February 2019 - Russia Special Weapons News

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 28, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Feb 2019
Russia's UNSC Resolution Reaffirms Maduro's Role in Coordinating Aid Deliveries Sputnik 28 Feb 2019 -- The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has the primary role in the organization of foreign humanitarian aid deliveries and this assistance should be provided at the request of the country's authorities, the Russian-sponsored draft UNSC resolution, obtained by Sputnik, read.
Russia, China use veto to defeat US resolution on Venezuela at UN Security Council Press TV 28 Feb 2019 -- Russia and China have vetoed a US-sponsored resolution at the United Nations Security Council, which called for early presidential election in Venezuela amid ongoing unrest in the Latin American country.
Venezuela: Competing US, Russia resolutions fail to pass in Security Council UN News 28 Feb 2019 -- The second meeting of the week on the situation in Venezuela, took place in the UN Security Council on Thursday, during which competing resolutions produced by the United States and by Russia were presented. Neither text was adopted as the US draft was vetoed and the Russian draft failing to secure enough votes in favor.
UN Security Council Fails to Find Consensus on Venezuela Crisis VOA 28 Feb 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council failed to agree Thursday on either a U.S. or Russian proposal to find a way forward on the Venezuelan crisis.
Russian Black Sea Fleet Officer, Partner Jailed As Spies For Ukraine RFE/RL 28 Feb 2019 -- Russian authorities say an officer of Russia's Black Sea fleet and his partner have been imprisoned on charges of spying for Ukraine.
Second Spy Suspect Detained in Stockholm – Reports Sputnik 28 Feb 2019 -- A second person was detained in the Swedish capital this week on suspicion of spying, according to a court filing seen by the Dagens Nyheter newspaper.
Russia Introduces Venezuela Resolution at UN Security Council Sputnik 28 Feb 2019 -- Russian diplomatic mission to the United Nation introduced Wednesday its own resolution on Venezuela at the UN Security Council that proposes to back the country's sovereignty and solve the political crisis within the framework of "the Montevideo mechanism".
Moscow, Damascus want American troops out of Syria Press TV 27 Feb 2019 -- Moscow and Damascus have jointly called on Washington to end its military presence on Syrian soil and let Syrian government forces and allied Russian troops evacuate civilians from a refugee camp near Jordan.
Netanyahu, Putin Discuss Iran's Role In Syria RFE/RL 27 Feb 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Moscow on February 27 in a bid to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin that Iran must not be allowed to establish a presence in Syria.
Moscow, Damascus Jointly Urge US Troops to Leave Syria Sputnik 27 Feb 2019 -- Russia and Syria urge the United States to implement its decision to disengage from the Middle East state, a joint statement issued by the Russian and Syrian general staffs said.
Russia Calls for Immediate Evacuation of Syria's Rukban Refugee Camp - Envoy Sputnik 27 Feb 2019 -- Russia is calling on all parties to allow for the immediate evacuation of anyone who wants to leave the Syrian refugee camp of Rukban, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Investigation Charts Massive Haul For State Deals By Companies Linked To 'Putin's Chef' RFE/RL 27 Feb 2019 -- Companies that can be tied to oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin have won at least 5,393 Russian-government contracts since 2011 worth more than 209 billion rubles ($3.2 billion), according to an investigation by Current Time and the Municipal Scanner anticorruption website.
In Moscow Treason Trial, A Major Scandal For Russian Security Agency RFE/RL 27 Feb 2019 -- It is the biggest scandal to hit Russia's powerful Federal Security Service (FSB) in years.
U.S. Judge Delays Sentencing Of Russian Woman Who Admitted To Foreign-Agent Charge RFE/RL 27 Feb 2019 -- A U.S. judge has delayed the sentencing of Maria Butina, the Russian woman who admitted to working as a foreign agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and build ties with U.S. conservative political activists.
Turkey says purchase of Russian S-400 missile system 'a done deal' Press TV 26 Feb 2019 -- Turkey says the purchase of the advanced Russian-built S-400 air defense missile system is a "done deal," despite strong opposition from the United States, a NATO ally, and its efforts to persuade Ankara to buy the US Patriot missile systems instead.
US Must Accelerate Deployment of Space Sensors to Counter Russian Threat - NORAD Sputnik 26 Feb 2019 -- The United States needs to accelerate the deployment of sensors in space to counter threats allegedly posed by adversaries like Russia, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Commander Terrence O'Shaughnessy said in congressional testimony on Tuesday.
From 'Not Us' To 'Why Hide It?': How Russia Denied Its Crimea Invasion, Then Admitted It RFE/RL 26 Feb 2019 -- In the darkness of the morning on February 27, 2014, heavily armed men wearing green uniforms with no identifying insignia stormed the regional parliament in Simferopol, the capital of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and raised the Russian flag atop the building.
Kremlin Spokesman Peskov Defends Daughter's Internship At European Parliament RFE/RL 26 Feb 2019 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has defended his daughter's internship with a lawmaker at the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels after an RFE/RL report revealing that she works there prompted concerns among lawmakers.
Putin's Spokesman Reveals What His Daughter Is Doing in European Parliament Sputnik 26 Feb 2019 -- Several European politicians have indicated that Dmitry Peskov's daughter, who is studying in France, could have a conflict of interest, but the French MEP who hired the intern said she had the full right to enter the programme and that she does not have access to sensitive data.
Russia to Commission 2nd Fifth-Generation Su-57 Fighter in 2020 - Manufacturer Sputnik 26 Feb 2019 -- Russia's second mass-produced fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet will be put into service in the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020, Alexander Pekarsh, the director of Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant, manufacturing the aircraft, said.
Two Russian Cybersecurity Figures Convicted Of Treason, Sentenced To Long Prison Terms RFE/RL 26 Feb 2019 -- A Russian military court has convicted a former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer and an expert at the cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab of treason and handed them long prison terms in a case that is reportedly linked to the United States.
Butina Set To Appear In U.S. Court After Foreign Agent Guilty Plea RFE/RL 26 Feb 2019 -- Maria Butina was set to make her first appearance in U.S. federal court since pleading guilty last year to charges of being an unregistered foreign agent.
Russia questions US push to form 'Arab NATO' Press TV 25 Feb 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov questions a reported push underway by the United States to "forcefully" band together a NATO-like Arab military alliance.
Exclusive: Daughter Of Putin's Spokesman Working In European Parliament RFE/RL 25 Feb 2019 -- The daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman works as an intern in the European Parliament in Brussels, and has unhindered access to various EU documents, RFE/RL has learned.
Putin: Russia to keep upgrading weapons even as they have no analogs in world Press TV 23 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised his country's advanced military prowess, saying Russian weapons are unparalleled in the world and would likely stay ahead of their rivals for the foreseeable future as Moscow plans to constantly upgrade them.
Butina Lawyer to Russian State Media: Deportation Logistics Underway VOA 23 Feb 2019 -- The attorney for Maria Butina, the Russian women whom U.S. federal prosecutors have charged with illegal foreign lobbying, says her passport has been handed over to U.S. immigration officials to expedite her anticipated deportation to Russia.
'Russia Is Aware': US Military Conducting Open Skies Flight Over Russia Sputnik 23 Feb 2019 -- Unarmed US military aircraft carried out a surveillance flight over Russia this week under the protection of the Treaty on Open Skies, the Pentagon has announced.
Russian Military Scrambled Su-27 Jet to Intercept Swedish Spy Plane Near Border Sputnik 23 Feb 2019 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled on February 19 to identify and intercept an air target approaching the Russian airspace over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said Friday.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 22, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2019
US military conducts surveillance flight over Russia Press TV 22 Feb 2019 -- A Pentagon official has announced that the US military is conducting a surveillance flight over Russia as part of a 17-year-old international agreement designed to build up confidence through opening the skies of the two countries to mutual observation.
Russia, China back Maduro as US-led showdown nears Press TV 22 Feb 2019 -- China and Russia are rallying behind Venezuela, warning against military intervention in the Latin American country which is facing a showdown Saturday when the opposition plans to bring in a US "aid" package.
Kremlin Hopes Venezuela's Authorities Do Everything to Prevent Escalation Sputnik 22 Feb 2019 -- The Kremlin hopes that Venezuela's legitimate authorities will do everything necessary to prevent an escalation of tensions in light of the situation with US humanitarian aid, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday.
Maduro Thanks Russia for Medicine Supplies to Venezuela Sputnik 22 Feb 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for the supplies of medicines to the crisis-torn country.
The Week In Russia: The State Of The Nation And Its Missiles RFE/RL 22 Feb 2019 -- President Vladimir Putin altered his recipe a bit in his state-of-the-nation speech this year, omitting some of the prep work and hitting Washington and the West with a direct flame for a shorter period of time than last year, but the main ingredients were little changed -- as was the resulting dish he served the Russian people on state TV.
Russia is a Peace-Loving Nation, Conducts Responsible Foreign Policy - Putin Sputnik 22 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia while being a peace-loving state, will nevertheless continue to develop its defense capability for the sake of ensuring the country's security.
Washington Lawyers Move To Delay Deadline For Turning Over Lesin Autopsy Records RFE/RL 22 Feb 2019 -- City lawyers in Washington, D.C., have moved to delay turning over autopsy documents related to the death of former Russian Press Minister Mikhail Lesin, following a judge's order to release the files.
Russian Navy vessels capable of firing 40 Zircon missiles on U.S. military targets People's Daily 21 Feb 2019 -- The Russian Navy vessels can fire 40 hypersonic cruise Zircon missiles at a time and successfully hit U.S. military control centers, Russian retired Rear Adm. Vsevolod Khmyrov said Thursday.
American's Detention Potentially Decisive Moment for Russia, Trade Groups Say VOA 21 Feb 2019 -- Last week's shocking detention of one of Russia's most renowned and publicly visible American entrepreneurs not only caught fellow foreign investors off guard, it may have prompted a moment of national reckoning about how Moscow handles investor relations, say both Kremlin-aligned and international trade groups.
Putin pledges to increase social spending, strengthen defense in annual address People's Daily 21 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual address to the parliament Wednesday that the government will boost expenditures on national projects concerning social development and beef up its military might to protect the country against external threat.
Ankara Commits to S-400, Turkish Official Says US Patriot Offer Not Good Enough Sputnik 20 Feb 2019 -- Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed dissatisfaction over Washington's unwillingness to implement Ankara's two basic conditions for acquiring Patriot interceptors related to providing a loan and joint production.
Russia Completes Engine Tests of Soyuz Rocket's 2nd Stage Using New Fuel - UEC Sputnik 20 Feb 2019 -- The engine for the second stage of the Soyuz-2 rocket using the new naphthyl rocket fuel instead of kerosene was successfully tested, a spokesperson for the United Engine Corporation told Sputnik on the sidelines of the Aero India exhibition in the Indian city of Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Microsoft Says Russia-Linked Hacking Group Targeted European Think Tanks, NGOs RFE/RL 20 Feb 2019 -- Software giant Microsoft says it has uncovered a series of cyberattacks by hackers linked to Russia targeting democratic institutions, think tanks and nonprofit organizations in Europe, highlighting concerns of possible interference in European Union elections in May.
Russia, China to Sign Contract on Creation of Heavy Helicopter - Rostec Sputnik 20 Feb 2019 -- Russia and China will sign a contract on creation of a heavy helicopter within 30-60 days, Viktor Kladov, the director of international cooperation and regional policy at Russian state-owned corporation Rostec, told reporters on Wednesday.
Putin Announces Social Handouts in Bid to Stop Opinion Poll Slide VOA 20 Feb 2019 -- A year ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin sailed to victory in what challengers dubbed a "filthy election." Facing weak candidates – some likely encouraged to run by a Kremlin eager to give the poll a veneer of greater competitiveness – Putin basked in his re-election, promising a flag-waving rally of loyalists off Moscow's Red Square that "success awaits us."
Five Takeaways From Putin's State-Of-The-Nation Address RFE/RL 20 Feb 2019 -- In his annual state-of-the-nation address on February 20 to Russia's two-chamber parliament, President Vladimir Putin promised to spend huge sums of money. Critics ask where those funds will come from.
Putin warns of retaliation if US deployed missiles in Europe Press TV 20 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the United States against deploying intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe, saying his country will target the US itself and not just the countries where those missiles are stationed.
Putin: Russia-US INF Tensions 'No Reason to Create New Cuban Missile Crisis' Sputnik 20 Feb 2019 -- Earlier, the Russian president warned that Moscow would be "forced" to respond in kind if the US deployed new medium- and short-range missiles in Europe in the wake of its withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
Presidential Address to Federal Assembly President of Russia 20 Feb 2019 -- The President of Russia delivered the Address to the Federal Assembly. The ceremony took place in Gostiny Dvor. The presentation of the Address was attended by Federation Council members, State Duma deputies, members of the Government, leaders of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court, governors.
Putin Threatens US with New Weapons if Missiles Deployed to Europe VOA 20 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow plans to target the United States with new hypersonic weapons if Washington deploys intermediate-range missiles in Europe.
INSTEX launch to open up new opportunities for Russia, says Ryabkov ISNA 20 Feb 2019 -- The European mechanism will also open up "opportunities for trade between Iran and third countries, including China and Russia," deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov said.
Putin To Deliver State Of Nation Address As Popularity Wanes RFE/RL 19 Feb 2019 -- President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver his annual address to parliament on February 20 as polls show trust in the Russian leader is at near record lows as average Russians struggle to make ends meet.
US attempted to create new Mideast dividing lines at anti-Iran Warsaw forum: Russia Press TV 19 Feb 2019 -- Russia has denounced a recent US-organized conference in Poland – which had a highly hostile anti-Iran agenda -- as yet another America-style attempt to create new "dividing lines" in the Middle East and impose its own "unilateral recipes" on the conflict-ridden region.
Erdogan Recommits to Buying Russian Missiles Despite US Warnings VOA 19 Feb 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed his commitment to buy a Russian missile system in the face of renewed warnings from NATO ally the United States. The prospect of a clash between Ankara and Washington has grown, with Moscow moving the delivery date for the missiles to this year.
Russian Duma Bans Military Personnel From Using Smartphones, Tablets RFE/RL 19 Feb 2019 -- Russian lawmakers have approved a bill banning the armed forces from carrying smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets capable of recording and keeping information while on duty.
Former Russian Intelligence Officer Released From Prison RFE/RL 19 Feb 2019 -- Former Russian intelligence officer Vladimir Kvachkov, known for his radical views about the Russian leadership, has been released from prison after his conviction for incitement to hatred was annulled following the partial decriminalization of extremism in the Crimin
Moscow Calls Venezuela Aid Plans 'Chronicle of Pre-announced Provocation' Sputnik 18 Feb 2019 -- Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido previously said that US humanitarian aid would be delivered to the country on 23 February. However, President Nicolas Maduro so far has refused to accept aid that the United States has delivered to neighbouring Colombia, blasting it as a ploy to topple his government.
Moscow Says US, EU Trying to Bypass UN on Venezuela as Paris Insists on New Vote Sputnik 18 Feb 2019 -- Tensions in Venezuela escalated on January 23, when Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing President Nicolas Maduro's re-election last year.
Lithuanian FM: EU Russia Sanctions 'Sometimes Too Little, Sometimes Too Late' RFE/RL 18 Feb 2019 -- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius has said that EU sanctions in response to Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine are "sometimes too little, sometimes too late."
U.S. Senator: No Provisions On Nord Stream 2 In New Sanctions Bill RFE/RL 18 Feb 2019 -- U.S. senator Bob Menendez says the new Russia sanctions bill that he is cosponsoring will not affect the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline carrying Russian gas to Germany underneath the Baltic Sea.
Mogherini Does Not Rule Out More EU Sanctions on Russia Over Kerch Incident Sputnik 18 Feb 2019 -- EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Monday that there was a chance the European Union could impose new sanctions on Russia in relation to the Kerch Strait incident within two weeks.
US illegitimate presence in Syria contributes to instability: Lavrov Press TV 18 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the illegal presence of US military forces in Syria is a source of instability in the conflict-plagued Arab country, stressing that any solution to the Syria crisis must be in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Facebook Blocks 'Wildly Popular' RT-Run Page RFE/RL 18 Feb 2019 -- Facebook has blocked a popular page run by Russia's state-funded RT television channel, saying it was part of ongoing efforts to improve its transparency program.
Fired Dep. FBI Chief Claims Trump Trusted Putin Rather Than US Intel on N Korea Sputnik 18 Feb 2019 -- Earlier, it was reported that North Korea had a whole array of operational missile bases despite Pyongyang's promise to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, a goal which had been established during a summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore in June 2018.
Russia Ready to Upgrade India's A-50EI Airborne Early Warning - UAC Sputnik 18 Feb 2019 -- Russia is ready to upgrade the India-operated A-50EI airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, including with the involvement of third countries, Yury Slyusar, the president of the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), told Sputnik.
Abu Dhabi Purchases Russian Anti-Tank Missile Systems - UAE Armed Forces Sputnik 17 Feb 2019 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a contract, worth some 147 million dirhams ($40 million), to purchase Kornet-E anti-tank missile systems from Russia, a representative of the UAE armed forces, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al Hassani, said on Sunday.
Moscow, Riyadh Continue Talks on S-400 Air Defence Systems Deal – Arms Exporter Sputnik 17 Feb 2019 -- Russia and Saudi Arabia continue the talks on deliveries of S-400 Triumph air defence systems (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler), the director general of the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, said on Sunday.
Russia's Kalashnikov Kamikaze Drone Successfully Passes Trials - Press Service Sputnik 17 Feb 2019 -- Russia's Kalashnikov Group has created and successfully tested kamikaze drone KYB, capable of self-exploding when approaching a target, the company said on Sunday at the IDEX-2019 arms exhibition in the United Arab Emirates.
The Minister for Europe meets Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister UK FCO 16 Feb 2019 -- Sir Alan Duncan meets Vladimir Titov at Munich Security Conference.
Russia warns NATO against expanding presence in Black Sea Press TV 16 Feb 2019 -- Russia has warned the US-led NATO alliance over a recent decision to beef up military presence in the Black Sea, saying such a move would further increase tensions in the volatile region.
Ex-V.P. Biden Warns Of Election Interference, Citing Russia RFE/RL 16 Feb 2019 -- Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has warned of efforts by foreign countries to interfere in upcoming elections, "particularly coming from Russian" actors.
Pence Rebukes Europe Over Iran, Venezuela, Russia Links VOA 16 Feb 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence strongly criticized European allies Saturday for their stance on Iran and Venezuela, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
US VP Pence slams EU over its position on Iran, Russia, Venezuela Press TV 16 Feb 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence has lambasted European powers once again over their position on Iran, Venezuela and Russia, launching a renewed attack on Washington's traditional allies.
No going back on S-400 deal with Russia despite US: Erdogan Press TV 16 Feb 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his country's resolve to proceed with a purchase of advanced S-400 air defense missile system from Russia, a day after an informal deadline Washington set for Ankara to respond to a rival US offer passed.
Erdogan Says Turkey To Proceed With Russian Air-Defense Purchase RFE/RL 16 Feb 2019 -- Turkey's president has said his country will proceed with plans to purchase the advanced S-400 air-defense system from Russia despite pressure from the United States to scrap the deal.
Foreign Minister Lavrov says Russia open to talks with US on arms-control pacts Press TV 16 Feb 2019 -- Russia says it is ready for talks to keep in place arms-control treaties with Washington, despite a recent decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to withdraw from one such agreement.
Lavrov Slams U.K.'s Williamson As 'Minister Of War' RFE/RL 16 Feb 2019 -- A day after accusing Russia of trying to "goad the West," British Defense Minister Gavin Williamson has been labeled the "minister of war" by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
British Defense Chief Tells Russia To Stop 'Trying To Goad' West RFE/RL 16 Feb 2019 -- Britain's defense minister has accused Russia of "trying to goad the West into a new arms race" and he urged Moscow to reset its relations with the West through dialogue.
Russian Improved Missile Alert System Almost Complete - Aerospace Forces Sputnik 16 Feb 2019 -- Russia has completed reconfiguring its land-based missile attack warning system and has patched up all gaps left after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Igor Morozov, deputy chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, said Saturday.
US May Be Dragging Out Time Until New START Treaty Expires - Moscow Sputnik 16 Feb 2019 -- There is a growing risk that Washington is dragging out time by refusing to engage in a genuine dialogue on the Strategic Arms Reduction (New START) Treaty, so the sides would fail to extend the accord before its expiration, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference.
Russia to Try to Organise Consultations With US on New START Treaty - Lavrov Sputnik 16 Feb 2019 -- Russia will continue is attempts to hold substantial consultations with the United States on the prolongation of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Third Russian named as suspect in UK spy poisoning case Press TV 16 Feb 2019 -- European security sources have confirmed that a third Russian national has been identified by investigators in Britain as a suspect in a case related to the poisoning of a former Russian spy in southern England last year.
The Week In Russia: 'Putin Lived, Putin Lives, Putin Will Live' RFE/RL 15 Feb 2019 -- Last spring, longtime Kremlin aide and "managed democracy" architect Vladislav Surkov said Russia faces 100 years or more of geopolitical solitude -- and suggested that's a good thing. Now he's predicting it will be "Putin's state" for just as long, comparing the "supreme ruler" to leaders like Ataturk, Lenin, and the U.S. Founding Fathers.
Sources Say EU Ready With Sanctions Over Russia's Detention Of Ukraine Seamen RFE/RL 15 Feb 2019 -- EU diplomats have agreed to impose asset freezes and visa bans on a number of Russians involved in the capture and detention of 24 Ukrainian seamen during an incident near the Kerch Strait in November, several sources familiar with the negotiations who are not authorized to speak on the record have told RFE/RL.
Russia Urges US, Militant Leaders to Stop Holding Refugees in Rukban Camp - MoD Sputnik 15 Feb 2019 -- According to the Russian military, various militants are keeping people in the camp by force, while the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has previously noted that terrorists and smugglers in the area are using innocent people as human shields.
30 Years Later, Russia Aims To Rewrite The Soviet War In Afghanistan RFE/RL 15 Feb 2019 -- When a legislative body formed in the reformist Gorbachev era gathered in Moscow in December 1989 to reflect on the U.S.S.R.'s failed war in Afghanistan, its assessment of the military effort that had left 15,000 Soviet troops and millions of Afghans dead was unequivocal.
Gromov on Afghanistan: US Did Everything to Halt Soviet Pullout or Ensure Losses Sputnik 15 Feb 2019 -- The 15th of February marks the 30th anniversary of the pullout of Soviet troops from the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. The Soviet-Afghan War lasted from December 1979 to February 1989, with troops from the Soviet Army and its allied Afghan government forces fighting against the Mujahideen, supported by the United States and its allies.
Japan scrambles jets as Russian bombers fly by Press TV 15 Feb 2019 -- Russian nuclear-capable bombers have carried out a routine flight over international waters in the Sea of Japan, with Tokyo nevertheless responding to that passage.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 14, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Feb 2019
Tensions Surfacing at Trilateral Summit on Syria VOA 14 Feb 2019 -- Tensions appear to be surfacing between Russia and Turkey just hours into a three-way summit on the Syrian conflict being hosted in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Russia, Turkey, Iran Poised to Map Syria's Future VOA 14 Feb 2019 -- The leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey are meeting in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi Thursday to discuss the conflict in Syria for the first time since the United States announced its troop withdrawal.
You can't have Syria safe zone without Assad's consent, Russia tells Turkey Press TV 14 Feb 2019 -- Russia has reminded Turkey that it must obtain the consent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government for its plan to create a safe zone in the northeastern part of the conflict-plagued Arab country.
Russia, Turkey, Iran See U.S. Pullout From Syria As 'Positive Step,' Putin Says RFE/RL 14 Feb 2019 -- Russia, Turkey, and Iran see the planned U.S. withdrawal from Syria as a positive step, President Vladimir Putin said after a summit with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts on February 14 in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Turkey Wants Russia, Iran to Prevent Terrorist Corridor on Syrian Border Sputnik 14 Feb 2019 -- Turkey expects assistance from its partners on Astana format talks - Russia and Iran - to prevent the emergence of a terrorist corridor on the Syrian-Turkish border, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday at a press conference following three-party talks with his Russian and Iranian counterparts Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani.
Turkey Making All Efforts to Prevent Attacks on Hmeymim Military Base - Erdogan Sputnik 14 Feb 2019 -- Turkey is doing everything possible to prevent militant attacks on the Russian military base in Syria's Hmeymim, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.
Russia lashes out at planned US sanctions Press TV 14 Feb 2019 -- Russia has lashed out at the United States over a new round of proposed sanctions against Moscow, denouncing the American practice of disrupting trade by other countries as "racketeering."
U.S. Senators To Try Again With Tougher Russia Sanctions Bill RFE/RL 14 Feb 2019 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a bill that would impose drastic new sanctions on Russia over its meddling in U.S. elections and aggression against Ukraine.
Bellingcat Names Possible Third Russian GRU Agent Suspected Of Skripal Poisonings RFE/RL 14 Feb 2019 -- The British-based open-source investigation group Bellingcat said on February 14 that it has established the identity of an alleged Russian military intelligence officer who was in England when former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok.
U.S. Judge Orders Officials To Turn Over Lesin Autopsy Records RFE/RL 14 Feb 2019 -- A Washington judge has ordered the city medical examiner to turn over dozens of autopsy records and other files in the investigation of Mikhail Lesin, the former Russian press minister who was found dead in a D.C. hotel room under suspicious circumstances more than three years ago.
Russia to Honour All S-400 Delivery Commitments to India - Ambassador Sputnik 14 Feb 2019 -- All commitments on the delivery of S-400 air defence missile systems to India under a $5 billion contract will be fully implemented, including deadlines, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has told Sputnik.
U.S. Frowns On Armenia's Involvement In Russia-Backed Syria Mission RFE/RL 13 Feb 2019 -- The United States has indicated it does not support Armenia's participation in a Russia-backed mission in war-ravaged Syria, where Yerevan has dispatched demining experts and other personnel.
Norwegian Lt General Alleges Russia Conducted 'Mock Air Raid' on Arctic Radar Sputnik 13 Feb 2019 -- There are no indications that relations between Russia and the West will improve in 2019, Norwegian Lieutenant General Morten Haga Lunde has suggested.
Alleged Torture Case Renews Focus on Russian Military Contractors in Central Africa VOA 13 Feb 2019 -- When a crowd in Bambari, in the Central African Republic, accused Mahamat Nour Mamadou of belonging to a militia group tied to the country's previous regime, the consequences were swift and harsh.
Russia Warns United States Against Intervening In Venezuela RFE/RL 13 Feb 2019 -- Russia's foreign minister has warned the United States against interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs.
Russia to supports Syria action at Security Council against US-led airstrikes Press TV 13 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says his country will throw its weight behind Syria's action in the United Nations Security Council against the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, demanding an end to the aerial assaults against civilian facilities.
Russian Military to Develop Arms Based on New Physical Principles Sputnik 13 Feb 2019 -- Russian Military Innovation Technopolis Era will start work on the creation of arms based on new physical principles and of systems for detecting underwater objects, the office of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, who is in charge of the defense industry, told Sputnik on Wednesday.
India to Purchase 21 Russian MiG-29 Jets to Improve Air Combat Strength - Report Sputnik 13 Feb 2019 -- A top-level Indian Air Force (IAF) team visited a Russian facility to check the MiG-29 fighter jets; later, it submitted a favourable report to IAF Headquarters, according to the news portal Print.
Moscow Calls for Peaceful Settlement of DPRK Nuclear Issue - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 13 Feb 2019 -- Russia reiterates its calls for a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis as well as other issues troubling the Korean peninsula, Director of Russian Foreign Ministry's First Asian Department Georgiy Zinoviev said on Tuesday.
NATO Discussing Its Response To 'A World With More Russian Missiles' RFE/RL 12 Feb 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says Russia continues to "develop and deploy" 9M729 cruise-missile systems in breach of a key Cold War-era nuclear arms control agreement.
NATO Preparing Measures if INF Treaty Terminated - Stoltenberg Sputnik 12 Feb 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is giving a press conference in Brussels, ahead of the Meetings of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) for Defence Ministers.
NATO Planning for More Russian Missiles in Europe VOA 12 Feb 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg cautioned Tuesday the military alliance will respond to "more Russian missiles" following the collapse of a key Cold War-era arms treaty but will not deploy more nuclear missiles in Europe.
Pompeo Warns Central European Allies Over Russia, China Ties VOA 12 Feb 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned during a trip to NATO allies Slovakia and Hungary that Russia and China are trying to fill a political vacuum in central Europe caused by what he described as the United States' absence in the region over recent years.
Putin Threatening Democracies Worldwide, Pompeo Tells Slovaks RFE/RL 12 Feb 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is on a tour of Central Europe, warned on February 12 that Russian President Vladimir Putin poses a threat to democracies worldwide.
Russian FM Warns Pompeo of Meddling in Venezuela's Internal Affairs Sputnik 12 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday to discuss recent global developments, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Lavrov: US Draft Resolution on Venezuela For UNSC Aimed at Possible Intervention Sputnik 12 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that the UN Security Council (UNSC) is unlikely to accept the US' draft resolution on Venezuela.
Moscow Court Upholds Prolongation Of Ukrainian Sailors' Pretrial Detentions RFE/RL 12 Feb 2019 -- A Moscow court on February 12 upheld the extension of the pretrial detention of four of 24 Ukrainian sailors detained by Russian forces along with their three naval vessels in November near the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Turkey, Russia at Odds Over Syria Ahead of Key Summit VOA 12 Feb 2019 -- Russia is hosting a three-way summit this week on Syria even as growing diplomatic differences between two participants threaten to undermine the event.
Russian Internet-Isolation Bill Advances, Despite Doubts In Duma RFE/RL 12 Feb 2019 -- Amid pointed questions about costs, intent, and feasibility, Russia's lower house of parliament has given preliminary approval to a bill that backers say is designed to ensure the operation of the Internet in the country if access to servers abroad is cut off.
Q&A: Hurdles Ahead As Russia Surges On With 'Sovereign Internet' Plan RFE/RL 12 Feb 2019 -- Draft legislation is in the pipeline in Russia that backers say is an effort to ensure the operation of a Russian Internet if access to servers located abroad is cut off or to prevent enemies abroad from co-opting Russian readers to undermine Moscow authorities.
Russia Challenges US Defense in Space, Developing Capabilities - Intel Report Sputnik 12 Feb 2019 -- Russia is likely pursuing directed energy weapons including lasers that could take out enemy satellites, the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said in a new assessment entitled "Challenges to Securities in Space".
Moscow stresses on Iran's right to develop its missile program ISNA 12 Feb 2019 -- The director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control emphasized that UN Security Council resolutions do not prohibit Iran to independently develop, produce, test and launch spacecraft or ballistic missiles.
Russia Not Supplying Iran With Missile Technologies - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 12 Feb 2019 -- Russia does not supply missile technologies to Iran that has the right to develop and test them on its own, Vladimir Ermakov, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control, told Sputnik.
US Power, Influence Seen as Greater Threat than Russia, China VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- More people around the world worry about the threat posed by the United States' use of power and influence than they do about similar threats from Russia or China.
Pompeo Says U.S. To Be More Engaged In East Europe, Warns Russia Trying To Divide West RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States must be more engaged in Central and Eastern Europe as Russia tries to divide the West.
Russia, Turkey 'agree on need for decisive measures' in Syria's Idlib Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Russia and Turkey say they agree on the need to take "decisive measures" to stabilize the situation in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, ahead of a summit between the presidents of the three guarantor states of a negotiated Syrian ceasefire, namely Iran, Russia, and Turkey.
Raptor Engine Beats Russian RD-180 Record in Combustion Chamber Pressure - Musk Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The new methane-fueled Raptor engine developed by US SpaceX aerospace company for its Starship interplanetary craft has outperformed the Russian RD-180 rocket engine in terms of pressure level in the combustion chamber, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said on Monday.
Russia Mulls Disconnecting From Internet In Test Of Cyberdefenses RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Russia is planning to temporarily disconnect from the global Internet in the coming weeks as it tests its defenses against cyberattacks.
Russian UN envoy warns of unpredictable results if U.S. destroys arms control system People's Daily 11 Feb 2019 -- The dismantling of an arms control system by the United States might result in unpredictable consequences, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya has said.
Those Fishy-Looking Russian Economic Stats Look A Lot Like Those Fishy-Looking Soviet Economic Stats RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- When Russia's state statistics agency released its initial estimates of 2018 economic growth on February 4, it caught economists, investment bankers, financial analysts, and many others off-guard.
Estonian Army Officer, Father Jailed For Spying For Russia RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- An Estonian court has found a former army officer and his father guilty of committing treason by spying for Russia.
Norway Claims Russia, China Strengthening Intelligence Activities Against Oslo Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Norwegian Intelligence Service believes that Russian and Chinese security services are stepping up reconnaissance activities against the Nordic state, VG newspaper reported on Monday, citing the agency's report.
Alleged Third Suspect in Skripal Case Visited Bulgaria in 2015 - Prosecutor Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Bulgaria's Prosecutor General Sotir Tsatsarov has said that a third suspect in the Salisbury incident had paid three visits to Bulgaria in 2015, including when Bulgarian businessman Emilian Gebrev was presumably poisoned.
Bulgarian Prime Minister, British Envoy Discuss Links Between Skripal, Gebrev Cases RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- The British ambassador to Sofia has discussed with top Bulgarian officials possible links between the 2015 poisoning of a local businessman in Bulgaria and last year's nerve-agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain.
Japanese-Russian Peace Treaty Should Not Be Left for Next Generation - Abe Sputnik 10 Feb 2019 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated on Sunday his commitment to continue negotiations with Russia on the peace treaty, stressing that this issue should not be left for future generations to solve.
Russia Completes Testing of Poliment-Redut Shipborne Air Defence Missile System Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The testing of the Russian shipborne Poliment-Redut air defence missile system for the frigates of the Project 22350 series has been completed, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Adm. Vladimir Korolev has announced.
Report: Russia Has Deployed More Medium-Range Cruise Missiles Than Previously Thought RFE/RL 10 Feb 2019 -- Russia has deployed its controversial 9M729 cruise missile at more locations than previously thought, a German newspaper reports.
Bulgaria Set To Probe Report Of Third Skripal Suspect RFE/RL 09 Feb 2019 -- Bulgarian officials say they will investigate reports that a third suspect in the 2018 nerve-agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain may have also been involved in a 2015 poisoning in Bulgaria.
Russia renews call for end of US military presence around Rukban camp IRNA 09 Feb 2019 -- Russia renewed its call for an end to the illegitimate US military presence in the area around al-Rukban camp on the Syrian-Jordanian border.
Parasite Puzzle: Answers Sought As Tapeworms Strike Russian Cadets RFE/RL 09 Feb 2019 -- Did some 25 cadets at a Defense Ministry military academy in this Volga River city become infected with dog tapeworm from carelessly petting a stray dog?
Russia Warns EU Over 'Obstacles' In Constructing Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 09 Feb 2019 -- Russia has warned the European Union not to adopt tighter energy rules that could complicate plans to build a gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea.
'Hundreds' Of Chinese, Russia Agents 'Operating' In Brussels RFE/RL 09 Feb 2019 -- Hundreds of Russian and Chinese intelligence agents are operating in Brussels, the EU's foreign service has warned.
Swarming with Spooks: Brussels Claimed to be Overrun with Chinese, Russian Spies Sputnik 09 Feb 2019 -- Brussels is a hotbed of Russian and Chinese spies according to a recent report from a popular German newspaper.
Russia Agrees To Talks With Netherlands On Downing Of MH17 RFE/RL 08 Feb 2019 -- Moscow is ready to engage in talks with the Netherlands about the 2014 downing of a Malaysian passenger jet over territory held by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko.
Crimea Is Ours: Russia Up In Arms After Google 'Incorrectly' Maps Peninsula RFE/RL 08 Feb 2019 -- Amid threats of being suspended in Russia, Google has become embroiled in a series of disputes with the Kremlin that may be causing the international technology company to bend to Moscow's pressure and adhere to its growing demands.
Venezuela Did Not Request Russian Military Assistance Amid Crisis - Moscow Sputnik 08 Feb 2019 -- Caracas did not send to Moscow a request for Russian military assistance, Alexander Shchetinin, head of the Latin American department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with Sputnik.
Russia objects to 'arbitrary' Israeli airstrikes on Syria Press TV 08 Feb 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry objects to Israel's airstrikes on Syria, calling for an end to the "arbitrary" Israeli attacks on the country.
Russia demands US destroy missiles in Romania, strike drones Press TV 08 Feb 2019 -- Russia has demanded the US destroy its weapons banned under a Cold War-era arms control treaty and return to compliance with the agreement which Washington renounced recently.
Russia Demands U.S. Destroy Missile-Defense System In Romania, Military Drones RFE/RL 08 Feb 2019 -- The United States says it is in "full compliance" with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the landmark Cold War-era nuclear accord.
Russia's INF Obligations Suspension Not Related to Arms Race – Upper House Chair Sputnik 08 Feb 2019 -- Russia's decision to respond in kind to the US move to suspend its obligations under the bilateral Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is not related to the arms race, speaker of the Russian upper house, Valentina Matviyenko, said, noting that ensuring the safety of the country was Moscow's main goal.
Putin Dismisses Nine Russian Generals RFE/RL 08 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed nearly a dozen senior military officers holding government positions.
Mystery In Sofia: Did 'Third Russian Agent' In Skripal Poisoning Target Bulgarian Businessman? RFE/RL 08 Feb 2019 -- A third suspect in the 2018 nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain was also in Bulgaria three years earlier at the time of another suspicious poisoning, according to the open-source investigative organization Bellingcat.
Media Claims UK Police Investigating Total of 5 Russians in Salisbury Case Sputnik 08 Feb 2019 -- The UK police have identified two more Russian nationals suspected of involvement in the Salisbury poisoning incident, bringing the total number of suspects to five, local media reported, citing senior security sources.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 7, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Feb 2019
Kyrgyz Security Chief Says Bishkek Not Considering Another Russian Military Base RFE/RL 07 Feb 2019 -- Kyrgyzstan's top security official says Bishkek is not looking into the possibility of having a second Russian military base on its territory.
US General Warns of Russian, Chinese Inroads in Africa VOA 07 Feb 2019 -- Fears that Washington is increasingly losing influence across the globe are starting to come to fruition in Africa, where a top military official says Russia is playing on perceived U.S. weaknesses to gain leverage and resources.
Russia-OPEC alliance impossible under Trump: Pompeo Press TV 07 Feb 2019 -- Us Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says an alliance between Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will not happen as long as President Donald Trump is in office.
France Backs Changes To EU Energy Rules Seen As Threat To Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 07 Feb 2019 -- France says it supports proposed amendments to rules on the European Union's energy market that could potentially threaten the completion of an underwater natural-gas pipeline between Russia and Germany through the Baltic Sea.
Pentagon Official: No Plans to Develop New Missiles After End of INF Treaty Sputnik 07 Feb 2019 -- The head of Pentagon policy John Rood said that because the US has been in full compliance with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty it has no plans to create or deploy an intermediate range missile system.
Ukraine Moves To Bar Election Monitors From 'Aggressor State' Russia RFE/RL 07 Feb 2019 -- Ukrainian lawmakers have voted to ban Russian citizens from serving as election monitors in the country.
Another Nuclear Deal With U.S. In Trouble, Russian Minister Says RFE/RL 07 Feb 2019 -- Another U.S.-Russian nuclear treaty could soon expire without renewal following Washington's withdrawal from a Cold War-era arms-control pact, a senior Russian diplomat has said.
Russia Proposes That US Destroy Tomahawk Missile Launchers Falling Under INF Sputnik 07 Feb 2019 -- Washington announced its suspension of obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on 1 February, claiming that it would withdraw from the agreement unless Russia "returns to compliance" within 6 months.
US May Give President Right to Use Nuclear Warheads Against ICBM Silos - Moscow Sputnik 07 Feb 2019 -- The United States is seeking to give the country's president the option to use low-yield nuclear warheads against intercontinental ballistic missile silos, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday.
Washington Not Contemplating Deploying Nuclear Missiles in Europe - US Official Sputnik 06 Feb 2019 -- The United States is not considering deploying nuclear-tipped missiles in Europe, US Undersecretary of Defence for Policy John Rood told guests at the Hudson Institute on Wednesday.
US Will Find Response to Russia's Kalibr Missiles - Under Secretary of State Sputnik 06 Feb 2019 -- The Trump administration is confident that it will secure the funds needed to respond appropriately to Russia's development of Kalibr missiles, Under Secretary Andrea Thompson said on Wednesday.
Kosovar President Says Russia Will Support Reconciliation With Serbia RFE/RL 06 Feb 2019 -- Kosovo's president said that Russia had promised to support efforts by Belgrade and Pristina to reconcile, a positive sign for the two Balkan nations estranged since Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
Russia successfully test-fires long-range missile amid tensions with US Press TV 06 Feb 2019 -- Russia has successfully test-launched an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), amid ongoing tensions with the United States over long-running treaties that control development of new missiles.
Yars ICBM Test Launched From Plesetsk Space Centre - Russian Defence Ministry Sputnik 06 Feb 2019 -- Russia has test-launched an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk space centre, the set tasks have been implemented in full, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.
Russian Military Has 'the Muscles', Keeps Training 'the Brain' - Swedish Report Sputnik 06 Feb 2019 -- Russia has upped its focus from small-scale conflicts to contential-size conflicts and is working to further increase its preparedness, a Swedish report has said.
Russia, Iran give up dollar in settlement payments ISNA 06 Feb 2019 -- Moscow and Tehran have given up the dollar in settlement payments and plan to shift completely to national currencies, with euro to be used if there are no other options, Russia's ambassador to Iran, Levan Dzhagaryan said in an interview with TASS.
Official: US Trying to 'Off-Ramp' Central Asia From Russian Military Procurement Sputnik 05 Feb 2019 -- The United States is trying to enable countries in Central Asia to have options in obtaining US military equipment rather than relying on military procurement from Russia, but the cost of US weapons will continue to be an issue, Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Joseh Votel said in a congressional testimony on Tuesday.
Lithuanian State Security Dep't Lists Russia Among Key Threats to Country Sputnik 05 Feb 2019 -- Russia has been listed as one of the key threats to Lithuania's security in the country's National Threat Assessment report, prepared by the State Security Department and the Second Investigation Department under the Ministry of National Defence, that was released on Tuesday.
Netanyahu, Putin To Meet To Discuss Iran's Presence In Syria RFE/RL 05 Feb 2019 -- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later this month for talks on Iran's presence in Syria, the Israeli leader has said.
Minister: Russia to develop new cruise, hypersonic missiles to face US Press TV 05 Feb 2019 -- Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Russia must develop new missiles in the next two years in response to the US withdrawal from a Cold War-era agreement.
Moscow Says New Missile Systems Planned To Counter U.S. By 2021 RFE/RL 05 Feb 2019 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Moscow will push to develop two new land-based missile systems before 2021 in response to Washington's planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control agreement.
Lavrov Calls Russian Military Base In Tajikistan 'Important Security Factor' RFE/RL 05 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called a Russian military base in Tajikistan "an important factor for Tajikistan's security."
Russia Developing More Missile Systems 'Not Helpful' For INF Treaty - Pentagon Sputnik 05 Feb 2019 -- Russia developing additional missile systems is not helpful if Moscow wants to save the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, US Department of Defence spokesperson Johnny Michael told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Russia Developing New Advanced Gun System for Armata-Based Tanks – MoD Sputnik 05 Feb 2019 -- Russia is developing a new advanced gun system for tanks based on the Armata heavy military tracked vehicle platform, the Defence Ministry's thematic bulletin said on Tuesday.
Russia to Develop Ground-Based Kalibr Missiles Amid INF Treaty Row - Minister Sputnik 05 Feb 2019 -- A ground-based version of Kalibr sea-based complexes with a long-range cruise missile should be developed in 2019-2020 in response to the US decision to suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.
France Simulates Nuclear Strike Amid Russian-US INF Tensions - Report Sputnik 05 Feb 2019 -- Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday that Russia would create a ground-based version of its nuclear-capable Kalibr missile in response to the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Ex-French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine has urged Moscow and Washington to come up with a new treaty to replace the INF.
Syria guarantors' summit due in Sochi on Feb. 14: Russia Press TV 04 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says a planned meeting of the presidents of the three guarantor states of Syrian peace will be held in the Russian resort city of Sochi on February 14.
Kremlin Claims European Moves To Recognize Venezuela's Guaido Are 'Foreign Meddling' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2019 -- The Kremlin says that moves by some major European countries to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president amounts to foreign meddling and that Venezuelans, not foreign forces, should resolve their own domestic political issues.
Russia: European recognition of Guaido foreign meddling in Venezuela Press TV 04 Feb 2019 -- Russia has denounced coordinated attempts to "legitimize usurped power" in Venezuela after a number of European countries recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as "interim leader" of the Latin American country.
Arianespace Rejects Russia Offer to Fix Seam Rupture in Fregat Booster - Source Sputnik 04 Feb 2019 -- Arianespace has not accepted the offer by the Russian Lavochkin Research and Production Association to "patch up" the rupture in the pipeline that supplies helium to fuel tanks of the Fregat booster on the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket at the space center, a source in the rocket and space industry told Sputnik on Monday.
Russia plays down prospect of new Cold War with US Press TV 04 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has played down the possibility of a new Cold War, after the suspension of a landmark nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow, adding that the withdrawal will have other implications nevertheless.
Second Base? Lavrov Suggests Moscow Open To Discussing New Military Facility In Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 04 Feb 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Bishkek has not asked Moscow to open a second military base in Kyrgyzstan, but suggested that Russia is open to discussing the idea.
Russia to React to US Exit From INF Treaty by Military-Technical Means - Lavrov Sputnik 04 Feb 2019 -- When reacting to the US announcement on Washington suspending its obligations under the INF Treaty, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Moscow's proposals remain on the table. Moscow issued a "mirror" response to the US move by suspending its own observance of the treaty.
As she enters White House race, demonization of 'Kremlin's crush' Tulsi Gabbard goes full tilt RT 03 Feb 2019 -- The sky may have been clear in Hawaii when Tulsi Gabbard read her speech promising to fight "greed and corruption," but she enters her bid under a cloud of negative media coverage and accusations of being Russia's darling.
Russian official: Iran, India to join INF Treaty IRNA 03 Feb 2019 -- Iran and India will be the new members of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), some media reported on Sunday.
Russian gov't says to provide funds for development of new weapons People's Daily 03 Feb 2019 -- The Russian government will provide necessary mechanisms to finance the development of new weapons, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Saturday, in response to Washington's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).
"We will wait until our partners are ripe for dialogue": Russia suspends participation in the INF Treaty in response to US actions RT 02 Feb 2019 -- Russia suspends participation in the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF) following a similar step by the United States.
Putin authorizes development of advanced missiles in response to US suspension of INF Press TV 02 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has suspended a Cold War-era agreement after the US abandoned, authorizing his military forces to push ahead with development of new missiles.
US Was Preparing to Produce Missiles Banned Under INF Over Past 2 Years - MoD Sputnik 02 Feb 2019 -- Earlier, US President Donald Trump has announced the United States would suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty beginning on 2 February and begin a six-month withdrawal process.
Russia Suspends INF Deal With US, Putin Directs Ministers Not to Start New Talks Sputnik 02 Feb 2019 -- Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the United States would suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty on Saturday and begin a six-month withdrawal process.
Analysts Call Scrapping INF 'Strategic Catastrophe' for Kremlin VOA 02 Feb 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in response to a similar move by the United States on Friday.
Russia Joins US, Will Suspend INF Nuclear Treaty VOA 02 Feb 2019 -- The United States and Russia are making tit-for-tat moves with their participation in a nuclear treaty, something politicians and analysts see as a burgeoning arms race.
U.S. Intent To Withdraw from the INF Treaty February 2, 2019 US Dept. of State 02 Feb 2019 -- "On December 4, 2018, the United States announced that the Russian Federation is in material breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, an assessment shared by all NATO Allies. The United States also provided notice that unless Russia returned to full and verifiable compliance in 60 days, the United States would suspend its obligations under the Treaty as a consequence for Russia's material breach."
U.S. announces withdrawal from landmark nuclear treaty with Russia, sparking worry, criticism People's Daily 02 Feb 2019 -- The Trump administration announced on Friday that the United States is withdrawing from a landmark nuclear arms control pact with Russia, a move seen as exacerbating the risk of an international arms race.
NATO Releases Official Statement of Support Ahead of US INF Withdrawal Sputnik 02 Feb 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced earlier that the Washington will suspend its obligations under the treaty starting Saturday.
US suspends obligations under INF treaty with Russia: Pompeo Press TV 01 Feb 2019 -- The United States has officially announced the suspension of its participation in a landmark Cold War-era arms control treaty with Russia over claims that Moscow has been violating the key pact and jeopardizing Washington's security interests.
Pompeo Announces U.S. Pulling Out Of Nuclear Arms-Control Treaty RFE/RL 01 Feb 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced the United States will suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty as of February 2.
What You Need to Know About Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty Sputnik 01 Feb 2019 -- Last October, US President Donald Trump announced his country's intention to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) over alleged Russian violations of the agreement, and the start of the withdrawal process may begin on Saturday.
US Set to Exit Key Arms Treaty, Leaves Door Open for Talks VOA 01 Feb 2019 -- The United States on Friday fired a diplomatic warning shot at Russia, making good on threats to begin its withdrawal from a key arms control agreement and thus taking the next step toward what some politicians and analysts see as a burgeoning arms race.
Statement from the President Regarding the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty The White House 01 Feb 2019
President Donald J. Trump to Withdraw the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty The White House 01 Feb 2019
Statement on Russia's failure to comply with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty NATO 01 Feb 2019 -- "Following nearly six years of U.S. and Allied engagement with Russia, on 4 December 2018, NATO Allies declared that Russia has developed and fielded a missile system, the 9M729, which violates the INF Treaty, and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security."
Europe 'at gunpoint' as US decides to quit missile treaty Press TV 01 Feb 2019 -- Russia has regretted Washington's expected exit from a key arms control treaty, saying the decision to abandon the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) has been made a long time ago.
Russia Hits Back At U.S. Decision To Pull Out Of INF Treaty RFE/RL 01 Feb 2019 -- Russian officials and politicians blasted the U.S. decision to suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, with one lawmaker saying Washington had "taken another step toward its destruction."
The Week In Russia: Crime, Corruption, And A Showdown Across The Ocean RFE/RL 01 Feb 2019 -- The drama unfolds up the street from the Bolshoi Theater this time, as a lawmaker is detained in parliament on murder charges. The Justice Ministry proposes legalizing corruption in certain cases, while Moscow vows to do "everything" to prop up its embattled ally in Venezuela and a new report suggests Russia's most prominent "private military company" is not so private.
Russia Deploying Additional 9M729 Missiles as US About to Leave INF – Report Sputnik 01 Feb 2019 -- Washington claims that Russia has tested the 9M729 missile at ranges that violate the conditions of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing an intelligence report, but has failed to present evidence proving that this is the case. Russia denies the accusations and has its own questions regarding the US' adherence to the accord.
Moscow: No Evidence of INF Violations as US Suspends Obligations Under Treaty Sputnik 01 Feb 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia in December that it has two months to cease its alleged violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Moscow has denied all accusations and has made counterclaims regarding Washington's own adherence to the accord.
Russia welcomes setting up of INSTEX IRNA 01 Feb 2019 -- Russian Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov welcomed establishment of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), hoping that the vehicle would be able to help maintain nuclear deal known as JCPOA.

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February 2019 - Russia Special Weapons News