March 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News

COVID-19: Russian Duma OKs State-Of-Emergency Bill; Armenia Extends Lockdown RFE/RL 31 Mar 2020 -- The global death toll has surpassed 40,000 with over 825,000 infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russian Upper House OKs Bill on Up to 5 Years of Imprisonment for COVID-19 Disinformation Sputnik 31 Mar 2020 -- The Russian upper house, the Federation Council, approved on Tuesday a bill that makes the dissemination of fake information about the coronavirus a crime punishable with up to five years of imprisonment.
Kremlin Slams Talk of Russian Health Care System Failing in Situation With Coronavirus Sputnik 31 Mar 2020 -- Current Oil Prices Disadvantage Both Russia, US
What's in a Number? How Russia's Fighter Su-57 Got Its Name Sputnik 31 Mar 2020 -- The fighter jet is a single-seat twin engine aircraft that has superb manoeuvrability, supersonic fighting capabilities, as well as an advanced radar and electronics. Reports say that China, Turkey, and India are interested in purchasing the jet, which reportedly costs $50 million.
Putin, Trump agree global oil prices 'not in interests' of Russia, US Press TV 31 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Donald Trump, have agreed that current global oil prices are "not in the interests" of their countries, the Kremlin says, as the coronavirus pandemic sends oil prices plunging to historic lows.
Poland State Gas Distributor Says It Wins $1.5 Billion From Russia's Gazprom In Price Dispute RFE/RL 31 Mar 2020 -- Poland's largest distributor of natural gas has announced it won a years-long energy-supply price dispute with Russia's state-run Gazprom worth $1.5 billion at an international arbitration court in Sweden.
Forced Into Quarantine, Muscovites Question The State's Shifting Coronavirus Response RFE/RL 30 Mar 2020 -- After President Vladimir Putin announced a nine-day paid holiday on March 25, hundreds of Muscovites flew south to Sochi and other resort towns on Russia's Black Sea coast to while away the unexpected vacation in warmer climes.
Putin Says Russia Managed to Prevent Significant Growth of COVID-19 Cases Over Past Weeks Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- Coronavirus in Russia
COVID-19: Russia Closes Borders; Serbia Plans $5.5 Billion Aid Package RFE/RL 30 Mar 2020 -- The global death toll has surpassed 34,000 with over 725,000 infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Moscow Mayor Agreed Upon Anti-Coronavirus Measures With President - Kremlin Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin agreed upon the anti-coronavirus measures in the capital with President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
Moscow Mayor Says Systems to Help Control Movement Amid COVID-19 Expected by Week's End Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- Moscow's authorities will be able to better control residents' movements during the COVID-19 pandemic with information systems that are expected to be put in place by the end of the week, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Monday.
Russia Embraces Quarantine Tactics Amid Coronavirus Surge VOA 30 Mar 2020 -- Russia tightened controls aimed at combating the spread of the coronavirus on Monday, with Moscow introducing temporary quarantine measures, and the Kremlin moving to extend the lockdown nationwide.
Donbas Development: Will 'Advisory Council' Unlock Door To Direct Talks Between Kyiv and Russia-Backed Separatists? RFE/RL 30 Mar 2020 -- No talks with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine: That has been a mantra for leaders in Kyiv throughout the six-year war that has killed more than 13,000 people in the Donbas and displaced more than 1 million.
Pray For Rain: Crimea's Dry-Up A Headache For Moscow, Dilemma For Kyiv RFE/RL 29 Mar 2020 -- After Russia cut Crimea off from the rest of Ukraine by seizing control of the Black Sea peninsula in 2014, Kyiv cut off the water supply to Crimea with a grand-scale equivalent of a twist of the wrist: It shut down a 400-kilometer canal whose construction decades ago had been hailed as a Soviet feat of man mastering nature.
Russia, Turkey Register No Ceasefire Violations in Syria in 24 Hours - Defence Ministry Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- Both sides of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian truce has recorded no ceasefire violations in Syria over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defence Ministry said in its daily bulletin on Monday.
Putin Orders Measures to Support Small, Medium Enterprises Amid COVID-19 Pandemic by Monday Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday instructed the government to take a set of urgent measures to support small and medium enterprises in Russia amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as follows from documents published on the Kremlin website.
Home Isolation Regime for All Residents Introduced in Moscow Amid COVID-19 Outbreak Starting Monday Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- The coronavirus epidemic in Moscow has entered a new phase, the mayor of the Russian capital said Sunday, after the number of infection cases in the city topped 1,000.
Coronavirus Enters a New Stage in Moscow as Number of Infected Exceeds 1,000 Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Russia's consumer rights protection watchdog said that a total of 182,702 people in Russia remain under the supervision of medical experts as they may be infected with the coronavirus.
Russia and US Suspend New START Treaty Inspections Until May Due to Coronavirus - Reports Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- The situation in the United States remains tense as the country now has the highest number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus – over 123,000 infected of the world's 672,000, while Russia has reported at least 1,534 COVID-19 cases.
Rosneft Sells Assets In Venezuela To Russian State Company RFE/RL 28 Mar 2020 -- Russia's largest oil producer, Rosneft, has announced that it is halting operations in Venezuela and selling its assets there to a company fully owned by the Russian government.
COVID-19: Why US' Influence in Latin America Fading While China & Russia Winning Soft Power Battle Sputnik 28 Mar 2020 -- The South American continent which has been engulfed by public protests since last year is now bracing for the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Heinz Dieterich has given his prognosis on how the coronavirus outbreak may affect the balance of power in Latin America.
COVID-19: Russia To Close Its Borders; 139 More Deaths In Iran RFE/RL 28 Mar 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 27,700 with almost 600,000 infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russia Capable of Producing Sufficient Number of COVID-19 Tests - Health Minister Sputnik 28 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Health Ministry does not see any shortage in production capacities to make as many tests for coronavirus disease diagnostics as necessary, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Saturday.
Russia Building 16 New Multi-Purpose Medical Facilities Across Country – Defenсe Ministry Sputnik 28 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday that a massive construction of additional military medical facilities was underway across the country to be completed by mid-May and be used for assistance to civilians as well, should the need arise.
Spread of COVID-19 in Russia to Decline in May - WHO Representative on Health Ministry's Assessment Sputnik 28 Mar 2020 -- Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) representative in Russia, Melita Vujnovic, said that there was no need for a hard quarantine in Russia, adding that Moscow was "one step ahead" in its fight against COVID-19.
Russia Registers 228 Coronavirus Cases Over Past 24 Hours - Operational Headquarters Sputnik 28 Mar 2020 -- The number of patients infected with COVID-19 in Russia has increased by 228 people over the past 24 hours, the country's operational headquarters for preventing the spread of coronavirus said in a statement on Saturday.
Still Working After All These Fears: Russian Clerks, Couriers Remain On The Job As COVID-19 Crisis Unfurls RFE/RL 28 Mar 2020 -- Authorities in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar – like their counterparts across the country – have urged nonessential workers to remain at home in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is urged to practice social distancing: refrain from gatherings and stay at least 2 meters from one another.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 27, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Mar 2020
US Pushes Back Against Russian, Chinese, Iranian Coronavirus Disinformation VOA 27 Mar 2020 -- Top U.S. adversaries appear to be coming together, using social media and other cyber means to amplify disinformation regarding the coronavirus, with the intent of harming the United States and hindering efforts to curb the global pandemic.
North Korea Ignores COVID-19 in Rush to Redeploy Workers to Russia Radio Free Asia 27 Mar 2020 -- North Korea is preparing to redeploy migrant workers to Russia to reestablish a much-needed source of foreign cash that had been put on hold due to concerns over the coronavirus crisis.
Russia Urges Turkey to Continue Real Separation of Militants From Opposition in Idlib Sputnik 27 Mar 2020 -- Russia expects Turkey to continue work on separating the militants from the opposition in Syria's Idlib, as a fictitious renaming of terrorist groups is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday.
Russian Space Agency Says Will Change 2020 Launch Schedule Due to COVID-19 Outbreak Sputnik 27 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Space Agency Roscosmos will adapt its planned launch schedule for this coming year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic that has caused the suspension of satellite production in Europe, the agency's press service said on Friday.
Putin's Pretext? COVID-19 Crisis Tapped To Tax Rich Russians' Offshore Wealth RFE/RL 27 Mar 2020 -- With COVID-19 cases rising in Russia, President Vladimir Putin addressed went on TV to announce measures he said were aimed at lending young families, workers, and small business owners financial support as the coronavirus upends daily life on a mass scale.
The Week In Russia: Reality, Perception, And Luck RFE/RL 27 Mar 2020 -- At one point in the classic Soviet comedy whose title translates clumsily as The Diamond Arm, the actor Andrei Mironov breaks out into a song called Bad Luck Island -- with lyrics that, despite tropical references to crocodiles that can't be caught and coconuts that won't grow, seem certain to be about the Soviet Union, no matter what the experts say.
Doctor Warns Russia Must Be Prepared for 'Nuclear Reaction-Like' Spread of Coronavirus Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Russia has joined countries worldwide in combating the COVID-19 outbreak, with authorities introducing a series of medical and economic measures to stop its spread and deal with the economic fallout. The country has about 840 confirmed cases of the virus, most of them concentrated in Moscow.
Putin: Russia May Defeat Coronavirus in Less Than 3 Months Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Russia enacted a series of comprehensive measures to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak in recent weeks, instituting travel restrictions, quarantine for infected individuals, and efforts to make an effective vaccine available following testing.
Russian Defence Ministry to Build 16 Infectious Disease Centres in Country by 16 May Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Russia's coronavirus response centre reported 182 new COVID-19 cases in 18 regions over the past 24 hours, with the total count reaching 840, and two deaths related to the coronavirus infection.
Russia Registers 182 New COVID-19 Cases Over Past 24 Hours - Response Centre Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Russia has registered 182 new COVID-19 cases in 18 regions over the past 24 hours, with the total count now reaching 840, and two deaths related to the coronavirus infection, the country's coronavirus response centre said on Thursday.
Moscow Mayor Imposes Strict but 'Necessary' Restrictions in Unprecedented Move to Contain COVID-19 Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russians would be given a paid leave next week amid the spread of the coronavirus.
Russian, Turkish Military Conduct Joint Patrolling in Syria – Defence Ministry Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Russian and Turkish troops have conducted joint patrolling in Syria's north, Oleg Zhuravlev, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for the Syrian Reconciliation, said.
Russia Completing Tests of Elements of S-500 Prospective Air Defence System Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Tests of certain elements of Russia's next-generation S-500 air defence missile system, including its launcher, are being completed, the director-general of the Design Bureau for Special Machine-Building (part of Almaz-Antey company), has said.
Coronavirus Threat Delays Vote to Keep Russia's Putin in Power VOA 26 Mar 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russia's growing crisis surrounding the spread of the novel coronavirus – postponing a constitutional referendum whose key provision provides a path for the longtime Russian leader to retain power beyond the end of his current term and far into the next decade.
Putin calls for sanctions 'moratorium' amid pandemic Press TV 26 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the lifting of sanctions on various countries that are hindering the global fight against the new coronavirus.
Putin Makes Plea For Sanctions Relief At G20 Summit RFE/RL 26 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed at a Group of 20 (G20) video conference that a freeze be placed on economic sanctions to allow countries to better combat the coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 500,000 worldwide and killed nearly 23,000 people.
Address to the Nation President of Russia 25 Mar 2020
Putin Postpones Vote On Constitutional Changes Due To Coronavirus RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed an April 22 vote on sweeping constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power until 2036 because of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Russia's COVID-19 Economic Plan, Vote on Constitution: Key Takeaways From President Putin's Speech Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin spoke in a televised address on Wednesday to apprise Russians of the government's coronavirus response and measures to be adopted to help deal with the pandemic, as travel restrictions, quarantine for those infected with the COVID-19 virus, and vaccine testing are put in place.
Putin Announces Delay to Constitution Vote, Measures to Aid Economy Amid COVID-19 Spread Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Russia has already enacted a series of measures in its COVID-19 response, including travel restrictions, quarantine for infected individuals, and the allocation of funding to the ministry of industry for the purchase of medical equipment. The country's scientists have also begun testing on coronavirus vaccines after sequencing COVID-19's genome.
CPJ Calls On Russia To Stop Censoring News Outlets Reporting On COVID-19 RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Russian authorities "to stop censoring news outlets" that report on the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Moscow Bans Gatherings, Closes Most Shops to Curb Coronavirus SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The Mayor of Moscow clarified that the city introduced a group of measures today to contain the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVId-19), including a temporary ban on organizing any public gatherings and suspension of free public transport for the over 65s.
Two Elderly Russians Die of COVID-19-Related Complications - Coronavirus Response HQ Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Russia has reported over 650 cases of COVID-19, with the state introducing a series of measures to battle the virus.
Contagious Solidarity: As Russia Faces Growing COVID-19 Crisis, Independent Activists Gear Up To Help RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Aleksandra Krylenkova is a human rights activist with a long track record. In recent months, she has been campaigning in support of the defendants in the so-called Network (Set) case, a terrorism prosecution that many believe was trumped up by the Federal Security Service. She has also publicized alleged human rights abuses in Ukraine's Crimea region, which was seized by Russia in 2014.
SU-27 Aircraft Crashes in the Black Sea During Scheduled Flights, Preliminary Data Shows - MoD Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- A rescue team of AN-26 aeroplane and MI-8 helicopter has been sent to find and rescue the pilots, along with a frigate and several civilian ships, the Russian Ministry of Defence said.
Russia's Nuclear Arsenal to Be 87% Modernized by End of 2020 – Defence Minister Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Earlier this year, the Pentagon estimated that Russia has spent some $28 billion modernizing its nuclear triad. For comparison, the United States is presently in the middle of a 30 year, $1.5 trillion programme to upgrade its own strategic capabilities.
Russian Pacific Fleet Warships and Vessels Head for Drills in Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Earlier in March, the Russian Pacific Fleet formed two new anti-submarine warfare strike groups, with the vessels to be tasked with helping protect the Russian Far East region's maritime communications, patrolling the areas assigned to them, and taking part in missions abroad.
COVID-19: Olympics Postponed As Moscow Mayor Warns Virus Worse In Russia Than Official Data RFE/RL 24 Mar 2020 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach have agreed to put off the Tokyo 2020 Games for one year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Accused Of Downplaying COVID-19 Figures, Kremlin Clamps Down On 'Fake News' RFE/RL 24 Mar 2020 -- On March 16, the day Russia recorded a spike in coronavirus cases and officials began urging the population not to panic, political analyst and Kremlin critic Valery Solovei made a guest appearance on the radio station Ekho Moskvy.
Pair of Russian Tu-95 Bombers Escorted by Japanese Fighters During Routine Flight - Defence Ministry Sputnik 24 Mar 2020 -- According to the Defence Ministry, the interception took place during the bombers' flight over the Sea of Japan and the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean.
Trial Begins for Former US Marine Accused of Espionage in Russia VOA 24 Mar 2020 -- The long-awaited trial of a former U.S. Marine facing charges of espionage got under way in Moscow on Monday – with U.S. officials accusing Russia of providing no evidence in a spy case that has proved an added irritant to already troubled relations between the two countries.
Russia Reports 71 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 23 Mar 2020 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that 71 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) were registered in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 438.
Russian Demand For Consumer Credit, Mortgages Jumps As Ruble Weakens, COVID-19 Spreads RFE/RL 23 Mar 2020 -- Russians have been applying for consumer credit and mortgages in greater numbers due to fears that prices and rates will soon increase, the business daily RBC reported.
Russian Arms Exports in 2019 Surpassed $15.2 Billion Sputnik 22 Mar 2020 -- Russia exported arms worth more than $15.2 billion in 2019, to around 50 different countries, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin said.
COVID-19: Russian Disease Specialist May Have Spread Virus; Georgia Declares State Of Emergency RFE/RL 21 Mar 2020 -- The top infectious-disease specialist in a Russian region may have coronavirus and could have spread it to students and doctors after she failed to quarantine herself following a vacation in Spain, the daily Kommersant has reported.
Russian PM Warns Companies Against Firing Employees During Crisis RFE/RL 21 Mar 2020 -- Russia's prime minister has warned companies to keep people employed and pay them their salaries even as they struggle amid a growing economic crisis caused by the coronavirus and the plummet in global oil prices.
Russia, Belarus Discuss Oil Deliveries Amid Pricing Dispute RFE/RL 21 Mar 2020 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has spoken with his Belarusian counterpart, Syarhey Rumas, about oil deliveries as they seek to resolve a three-month price dispute between the two countries.
Russia Registers 53 New Coronavirus Cases, Total Toll Reaches 306 - Monitoring Centre Sputnik 21 Mar 2020 -- Russia has registered 53 new cases of the coronavirus in 18 regions over the last 24 hours, which brings the total toll of those infected to 306, the country's coronavirus response centre reported on Saturday.
Russia's Rosneft Chief Downplays Rift With Saudis, Seeks Quick Oil-Price Rebound RFE/RL 21 Mar 2020 -- The powerful head of Russia's largest oil company has downplayed the disagreement with Saudi Arabia that led to a dramatic fall in oil prices, and he predicted a quick rebound sometime this year as U.S. shale production is knocked out.
Russia to quarantine all arrivals from abroad for two weeks People's Daily 20 Mar 2020 -- Russian health authorities on Thursday ordered the country's regions to ensure a 14-day isolation period for everyone arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
With Europe In Lockdown, Skeptical Russians Are Told: 'No Reason To Panic' RFE/RL 20 Mar 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout China, Western Europe, and the United States, threatening to paralyze major economies and subjecting much of the world's population to state-enforced lockdowns. Leaders are warning of disruptions to economies and lifestyles.
Entire Russian Territory Now on High Alert Regime Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Sputnik 20 Mar 2020 -- Russia's Republic of Ingushetia has declared a high alert regime to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which means that the regime is now active across the entire Russian territory, in all the 85 regions.
Moscow Being Shut Down Not Currently on Agenda - Kremlin Sputnik 20 Mar 2020 -- Several media outlets previously claimed that the Russian capital was on lockdown or would be closed soon amid coronavirus fears, but the reports were later debunked.
Russian Defence Ministry Sets Up Operational HQs to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Armed Forces Sputnik 20 Mar 2020 -- The number of patients infected with COVID-19 in Russia has increased by 52 people over the past 24 hours, the country's operational headquarters for preventing the spread of coronavirus said earlier in the day.
Tsirkon Missile to Be Test-Fired for First Time in 2020 From Admiral Gorshkov Frigate – Source Sputnik 20 Mar 2020 -- The Tsirkon hypersonic missile will be test-fired for the first time this year in spring from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, a source in the Russian defence industry said.
The Week In Russia: COVID-19, The Constitution, And A Bitter Anniversary For Crimean Tatars RFE/RL 20 Mar 2020 -- The Constitutional Court jumped through hoops to give an amendment that could keep President Vladimir Putin in power until 2036 a clean bill of health, while the coronavirus could hand a real-life test to a Kremlin often focused on imagery and optics. And the anniversary of Russia's takeover of their homeland shone a grim spotlight on Moscow's treatment of Crimean Tatars.
Russia, Saudi Arabia Not Engaged in Price Wars - Kremlin Sputnik 20 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Saudi Arabia are not engaged in any price war on the oil market, the global situation is unfortunate for oil prices, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Analysts: Russia Using Virus Crisis to Sow Discord in West VOA 20 Mar 2020 -- Russia is very likely behind a disinformation campaign on coronavirus in the Western media, intended to fuel panic and discord among allies, experts tell VOA.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 19, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Mar 2020
Russia Announces 52 Cases of COVID-19 SPA 19 Mar 2020 -- The Russian authorities announced that 52 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are registered in the past 24 hours.
Putin on Coronavirus Situation: We Have to Be Ready for Any Turn of Events Sputnik 19 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that it was important to be ready for any turn of events amid the global coronavirus outbreak.
Russia denies US claim it 'killed dozens of Turkish soldiers' in Syria Press TV 19 Mar 2020 -- A source at the Russian Foreign Ministry has dismissed as "plain lies" claims made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military forces in Syria.
On Moscow's Outskirts, A Town Braces For New COVID-19 Hospital RFE/RL 19 Mar 2020 -- A fleet of excavators, graders, and dump trucks are busily leveling a large field outside this village on the southwestern outskirts of greater Moscow. If all goes according to the city's plan, a brand-new 500-bed hospital for patients with COVID-19 -- the illness caused by the new coronavirus -- should open its doors in about a month.
Date Set For Trial Of U.S. Citizen Charged With 'Espionage' In Russia RFE/RL 19 Mar 2020 -- The trial of a former U.S. Marine who is being held in a Moscow prison on espionage charges will start on March 23, his lawyers say.
U.S. Senator Criticizes Russia For Rights Abuses in 'Occcupied Crimea' RFE/RL 18 Mar 2020 -- U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (Democrat-New Jersey) has criticized Russia for what he called "serious human rights" abuses in Crimea during the six years since Russia's "illegal occupation and annexation" of the peninsula from Ukraine.
Putin says coronavirus is 'under control' in Russia Press TV 18 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the coronavirus outbreak in his country is "under control" as the China-generated pathogen continues to take a heavy toll across the world.
EU Monitors Say Pro-Kremlin Media Spread Coronavirus Disinformation RFE/RL 18 Mar 2020 -- Pro-Kremlin media outlets are actively spreading disinformation about coronavirus in an attempt to "undermine public trust" in Western countries, according to an internal European Union document.
Former Top Moscow Investigator Sentenced For Accepting Bribe From Crime Boss RFE/RL 18 Mar 2020 -- The former head of the Moscow branch of Russia's Investigative Committee, Aleksandr Drymanov, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for accepting a bribe from a notorious crime boss.
Coronavirus Fears Aside, Putin Pushes to Expand Power VOA 18 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that would open the door to extending his power might face delays because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected Russia little but ravaged other parts of the globe.
EU Slams Russia For Militarization, Human Rights In Crimea, Six Years After Referendum RFE/RL 16 Mar 2020 -- The European Union has slammed Russia for its increasing militarization of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and human rights transgressions six years after its "illegal" annexation.
Militants in Syria's Idlib not complying with ceasefire: Russian Foreign Ministry Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry says foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants are not complying with the terms of a ceasefire reached earlier this month by Ankara and Moscow to halt an escalation of violence in Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib.
Turkish-backed militants undermine Russia-Turkey joint patrols in Idlib Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have cut short their first joint patrol in Syria's Idlib after Turkish-based militants blocked a main roadway liberated by the Syrian army in January.
Russia Constitutional Court approves amendments enabling Putin to seek new term Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- Russia's Constitutional Court has approved the proposed amendments to the country's constitution, including the one that would allow Vladimir Putin to run again for president in 2024.
Russia Without Putin Is A Failed State, State Media Boss Says RFE/RL 16 Mar 2020 -- Russian state media boss Dmitry Kiselyov said his country would be a failed state without President Vladimir Putin as he sought to justify constitutional changes that would allow the former KGB colonel to hang on to power until 2036.
Russian Scholars, Legal Experts Sign Up Against 'Constitutional Coup' RFE/RL 16 Mar 2020 -- Hundreds of scholars, journalists, and legal experts in Russia have warned in an open letter that the country faces a "deep constitutional crisis and an illegal, unconstitutional coup" as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on a raft of amendments that could, among other things, allow President Vladimir Putin to run for two additional terms.
Russia Announces $4 Billion Fund To Help Economy Cope With Oil Plunge, Virus Impact RFE/RL 16 Mar 2020 -- Russia, hit by falling oil prices and the coronavirus outbreak, has announced the formation of a $4 billion fund as part of a package of measures to support the economy.
Russia, Turkey launch patrol mission in Syria's Idlib Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have begun jointly patrolling the strategic M4 highway in Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib as part of a ceasefire reached earlier this month.
Russia, Turkey Carry Out First Joint Patrol In Syria RFE/RL 15 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Turkey carried out their first joint patrol along an east-west highway in northwest Syria on March 15, although the route was reportedly cut short due to militant activity.
Syrian Civil War Enters 10th Year As Russia, Turkey Struggle To Maintain Truce RFE/RL 15 Mar 2020 -- Syria's bloody civil war enters its 10th year with the government of President Bashar al-Assad appearing to be consolidating his hold on power, backed by crucial military and political support from Russia and Iran.
Russian Military Police Arrive for Holding Joint Patrol With Turkey in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 15 Mar 2020 -- The situation in northern Syria recently calmed down, as Moscow and Ankara reached a ceasefire, suspending clashes between Syrian forces on the one side, and Turkish troops and Turkey-backed militants on the other.
'A Whole New Ecosystem': Independent Journalism Learns To Survive In Putin's Russia RFE/RL 15 Mar 2020 -- The decades of President Vladimir Putin's rule in Russia have been unkind to the country's independent media.
Russia's Putin approves constitutional changes, asks court for opinion Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on legislation containing constitutional reforms, including an amendment that would enable the incumbent to potentially remain in office until 2036.
Russia recommends higher education switch to distance learning over coronavirus fears Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- Russia has recommended that higher educational institutions switch to distance learning over fears of the current coronavirus global pandemic.
Georgia, Russia Close Land Border Due to Coronavirus - Tbilisi Sputnik 15 Mar 2020 -- Georgia and Russia have decided to close the border for travelers due to coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic, the Georgian government said on Sunday.
Russia Confirms 14 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Number Reaches 59 Sputnik 14 Mar 2020 -- According to the coronavirus response centre, all people who got infected have recently visited countries that were hit hard with the coronavirus, and everyone who contacted them would be put under supervision.
Russia Bans Upper House Lawmakers From Travelling Abroad Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Sputnik 14 Mar 2020 -- According to Russian Upper House speaker Valentina Matvienko, visits by foreign delegations from those countries deemed "dangerous" in terms of the coronavirus outbreak have also been suspended.
Russia will close land borders with Poland, Norway over coronavirus pandemic: Premier Press TV 14 Mar 2020 -- Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says Russia will close its land borders with Poland and Norway in a bid to curb the spread of the new coronavirus global pandemic.
Putin Formally Signs Off On Constitutional Changes That Allow Him To Extend Power RFE/RL 14 Mar 2020 -- Russia's Constitutional Court convened for an urgent session on March 14 to launch a review of constitutional amendments that, among other changes, would allow Vladimir Putin to run again for president in 2024.
Putin Signs Constitutional Amendments Into Law Sputnik 14 Mar 2020 -- The constitutional reform legislation put forward by Putin includes the expansion of the Parliament's powers, a ban on senior officials from having a residence permit in other countries, a limit on the number of presidential terms, the main law's precedence over international agreements, and strengthening the social obligations of the state.
Russia's Marshal Shaposhnikov Destroyer to Receive Cutting-Edge Sea Stealth Armament - Report Sputnik 14 Mar 2020 -- The Marshal Shaposhnikov destroyer of the Russian Pacific Navy fleet is currently docked and under repair. The large-anti submarine vessel will reportedly receive a cutting-edge upgrade of its formidable armament.
Russia Confirms 11 New Coronavirus Cases in Past 24 Hours - Health Authorities Sputnik 13 Mar 2020 -- Russia has registered 11 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the coronavirus response centre said on Friday, adding that six out of 11 cases were detected in Moscow and in the Moscow Region.
Turkey, Russia flesh out Syria ceasefire deal: Ankara Press TV 13 Mar 2020 -- Turkey and Russia have agreed to begin joint patrols along a key highway in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib as part of a recent ceasefire agreement between the two sides, Turkey's defense minister says.
The Week In Russia: Zero Hour RFE/RL 13 Mar 2020 -- In a country with the formal trappings of a democracy, Russian President Vladimir Putin has held onto power for over 20 years while adhering to the letter of the law, or at least the constitution as it applies to the presidency -- and arguably even to its spirit.
All Russian Regions OK Constitutional Amendments Paving Way For Putin To Run Again RFE/RL 13 Mar 2020 -- All of Russia's regions have approved new amendments to the constitution, a step that opens the possibility of President Vladimir Putin remaining in power for another 16 years.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 12, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Mar 2020
Kremlin's Fiscal Strength Put To The Test By Plummeting Oil Prices RFE/RL 12 Mar 2020 -- Earlier this month, Russia's finance minister had this to say about the health of the government's budget and the global benchmark for oil prices, which was trading at around $50 a barrel: Even if prices dropped to $30 a barrel, Anton Siluanov said, the government would be able to operate without difficulty for four years.
Russian Constitutional Amendments Spark Protests, Police Detentions RFE/RL 12 Mar 2020 -- Police in St. Petersburg and several other Russian cities have detained activists during and ahead of protests against sweeping constitutional amendments that open the possibility for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power for another 16 years.
Allied fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft NATO 11 Mar 2020 -- Fighter jets from several NATO countries scrambled on Wednesday (11 March 2020) to intercept Russian military aircraft off the western coasts of Scotland and Ireland and over the Gulf of Biscay.
Moscow Bans Large-Scale Events Over Virus Fears, Ukraine Receives Rapid Test Kits RFE/RL 11 Mar 2020 -- Moscow authorities have banned all mass public events of more than 5,000 people for a month to fight the coronavirus.
WHO Declares Coronavirus Pandemic As Russia Cancels More Flights To Europe RFE/RL 11 Mar 2020 -- Russia is canceling flights to many European destinations due to fears of the new coronavirus spreading as the World Health Organization (WHO) designates the outbreak a pandemic.
Russia's Zircon Hypersonic Missile to Be Test-Launched From Underwater – Reports Sputnik 11 Mar 2020 -- The Zircon, a scramjet-powered maneuverable anti-ship cruise missile capable of accelerating to speeds of up to 11,100 km an hour, is one of half-a-dozen or so strategic systems being developed by Russia's military to help ensure global strategic stability.
Erdogan Threatens 'Tougher' Action in Idlib if Russia-Turkey Brokered Ceasefire is Breached Sputnik 11 Mar 2020 -- Russia, Syria's key military ally, brokered a ceasefire with Turkey after a weeks-long period of escalation in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib. Days later, Turkish President Erdogan is accusing Syria of violating the deal.
Russia's upper house overwhelmingly approves Putin-proposed reforms Press TV 11 Mar 2020 -- Russia's upper house of parliament has overwhelmingly approved constitutional reforms that would allow President Vladimir Putin to run for two more six-year terms.
Russia's Federation Council Approves Bill Allowing Putin To Run For New Term RFE/RL 11 Mar 2020 -- Russian lawmakers have given their final approval to sweeping constitutional amendments that open the possibility for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power for another 16 years.
Upper House of Russian Parliament Approves Bill on Constitutional Amendments Sputnik 11 Mar 2020 -- Earlier in the day, the lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, approved the presidential bill on the amendment to the national constitution.
Calculation, Chaos, And A Cosmonaut's Speech: Five Takeaways From Putin's Big Bombshell RFE/RL 11 Mar 2020 -- The most obvious answer to the question of why Vladimir Putin is giving himself the option of seeking two more terms as Russian president is also the simplest one: He wants to stay in the Kremlin until 2036. Behind the scenes, it may be a bit more complicated.
Russian State Duma Approves Bill on Amendments to Constitution Sputnik 11 Mar 2020 -- In late January, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a bill to the Duma on amendments to the fundamental law with changes that aim to develop provisions that enshrine the foundations of the constitutional system, including human and civil rights and freedoms.
Russia's Putin Hints at New Path to Staying in Power VOA 11 Mar 2020 -- Russian leader Vladimir Putin threw his weight behind proposals to amend Russia's current constitutional cap on presidential term limits – a move that opens the door to Putin, 67, staying in power far beyond the end of his current and, in theory, final term in 2024.
Belarusian PM Optimistic After Talks With Russian Counterpart Over Oil Prices RFE/RL 11 Mar 2020 -- Belarusian Prime Minister Syarhey Rumas says a sharp drop in oil prices has opened room for Minsk to reach an agreement with Moscow over supplies.
US, Canada jets intercept Russia reconnaissance aircraft above Alaska: NORAD Press TV 10 Mar 2020 -- US and Royal Canadian air force fighter jets have intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has claimed.
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons US Dept. of State 10 Mar 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the NPT.
Putin Opens The Door - Wide - To Staying On As President Past 2024 RFE/RL 10 Mar 2020 -- In 2012, after four years of ostensibly playing second fiddle to Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency.
Russian Lawmakers OK Constitutional Change That Would Allow Putin To Run In 2024 RFE/RL 10 Mar 2020 -- Russia's lower chamber of parliament, the State Duma, has approved a constitutional amendment that would allow President Vladimir Putin to run for a new term in 2024.
Russia's lower house of parliament votes to scrap presidential term limits Press TV 10 Mar 2020 -- Russia's lower chamber of parliament has approved a constitutional amendment that would allow incumbent President Vladimir Putin to potentially run for a new term in 2024 by suspending a law that limits presidents to two consecutive terms.
The Reasons And Risks Behind Russia's Big Oil Bet RFE/RL 10 Mar 2020 -- For years now, Russia has been laser-focused on insulating itself from an external economic shock.
Russia-Saudi Oil Spat Sends Shock Waves Through Moscow Markets RFE/RL 10 Mar 2020 -- Russian stocks were down sharply across the board in early trading on March 10 after a public holiday, following a crash in oil prices that saw the ruble tumble and global markets plunge.
U.S. Official: New START Treaty Should Cover Russian Weapon Systems Under Development RFE/RL 10 Mar 2020 -- An extension of the last remaining nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia should include new weapons systems that Moscow is developing, a U.S. State Department official said in a briefing on March 9.
Russia's Pacific Fleet Forms Two New Anti-Submarine Strike Groups Sputnik 09 Mar 2020 -- Consisting of five destroyers, two corvettes and a Slava-class cruiser, the Pacific Fleet is also home to eight ballistic and cruise missile submarines, nearly a dozen attack subs, and dozens of smaller ships, as well as aircraft and Naval Infantry units.
British Typhoon Fighters Escort Russian Tu-142 ASW Aircraft Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- Earlier, the Northern Fleet press service reported that two Russian Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft had flown over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea and North Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, in anticipation of the start of NATO exercises in Norway.
Moscow goes 'high alert', will jail people ignoring coronavirus self-isolation rules Press TV 08 Mar 2020 -- In Moscow, there is now a 'high alert regime' and authorities have imposed extra measures to contain the outbreak of the new coronavirus; meanwhile, the battle against COVID-19 goes on in other parts of the globe.
Three New COVID-19 Cases Registered in Russia Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- Russia has confirmed three new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in people who visited Italy within the past fortnight, the Russian coronavirus response center said on Sunday.
Russian Military Police Continue Patrols of Syria's Northern Provinces Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- Russian military police are continuing to patrol the Syrian-Turkish border in the north Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Raqqah and Hasakah, the head of the Russian Defen?e Ministry's cent?? for Syria reconciliation, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev said on Sunday.
Russian Military Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Settlement Near Syria's Aleppo Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Center in Syria has delivered humanitarian aid to residents of the Syrian Amiria village near the city of Aleppo.
Reports: Russian Tally Of Coronavirus Cases Rises To 17 RFE/RL 07 Mar 2020 -- Russian news agencies say four new cases of coronavirus have been identified, bringing the country's tally of confirmed cases to 17.
Russia Registers 4 New COVID-19 Cases Sputnik 07 Mar 2020 -- Russia has four new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in people who recently returned from Italy, the Russian coronavirus response centre said on Saturday.
Russian Military Police Patrol Syria's Aleppo, Raqqah, Hasakah Provinces Sputnik 07 Mar 2020 -- Russian military police are continuing to patrol the Syrian-Turkish border in the north Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Raqqah and Hasakah, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syria reconciliation, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev said on Saturday.
More Nord Stream 2 Sanctions On Horizon? U.S. Senator And Ukraine's Naftogaz Discuss Ways To Halt Controversial Gas Pipeline RFE/RL 07 Mar 2020 -- U.S. and Ukrainian efforts to stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 project from being completed have not ended with the December passage of U.S. sanctions that have effectively prevented vessels from laying the final stretch of the natural-gas pipeline.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 6, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Mar 2020
In U.S. Hacker Trial, The Tangled Web Of Russia's Cyberunderground Is Further Exposed RFE/RL 06 Mar 2020 -- In March 2012, a 25-year-old Russian computer whiz named Yevgeny Nikulin sat with several others in a conference room in a hotel in eastern Moscow. A video taken by a Ukrainian named Oleksandr Ieremenko showed them discussing plans for an Internet cafe business and other matters.
U.S., Britain Again Accuse Russia Of Cyberattacks On Georgia RFE/RL 06 Mar 2020 -- The United States, Britain, and Estonia have accused Russian military intelligence of conducting massive cyberattacks against the Georgian government and media websites in a bid "to sow discord and disrupt the lives of ordinary Georgians."
Russia Ramps Up Response to Coronavirus VOA 06 Mar 2020 -- Russia has ramped up efforts to battle the spread of the coronavirus, imposing a "high-alert regime" in the capital and canceling a flagship international economic forum in St. Petersburg as precautionary measures.
Russian S-400 Air Defence Systems Will Enter Service in Turkey in April - Erdogan Sputnik 06 Mar 2020 -- Russian-made S-400 air defence missile systems will enter service in Turkey in April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.
Cease-fire in Syria Largely Holds on First Day VOA 06 Mar 2020 -- Monitors in Syria said Friday that a cease-fire was largely holding on the first day of a truce between Russia, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, and Turkey, which backs some Syrian rebel groups.
Terrorists must be eradicated first and foremost by Syrian forces, Moscow says Press TV 06 Mar 2020 -- It is the responsibility of the Syrian Armed Forces to eradicate the militants and terrorists operating in Syria, says the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.
The Week In Russia: The Not-So-Basic Law And The Goal In Syria RFE/RL 06 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Constitution is often called the Basic Law. It's about to get less basic.
Amid Questions About Political Future, Putin Says He Doesn't Intend To Become Head Of State Council RFE/RL 06 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he did not intend to head a newly empowered State Council once his presidency formally ends in 2024.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Files Suit Against Russia At European Rights Court RFE/RL 06 Mar 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny and his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have lodged a complaint against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights claiming authorities are "unlawfully" impeding their political activities.
U.S. Defense Chief Assails Russia's 'Noncompliance' With Open Skies Treaty RFE/RL 05 Mar 2020 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper accused Russia of violating the Treaty on Open Skies, saying Moscow has been blocking the United States from conducting flights over the Baltic Sea city of Kaliningrad and near Georgia, which are permitted by the agreement.
Russia, Turkey reach deal on midnight ceasefire in Syria's Idlib Press TV 05 Mar 2020 -- The Russian and Turkish presidents say they have come to an agreement on an imminent ceasefire regime in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, where Turkish violations have brought about an unwarranted flare-up of already high levels of violence.
Russian, Turkish Leaders Agree To Cease-Fire In Syria's Idlib Region RFE/RL 05 Mar 2020 -- Turkey and Russia say they have agreed to a cease-fire for the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, as Ankara and Moscow sought to ease tensions over a flare-up in violence in Syria.
Russian and Turkish Presidents Reach Cease-Fire Deal in Northwestern Syria VOA 05 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday agreed to a cease-fire in northwestern Syria, following talks in Moscow on easing tensions in the region.
Kremlin Critic Navalny's Group Fined For Failing To Register As Foreign Agent RFE/RL 05 Mar 2020 -- A Russian court has fined opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) for failing to register as a foreign agent under a controversial Russian law.
US Accuses Russia of Spreading Fear, Panic on Coronavirus VOA 05 Mar 2020 -- The United States is accusing Russia of opening up its entire disinformation playbook to prey on growing fears about the spread of the coronavirus.
Erdogan, Putin to Seek to Avoid Clash Over Syria's Idlib VOA 04 Mar 2020 -- Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan heads to Moscow on Thursday for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at de-escalating tensions between the armies of Turkey, a NATO member, and Russia, a nuclear superpower, in Syria's war-torn Idlib province.
Russia rejects claims by Turkey, US on Idlib situation as 'incorrect' Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- Russia says the allegations by Turkey, the United States, and some European countries that a humanitarian crisis has been caused in northwestern Syria as a result of Syrian and Russian military operations to retake territory from dangerous armed militants there are incorrect.
Russia won't stop terror fight in Syria to solve EU's refugee problem: Lavrov Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- Russia says it will not stop fighting terrorism in Syria alongside the Damascus government because of European concerns over a new influx of refugees into the continent.
Manhattan, Mishustin, Magnitsky, Millions: The Armani-Designed New York Condo Where Connected Russians Have Bought Apartments RFE/RL 03 Mar 2020 -- When Soviet-born diamond billionaire Lev Leviev reopened 20 Pine Street as a luxury condominium in the late 2000s, it symbolized the ongoing transformation of New York City's famed Financial District into a partly residential neighborhood: a place where money and the moneyed rub shoulders.
We cannot guarantee safety of your planes over Syria: Russia to Turkey Press TV 02 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has warned Turkey that it cannot 'guarantee the safety' of Turkish flights over Syria.
Turkey: Erdogan, Putin To Meet In Moscow This Week For Syria Talks RFE/RL 02 Mar 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will hold talks this week in Moscow amid mounting tensions in Syria, Turkey's presidency said March 2.
Erdogan Hopes for Idlib Cease-fire in Putin Talks VOA 02 Mar 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday he hopes to reach a cease-fire deal for Syria's Idlib province during talks this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia, Turkey agree to scale down tensions in Syria's Idlib People's Daily 01 Mar 2020 -- Foreign and defense officials from Russia and Turkey have reiterated their commitment to "reducing tensions on the ground" in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
Russia Can't Guarantee Safety of Turkish Aviation in Syria After Damascus Shuts Idlib Airspace – MoD Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- As tensions run high in Syria's Idlib amid Thursday's spike in hostilities, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Sunday that the "Turkish regime's terrorist forces" downed two aircraft - thought to be fighter jets - belonging to the Damascus forces.
Kremlin Responds to Erdogan's Request That Russia 'Step Aside' in Syria Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to "get out of Turkey's way" and to leave Ankara "face to face" with Damascus in the renegade Syrian province of Idlib.
Putin Says Oil Prices 'Acceptable' Ahead Of OPEC+ Meeting RFE/RL 01 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called current oil price levels "acceptable" in a possible sign that Moscow is willing to bend when the world's biggest oil exporters gather this week in Vienna to discuss supply curbs as coronavirus effects pummel oil demand and prices.

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March 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News