May 2019 - Russia Special Weapons News

Exile: Data Dump Shows More Russian Political Meddling VOA 31 May 2019 -- A prominent exiled Russian opposition figure says recently leaked documents show Russian meddling in U.S. affairs was more sophisticated, ambitious and potentially more dire than the social media influence campaigns during the 2016 election.
U.S. Judge Finds Alleged Russian Hacker Nikulin Competent To Stand Trial RFE/RL 31 May 2019 -- A U.S. judge has ordered that Yevgeny Nikulin, a Russian man extradited from the Czech Republic and charged in one of the largest data breaches in U.S. history, is mentally competent to stand trial, paving the way for the beginning of formal proceedings.
Russian State-Funded Pollster Changes Survey Questions -- And Putin's Ratings Soar RFE/RL 31 May 2019 -- One week ago, the Kremlin was jolted by a new opinion poll that showed trust in President Vladimir Putin had fallen to the lowest level in nearly 20 years as Russia's preeminent political figure.
Landing At Pushkin: Putin Decree Assigns Russian Airports The Names Of Cultural Figures RFE/RL 31 May 2019 -- It's already pretty hard to travel to Russia without hearing the name of the beloved 19th-century poet Aleksandr Pushkin. Now it may be impossible, if you fly into Moscow.
US Claims of Russia's Illegal Nuclear Tests Disproved by Int'l Experts - Lavrov Sputnik 31 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday refuted US claims suggesting that Russia has been illegally carrying out nuclear tests, stressing that international experts have already proven these allegations wrong.
RAF Typhoons intercept Russian fighters in Estonia UK MOD 31 May 2019 -- Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets based at Ämari Air Base in Estonia launched to intercept Russian aircraft for the third time this month.
Kremlin rejects talks over S-400 sale to Iran IRNA 31 May 2019 -- Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov reacted to US media Bloomberg's claims and rejected holding any talks with Iran to sell S-400 missile system.
Moscow BREAKS SILENCE on Claim of Russia's Alleged Refusal to Sell S-400 to Iran Sputnik 31 May 2019 -- On Thursday, Bloomberg published a report, citing its sources, which says that Russia has rejected a request from Iran to buy S-400 missile defence systems amid concerns that the move would deteriorate the situation in the Middle East.
Trump Says Russia Helped Him Win Election, But Then Reverses Himself RFE/RL 30 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Russia helped him win the 2016 election, a comment that contradicted months of angry denials.
Pentagon to Prohibit Cooperation With Russia in Space Launches - Document Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos on Thursday condemned the Pentagon's decision to ban the use of Russian carrier rockets for launching US spacecraft considering this move as a clear sign of unfair competition.
U.S., Russian Diplomats Discuss Ways For Syria To Rejoin 'International Community' RFE/RL 30 May 2019 -- Top U.S. and Russian diplomats are considering measures that could eventually allow Syria "to move back into the international community" if it agrees to a series of steps to help end the country's long civil war.
Russia refutes Bolton's claim of Iran's role in UAE oil tankers attack Press TV 30 May 2019 -- Russia says it does not trust claims by US National Security Advisor John Bolton that Iran was engaged in recent "sabotage" attacks targeting vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
Moscow Mistrusts Bolton's Claims Iran 'Almost Certainly' Attacked Oil Tankers Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- Moscow does not trust US National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims that Iran is "almost certainly" behind the recent attack on oil tankers in the UAE and qualifies this as a US attempt to impose its opinion on the whole world, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with Sputnik.
Saudi Arabia Calls for 'All Means of Force' to Confront Attacks Blamed on Iran Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- Two Saudi oil tankers and two other vessels were targeted earlier this month near Fujairah, one of the seven Arab emirates, in what the UAE's Foreign Ministry has described as "acts of sabotage".
Russia rejects US claim of violating nuclear test ban treaty Press TV 30 May 2019 -- Russia has categorically dismissed a claim by the United States that Moscow may be conducting nuclear tests in violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Russia Calls U.S. Accusation Of Nuke-Treaty Violation A 'Smear' RFE/RL 30 May 2019 -- Russia has reacted angrily to an assertion by a top U.S. defense official that Moscow "probably" violated an international nuclear test ban treaty.
US pressure campaign meant to blackmail Iran: Russia Press TV 30 May 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says the US is exerting pressure on Iran in a bid to "blackmail" the country, adding that Washington does not seem to be sincere in its offer to engage in dialog with Tehran.
Iran Asked Russia to Sell S-400 But Was Refused - Report Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- The sale of Russian S-400 systems has already resulted in issues, as Turkey has come under criticism and restrictions from the US after Ankara made it clear that it would proceed with its acquisition of the Russian air defences in accordance with a deal concluded back in 2017.
Russian Citizen Butina to Spend Remaining Term in Tallahassee Prison - Lawyer Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- Russian citizen Maria Butina, sentenced to 18 months in prison on charges of conspiring to act as a foreign agent in the United States, will spend the rest of her sentence in the prison in Tallahassee, Florida, her lawyer Robert Driscoll told Sputnik on Thursday.
NSA Discussed Spying on Russian Civil Targets in 2005 - Reports Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- A leaked post in the latest document dump from The Intercept's 'SIDToday' archive–a series of top secret National Security Agency newsletters provided by whistleblower Edward Snowden–reveals that the United States discussed spying on Russian non-military targets with the help of the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS).
Spanish Forces Claim to Have 'Intercepted' Russian Jets Across Baltic Sea Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- Spanish EF-18 fighter jets "intercepted" a Russian An-12 military aircraft in international airspace "controlled by one of the Baltic states," the General Staff of the Spanish Defence Ministry said.
Moscow Warns of Military Confrontation Risks Amid Iran Intentions to Leave JCPOA Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- Strengthening of Iran's intentions to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) may open the way for the collapse of the nuclear deal and potential military confrontation, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with the Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper.
Russian and Chinese Nuclear Modernization Trends DIA 229 May 2019 -- Remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, Jr., Director Defense Intelligence Agency, at the Hudson Institute
U.S. Envoy Calls Russian Activities In Eastern Ukraine An 'Occupation' RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- The U.S. special envoy on Ukraine has called Russian activity in eastern Ukraine an "occupation" and has called on Moscow to start implementing its obligations under the 2015 Minsk accords -- the international agreement aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed separatists.
US Official: Russia Unlikely to Support Full-Scale Offensive on Syria's Idlib VOA 29 May 2019 -- A senior U.S. official said Wednesday that Washington does not believe Russia will allow an all-out military offensive on the Syrian province of Idlib, which has been under Syrian government assault for the past month.
Russia, Syria Call on UN to Urge US to Withdraw Troops From Syria Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Russia and Syria are calling on the global community and the United Nations to take a principled stand and urge the United States to withdraw its troops from Syria as soon as possible, the joint Russia-Syria coordination centre on refugee repatriation said in a statement on Wednesday.
A Response to Claims of Illegal Russian Nuclear Testing Arms Control Association 29 May 2019 -- In prepared remarks delivered Wednesday at a Hudson Institute event, Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, Jr., the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, stated that "The United States believes that Russia probably is not adhering to its nuclear testing moratorium in a manner consistent with the 'zero-yield' standard" outlined in the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
U.S.: Russia May Be Testing Low-Yield Nukes, In Violation Of Treaty RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- A top U.S. military official has said that U.S. intelligence agencies believe Russia is likely conducting low-yield nuclear testing that may be violation of a major international treaty.
Nearly Half Of Russian Families Can Afford Only Food, Clothing RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Nearly half of all Russian families say that they only have enough money for food and clothing and cannot buy items of longer-term use such as furniture and appliances, media reports cite data from the state statistics agency Rosstat as saying.
CTBTO Dismisses US Claim of Illegal Russian Nuclear Testing Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) said Wednesday it has not detected any unusual activity that could prove US allegations of illegal nuclear testing by Russia.
US Claim of Illegal Russian Nuke Testing Lacks Proof - Arms Control Association Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The claims by the United States that Russia illegally conducts nuclear testing lack evidence, the Arms Control Association said in a press release.
Russia Slams US Accusations Over Abidance by Nuclear Testing Moratorium Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- The United States believes that Russia may not be adhering to the nuclear testing moratorium, Defece Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley said on Wednesday.
Nazarbaev Presents Nazarbaev Medals To Putin, Lukashenka, Jeenbekov In Nur-Sultan RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has awarded the presidents of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus a medal named after the longtime authoritarian leader during a summit of a grouping of ex-Soviet republics in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, which is also named after him.
Iran, Russia review JCPOA IRNA 29 May 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi discussed issues concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Wednesday.
Russian, Iranian Diplomats Discuss Nuclear Deal In Tehran RFE/RL 29 May 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi have discussed issues related to the 2015 nuclear deal amid increased tension between Tehran and Washington.
Deripaska Office Calls OFAC Memorandum on Sanctions Justification Groundless Accusations Sputnik 29 May 2019 -- Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska's representatives slammed the evidentiary memorandum issued by the US OFAC, which justifies the sanctions against him, as a poorly compiled document that is full of false claims and factual inaccuracies guided by considerations of personal revenge, according to a statement by Deripaska's office.
Taliban, Russia Demand Foreign Troops Leave Afghanistan VOA 28 May 2019 -- The Taliban and Russia have jointly called for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition troops from Afghanistan, with a top leader of the Islamist insurgent group denouncing the foreign presence in the country as a major obstacle to Afghan peace.
Hosting Taliban Delegates, Russia Calls For Withdrawal Of Foreign Forces From Afghanistan RFE/RL 28 May 2019 -- Hosting Taliban delegates and Afghan politicians in an effort to promote itself as a peacemaker in Afghanistan, Russia has called for the complete withdrawal of international forces from the war-ravaged country.
Angering Anti-Corruption Crusaders, Russia Proposes Banning Access To Land Registry RFE/RL 28 May 2019 -- Russia's Economy Ministry has proposed restricting access to the Unified Land Registry, or EGRN, a database widely used by journalists and anticorruption campaigners to shed light on the lifestyles of the country's elite.
Russian Defense Minister Discusses Military Cooperation With Tajik President In Dushanbe RFE/RL 28 May 2019 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has discussed military cooperation between Russian and Tajikistan with the Central Asian country's president, Emomali Rahmon, and its defense minister.
Tensions Grow Between Russia, Iran in Syria VOA 27 May 2019 -- Russian military police last week reportedly carried out a raid against Iranian-backed militiamen stationed at Syria's Aleppo international airport, local media reported.
Russia Set to Host Taliban, Afghan Politicians VOA 27 May 2019 -- Prominent opposition politicians from Afghanistan and representatives of the Taliban insurgency will meet in Russia on Wednesday for discussions on promoting a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war that continues to cause dozens of casualties every day.
Taliban delegation, Afghan politicians to hold talks in Moscow Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Afghan politicians will attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in the Russian capital this week in an effort to end about two decades of the US occupation of Afghanistan.
NATO Intercepts Alleged Russian Aircraft Over Its 'Eastern Flank' – Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- The incident comes after the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) said last week that NORAD fighters had intercepted two Russian bombers as they carried out sorties in international airspace off the coast of Alaska at the time.
Moscow Court Upholds Extending Pretrial Detention Of Ukrainian Sailors RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- A Moscow court has upheld a decision to extend the pretrial detainment period for the 24 Ukrainian seamen captured by Russia in November 2018, defying a UN maritime-tribunal ruling that the sailors be immediately released.
Russian Soldier Backtracks On Claims Troops Were Tested On Willingness To Shoot Protesters RFE/RL 27 May 2019 -- A Russian serviceman who was filmed saying his military base had surveyed troops on their readiness to fire at protesters has backtracked on the claims in a video released by the Defense Ministry, alleging that his words had been "distorted in the worst way."
Russia supports Iran's proposal for non-aggression pact IRNA 27 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that Russia supports Iran's proposal to leaders of the Persian Gulf states to sign a non-aggression pact.
Surge in US military presence in Mideast creates new risks: Russia FM Press TV 27 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any increase in the US military presence in the Middle East would result in new risks.
UK spies smuggled out secrets of Russia's strategic supersonic bomber: Reports Press TV 27 May 2019 -- British media claim that the UK's MI6 spy agency has managed to smuggle out secrets about upgrades to Russia's strategic supersonic bombers with the help of the United States' CIA and Israel's Mossad.
MI6 Smuggled Russia's Secrets in Tea Bag on Flight to Venezuela, UK Media Claims Sputnik 26 May 2019 -- In what seems more like a plot from a spy novel rather than an actual intelligence operation, Britain's MI6 is said to have hatched the plan together with the United States' CIA and Israel's Mossad.
Russia Launches New Icebreaker As It Seeks To Dominate Arctic RFE/RL 26 May 2019 -- Russia has launched a nuclear-powered icebreaker as it looks to strengthen its position in the Arctic Ocean to capitalize on its growing commercial potential.
Russian troops helping Venezuela amid US threats: Envoy Press TV 25 May 2019 -- Russia says its troops and military experts in Venezuela are helping the Latin American state prepare itself and maintain its combat readiness in the face of the US' "threat of the use of force".
Russia launches advanced nuclear-powered icebreaker to navigate in Arctic Press TV 25 May 2019 -- Russia has launched a nuclear-powered icebreaker at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg in an apparent attempt to boost its ability to tap the Arctic's commercial potential.
Moscow agrees to send military specialists to Republic of Congo to service weapons Press TV 25 May 2019 -- Moscow is deploying its military specialists to Congo to provide service for Russian-made military hardware and equipment in the sub-Saharan African country.
Russians' Trust In Putin Sinks To New Low RFE/RL 25 May 2019 -- Public trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin has fallen to its lowest level in 13 years, according to a Russian state pollster.
Russia Upgrading Soviet-Era Grad Multiple Launch Rocket Systems - Manufacturer Sputnik 25 May 2019 -- Pakistan has every right to develop its own missile program provided that it complies with relevant international obligations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, commenting on Islamabad's latest launch.
Moscow Sees No Obstacles for Pakistan to Develop Own Missile Program - Ministry Sputnik 25 May 2019 -- Pakistan has every right to develop its own missile program provided that it complies with relevant international obligations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, commenting on Islamabad's latest launch.
Russian Government Donates Wheat to DPRK KCNA 25 May 2019 -- Wheat donated by the Russian government to the DPRK through the WFP arrived here on Saturday. -0-
Russia Clarifies Threats That Would Lead It To Decouple RuNet From World Wide Web RFE/RL 24 May 2019 -- Russia's Communications Ministry has specified a list of threats that may necessitate isolation of the country's Internet under a new law approved by President Vladimir Putin on May 1. It's the first time the country's government has clarified the legislation, which has been slammed by rights activists.
Russia IDs 20 Foreign Spy Jets Bordering Its Airspace Over Past Week - Reports Sputnik 24 May 2019 -- Russia detected 20 foreign airplanes while they were carrying out reconnaissance missions near the country's airspace, a weekly infographic by the Russian Armed Forces' official newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda showed on Friday.
NATO warns Russia, other foes of 'full range' of responses Press TV 24 May 2019 -- NATO has warned Russia and other perceived foes that the US-led military alliance is prepared to use all its resources to respond to any cyber attacks, after the UK claimed that 16 member-states had been targeted by Moscow.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 23, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2019
Putin out-prepared Trump in their first meeting: Tillerson Press TV 23 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump was put his team at a disadvantage by showing up less prepared to his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, former American Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told Congress.
US Defence Spending Bill Requires List of Academic Institutions in China, Russia Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The latest version of the US defence spending bill for the fiscal year 2020 requires compiling a list of academic institutions in China and Russia that are engaged in military research in an effort to protect US national security according to a summary of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).
New US Policy in Arctic Aimed at Turning Region Into Battlefield - Moscow Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed earlier this month that the United States would boost its military presence in the Arctic region and create a new senior military post for Arctic affairs to counter "Russia's activities in the Northern Sea".
Russian air defense thwarts missile attack on Syria's Hmeimim airbase Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says its surface-to-air missile systems have managed to foil an attack by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants on its main airbase in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
Russian MoD: Militants Shell Syrian Settlements in 3 Provinces in Past 24 Hours Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Militants have violated the ceasefire in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia over the past 24 hours, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Maj. Gen. Viktor Kupchishin, said on Wednesday.
Russia to Retaliate if US Deploys Radar Facility in Norway's Vardo - FM Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The town of Vardo in the Norwegian Arctic near the Russian border is home to a US surveillance radar station dubbed Globus II.
Russia denounces US deadline given to Turkey to scrap S-400 deal Press TV 22 May 2019 -- The Kremlin has denounced as "unacceptable" a deadline the United States has reportedly given to Turkey to annul a deal to purchase Russian S-400 missile defense systems or get penalized.
Russia, Pakistan Call for Int'l Efforts to Avoid Military Confrontation in Space Sputnik 22 May 2019 -- The two countries signed a joint statement on Wednesday only a month after Pakistan accused India of weaponising space, as Indian defence scientists successfully destroyed a target satellite 186 miles above the Earth's surface on 26 March.
Two Russian Strategic Bombers Perform Flight Along Alaskan Coast - Russian MoD Sputnik 22 May 2019 -- Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers performed a scheduled 11-hour flight over the Bering, Chukchi, Okhotsk seas and along the coast of Alaska, accompanied by US air force aircraft, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Russia stresses serious need for talks on JCPOA IRNA 22 May 2019 -- Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia and senior nuclear negotiator says that there is a serious need for negotiations on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Russia calls for JCPOA arbitral commission to convene IRNA 22 May 2019 -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in a statement called for the arbitral commission on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to convene.
Russia, France, Germany defend JCPOA, support trade with Iran Press TV 22 May 2019 -- The leaders of Russia, France and Germany have underscored the need to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, stressing their commitment to boosting trade ties with the Islamic Republic despite the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the accord.
US Urges Russia to Join Efforts to Counter Iran Sputnik 22 May 2019 -- The war of words between the US and Iran intensified earlier in the month after the Pentagon deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force near Iran in response to what Washington called a potential threat from Tehran.
US Lawmakers Turn Focus to Full Range of Russian Influence Ops VOA 21 May 2019 -- With all the focus on Russian efforts to sway U.S. elections with social media, there are fears other aspects of Moscow's influence operations are being overlooked.
5,000 Daesh terrorists amassed in Afghanistan: Russia Press TV 21 May 2019 -- Russia's top intelligence official has warned that thousands of militants belonging to a Daesh affiliate and with battle experience in Syria have converged in areas in northern Afghanistan bordering post-Soviet Central Asian republics.
Russian FSB Chief Warns Of IS Threat From Afghanistan RFE/RL 21 May 2019 -- The head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says that militants from the extremist group Islamic State (IS) have been amassing in northern Afghanistan, near its borders with former Soviet republics in Central Asia.
US Jets Intercept Russian Bombers During Scheduled Flight Along Alaska - NORAD Sputnik 21 May 2019 -- Four US Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets intercepted two Russian bombers and two Su-35s as they carried out sorties in international airspace off the coast of Alaska earlier this week, the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) said in a statement on Tuesday.
US Fighters Escort Russian Strategic Bombers Over Alaska - Russian MoD Sputnik 21 May 2019 -- American reconnaissance drones routinely fly along Russia's borders, mostly in the west and in south-west, as well as along the Syrian coast, where Russian military bases are located. Such flights have become quite regular since relations between the US and Russia became strained in 2014.
Russian Military, Techmash Agree on Rocket Supply for Tornado Launchers Sputnik 21 May 2019 -- Russian Defence Ministry and ammunition manufacturer Techmash signed a long-term contract on the supply of rockets for Tornado S rocket launchers until 2027, Deputy CEO of Russia's Techmash ammunition manufacturer Aleksander Kochkin told Sputnik.
Kremlin Says Russia Denies Any Prior, Future Involvement in Cyberattacks Sputnik 20 May 2019 -- Russia neither has been nor will ever be involved in cybercrimes, whereas the involvement of the United States has been officially confirmed, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a statement on Monday.
Russia repels missile attack by militants on its main airbase in Syria's Latakia Press TV 20 May 2019 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says its surface-to-air missile systems have managed to foil an attack by militants from the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, on its main air base in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
Russia: Syrian army declares unilateral truce in Idlib Press TV 20 May 2019 -- Russia says Syrian government forces have suspended their operations against foreign-backed Takfiri militants in the northwestern province of Idlib as part of a "unilateral" ceasefire.
Russian Air Force Repels Terrorist Attack on Hmeymim Airbase - MoD Sputnik 20 May 2019 -- The day before, the Russian Centre for Reconciliation in Syria reported that militants had violated the ceasefire regime in Idlib de-escalation zone 13 times in one day, injuring 3 Syrian servicemen.
Jailed in the US, Russian Maria Butina Launches Legal Defense Fundraiser Sputnik 20 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, a Russian national and gun rights activist who was imprisoned in the US after being accused of acting as a foreign agent, is seeking financial support for her legal costs, which include mounting an appeal of her charges.
MI5, MI6 Briefed on Trump Dossier Before He Knew of Its Existence - Report Sputnik 20 May 2019 -- The dossier, compiled by former MI6 spy Christopher Steele, additionally contained allegations of Russian interference in Trump's election campaign. In April, a report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that there was no collusion between the US president and the Kremlin.
Turkey now eyes Russia's S-500 missile system Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country is seeking to acquire the Russian S-500 missile defense system, a more advanced version of the S-400, taking a dispute with the United States up a notch.
Erdogan Insists Russian Missile Deal Will Go Through, Plans Additional Work With Moscow RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again insisted he will go through with the purchase of S-400 defense systems from Russia and will also cooperate with Moscow on producing S-500 systems in the future, despite U.S. pressure against the deals.
Erdogan Says Russia, Turkey May Discuss Joint Production of S-500 Defence System Sputnik 19 May 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara and Moscow might launch talks on joint production of Russian-made S-500 air defence systems after the S-400 deliveries.
Russia holds Baltic drills amid rising tensions with NATO Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Russian troops serving in the Baltic fleet in Kaliningrad have staged military drills as the strategic region is becoming an increasingly contested space between Russia and NATO.
Convicted Russian Agent Butina Makes Video Appeal For Money RFE/RL 19 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, the Russian gun-rights activist convicted in the United States for acting as an unregistered foreign agent, has issued a video appeal for financial contributions to help pay her legal bills.
Source: nuclear submarine "Kazan" will not be handed over to the fleet in 2019 TASS 17 May 2019 -- The interlocutor of the agency said that a number of auxiliary units and components of the ship does not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Defense
Russia presents draft resolution to get 'politicized' OPCW 'back on track' Press TV 17 May 2019 -- Russia has presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council to "get the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) back on track", as it believes the UN's chemical watchdog has been "hijacked by politics".
US Wants More Countries to 'Stay Away' From Russian, Chinese Arms – Report Sputnik 17 May 2019 -- The programme, which was reportedly launched last year, has already seen the State Department allocating $190 million for the delivery of US-made military hardware to six countries, including Albania, Croatia, Greece, and Slovakia.
Ankara Ready to Receive Russian-Made S-400 'Any Moment' - Foreign Minister Sputnik 17 May 2019 -- Turkey is ready to receive the S-400 air defence complexes that it is buying from Russia as soon as Moscow implements the deliveries, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday.
U.S. Air Force Chief Says It's Still 'Possible' Turkey May Call Off Russian Missile Purchase RFE/RL 17 May 2019 -- The chief of the U.S. Air Force says it is still "possible" that Turkey will decide against purchasing a Russian missile-defense system, a deal that has angered Washington and many NATO allies.
Turkey to Stick to S-400 Agreement – Russian Upper House Speaker Sputnik 17 May 2019 -- Turkey confirmed that, despite US pressure, there will be no changes in the agreement with Russia on the supply of Russian S-400 air defence missile systems, Federation Council speaker Valentina Matvienko told reporters Friday after meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Russia says will retaliate new US sanctions Press TV 17 May 2019 -- Russia says it will retaliate against the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on a Chechen law enforcement unit and Russian nationals.
Council Of Europe Ministers Agree Way For Russia To Rejoin RFE/RL 17 May 2019 -- Ministers from the Council Of Europe (CoE) have adopted a joint declaration that would allow Russia to return to the continent's main human rights body, following a dispute related to Moscow's 2014 takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.
Implementation of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act US Dept. of State 16 May 2019 -- "Today the State Department submitted to Congress the sixth annual report on the U.S. government's actions to implement the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act ("Russia Magnitsky Act")."
UK Warship Escorts Russian Missile Destroyer Through English Channel Sputnik 16 May 2019 -- The Russian Udaloy-class warship, Severomorsk, equipped with ship-to-air "Kinzhal" missile systems, is on its way back to its home port in northern Russia after a long voyage that started almost a year ago and included missions in the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
RAF Typhoons scramble twice in two days to intercept Russian aircraft UK MOD 16 May 2019 -- Royal Air Force Typhoons deployed in Estonia scramble for the first time since taking over the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in the country.
Confidential Data on New Russian Satellites LEAKED Online Sputnik 16 May 2019 -- Confidential data on Russia's new spacecraft, including names of prospective satellites, production details and launch dates, has been illegally made publicly available on the Internet, Russian engine-maker NPO Saturn said.
U.S. Sanctions Chechen Officials Allegedly Linked To 'Gay Purge', Killing Of Opposition Leader Nemtsov RFE/RL 16 May 2019 -- U.S. officials have imposed new financial sanctions on a Chechen law enforcement agency linked to a recent "gay purge" that has resulted in dozens of gay and bisexual men being imprisoned, and in some cases, tortured in the North Caucasus region.
Treasury Targets Additional Individuals Involved in the Sergei Magnitsky Case and Gross Violations of Human Rights in Russia US Treasury 16 May 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five individuals and one entity pursuant to the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (the Magnitsky Act). In addition, the U.S. Department of State issued its annual submission to Congress on the U.S. Government's actions to implement the Magnitsky Act.
Putin urging Iran to stick to nuclear deal IRNA 16 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says that he has been urging Iran's leadership to stick to the nuclear deal, despite the US withdrawal from it.
Russian Butina Appeals 18-Month Sentence From Oklahoma Cell RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty to not registering as an agent for the Russian government while in the United States and was sentenced to 18 months in U.S. prison, has filed an appeal against her sentence.
Russia's S-400 deal with Turkey being fully implemented, presidential aide says Press TV 15 May 2019 -- A high-ranking Russian official says the implementation of his country's deal to deliver advanced S-400 air defense missile systems to Turkey is in full swing despite US pressure and threats of imposing sanctions on Ankara over the purchase of the military hardware.
Florida Governor Says Russian Hackers Accessed Voter Databases RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The governor of Florida has said Russian hackers gained access to voter databases in two of the southern state's counties ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Senior Space Official Said To Have Fled Russia Amid Audits RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- The governor of Florida has said Russian hackers gained access to voter databases in two of the southern state's counties ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Putin: Russia regrets seeing Iran nuclear deal unravel, done enough to save it Press TV 15 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Iran's nuclear program is most transparent and Moscow "regrets" to see the 2015 nuclear agreement unravel since America's decision to leave it in May 2018.
Russian Embassy Protests Arrest Of Russian Charged With Ilegally Obtaining U.S. Fighter Jet Manuals RFE/RL 15 May 2019 -- Russia's embassy has protested the arrest of a Russian software developer who was extradited from Georgia and charged by U.S. authorities with trying to obtain user manuals and instructional materials for F-15 fighters jets.
Russian National Butina Appeals 18-Month Sentence in US Court Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- Russian citizen Maria Butina is being kept in general population in Grady County jail, Oklahoma, before being transferred to a federal prison to serve the remainder of her sentence, her lawyer Robert Driscoll told Sputnik earlier in the day.
Remarks With Russian President Vladimir Putin US Dept. of State 14 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 14 May 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Press Availability With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov US Dept. of State 14 May 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
In Sochi, Putin Tells Pompeo He Hopes To 'Fully Restore' U.S. Ties RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia against interference in next year's U.S. presidential election, as Russia's foreign minister likened Washington's push for a new government in Venezuela to the U.S. war in Iraq.
US Stands Ready to Find Common Ground With Russia - Pompeo Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- At the press conference following the bilateral meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that he and his US counterpart Mike Pompeo have agreed the need to resume communication channels between the two countries.
US, Russia Agree to Talk Again Next Month at G-20 in Osaka VOA 14 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to work to normalize strained relations and restore bilateral channels of communication following talks Tuesday at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Court Finds RM Broadcasting Must Register as a Foreign Agent US Dept. of Justice 13 May 2019 -- U.S. District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg has ruled that a Florida-based company, RM Broadcasting LLC (RM Broadcasting), was acting as an agent of a foreign principal and must register as such under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA).
Pompeo Heading To Moscow, Sochi To Raise 'Aggressive' Russian Actions RFE/RL 12 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is heading to Russia - his first visit as the top U.S. diplomat - for talks with President Vladimir Putin amid persistent tensions between the two countries.
Pompeo to Meet With Putin, Lavrov Amid Tensions VOA 12 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this week, as the two countries clash over a number of issues including Venezuela, Iran, and Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
Belarusian President Says Damages From Contaminated Russian Oil 'Enormous' RFE/RL 11 May 2019 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has said that the cost of damages from contaminated oil received via the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline was "enormous" and that Belarus expects compensation from Russia.
US missile systems in Japan pose direct threat to Russia: Russian FM Press TV 11 May 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has blasted persisting US military buildup in Japan, saying Moscow views as a direct "threat" the American missile defense systems deployed to the Asian country.
Rosatom committed to Iranian plant project ISNA 11 May 2019 -- Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said its project to develop new units at Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has not been affected by ongoing tensions arising from intensified US sanctions against Iran.
Lavrov Says 'Extremely Significant' Differences Still Exist With Japan On Peace Accord RFE/RL 10 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, said after a meeting in Moscow that much effort is still needed before their countries can resolve a World War II-era territorial dispute that stands in the way of a peace agreement.
Arms Control, Venezuela, North Korea On Agenda For Pompeo's Russia Talks RFE/RL 10 May 2019 -- Arms control, North Korea, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Russian election meddling will top the agenda when U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo travels to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin next week, the State Department said on May 10.
Montenegrin Coup Verdict A Wakeup Call To EU On Russia's Rising Role In Balkan Instability RFE/RL 10 May 2019 -- If the European Union has hit the snooze button since allegations of Russian state involvement in a coup plot in Montenegro surfaced two years ago, a verdict convicting two alleged Russian military intelligence agents may be the final wakeup call.
Senior State Department Official Previewing Secretary Pompeo's Upcoming Trip to Russia US Dept. of State 10 May 2019 -- Special Briefing by Senior State Department Official
Butina Says She Was 'Honored' To Pass 'Valuable' Information To Russia's Foreign Ministry RFE/RL 10 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty to failing to register as an agent for the Russian government while in the United States and was sentenced to 18 months in U.S. prison, says she believed her notes and analysis would be "valuable" for Russian officials.
Ukraine Urges UN Court To Order Release Of Detained Sailors RFE/RL 10 May 2019 -- Ukraine has called upon the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to order the immediate release of 24 Ukrainian sailors and three navy ships that were seized by Russia near the Kerch Strait off the coast of Russia-occupied Crimea in November 2018.
CEO: Rosatom complying with its JCPOA commitments IRNA 10 May 2019 -- The Chief Executive Officer of the Russian Nuclear energy company 'Rosatom' said the company is complying with its commitments under Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Montenegrin Court Convicts All 14 Defendants Of Plotting Pro-Russia Coup RFE/RL 09 May 2019 -- Montenegro's High Court has convicted a group of 14 Russians, Serbs, and Montenegrins on terrorism charges and creating a criminal organization as part of an October 2016 attempted coup aimed at derailing the country's NATO membership bid.
Two Russian Agents Sentenced for Montenegrin Coup Plot VOA 09 May 2019 -- A judge in Montenegro on Thursday sentenced 13 people, including two Russian intelligence officers, for a failed 2016 plot to assassinate the prime minister and put in a pro-Russian government.
UK boosting space defense to prevent Russia, China attack: Leaked memo Press TV 09 May 2019 -- The UK has been designing a space defense mechanism to protect its satellites from possible attacks by Russia and China, leaked documents show.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 8, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 May 2019
Embassy: Moscow Clarified Russian Military Engineers' Goals in Venezuela for UK Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Russia has explained the aims its military engineers have in Venezuela and has clarified lawful reasons for sending them there to the United Kingdom, the Russian embassy in London said on Wednesday.
Turkish military servicemen to travel to Russia for S-400 training in late May: Report Press TV 08 May 2019 -- A Russian military source says Turkish military personnel are set to travel to Moscow later this month in order to participate in a training course on the operation of advanced S-400 air defense missile systems.
Instex Mechanism is Less Effective Than Originally Planned - Lavrov Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- Tehran's version of INSTEX, the EU mechanism for bilateral transactions with Iran bypassing US sanctions, may be implemented with the participation of other interested parties, such as Russia and Turkey, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Sputnik a day earlier.
Russia, China hail Iran's commitment to JCPOA, slam US for stirring tension Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Russia and China have applauded Iran's implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal, warning the United States against taking any measures that would further undermine the landmark accord.
Russia expels two Swedish diplomats in tit-for-tat move Press TV 08 May 2019 -- Russia has expelled two Swedish diplomats after Stockholm denied visas to Russian envoys, Sweden's foreign ministry says.
Russia Expels Two Swedish Diplomats In Retaliatory Measure RFE/RL 08 May 2019 -- Sweden's Foreign Ministry says two of its diplomats have been expelled from Russia following a move by Stockholm to deny visas to two of Moscow's envoys.
Senate Intel Committee Subpoenas Trump Jr Over Russian Probe - Report Sputnik 09 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr was subpoenaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee to answer questions regarding his previous testimony before Senate in respect to the Russian investigation, Axios reported citing sources familiar with the matter.
Pompeo Warns Arctic Nations About Russian, Chinese 'Aggressive' Behavior RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- The United States is beefing up its presence in the Arctic to keep Russia's and China's "aggressive" behavior in check in the resource-rich region, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.
Turkey To Send Troops to Russia for S-400 Training - Turkish Military Source Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- About 100 Turkish servicemen will be sent to Russia in late May to learn how to operate the S-400 air defense systems that Ankara is buying from Moscow, a senior military source in Ankara told Sputnik Tuesday.
Russian Military Shoots Down 27 Rockets During Attack on Hmeymim - MoD Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- On Monday, militants attacked the Hmeymim airbase in Syria twice using multiple launch rocket systems, chief of the Russian Reconciliation Centre Viktor Kupchishin stated.
Russian Energy Minister: European Oil Shipments To Resume By Mid-May RFE/RL 07 May 2019 -- Russia's energy minister said that oil is expected to resume flowing through a key pipeline to Europe by the middle of May, after contaminated supplies disrupted exports.
Iranian, Russian FMs to discuss JCPOA in Moscow ISNA 07 May 2019 -- Heading a high-ranking delegation, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will depart for Moscow Tuesday night to hold a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
Russia reaffirms support for Maduro, Venezuelan people People's Daily 06 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday reiterated Moscow's solidarity with the people of Venezuela and support for its president Nicolas Maduro, said the Russian foreign ministry.
Pompeo, Lavrov Hold 'Good,' 'Constructive' Talks On Venezuela RFE/RL 06 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had a "good conversation" with his Russian counterpart about Venezuela and other subjects, while Sergei Lavrov called the talks "constructive."
Top US, Russian Diplomats Meet Amid Venezuela Tensions VOA 06 May 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Monday amid tensions between the two countries over the political crisis in Venezuela, with both top diplomats stressing they do not want foreign military intervention in the country.
Arctic States Meeting In Finland To Talk Resources, Environment RFE/RL 06 May 2019 -- Senior officials from the United States, Russia, and other countries bordering the Arctic are opening a two-day meeting in Finland amid growing tensions over how to deal with global warming and access to mineral wealth in the polar region.
US Wary of Chinese, Russian Military Presence in Arctic VOA 06 May 2019 -- Aimed at countering China and Russia's expansion in the Arctic, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday the United States will increase its military presence in the polar region.
US Concerned About Russia's Claim to Northern Sea Route - Pompeo Sputnik 06 May 2019 -- The United States is concerned about Russia's claim to Northern Sea Route, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council in Rovaniemi, Finland, on Monday.
Russia not to succumb to US anti-Iran sanctions threats: deputy FM Press TV 06 May 2019 -- Russia has vowed to expand cooperation with Iran, including in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy, despite US threats of sanctions.
Kim Asked Putin to Convey N.Korea's Denuclearisation Stance to China, US - Intel Sputnik 06 May 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help convey North Korea's view of the denuclearisation process to China and the United States, South Korean media reported on Monday, citing the country's National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Russian and Venezuelan FMs to Hold Talks After Failed Coup Attempt in Caracas Sputnik 05 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks on Sunday in Moscow with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza, to discuss developments in the Latin American country and bilateral relations.
Lavrov: Russia 'Condemns' What It Calls U.S. Moves To Topple Venezuela's Maduro RFE/RL 05 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has condemned what the Kremlin calls the "irresponsible plans" of the United States aimed at toppling Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Russia Urges US to Cancel 'Irresponsible' Plans to Overthrow Maduro by Force Sputnik 05 May 2019 -- The Russian foreign minister has made several comments on the recent attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the opposition during violent rallies on 30 April and 1 May.
Russia urges US to cancel 'irresponsible' plans for regime change in Venezuela Press TV 05 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has condemned Washington's "unprecedented campaign" and "irresponsible plans" aimed at toppling the legitimate government of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.
Turkey, Russia Discuss Deployment in Syrian Area Controlled by US Allies: Ankara Sputnik 05 May 2019 -- Ankara has repeatedly announced plans to launch a full-scale operation against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), considering them to be a part of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, blacklisted in Turkey as a terror group.
Russia Reveals Its First Military Tractor to Be Built in 2019 Sputnik 05 May 2019 -- The newest addition to the Russian Army will allow it to reduce minefield clearance costs, while at the same time increasing the capabilities of mine removal vehicles.
Trump voices confidence in North Korea deal, 'great' Russia ties Press TV 05 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and forging a "deal" with Pyongyang as well as "great relationship" with Russia after a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart and despite the North's latest test firing of missiles.
China, Russia conduct first ever joint warship-based live-fire missile exercise Global Times 05 May 2019 -- Chinese and Russian navies conducted on Saturday their first ever joint warship-based live-fire missile exercise, as naval vessels from both sides launched surface-to-air missiles and successfully intercepted incoming anti-ship cruise missile dummies.
Russia warns of US plan to set up a quasi-state in Syria Press TV 04 May 2019 -- Russia has denounced a recent meeting of tribes in Syria, organized by US-backed Kurdish militants, saying Washington is using the Kurds to split the Arab country and continue its illegal military presence there.
Putin Demands a Role in Eurasian Part of Belt and Road VOA 04 May 2019 -- Russia appears to be shifting its stance on China's Belt and Road development initiative in Eurasia, envisioning a bigger role for itself in the process, in what could be a sign that Moscow is worried about waning influence among its neighbors.
China-Russia joint naval exercise concludes Global Times 04 May 2019 -- A six-day joint naval exercise held by Chinese and Russian navies concluded Saturday in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
Trump, Putin Discuss Venezuela, Other Hotspots in Phone Call VOA 03 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he has had a very positive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Venezuela and other issues that lasted more than one hour.
Trump, Putin Discuss Nuclear Accord, Venezuela, Mueller Report, Says White House RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have addressed a wide range of topics in a telephone conversation on May 3 -- their first contact since the G20 summit in Argentina last year.
Russia Confirms Lavrov-Pompeo Meeting Next Week Amid Venezuela Tensions RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- A senior Russian diplomat has confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo next week in Finland amid simmering tensions between Moscow and Washington over the crisis in Venezuela.
Trump, Putin discuss possible new US-Russia nuclear accord: White House Press TV 03 May 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over an hour, discussing the possibility of a new nuclear accord, North Korean denuclearization, Ukraine and the political situation in Venezuela, according to the White House.
Trump Says He Had 'Very Productive Talk' With Putin on Possible Nuclear Accord Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Late last month, the US president indicated his intention to negotiate a major nuclear arms control deal with Russia and China, saying such a treaty should include 'all the weapons, all the warheads, all the missiles' in the countries' respective arsenals.
Russia 'ready to cooperate' to sell Turkey Su-57 fighter jets: Official Press TV 03 May 2019 -- The chief executive of Russia's state-owned hi-tech industrial development conglomerate, Rostec Corporation, says his country is "ready to cooperate" to sell Turkey Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets in case Ankara is excluded from the F-35 fighter jet program with the United States.
Russia Ready to Sell Su-57 to Turkey if Ankara Quits F-35 Programme - Rostec CEO Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- US officials have repeatedly threatened to withhold deliveries of F-35 fighter jets and to impose sanctions on Turkey if Ankara moves forward with the delivery of Russian-made S-400 air-defence systems.
Russia Hails Turkey's Push for S-500s Amid Ankara's Adherence to S-400 Deal Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- In March, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Ankara's commitment to its deal with Russia on the purchase of S-400 missile systems, adding that Turkey may subsequently look into buying S-500 systems.
Zelenskiy: Relations Between Moscow, Kyiv Far From 'Brotherly' RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that current ties between Kyiv and Moscow cannot be called "brotherly," and the two countries now have little in common outside a shared border.
The Week In Russia: Not So Quiet On The Western Front RFE/RL 03 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin steps up pressure on Ukraine and Belarus, and Moscow's man in Caracas holds on to power amid a standoff pitting the United States against Russia in the Western Hemisphere.
Russia: US Courting 'Drastic Consequences' in Venezuela VOA 02 May 2019 -- Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro clung to power Thursday, calling on the country's armed forces to oppose "any coup plotter" after opposition leader Juan Guaido failed to win defections from military leaders.
Russian FM Lavrov slams US 'destructive' interference in Venezuela Press TV 02 May 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has denounced Washington's "destructive" support for Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who lately claimed the backing of the armed forces in a short-lived coup against President Nicolas Maduro.
Russia, Iran Maneuver for Influence in Syria VOA 02 May 2019 -- Once-hidden Russian-Iranian disagreements over Syria are starting to surface. Moscow and Tehran are jostling to wield the main influence over the government of President Bashar al-Assad, adding further complexity to the still-far-from-complete endgame of Syria's brutal civil war, say diplomats and analysts.
Russian military: 12 drone, rocket attacks by terrorists repelled in Syria's Latakia Press TV 02 May 2019 -- Russia's military says during the past month it has repelled 12 drone and rocket attacks by terrorists based in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib against a Russian airbase and Syrian positions in Latakia.
Militants Attempted to Shell Hmeymim Base in Syria - MoD Sputnik 02 May 2019 -- On 1 May, the Russian military stated that terrorists tried to shell the Hmeymim Airbase using multiple rocket launchers as well as drones twelve times over the past month.
Belarus Says 'Clean' Russian Oil Arriving Again Via Druzhba Pipeline RFE/RL 02 May 2019 -- Belarus's state-run oil-transport firm Belneftekhim says "clean" Russian oil shipments have begun to arrive in Belarus via the Druzhba pipeline after a weeklong shutdown caused by the contamination of Russian supplies.
Pakistan Set to Buy Russian Surface-to-Air Missiles to Boost Defence - Report Sputnik 02 May 2019 -- The urgency to purchase new air defence systems arose after the Indian airstrike in Balakot during which over a dozen Mirage 2000 aircraft of Indian Air Force crossed the border and destroyed alleged terror infrastructure inside Pakistan, the media outlet reports.
Russia: US Courting 'Drastic Consequences' in Venezuela VOA 01 May 2019 -- The unrest in Venezuela is turning into a battleground of rhetoric between the United States and Russia.
Russia, Turkey Should Increase Patrols in Syria's Idlib - UN Special Envoy Sputnik 01 May 2019 -- Russia and Turkey should uphold the ceasefire and increase patrolling in Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said at a Security Council meeting.
Putin Signs 'Sovereign Internet' Law, Expanding Government Control of Internet RFE/RL 01 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a new measure that aims to expand government control over the Internet.
Putin Signs Order Widening Eligibility For Russian Passports RFE/RL 01 May 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to fast-track passports and citizenship for people in Ukraine and Soviet-era deportees.
Butina Blasts U.S. Justice System, Calls 18-Month Sentence 'Disgrace' RFE/RL 01 May 2019 -- Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty to not registering as an agent for the Russian government while in the United States, has blasted the U.S. judicial system, calling her 18-month prison sentence "absolutely absurd" and a "disgrace."
Russia Sends China Replacements for Storm-Damaged S-400 Missiles - Reports Sputnik 01 May 2019 -- Replacement missiles for the S-400 anti-air missile system sold to China by Russia last year have been sent, according to media reports. Some of the system's missiles and other equipment were damaged in a storm in the English Channel in December 2017.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

May 2019 - Russia Special Weapons News