11 Dec 2018 -- Earlier, the US Secretary of State called Russia and Venezuela "two corrupt governments" which were "squandering public funds" after Moscow sent two Tu-160 bombers, an An-124 heavy-lift transport and an Il-62 recon plane to Caracas in a show of support to the Latin American country.
Firms Involved in Russian Nord Stream 2 Face Risk of US Sanctions - State Dept Sputnik 11 Dec 2018 -- Companies that work in Russia's energy pipeline sector are risking US sanctions, and Washington is considering possible actions against the Nord Stream-2 project, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis Fannon told reporters on Tuesday.
Moscow: Pompeo's Statement on Russian Tu-160 in Venezuela Inappropriate Sputnik 11 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Defence Ministry said Monday that Russia's two supersonic bombers had carried out a flight from Russia to Venezuela, landing at Simon Bolivar International Airport, outside Caracas.
Russian Strategic Bombers in Venezuela Spark Diplomatic Row VOA 11 Dec 2018 -- The United States is blasting Russia for deploying two strategic bombers to Venezuela for war games.
Former Russian Navy Officer Sentenced To 14 Years On Charge Of Spying For Ukraine RFE/RL 11 Dec 2018 -- Retired Russian navy officer Leonid Parkhomenko has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after a military tribunal in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don found him guilty of passing classified documents to Ukrainian intelligence.
Russia Jails Former Police Officer On High Treason Charge RFE/RL 11 Dec 2018 -- A Russian court has sentenced former police officer Aleksandr Zhitnyuk to 13 years in prison on high treason charges.
Putin: Russian Intelligence Services Know Nothing About Butina's Arrest in US Sputnik 11 Dec 2018 -- President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russian intelligence services knew nothing about Russian national Maria Butina arrested in the United States over alleged attempts to influence US policy towards Moscow.
Putin Says He Only Heard Of Alleged Agent Butina After Her Arrest RFE/RL 11 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he had never heard of a woman who is accused of working as an unregistered foreign agent in the United States until her July arrest.
At least 14 Trump associates interacted with Russians during election: Report Press TV 10 Dec 2018 -- Russian citizens made contact with at least 14 associates of US President Donald Trump during his 18-month election campaign and presidential transition period, according to reports in US media.
Norwegian F-16 Jets Shadowed Russian Tu-160s en Route to Venezuela - MoD Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers, an An-124 heavy-lift military transport aircraft and an IL-62 plane have carried out a flight from Russia to Venezuela, landing at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in capital Caracas, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.
DOD Spokesman: As U.S. Provides Aid to Central, South America, Russia Sends Bombers AFPS 10 Dec 2018 -- Medical personnel aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort have thus far treated more than 20,000 civilians, and performed more than 600 surgeries in several Central and South American nations, Army Col. Rob Manning, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters today.
US sold most weapons last year, Russia distant second: SIPRI Press TV 10 Dec 2018 -- American weapons makers continue to dominate the global arms trade, accounting for over half of all the weapons sold in the world last year while Russia continued to gradually expand its market, a new study shows.
Russia Now World's No. 2 Arms Producer - Think Tank Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- The arms sales of the Russian companies listed among the world's 100 largest arms manufacturers accounted for 9.5 percent of the hundred's total in 2017, making Russia world's second biggest arms producer after the United States, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a press release on Monday.
Poroshenko Signs Law Terminating Ukrainian-Russian Friendship Treaty RFE/RL 10 Dec 2018 -- President Petro Poroshenko has signed into law a bill to terminate Ukraine's friendship treaty with Russia.
EU Blacklists Nine People Over Ukraine Separatist Vote RFE/RL 10 Dec 2018 -- The European Union has blacklisted nine individuals involved in the organization of last month's elections in the areas controlled by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Poroshenko Signs Law Terminating Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation With Russia Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- Kiev sent a diplomatic note to Moscow in September saying it would not renew the 1997 treaty.
EU to Consider New Russia Sanctions Based on Situation in Azov Sea - Minister Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- The EU must maintain its sanctions on Russia until there is progress on implementing the Minsk agreements and will decide on whether to introduce new sanctions based on the situation in the Sea of Azov, Belgian Foreign Minister Reynders said.
Two Russian Long-Range Bombers Arrive In Venezuela RFE/RL 10 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has sent two nuclear-capable strategic bombers to Venezuela, in an unusual display of Russian military force in South America.
Russia Rises To Second In Global Arms Sales, With U.S. Still At No. 1 RFE/RL 10 Dec 2018 -- The United States remains the global leader in arms sales, while Russia has surpassed Britain to take the No. 2 spot as it attempts to modernize its military, a leading research group says.
Belgian Defence Chief 'Absolutely' Agrees Russia Bigger Threat Than Terrorism Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- Earlier, UK Chief of General Staff Mark Carleton-Smith claimed Russia "indisputably" presented a "far greater threat" to Britain than Islamist extremist groups like al-Qaeda and Daesh (ISIS)*. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded by saying Russia couldn't "forbid anyone" from "demonstrating their intellectual…capabilities" with such remarks.
Centre for Maintenance of Russian Helicopters Opens in Peru Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- The Helicentro Peru repair centre for the maintenance of earlier delivered Russian helicopters opened not far from the Peruvian capital of Lima on Monday, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
Be-200 Amphibious Aircraft to Be Commissioned for Russian Navy by End of 2019 Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Navy will receive the Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft intended for rescue operations by the end of 2019, Maj. Gen. Igor Kozhin, the chief of Russia's naval aviation, said.
Woman Accused By U.S. Of Working As Russian Agent May Plead Guilty RFE/RL 10 Dec 2018 -- A Russian woman accused of working as an unregistered foreign agent in the United States has reached a deal with prosecutors, a possible indication she may change her plea to guilty.
Russian National Butina Seeks Hearing to Plead Guilty - Court Filing Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- Russian national Maria Butina is seeking a hearing as soon as possible to change her plea on criminal charges of acting as a foreign agent for Russia in the United States, a newly published court filing showed on Monday.
Accused Russian Spy in US Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty VOA 10 Dec 2018 -- An accused Russian spy held by the United States on charges of infiltrating Republican Party circles to provide information to Moscow has reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty, court records showed Monday.
India, Russia to Finalize Logistic Support Agreement Soon Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- The proposal for a logistic support agreement was made by Russia in July this year. As the defense ties between the two countries are deep and intense, it took less than five months for them to complete the draft agreement in comparison to the 2016 agreement with the US that almost a decade to be finalized.
Russian Warships Arrive in India for Joint Military Drills Sputnik 09 Dec 2018 -- A detachment of the Russian Pacific Fleet entered the eastern Indian port city of Visakhapatnam on Sunday to participate in the joint Russian-Indian military drills Indra Navy 2018, the fleet's press service said.
Ukrainian Vessels Threatened to Use Weapons if Approached by Russian Ships - FSB Sputnik 08 Dec 2018 -- Kiev and Moscow have been embroiled in a naval standoff for the past two weeks. Three Ukrainian Navy vessels were seized on November 25 after violating Russia's maritime border.
US seeks to whitewash terrorists' gas attack in Syria: Russia Press TV 08 Dec 2018 -- Russia has rejected fresh US accusations regarding a chemical weapons attack in Syria's Aleppo, saying Washington is trying to whitewash terrorists' gas attacks and distract public opinion from American crimes.
Russia's S-300s Should Remain in Syria to Protect it From Enemy Airstrikes - SNC Sputnik 08 Dec 2018 -- Russia's S-300 air defense systems should remain in Syria if they protect the country from airstrikes and enemies, a representative of the Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) and member of the political committee of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SOC) told Sputnik.
British Intel to Ratchet Up Pressure on Russian Businessmen - Reports Sputnik 08 Dec 2018 -- Britain-Russia relations have been in a downward spiral ever since early March, when former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal survived a purported nerve agent attack, which the UK blamed on Moscow. The accusations were followed by an announced crackdown on Russian money in Britain, which is apparently gaining momentum.
Venezuela signs $6 billion investment deals with Russia Press TV 07 Dec 2018 -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has announced massive Russian oil and gold mining investments in his crisis-ridden country.
Kyiv Says Russia Blocking Kerch Strait, Plans To Send Ukrainian Navy Ships RFE/RL 07 Dec 2018 -- Ukraine is accusing Russia of keeping up its blockade of the Kerch Strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov, warning that it will soon send more navy ships through the strait.
Russia Allegedly Sends Sub to Kerch Strait as Tensions With Ukraine Soar Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- A Twitter user claims a Russian submarine has been spotted leaving the port city of Sevastopol just days after three Ukrainian warships violated Russia's maritime border. The Russian Defence Ministry hasn't commented yet.
Ukraine parliament votes to end Russia friendship treaty Press TV 07 Dec 2018 -- Ukraine's parliament has approved a motion presented by President Petro Poroshenko to end the country's Treaty of Friendship with Russia.
The Russian and Assad Regime's False Allegations on Chemical Weapons Use in Aleppo US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2018 -- Press Statement by Robert Palladino, Deputy Spokesperson
US Accuses Russia, Syria of Fabricating Story of Chemical Weapons Use VOA 07 Dec 2018 -- The United States has accused Russia and Syria of fabricating a story about chemical weapons use by Syrian rebels.
Top Democrat: Moscow Has Closed Cyber Gap With US VOA 07 Dec 2018 -- The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee warns the United States is being outgunned in cyberspace, already having lost its competitive advantage to Russia while China is rapidly closing in.
Russia says US stance on INF treaty aims to ruin New START pact Press TV 07 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the US threats to withdraw from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) pave the way for ruining the New START nuclear weapons pact.
What Is the Mysterious 9М729 Missile the US Wants Russia To Ban Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- Little is known about the 9М729 (NATO reporting name SSC-8) missile, which, as the US claims, violates the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Its characteristics are also a mystery, with military experts having multiple theories on the missile's origins.
Lavrov: US Wants Russia to Ban Missile That Was Tested Within INF Framework Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- The Russian foreign minister has commented on the demand from US Undersecretary for Arms Control Andrea Thompson, which requires that Moscow either terminate the development of its 9M729 missile system or modify the weapon, pointing to its alleged non-compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
OFAC Extends Expiration Date of General Licenses Related to EN+, RUSAL, and GAZ US Treasury 07 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today extended further the expiration date of certain general licenses related to EN+ Group plc (EN+), United Company RUSAL PLC (RUSAL), and GAZ Group (GAZ).
Czech Intelligence Rejects President's Criticism On Reports Of Russian, Chinese Spies RFE/RL 07 Dec 2018 -- The Czech Security Intelligence Service (BIS) has rejected President Milos Zeman's accusations that it is giving him "wrong" data about intensification of spying activities in the country by Russia and China.
U.S. Says Russia Must Scrap Or Modify Novator Missile System To Comply With INF RFE/RL 07 Dec 2018 -- Russia must scrap its Novator 9M729 missile systems and launchers or reduce their range to comply with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and prevent a U.S. withdrawal from the Cold War-era pact, U.S. officials say.
Russia's Immediate Return to INF Compliance Would Be 'Best Outcome' - Mattis Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday that Russia's immediate return to the adherence with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty would be the best result in the current situation.
US Not Mulling Military Response to Kerch Strait Incident - Pentagon Official Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- Ukrainian consuls on Thursday met with three sailors from the Ukrainian naval ships captured in Russian waters last month, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said.
U.S. in preparation to send warship into Black Sea People's Daily 06 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. military has started the preparations to dispatch a warship into the Black Sea amid the tension between Russia and Ukraine over the Kerch Strait incident, reported U.S. media on Wednesday.
Venezuela's Maduro Announces Billions Of Dollars In Russian Investment RFE/RL 06 Dec 2018 -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has announced more than $6 billion in Russian oil and gold mining investments in the crisis-wracked South American country.
DOD Statement on Open Skies Flight Over Ukraine DoD 06 Dec 2018 -- "Today, the United States and Allies conducted an extraordinary flight under the Open Skies Treaty. The timing of this flight is intended to reaffirm U.S. commitment to Ukraine and other partner nations.?"
US conducts 'extraordinary' flight over Ukraine: Pentagon Press TV 06 Dec 2018 -- The US military has announced that it conducted an "extraordinary" observation flight "to reaffirm US commitment to Ukraine" amid Russia-Ukraine tensions.
U.S. Conducts 'Extraordinary' Observation Flight Over Ukraine RFE/RL 06 Dec 2018 -- The United States says it has carried out an "extraordinary" flight over Ukraine under an international military surveillance treaty, amid what it called a pattern of "increasingly provocative and threatening activity" by Russia.
US sends destroyer to Sea of Japan, near Russia's Far East Press TV 06 Dec 2018 -- The United States has sent a guided-missile destroyer near the contested waters of the Sea of Japan, off the Russian coast.
Russian Military Tracks US Destroyer in Sea of Japan - MoD Sputnik 06 Dec 2018 -- The USS McCampbell guided missile destroyer did not come closer than 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Russian territorial waters, Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov stated.
Briefing on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) US Dept. of State 06 Dec 2018 -- Special Briefing by Jon M. Huntsman, U.S. Ambassador to Russia, and Andrea L. Thompson, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security
Saudi, Russia leave world guessing after OPEC meeting Press TV 06 Dec 2018 -- OPEC has tentatively agreed an oil output reduction but is reportedly waiting for Russia to declare its commitment before deciding the exact volumes for a cut aimed at propping up crude prices.
US, Allies Conduct Extraordinary Flight Over Ukraine Amid Kerch Row - Pentagon Sputnik 06 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin, while commenting on the naval incident that led to the detention of Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait, noted the attempt to breach the maritime border was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law in Ukraine.
In Show of Support, US Conducts Ukraine Fly-Over VOA 06 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. and its allies flew a military aircraft over Ukraine Thursday as a show of support after Russia attacked Ukrainian naval vessels in the Black Sea last month.
Ukraine Reinforcing Troops on Russian Border - President Poroshenko Sputnik 06 Dec 2018 -- In November, the Ukrainian president signed a decree to impose martial law in regions bordering Russia, as well as the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, following a clash in the Kerch Strait.
Ukraine's Parliament Approves Bill To Terminate Friendship Treaty With Russia RFE/RL 06 Dec 2018 -- Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has approved a move by President Petro Poroshenko to terminate the country's Treaty of Friendship with Russia.
At OSCE Meeting, Ukraine Pleads For Ramped-Up Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 06 Dec 2018 -- Ukraine has used a gathering of foreign ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to call for increased sanctions against Russia, accusing Moscow of stepping up "aggression" against Kyiv and sowing "instability and insecurity" in the OSCE region.
Russian Defense Ministry Unveils New Laser Weapon RFE/RL 06 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has unveiled a new laser weapons system, the latest in a series of advanced offensive systems that the Kremlin has pledged to pursue.
Russian Constitutional Court Says Controversial Chechen-Ingush Border Deal Legal RFE/RL 06 Dec 2018 -- Russia's Constitutional Court has upheld the legality of a law designed to support a controversial border agreement between the Russian republics of Ingushetia and Chechnya.
US Official: 60 Days Given to Russia on INF Treaty 'Not Ultimatum' Sputnik 06 Dec 2018 -- When commenting on the ultimatum to Moscow voiced by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Washington hasn't provided any evidence that Russia allegedly violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
US Attempt to 'Bury' INF Treaty Creates New Risks for Europe - Lavrov Sputnik 06 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry's response comes after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Washington would suspend its participation in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 60 days "unless Russia returned to full compliance with the agreement".
Destroyer McCampbell 'Challenges' Russia's Claims in Sea of Japan - US Navy Sputnik 06 Dec 2018 -- The United States' guided missile destroyer McCampbell entered the Sea of Japan to challenge Russia's maritime claims in the area, US Navy spokesperson Rachel McMarr said in a statement.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 5, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Dec 2018
US Challenges Russian Claims in Sea of Japan VOA 05 Dec 2018 -- A U.S. Navy destroyer on Wednesday sailed into waters claimed by Russia in the Sea of Japan in a direct challenge to Moscow.
Armenia Contradicts Kremlin On Postponement Of CSTO Summit RFE/RL 05 Dec 2018 -- Armenia did not request a postponement of a Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit that had been scheduled to be held in Yerevan on December 6, a spokesman for acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has said.
EU To Sanction Nine People Over Ukraine Separatist Vote RFE/RL 05 Dec 2018 -- The European Union is now expected to add nine individuals allegedly involved in the organization of last month's elections in the areas controlled by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to its sanctions list, according to sources in Brussels.
Ukraine Security Agency Blames Attempted Cyberattack On Russia RFE/RL 05 Dec 2018 -- Ukraine's security agency said it has thwarted a massive cyberattack and blamed Russia for the attempted attack that targeted the country's court system.
Kiev Deploying Offensive Forces to Donbass, Military Actions Possible - Moscow Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- Kiev is deploying major offensive components to Donbass, with reports about preparations by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for military actions emerging, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated.
Putin Threatens to Build Nuclear Missiles if US Does the Same VOA 05 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday his country would start developing intermediate-range nuclear missiles if the United States leaves a key arms agreement and begins developing the weapons as well.
Russia will respond if US withdraws from INF treaty, says President Putin Press TV 05 Dec 2018 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will be forced to respond if the United States withdraws from a bilateral Cold War-era nuclear arms control treaty.
Russia dismisses NATO, US allegations on INF treaty Press TV 05 Dec 2018 -- Russia has dismissed allegations by NATO and Washington that Moscow has been breaching a Cold War-era nuclear arms control treaty with the United States by developing banned cruise missiles.
Putin: U.S Withdrawal From INF Is 'Ill-Considered,' Russia Will Arm Itself RFE/RL 05 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the U.S. plan to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) was "ill-considered" and warned that Moscow will follow suit if the United States arms itself with weapons banned by the pact.
Putin: Russia Opposes Destruction of INF Treaty, But Will React in Proper Manner Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow is against the destruction of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, but would respond accordingly if it happens. His comments come a day after the US said it would withdraw from the treaty if Russia does not return to full compliance.
NATO Manipulates Facts to Disguise US Withdrawal From INF - Kremlin Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Washington will suspend its compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty within 60 days "unless Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance".
If INF Cancelled Russia's Responsive Steps to Target States Housing US Missiles Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- The activities of the United States, aimed at preserving the predominant role of Washington in the world is one of the main factors deteriorating the international situation, the Chief of the Russian General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, noted.
NATO Agrees: Russia in Material Breach of INF Treaty AFPS 05 Dec 2018 -- NATO allies agree that Russia is in material breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and have decided to start planning for a post-INF Treaty world, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels yesterday.
Slovak PM Says Russian Diplomat Expelled For Spying RFE/RL 05 Dec 2018 -- Slovakia has expelled a Russian diplomat as an alleged spy.
Slovakia Expels Russian Diplomat Allegedly Engaged in Espionage - Reports Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- This is not the first time European states have accused Russia of espionage. Earlier, the Austrian government announced on 9 November that they had launched an investigation into a 70-year-old retired colonel, suspected of working for Russian intelligence since the 1990s. Moscow has denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
India Has Made Up Its Mind to Lease Akula Class Nuke Sub From Russia - Reports Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- After contracting for the purchase of Russian S-400 air missile systems, India is set to sign more defence deals with Russia. Signals emanating from the defence ministry indicate that the proposal to lease another Akula-class submarine has acquired all major clearances.
Beijing Opposes INF Becoming Multilateral Treaty Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has announced Washington will pull out of the INF Treaty, a 1987 deal with then-USSR stipulating the destruction of cruise or ground-launched ballistic missiles with ranges between 310 and 3,400 miles over alleged violations by Russia. Moscow has consistently said it is in compliance with the agreement.
Restoring the Role of the Nation-State in the Liberal International Order US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2018 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Russia, China, Iran challenging global US leadership: Pompeo Press TV 04 Dec 2018 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has targeted Russia, China and Iran for opposing Washington's "leadership role".
Pompeo Says China, Iran, And Russia Causing Global Instability RFE/RL 04 Dec 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticized China, Iran, and Russia for violating numerous treaties and multistate agreements.
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Georgia and Ukraine in Foreign Ministers' session NATO 04 Dec 2018
NATO Foreign Ministers To Discuss Missile Treaty Impasse, Kerch Confrontation RFE/RL 04 Dec 2018 -- The Black Sea naval confrontation between Russia and Ukraine and the fate of a major Cold War missile treaty will top the agenda for foreign ministers and diplomats from 29 NATO members meeting in Brussels.
Ukraine police raid three Russia-linked Orthodox churches Press TV 04 Dec 2018 -- The Ukrainian police have raided three Orthodox churches aligned to Russia amid mounting political and religious tensions between the two countries.
Russia to Sell First Batch of Ka-62 Choppers in 2020 - CEO Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- Russian Helicopters company is planning to launch serial production of multipurpose Ka-62 choppers and sell the first four aircraft in 2020, the company CEO, Andrey Boginsky, told Sputnik Wednesday.
Russia Will Develop 'Unique' Weapons if US Exits INF Treaty - Senior Lawmaker Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- Moscow and Washington must hold talks on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), so that it could be adapted to the current situation and limited only to Europe, Chairman of Russia's upper house Defense and Security Committee Viktor Bondarev told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Statement on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty NATO 04 Dec 2018
Russia plans to conduct over 4,000 drills in 2019 Press TV 04 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry plans to hold more than 4,000 drills and roughly 8,500 practical combat training events throughout 2019, amid persistent tensions between NATO and Moscow.
U.S. Gives Russia 60 Days To Comply With Nuclear Arms Pact RFE/RL 04 Dec 2018 -- The United States says it will suspend its obligations under a Cold War nuclear arms treaty if Moscow does not return to compliance within two months.
Russia in Full Compliance With INF Treaty, US Side Knows Well About It - Moscow Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- Earlier, the US secretary of state urged Russia to return to the negotiating table to discuss the future of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. He added that the US would stop complying with it in 60 days if Moscow wouldn't end its alleged violations of the accord.
Boosting Russian Troops' Capabilities Over US INF Exit Discussed - Minister Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- Measures toward Russian troops' combat capabilities boost over the US plans to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty have been discussed at the recent Sochi meetings, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu stated.
Russia's Violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2018 -- Fact Sheet
Pompeo Warns Russia Has '60 Days' to Comply With Nuclear Missile Treaty VOA 04 Dec 2018 -- The United States has warned Russia that it has 60 days to show that it is complying with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or the U.S. will quit the agreement.
India, Russia Mull More Payments in National Currencies After S-400 Deal - Envoy Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- India and Russia are considering the possibility of making payments for defence contracts in national currencies more often after closing the ruble-denominated deal for the delivery of Russian S-400 missile systems to India, Indian Ambassador to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma told Sputnik.
US, NATO Coordinating Alliance-Wide Response to Kerch Incident - State Dept Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- The United States and NATO member states have been coordinating an alliance-wide response to the naval incident in the Kerch Strait between Ukraine and Russia, a US Department of State official told reporters.
Trump Eyes Talks With Putin, Xi To Halt 'Uncontrollable Arms Race' RFE/RL 03 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he is certain that "at some time in the future" he, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin "will start talking about a meaningful halt to what has become a major and uncontrollable Arms Race."
US Hasn't Yet Notified Russia About Withdrawal From INF - Kremlin Sputnik 03 Dec 2018 -- Moscow has repeatedly called US plans to abandon the INF very dangerous, saying it might draw entire regions of the world into an arms race.
NATO Set to Meet as Ukraine Seeks Support Against Russian Attacks VOA 03 Dec 2018 -- Russia's recent attack on Ukrainian naval vessels will likely top the agenda at a NATO meeting this week as the alliance searches for a robust response in the wake of the Kremlin's latest act of aggression on Europe's borders.
Kremlin rejects Ukraine's 'absurd' accusation about plan to seize Azov Sea ports Press TV 03 Dec 2018 -- The Kremlin has denounced as "absurd" a Ukrainian accusation that Russia is planning to seize major ports in the Sea of Azov in order to build a land corridor between the Crimean Peninsula and eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russia forces.
NATO Chief Demands Russia Release Ukrainian Ships, Sailors RFE/RL 03 Dec 2018 -- The head of NATO has demanded that Russia release Ukrainian sailors and naval vessels it seized in a confrontation at sea, while Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says concerns that Moscow could seek to create a "land corridor" linking Russia to Crimea are "absurd."
Ukrainian Sailors Face Up to 6 Years in Prison for Border Crossing - Lawyer Sputnik 03 Dec 2018 -- All 24 Ukrainian sailors who were detained for illegally crossing the Russian maritime border in the Azov Sea have had charges brought against them by Russian investigators and now face up to six years in prison, lawyer Nikolay Polozov told Sputnik on Monday.
Manned Soyuz Spacecraft 'Successfully Docks' At ISS RFE/RL 03 Dec 2018 -- The first manned Soyuz flight since an aborted launch in October has "successfully docked" at the International Space Station (ISS), Russian space agency Roskosmos says.
Russia Begins Sea Trials of Ballistic Missile Sub, Orders Up Two More Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- Russia's state program of armaments has reportedly announced its intention to build two more Borey-class ballistic missile submarines in the next decade, bringing Moscow's total ballistic missile submarine fleet to 11 boats. Meanwhile, the latest boat, Prince Vladimir, began sea trials last week.
Standoff Over INF Treaty Enters New Phase As U.S. Reveals Details Of Russian Missile RFE/RL 03 Dec 2018 -- The United States' top intelligence official has quietly revealed key new details about Russia's alleged violations of a bedrock Cold War nuclear treaty, an unexpected move that comes as U.S. officials push to build new support from European allies.
NATO Supports Arms Control, Ready for Dialogue With Russia - Stoltenberg Sputnik 03 Dec 2018 -- In late October, the Russian Armed Forces said in a statement that it had observed a noticeable increase in NATO reconnaissance activity on its borders in recent months.
Czech Spy Agency Blames Russia For Cyberattacks On Foreign Ministry, Diplomats RFE/RL 03 Dec 2018 -- The Czech spy agency said it is "obvious" that Russia was behind two recent cyberattack campaigns against the Foreign Ministry and the country's diplomats.
British Spy Chief Warns Russia Against Covert Activity After Nerve-Agent Attack RFE/RL 03 Dec 2018 -- The head of Britain's foreign intelligence service has warned the Kremlin "not to underestimate" the West following a nerve-agent attack on a retired double agent in England that he attributed to covert Russian activity.
Britain warns Russia not to underestimate its intelligence capability Press TV 03 Dec 2018 -- The head of Britain's MI6 intelligence service, which is focused on foreign security threats, has warned Russia that it should not underestimate London's ability to deal with complicated sabotage cases, saying that the country is launching a new generation of espionage activities that could take the adversaries by surprise.
Logistic Sharing Agreement With Russia in the Offing - Indian Navy Chief Sputnik 03 Dec 2018 -- If the agreement is concluded, Russia would be the fourth country with which India will have such agreement with. India has already signed militarily logistics sharing agreements with the US, France, Oman, and Singapore. Australia too has sent a draft agreement.
US, India to 'Sort Out' Sanctions Waiver for S-400 Purchase - Mattis Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- US and Indian officials in coming days will sort out all issues related to the United States possibly waiving sanctions against India for its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems, Secretary of Defense James Mattis said at the Pentagon.
Putin Says He And Trump Briefly Discussed Ukraine Naval Confrontation RFE/RL 02 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he and U.S. President Donald Trump briefly discussed the recent naval confrontation in the Black Sea between Ukrainian and Russian naval ships.
Russia expands air defense network in Syria to US dismay: Report Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- Russia has reportedly completed an advanced anti-access/area denial network in Syria, posing a challenge to US military presence in the Arab country and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Russia, Turkey Agree to Continue Joint Work on Idlib Memorandum Implementation Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- The Russian and Turkish delegations to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires agreed to continue the joint work aimed at implementation of the memorandum on the situation in the rebel-held Syrian province of Idlib, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters.
Russian Military Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Syrian Soldiers in Aleppo - MoD Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- Russian military from the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation have delivered humanitarian aid to injured Syrian soldiers at a military hospital in Aleppo and their families, the center's spokesman, Maj. Gen. Sergei Popov, told reporters on Sunday.
Trio Prepares For First Soyuz Manned Launch Since October Accident RFE/RL 02 Dec 2018 -- One Russian cosmonaut and two astronauts from the United States and Canada are set to board the first manned mission to the International Space Station (ISS) since an aborted launch in October.
Putin: Russia, Saudi agreed to keep oil production low Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- Russia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to extend an agreement on cutting their respective oil outputs to prevent crude prices from slumping further.
Mattis blasts Putin for election meddling, Ukraine row, US pullout of nuke pact Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin as untrustworthy and "a slow learner," blaming him for meddling in the latest US mid-term polls, recent seizure of Ukrainian warships in Russian waters, and even Washington's pullout of a key arms-control treaty with Moscow.
U.S. Defense Chief Accuses Putin Of 'Duplicitous' Action On Missile Treaty RFE/RL 02 Dec 2018 -- The U.S. defense secretary strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of deceit involving a key Cold War-era arms control treaty, and acting recklessly in last week's naval confrontation with Ukraine.
Fully Automated Russian Rocket Artillery Systems on the Horizon - Developer Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- Russia's multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) artillery platforms are known for their accuracy and destructive power. Now, developers say, they are being improved further through automation.
Moscow to Resume Dialogue With US as Soon as Washington is Prepared - Lavrov Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed disappointment over President Trump's decision to cancel their planned meeting at the G20 in Argentina, saying the two countries have much to talk about on issues including nuclear strategic stability in light of the US talk of pulling out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
'He's An Adult': Putin Reveals What He Told Trump During Brief Talk at G20 Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- Trump cancelled his meeting with the Russian president on Thursday after being briefed on the Kerch Strait incident, in which several Ukrainian Navy vessels and their crews were detained for violating Russia's maritime borders.
US Defence Sec Calls Putin 'Slow Learner', Alleges Recent Election Meddling Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- American politicians, including Donald Trump, voiced concerns prior to November that Russia would try to meddle in the US congressional elections. Although US intelligence agencies said there was no evidence of Russia's attempts to influence the outcome of the midterms, the Secretary of Defence shared some "inside" information.
War to drag on with Ukraine's pro-Westerners in power: Putin Press TV 01 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that there would be no end to the conflict in Ukraine as long as the country is run by a set of pro-Western politicians.
Putin, Merkel Discuss Sea Of Azov Crisis At G20 Summit RFE/RL 01 Dec 2018 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged "freedom of shipping into the Sea of Azov" in a private talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires.
Ukraine Stops 100 Russians From Entering Country Amid Ban RFE/RL 01 Dec 2018 -- Ukraine's border guard service says some 100 Russian male nationals were stopped from entering the country on December 1.
Trump Defends 'Cool' Russia Business Links After Ex-Lawyer Admits Lying RFE/RL 01 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to seek a business deal in Russia in 2016 even as he pursued the Republican presidential nomination.
Russia says NATO building up troops along border under guise of drills Press TV 01 Dec 2018 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin has expressed concern over what he has described as a NATO military build-up along the Russian border under the cover of military drills.
Russia Successfully Tests Modernised Air Defence Missile Sputnik 01 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces have successfully conducted a test-firing of a modernised air defence rocket at the Sary Shagan testing range in Kazakhstan, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday.
'Best Deal': Turkish FM Cavusoglu Reveals Why Turkey Bought Russia's S-400 Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- Turkey decided to buy Russia's S-400 air defence systems as Moscow offered the best deal when Ankara needed such weapons, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday.
UK Intel Alleges Putin Personally Behind Skripal Poisoning Order - Reports Sputnik 01 Dec 2018 -- Russian authorities have repeatedly refuted London's accusations of Moscow being behind the alleged March 4 chemical attack on the former Russian intelligence officer and his daughter as groundless. Moscow says that London has failed to present any proof confirming Russia's involvement in the case.
Austrian Ex-Officer Suspected of Spying for Russia Arrested Sputnik 01 Dec 2018 -- An Austrian court said Friday that it ruled to arrest a retired Austrian officer suspected of spying for Russia.

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December 2018 - Russia Special Weapons News