April 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News

Why Is Russia's Coronavirus Death Toll So Low? RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- When Anna Lopatina, a 41-year-old nurse at a hospital in Astrakhan, a city in southern Russia, fell ill in late March, she immediately took a test for COVID-19. It returned negative several days later, and Lopatina continued to go to work, living with her elderly parents, her sister, and her child. Then her fever returned.
Russian Prime Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- His first deputy, Andrey Belousov, will be filling in for him in his position, but the final decision on economic aid to Russian citizens will be cleared with the prime minister.
Russian PM Tests Positive For Coronavirus RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says he will self-isolate after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Russia Says Suspected Terrorists 'Liquidated' In Yekaterinburg RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK) says security forces have "liquidated" three suspected extremists in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.
World Anti-Doping Agency Completes Probe Into Russian Sports Cheating RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has completed an investigation into nearly 300 Russia athletes, with almost half showing evidence of manipulation.
Kremlin Says There Are No Signals That Russia Sanctions May Be Eased Sputnik 30 Apr 2020 -- There are currently no signals that Russia sanctions may be eased by the Western countries, and this issue is not discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the talks with foreign partners, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Russia ready to sell Iraq S-400 missile systems upon Baghdad request: Ambassador Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Russian Ambassador to Iraq Maksim Maksimov says Moscow is prepared to provide Baghdad with advanced S-400 air defense missile systems once the Arab country makes an official request for the military hardware.
US attempts to present itself as part of Iran nuclear deal have 'no future': Russian envoy Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has lambasted the US for trying to present Washington as still a participant to Iran's nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying such attempts have "no future."
Russia Calls Prague Poison Plot 'Fabrications' As Spy Drama Deepens RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia's foreign minister has dismissed claims a Russian agent was sent to Prague to poison its mayor and two other city officials as "fabrications," in the highest-level denial yet on an issue that is straining ties between the two countries.
Alleged Kremlin Poison Plot Highlights Czechs' Russian Spy Problem RFE/RL 30 Apr 2020 -- A suspected Russian intelligence agent was reported to have flown into the Czech capital with a deadly mission.
Russia: US use of low-yield nukes would still be nuclear attack, draw retaliation Press TV 30 Apr 2020 -- Russia has warned that any attack by the United States involving its low-yield submarine-launched ballistic missiles would still be construed as nuclear aggression and would draw all-out nuclear retaliation.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, April 29, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Apr 2020
Tajik Lawmakers Approve Bill Banning Russified Surnames RFE/RL 29 Apr 2020 -- Tajik lawmakers have approved a bill banning the issuance of new identification documents and birth certificates for ethnic Tajiks containing Russified surnames, the latest attempt to revive traditional names.
Reports: Top Russian FSB General Linked To 2014 MH17 Disaster Over Ukraine RFE/RL 29 Apr 2020 -- Open-source researchers have linked a top general in Russia's main security and intelligence agency to the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine.
Turkey, Russia conduct 6th joint patrol in Idlib of Syria Global Times 29 Apr 2020 -- Turkish and Russian troops on Tuesday held their sixth joint patrol along key M-4 highway in northwestern Idlib province of Syria, Turkish Defense Ministry said.
Russia Threatens Massive Response if US Deploys Low-Yield Nukes on Subs VOA 29 Apr 2020 -- Russia is warning that any U.S. attempt to use a low-yield nuclear weapon against a Russian target would set off a massive nuclear response.
Prague District Mayor Says Russian Agent Sent To 'Liquidate Me' RFE/RL 29 Apr 2020 -- A Prague district mayor says he is under police protection after authorities informed him that he and two other Prague officials, including the city's mayor, were the targets of a Russian agent sent to the Czech capital to "liquidate" them.
U.S. Religious-Freedom Report Cites Improvement in Uzbekistan, Deterioration In Russia RFE/RL 28 Apr 2020 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is proposing the State Department remove Uzbekistan from its "worst of the worst" list of offenders of religious freedom, while reiterating that Russia should be put on that list.
Meeting with regional heads on countering the spread of the coronavirus President of Russia 28 Apr 2020 -- The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with heads of the Russian regions on countering the spread of the coronavirus infection.
Russia sees record rise in coronavirus cases, deaths SPA 28 Apr 2020 -- Russia saw a record daily rise in new coronavirus cases and related deaths on Tuesday, its coronavirus crisis response centre said, according to Reuters.
Putin Says Russia Facing Difficult Stage of Epidemic, Urges Self-Isolation Extension Until 11 May Sputnik 28 Apr 2020 -- The Russian president has called for enhanced self-discipline in the run-up to the May holidays in the country, which are traditionally observed on 1-2 May and 9 May, the Victory Day, so as to halt as quickly as possible the spread of the novel virus.
Norway Scrambles F-16s to Escort Russia's Tu-22M3s Over Barents, Norwegian Seas Sputnik 28 Apr 2020 -- Norway scrambled F-16 fighters to escort Russian long-range bombers Tu-22M3, who made a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian seas, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.
Russia Charges U.S. With Seeking 'Dominance' In Arctic RFE/RL 28 Apr 2020 -- Russia's ambassador to Denmark on April 27 accused the United States of pursuing a "policy of confrontation" in the Arctic region in a bid to "achieve dominance."
Poll Finds Russians' Trust In Putin Dips To Lowest Point In 14 Years RFE/RL 28 Apr 2020 -- A survey by Russia's main state-funded pollster shows that trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin fell in March to its lowest in 14 years.
Russian FM Source Says Moscow 'Surprised' at Haftar's Claims of LNA's Control Over Libya Sputnik 28 Apr 2020 -- Russia finds surprising the claims by Libyan National Army (LNA) commander, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, that the LNA assumes leadership over the country, and keeps insisting that the crisis cannot be solved militarily, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Zarif, Lavrov dismiss US new plan for JCPOA as impractical, delusional IRNA 28 Apr 2020 -- Foreign Ministers of Iran and Russia on Tuesday rejected a new US plan about a 2015 Iran nuclear deal – known as JCPOA.
Zarif, Lavrov reject US new plan for JCPOA as impracticable ISNA 28 Apr 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation on Tuesday, rejecting US delusional plan for Iran nuclear deal as impracticable.
Amid Czech Claims Of Poisoning Plot, Moscow Says It's Victim Of 'Slander' RFE/RL 28 Apr 2020 -- Russia has rejected as slander a Czech media report of an alleged poisoning plot against Prague officials, including the city's mayor, as the Czech counterintelligence agency refuses to comment on the allegations.
COVID-19: Russia Overtakes China With More Than 87,100 Cases RFE/RL 27 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 207,000 with nearly 3 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Cold War Foes U.S., Russia, Spark Biggest Military Spending Jump In A Decade RFE/RL 27 Apr 2020 -- Global military spending surged the most in a decade last year, boosted by Cold War foes the United States and Russia, as well as China, Saudi Arabia, and India.
Russia slams US 'hypocrisy' for condemning IRGC satellite with 2231 UNSC resolution Press TV 27 Apr 2020 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations has slammed Washington's "hypocrisy" for condemning Iran's recent launch of an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps satellite citing UN Security Council resolution 2231.
NATO's Stoltenberg Blasts Chinese, Russian Disinformation About Coronavirus RFE/RL 27 Apr 2020 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has accused China and Russia of spreading disinformation regarding the organization's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia to Deliver 40+ Tonnes of Medicine to Venezuela to Fight COVID by 9 May - Ambassador Sputnik 26 Apr 2020 -- Russia plans to ship more than 40 tonnes of medicine to Venezuela to fight against coronavirus, Russia's Ambassador to Caracas Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov said.
Russian Defence Ministry Releases Data on COVID-19 Among Servicemen For the First Time Sputnik 26 Apr 2020 -- The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Russia was updated on 26 April to 80,949, with a death toll of 747, according to the Russian government data. Over 6,700 people are said to have recovered from COVID-19 in the country.
Russia Cuts Off Wheat, Other Grain Exports RFE/RL 26 Apr 2020 -- The Russian Agriculture Ministry announced on April 26 that it was suspending its export of most grains until July 1, seemingly shrugging off warnings from international organizations who are asking countries not to disrupt global food supply chains during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Moscow Calls US Attempts to Cast Doubt on Russian Nuclear Standards Unacceptable Sputnik 25 Apr 2020 -- oscow will study the new US energy strategy, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Saturday, adding that so far it was obvious that Washington was trying to revive the national uranium industry, while attempts to cast doubt on Russia's high standards in the nuclear field were unacceptable.
Czechs See Signs Of Russian Role In Cyberattacks As Tensions Remain High RFE/RL 24 Apr 2020 -- A recent wave of coordinated cyberattacks in the Czech Republic is likely tied to malware linked to Russia, Czech Internet security experts say.
Moldova's Pro-Moscow President Says Suspension Of Russian Loan Risks Economic Crisis RFE/RL 24 Apr 2020 -- Moldovan President Igor Dodon has accused the opposition of triggering an economic crisis during the coronavirus pandemic by blocking a 200 million-euro ($215 million) loan agreement with Russia.
The Week In Russia: How COVID-19 Is Changing The Landscape RFE/RL 24 Apr 2020 -- One of the questions people living in lockdown around the world are asking is this: Will anything ever be the same again?
Despite Criticism, Putin Signs Bill Changing Date For End Of WWII RFE/RL 24 Apr 2020 -- Despite criticism from his human rights council, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill on marking the end of the World War II on September 3, a day later than the date recognized by most countries.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 23, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Apr 2020
Differences Around WHO's Coronavirus Response Undermine G7 Format - Moscow Sputnik 23 Apr 2020 -- The G7 format is undermined dramatically by differences on the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 response, with some leaders first pledging full support to the WHO and then making opposite statements, the deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's foreign policy planning department said on Thursday.
Moscow Mayor Doesn't Want to Use Troops in COVID-19 Response Like Other Countries Sputnik 23 Apr 2020 -- Moscow authorities do not want to use troops to enforce the coronavirus restrictions like some large cities in other countries did, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Thursday.
U.S. Aid To Greenland Looks To Counter Russian, Chinese Influence In Arctic RFE/RL 23 Apr 2020 -- The United States will give $12 million in economic aid to Greenland and open a consulate on the island in a bid to strengthen mutual ties and counter growing Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic.
A Trump-Putin 'Reset'? Flurry Of Communication Points To Behind-The-Scenes Diplomacy RFE/RL 23 Apr 2020 -- On March 30, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by telephone, the first of five calls between the two over the next five weeks, a flurry of communication unprecedented during Trump's 3 1/2 years in office.
COVID-19: Russian Communists Break Lockdown Rules To Mark Lenin's 150th Birthday RFE/RL 22 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 178,000 with more than 2.5 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
FMs of Iran, Russia, Turkey stress consultations within Astana process as best solution to Syria crisis Press TV 22 Apr 2020 -- The Iranian, Turkish and Russian foreign ministers have emphasized the need to continue consultations and coordination among the three guarantors of the Astana process as the most effective format for the settlement of the crisis in Syria.
EU Monitors See Coordinated COVID-19 Disinformation Effort By Iran, Russia, China RFE/RL 22 Apr 2020 -- EU monitors have identified a "trilateral convergence of disinformation narratives" being promoted by China, Iran, and Russia on the coronavirus pandemic and say they are being "multiplied" in a coordinated manner, according to an internal document seen by RFE/RL.
'The Government Knows Where You Live': Russia's Journalists Walk A Dangerous Tightrope Covering COVID-19 Pandemic RFE/RL 22 Apr 2020 -- The Novosibirsk-based news website Taiga.info recently published an interview with a woman who told the independent outlet that she called an ambulance after experiencing severe flu-like symptoms that she feared could be COVID-19. The paramedics who showed up had no gloves, masks, or other personal protective equipment (PPE), she said.
With Little Government Support, Some Russians Under Lockdown Are Resorting To Protest -- Both Online And Offline RFE/RL 22 Apr 2020 -- An opera singer spent weeks encouraging residents of Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia's North Ossetia region, to protest against a lockdown imposed by the authorities in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.
Lenin At 150: Even Without COVID-19, Russia Was Set To Snub The Soviet Union's Founder RFE/RL 21 Apr 2020 -- When the 100th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin's birth rolled around in 1970, the Soviet Union pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion. Commemorative stamps were printed; coins were minted; medals were struck. A vast new wing was opened at the Lenin museum in Ulyanovsk, the Volga River city where he was born and raised. In Kurgan Oblast, a vast grove of trees was planted to spell out "Lenin 100," a living monument that can be seen from space 50 years later.
Senate Intel Releases New Report on Intel Community Assessment of Russian Interference Senate Select Committee on Intelligence 21 Apr 2020 -- "Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released a new report, titled "Review of the Intelligence Community Assessment," the fourth and penultimate volume in the Committee's bipartisan Russia investigation."
Senate Committee: 'No Reason To Dispute' 2017 U.S. Intelligence Conclusion On Russian Meddling RFE/RL 21 Apr 2020 -- In a bipartisan report, the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee has reaffirmed its support for the intelligence community's assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election with the goal of helping Donald Trump get elected.
US threatens Turkey with sanctions over purchase of Russian S-400 systems Press TV 21 Apr 2020 -- The United States has once again threatened that Turkey could face sanctions if it proceeds with the installation of the S-400 missile systems that it has purchased from Russia, repeating the call for Ankara to cancel the deal with Moscow, which has been a major bone of contention between the two NATO allies.
Russia Starts Adapting RD-180 Engine Used in US for Super-Heavy Yenisei Rocket - Roscosmos Sputnik 21 Apr 2020 -- Russia's Energomash rocket engine manufacturer, which is part of state space corporation Roscosmos, has started to adapt RD-180 engines, which have been in use for US Atlas carrier rockets, and the medium-class Soyuz-6 and super-heavy Yenisei launch vehicles, Energomash Director General Igor Arbuzov has said.
Venezuela Expects Further COVID-19 Humanitarian Aid Shipment From Russia – Caracas Sputnik 20 Apr 2020 -- Russia has guaranteed the delivery of another shipment of medical supplies to Venezuela to slow the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. A virtual meeting of medical officials from both countries is expected in the coming days, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
COVID-19: Iran Loosens Restrictions; Russian Cases Spike RFE/RL 20 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 167,000 with more than 2.43 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation President of Russia 20 Apr 2020 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation in video conference format.
Int'l community should support WHO's efforts against COVID-19: Russian health minister People's Daily 20 Apr 2020 -- The international community should support the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against the COVID-19, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a videoconference of G20 health ministers on Sunday.
Russia's COVID-19 cases exceed 40,000 People's Daily 20 Apr 2020 -- Russia has registered a new daily record of 6,060 COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours, raising the total number to 42,853 as of Sunday, official data showed.
Russia's Coronavirus Peak Still Ahead - Putin Sputnik 20 Apr 2020 -- Russia recorded over 4,200 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, with the total surpassing 47,100.
Second Unsafe Intercept by Russia in U.S. Sixth Fleet NNS 20 Apr 2020 -- For the second time in four days, Russian pilots flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner while intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in U.S. Sixth Fleet, 19 April, 2020.
US Navy Says Russian Su-35 Intercepts Its Surveillance Jet Within 25 Feet for 2nd Time in 4 Days Sputnik 20 Apr 2020 -- A Russian Su-35 has conducted a second "unsafe" intercept of a US surveillance jet in the Mediterranean in four days, flying once again within just 25 feet of a P-8A Poseidon, the US Navy said in a statement.
U.S. Navy Complains Of Second 'Unsafe' Russian Jet Interception In Four Days RFE/RL 20 Apr 2020 -- U.S. military officials have complained that a Russian fighter jet came dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance plane in the Mediterranean Sea, the second such encounter in four days in the region.
Moscow Will Be Able to Sleep Soundly With Its Next-Gen Missile Shield: Here's Why Sputnik 20 Apr 2020 -- The Russian military has been extremely tight-lipped about the development of a successor to the A-135 Amur anti-ballistic missile system, which has guarded the skies of the Russian capital for the past 25 years now. Still, occasionally a bit of information gets through, enabling observers to piece together details about the system's capabilities.
COVID-19: Russia Reports Record Increase In Infections; Putin Says 'Situation Under Full Control' RFE/RL 19 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 163,000 with more than 2.3 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
'All The Hospitals Are Full': Russia's Health-Care System Scrambles As COVID-19 Cases Rise RFE/RL 19 Apr 2020 -- On April 13, ambulance driver Dmitry Belyakov rushed to Zheleznodorozhny, a city just outside Moscow, to pick up a woman in her early 40s with a suspected coronavirus infection.
Russia Reports 6060 New Coronavirus Cases, 48 Deaths SPA 19 Apr 2020 -- Russia reported today 6060 new Coronavirus cases, bringing the total number in the country to 42,853.
Russian Health Minister Says Necessary to Support WHO's Efforts to Combat COVID-19 Sputnik 19 Apr 2020 -- The international community must continue to support the World Health Organisation's (WHO) efforts to combat the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and commit to supporting attempts to improve pandemic response mechanisms, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a video conference of G20 health ministers on Sunday.
Putin Says Coronavirus Situation in Russia is Fully Under Control Sputnik 19 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the country's efforts at combating the coronavirus pandemic saying the nation has managed to handle the threat proactively.
Coronavirus crisis under full control in Russia: Putin Press TV 19 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the coronavirus pandemic is under full control in his country, adding that Moscow has all the necessary resources to protect people's health and support the economy under these circumstances.
Trial by Fire and Sand: Russian Armata Battle Tank Gets Tested in Syria Sputnik 19 Apr 2020 -- As Russia's minister of trade and industry explained, the T-14 Armata main battle tank has no analogues in the world, and is constantly undergoing a cycle of additional tests and upgrades.
'It's Easy To Ruin Someone's Life': Kaliningrad Case Revives Discussion Of Russia's Fake Drug Prosecutions RFE/RL 19 Apr 2020 -- Prosecutors in this western Russian city have opened a criminal investigation into an unspecified number of police officers on suspicion of fabricating a drug-possession case in order to inflate their job performance.
Russia says its coronavirus death toll rises to 313 SPA 18 Apr 2020 -- Russia said on Saturday its death toll from the novel coronavirus had risen to 313, an overnight increase of 40, as it posted a new record daily jump in new cases.
Iraqi parliament demands Baghdad's procurement of Russia's S-400 missile system Press TV 18 Apr 2020 -- The Iraqi parliament's security and defense committee has submitted an in-depth study to the country's caretaker prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, requesting the procurement of the Russian-built long-range, surface-to-air S-400 missile defense system.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 17, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Apr 2020
Russia sends 1st medical aid shipment to Syria to help it combat COVID-19: Ministry Press TV 17 Apr 2020 -- Syria says it has received the first shipment of medical aid from Russia to help Damascus curb the current COVID-19 pandemic in the Arab country.
Medvedev Sees COVID-19 Response Measures in Big Russian Cities as Tough Yet Adequate Sputnik 17 Apr 2020 -- The measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 that are currently in place in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other big cities across Russia are tough but adequate for the existing situation, Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has said in his first interview with Sputnik held through a teleconference.
Meeting on construction and repurposing of medical institutions in the regions President of Russia 17 Apr 2020 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the construction and repurposing of medical institutions to treat patients with the coronavirus infection in the Russian regions.
Locked Up During Lockdown: Russia's Prison Inmates Anxious As Coronavirus Crisis Unfolds RFE/RL 17 Apr 2020 -- In February, Irina's son - who is serving a term in a prison in Novosibirsk Oblast - fell seriously ill. Despite a persistent cough and a steady fever, he was unable to see a doctor for days. And when he did, the prison pharmacy was empty and the doctor was unable to give him anything.
Xi-Putin call shows joint stance against politicizing pandemic Global Times 17 Apr 2020 -- Top leaders of China and Russia spoke on the phone on Thursday night, communicating on epidemic prevention and control and setting a fundamental tone for China-Russia ties amid challenging time marked with uncertainties. Such extremely strong mutual understanding and support to address each other's core concerns shown by the top leaders of the two countries also indicated China-Russia ties are the most stable and solid bilateral relationship between major powers, analysts said.
Pompeo Told Lavrov Any Future Arms Control Talks Must Include China - State Department Sputnik 17 Apr 2020 -- Russia and the United States are parties to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which is set to expire in 2021. It is the last remaining arms control treaty in force between Russia and the United States after the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
U.S.-Russian Crew Lands Safely In Kazakhstan After More Than 200 Days In Space RFE/RL 17 Apr 2020 -- Three members of the U.S.-Russian crew have returned to Earth after spending several months at the International Space Station (ISS).
US Building Ground-Based Network of Offensive Weapons to Jam Russian Satellites – Report Sputnik 17 Apr 2020 -- The Space Force, the newest branch of the US military, has requested over $15.3 billion in funding for operations, equipment and satellite equipment for fiscal year 2021.
Moscow: US Accusing Russia of Missile Tests to Distract From Deployment of American Weapons in Space Sputnik 17 Apr 2020 -- US Space Command accused Russia of testing a direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile on Wednesday, claiming that the test was "another example that the threats to US and allied space systems" were " real, serious and growing."
The Week In Russia: The Coronavirus And Kremlin Control RFE/RL 17 Apr 2020 -- When Russian President Vladimir Putin was cracking down on opponents, critics, and protesters dismayed by his return to the Kremlin in 2012, I asked the human rights activist Lyudmila Alekseyeva how far he would go -- and how close to the murderous methods used by dictator Josef Stalin and other Soviet leaders.
Dialogue With US on Hypersonic Weapons Impossible Without Discussing Antimissile Systems - Moscow Sputnik 17 Apr 2020 -- Russia cannot have a dialogue with the US on new Russian hypersonic weapons without a thorough discussion of US hypersonic projects, its plans to create a global anti-missile system and to deploy weapons in space, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik on Friday, stressing that this was an indisputable precondition of the dialogue.
Putin postpones preparations for May 9 Victory Day parade over coronavirus pandemic Press TV 16 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced postponement of preparations for the grand Victory Day military parade across the country to mark the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II over Nazi Germany amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Russia says US continuing to violate Iran nuclear deal IRNA 17 Apr 2020 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that the United States continues to violate a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal with Iran – known as JCPOA – despite widespread appeal by the international community to save the deal.
Arrested Top Ukrainian Security Officer 'Planned Interior Minister's Assassination' RFE/RL 17 Apr 2020 -- A top security official in Ukraine who was arrested for alleged collaboration with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is suspected in plotting the assassination of Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.
Russia Reports 3,448 Novel Coronavirus Infections, 34 Deaths SPA 16 Apr 2020 -- Russia has reported 3,448 new coronavirus infections and 34 deaths during the past 24 hours.
Russian Government Orders to Use Non-Registered Drug Hydroxychloroquine Against COVID-19 Sputnik 16 Apr 2020 -- The Russian government ordered to use and distribute a non-registered Chinese drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of coronavirus infection, according to a document published on the official legal portal.
Russia faces challenges in coming two weeks to combat COVID-19: expert Global Times 16 Apr 2020 -- New coronavirus cases in Russia have a large possibility of rising continuously in the coming days and the country faces serious, complex challenges in combating the COVID-19 in the next one or two weeks, said a member of China's medical experts aid team to Russia.
US Likely to Soon Decide Not to Extend New START Treaty - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik 16 Apr 2020 -- The New START is the last remaining arms control treaty in force between Russia and the United States after the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Ukraine, pro-Russia forces start first 2020 prisoner swap Press TV 16 Apr 2020 -- The Ukrainian government and pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine have started the first prisoner swap in 2020 as part of measures aimed at easing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.
Ukraine, Russia-Backed Separatists Begin New Round In Prisoner Swap RFE/RL 16 Apr 2020 -- Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists in the east of the country have begun another prisoner swap.
OPCW's Syria report 'lacks due diligence', prepared with 'malicious' intent: Russia Press TV 16 Apr 2020 -- Russia says a recent report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on a series of toxic attacks in western Syria is a repetition of "baseless" accusations earlier levelled by certain states, and has been prepared with "malicious" intent.
Russian Newspaper Forced To Take Down Chechnya Coronavirus Report, Author Threatened RFE/RL 16 Apr 2020 -- Russian independent newspaper Novaya gazeta says it has taken down an article about measures introduced to tackle the coronavirus in the North Caucasus region of Chechnya following a request by the country's media regulator, Roskomnadzor.
Over 3,000 new coronavirus cases in Russia SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Russia's coronavirus response centre on Wednesday confirmed 3,388 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country's tally to 24,490, Reuters reported.
Unsafe Russian Intercept over Mediterranean Sea NNS 15 Apr 2020 -- On April 15, 2020, a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft flying in international airspace over the Mediterranean Sea was intercepted by a Russian SU-35. The interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the SU-35 conducting a high-speed, inverted maneuver, 25 ft. directly in front of the mission aircraft, which put our pilots and crew at risk. The crew of the P-8A reported wake turbulence following the interaction. The duration of the intercept was approximately 42 minutes.
US Navy: Russian Su-35 Conducted 'Unsafe' Interaction With Poseidon Aircraft Over Mediterranean Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- A US P-8A Poseidon aircraft flying in international airspace was intercepted by a Russian Su-35 over the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, according to a news release by the US Navy.
European Parliament Pushes For Eastern Partners' Greater Integration, Slams Russia RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- The European Parliament will call for the creation of a "common economic space" between the EU and the six former Soviet republics of its Eastern Partnership program as part of a process of "gradual integration" into the bloc, according to a draft report seen by RFE/RL on April 15.
COVID-19: New Moscow Permit System Sparks Crowds; Georgia Locks Down Major Cities RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is nearing 128,000 with more than 2 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Russia's Putin Missing in Action, Critics Say VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- In 1941, when German forces blitzed their way into the Soviet Union and destroyed the Russian air force in the western borderlands within 48 hours, then-Soviet dictator Josef Stalin retreated to his dacha and saw no one for several days.
Officials warn Chinese in Russia of high infection risk on return journey Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Frontline experts coping with soaring cases of COVID-19 in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, which is facing increasing pressure of imported cases and a local epidemic, said the region will not become the next Wuhan as it has adequate medical supplies and pursues timely intervention, while warning local governments to remain alert to prevent more cross-infections.
Kremlin on US Suspension of WHO Funding: G20 Supports WHO's Coronavirus Response Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- G20 nations have supported the World Health Organization (WHO)'s coronavirus response at the recent teleconference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, commenting on US President Donald Trump's recent announcement that Washington will suspend WHO funding over its alleged failure to properly tackle COVID-19.
Russia sees Trump's 'selfish' WHO decision 'most concerning' Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump's 'selfish' decision to cut funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) is worthy of condemnation, the Kremlin says.
Russia, Turkey Hold 4th Joint Patrol of M4 Highway in Idlib - Russian Military Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- Russia and Turkey held the fourth joint patrol of the M4 highway in the Syrian province of Idlib, the Russian military said Wednesday.
Turkey: Stance on buying Russian S-400 unchanged; working group can resolve row with US Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- Turkey has once again defied US calls to abandon a deal for the purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, repeating an offer for a NATO-led working group to resolve the long-running dispute with Washington.
Russia tests direct-ascent anti-satellite missile USSPACECOM 15 Apr 2020 -- U.S. Space Command is aware and tracking Russia's direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile test April 15.
US Space Command Claims Russia Tested Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- The US Space Command issued an announcement Wednesday, claiming it had knowledge that Russia had reportedly conducted a test for a direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile.
Oil War And Peace: A Russian-Saudi Standoff Is Over -- At What Cost To The Kremlin? RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- When the alliance of oil-producing countries known as OPEC+ reached a deal to slash crude-oil output by a historic amount, it staved off a further collapse in the price of Russia's main export commodity.
Russia Claims To Break Up Ukrainian Spy Group In Annexed Crimea RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claims to have uncovered a Ukrainian intelligence "sabotage and terrorism" group in annexed Crimea that included a female Russian military officer who allegedly divulged "state secrets."
Ukrainian Spies Trying to Stage Terror Attacks Enlist Russians Detained in Crimea - Security Service Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- Russian law enforcers have detained in Crimea a group of Ukrainian intelligence officers recruiting Russians, trying to organise terror attacks and to steal information containing state secrets, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Wednesday.
Russia may use military resources to fight COVID-19: Putin People's Daily 14 Apr 2020 -- Russia may resort to its military resources in the fight against COVID-19 if the situation in the country continues to worsen, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
Coronavirus Infections in Russia Top 20,000 SPA 14 Apr 2020 -- Russia has reported 2,774 new cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the tally of confirmed cases to 21,102.
US expresses interest in discussing arms control, Russia ready to go ahead Press TV 14 Apr 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the United States has expressed interest in holding talks with Russia about arms control, months after Washington pulled out of a missile treaty with Moscow.
Top Ukrainian Security Official Detained For Alleged Collaboration With Russia's FSB RFE/RL 14 Apr 2020 -- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says one of its top officials has been detained on suspicion of collaborating with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
COVID-19: Russia Reports New Record Daily Increase Of Cases; Iran's Death Toll Surpasses 4,500 RFE/RL 13 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 114,000 with 1.86 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Meeting on sanitary and epidemiologic situation in Russia President of Russia 13 Apr 2020 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the sanitary and epidemiologic situation in Russia.
Putin Says Russia Has So Far Managed to Handle Coronavirus Proactively Sputnik 13 Apr 2020 -- Around 18,000 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Russia so far with only 148 fatalities - one of the lowest coronavirus mortality rates in the world.
OPEC, Russia Approve Oil Production Cut Amid Pandemic RFE/RL 13 Apr 2020 -- OPEC, Russia, and other oil-producing countries have finalized an agreement on an unprecedented oil-production cut in the hope of bolstering global prices that have collapsed due to the coronavirus pandemic and a price war.
Russian Army Receives Its First Backfitted T-90M Tanks Codenamed 'Breakthrough' Sputnik 13 Apr 2020 -- The new modification of the T-90A tank has a highly automated fire control system and a Kord 12.7 mm heavy machine gun that can be operated remotely.
COVID-19: Russia Reports Largest Daily Increase Of Cases; 10,000 Graves Dug In Tehran RFE/RL 12 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 110,000 with almost 1.8 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russia Registers 2,186 New Coronavirus Cases in 24 Hours Bringing Total to 15,770 Sputnik 12 Apr 2020 -- India has recorded 31 new deaths and 827 new cases due to the coronavirus on Sunday, according to the federal health ministry.
China sends medical expert team to Russia People's Daily 12 Apr 2020 -- A team of 10 Chinese medical experts departed from Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, for Russia Saturday morning to help with its fight against the COVID-19.
COVID-19: Moscow Introduces 'Digital Passes' As Officials Warn Of Infection Spike; WHO Says Belarus Must Do More RFE/RL 11 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 107,000 with over 1.7 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russia reports 1,667 new coronavirus cases in last day SPA 11 Apr 2020 -- Russia reported 1,667 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the national tally of confirmed cases to 13,584.
Siberia Snapshot: Krasnoyarsk's Most Vulnerable Families Anxious As COVID-19 Crisis Deepens RFE/RL 11 Apr 2020 -- Even before the coronavirus pandemic swept the world and Russia introduced lockdown measures to combat it, Anastasia Smirnova's situation was precarious.
China-Russia border city seeks help as imported cases of COVID-19 surge Global Times 11 Apr 2020 -- The city on the border of China and Russia, Suifenhe, located in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has been accepting donations from the public as an increasing number of imported coronavirus cases mount huge pressure on the small city.
China sends medical experts, emergency supplies to bolster Russia's COVID-19 fight Global Times 11 Apr 2020 -- A team of 10 medical experts, hailing from Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, along with donated medical supplies,left for Russia on Saturday to help combat the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.
Meeting on rocket and space sector development President of Russia 10 Apr 2020 -- The President held a videoconference meeting on the rocket and space industry's development.
Moscow still at foothills of coronavirus epidemic, far from peak: Mayor Press TV 10 Apr 2020 -- The mayor of Moscow says the Russian capital is still "at the foothills" of its coronavirus epidemic and far from the peak of the outbreak.
'It All Depends On The Body Count': Pandemic Threatens Putin's Spring Of Political Pageantry RFE/RL 10 Apr 2020 -- Aleksandr Kolotushkin is accustomed to being feted. As one of the few remaining World War II veterans in a country that reveres them, he regularly dons his Red Army uniform to visit schools and reminisce about his past before crowds of children.
Trumps says Russia and Saudi Arabia close to deal on reduction of oil production People's Daily 10 Apr 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he believes Russia and Saudi Arabia are close to a deal to cut oil production amid rock-bottom prices, following talks he held with the two nations' leaders.
Saudi Arabia, Russia, U.S. assert cooperation for stability of energy markets People's Daily 10 Apr 2020 -- Saudi Arabia, the United States and Russia have asserted cooperation for the stability of energy markets, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Oil Producers In OPEC+ Group Outline Plan To Cut Output, Expect U.S. To Join RFE/RL 10 Apr 2020 -- Representatives of OPEC, Russia, and other oil-producing countries have outlined a plan to cut production, a move meant to stabilize the global oil market shaken by the coronavirus pandemic.
Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, US President, Russian President Review Exerted Efforts in Light of OPEC+ Meeting and Importance of Joint Cooperation to Maintain Stability of Energy Markets Via Joint Phone Call SPA 10 Apr 2020 -- A joint phone call has been made among the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President Donald Trump of the United States of America and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation.
3 Proton-M Rockets Sent Back to Manufacturer Over Quality Control Issues – Space Industry Source Sputnik 10 Apr 2020 -- Russian space agency Roscosmos recently introduced more stringent quality control measures in a bid to reduce the amount of defective components and equipment in both the commercial and state space sector orders.
The Week In Russia: Putin, Pechenegs, And Pneumonia RFE/RL 10 Apr 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin reaches back more than a millennium to find an analogy for Russia's fight against COVID-19, unleashing a mass of mocking memes. And, as recorded infections rise fast and Putin seeks to signal control over the country's coronavirus response, fresh signs that the official numbers are an undercount emerge.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 9, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Apr 2020
Comment by the Information and Press Department on the Release of the first report by the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team ("Syrian Chemical Dossier") Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Apr 2020-- Established by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as a result of targeted political and legal manipulations by Western countries, the "attributive" Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) released, on April 8, the findings of its first, pilot report on the three alleged chemical incidents in the Syrian village of Ltamenah on March 24, 25 and 30, 2017.
Venezuela Received From Russia Second Batch of Tests to Diagnose Coronavirus Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- Venezuela has received from Russia a second batch of test systems to diagnose the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Russian Embassy in Caracas said.
Syria asks Russia for help to combat COVID-19 Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Syria has officially asked for Russia's assistance to combat the spread of the COVID-19 disease in the Arab country, which is under rounds of crippling economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
Border Closes Between China, Russia as Fears Linger Over a Second Wave Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2020 -- The land border between China and Russia has been closed, leaving an unknown number of Chinese nationals stranded on the Russian side of the border, China's foreign ministry said on Thursday.
China, Russia appear to be in discord over whether to re-open land port amid pandemic Global Times 09 Apr 2020 -- As epidemic wanes in China, North East China's Heilongjiang Province recently came under the spotlight as one of its border cities with Russia, Suifenhe, recorded 118 COVID-19 cases in just 5 days, all of whom were Chinese nationals returning home from Russia.
Putin calls on Russians to stick it out to defeat coronavirus People's Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called on compatriots not to give in and to accept with dignity all the restrictions in order to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
Russia to Send 24 Troops and 5 Vehicles to Bosnia and Herzegovina to Help Fight Coronavirus Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- Russia will send 24 military personnel and equipment to Bosnia and Herzegovina to help fight the coronavirus, the country's Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
US Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Antisubmarine Aircraft Off Alaska Coast - NORAD Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- US F-22 fighter jets intercepted two Russian antisubmarine airplanes in international airspace near the Alaska coast, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement on Thursday.
Russia, Saudi Arabia To Discuss Cutting Oil Output Amid Glut RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Representatives of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia, and other oil-producing countries are set to meet to try to agree to cut output to stabilize the global oil market.
Ukraine, Russia-Backed Separatists Agree On Pre-Easter Prisoner Swap RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in the east of the country have agreed to another prisoner swap ahead of Orthodox Easter celebrations.
OPCW report on Syria chemical attack unreliable: Russia Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Russia has censured as "untrustworthy" a recent report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) – tasked with probing a series of suspected "chemical attacks" on a Syrian town in 2017, saying the watchdog has violated the basic principle of its work by conducting a remote investigation without visiting the sites.
Russian-U.S. Crew Blasts Off For International Space Station RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- A U.S. astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts has blasted off for the International Space Station (ISS) from the Russian-operated Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Here's When Russia's Military Will Get Giant New 'Flying Radar' AEW Aircraft Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- Russia began development of the Beriev A-100 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in late 2014, with flight testing kicking off in late 2017. The aircraft is based on a heavily modified Ilyushin Il-76 strategic airlifter.
COVID-19: Putin Tells Officials To 'Get Ready' For Fight; Iran Urges IMF To Move On Emergency Loan RFE/RL 08 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 82,000 with over 1.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Meeting with regional heads on combatting the spread of the coronavirus in Russia President of Russia 08 Apr 2020 -- Vladimir Putin is holding a meeting, via videoconference, with heads of Russian regions on combatting the spread of the novel coronavirus infection in the country.
Meeting on coronavirus pandemic development and preventive measures President of Russia 07 Apr 2020 -- The President held a videoconference meeting with experts on the development of the coronavirus pandemic and preventive measures.
Russian Aerospace Forces to Get 2 More Modernised An-124 Military Cargo Planes Sputnik 07 Apr 2020 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces will receive two additional An-124 Ruslan super-heavy military transport aircraft, a source in the aviation industry revealed.
United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2020 -- The State Department has designated the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) and members of its leadership as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, the first time in history the Department has designated a white supremacist terrorist group.
COVID-19: Romania To Extend State Of Emergency; Russian Cases Jump RFE/RL 06 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll is nearing 70,000 with almost 1.3 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russian Military Doctors Begin Receiving, Treating COVID-19 Patients in Italy's Bergamo Sputnik 06 Apr 2020 -- Russian military doctors have begun providing 24-hour care at a field hospital in the Italian city of Bergamo for patients that have tested positive for COVID-19, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
US Designates Russian White Supremacist Group as Terror Organization VOA 06 Apr 2020 -- The United States has designated the white supremacist group Russian Imperial Movement (RIM,) as a global terrorist organization, an unprecedented move that reflects increasing concerns about violent white supremacists with transnational connections.
U.S. Designates Russia-Based White Supremacist Group, Leaders As Terrorists RFE/RL 06 Apr 2020 -- The United States has designated the ultranationalist Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) along with three of its leaders as terrorists, marking the first time the classification has been applied to a white supremacist group.
Briefing With Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan A. Sales On the United States Designation of the Russian Imperial Movement And its Leaders as Global Terrorists US Dept. of State 06 Apr 2020
A Sale Or A Sham: Rosneft Ditched Venezuelan Assets, But Will It Shed U.S. Sanctions? RFE/RL 06 Apr 2020 -- As oil markets tumbled to near 20-year lows amid an unprecedented energy-industry crisis made by man and nature, Russia's largest oil company issued a terse press release with big news: it would be exiting Venezuela after 10 years and billions of dollars in investments.
Russia Cancels Evacuation Of Citizens Stuck Overseas, Promises To Resume RFE/RL 05 Apr 2020 -- Russia has paused the evacuation of tens of thousands of its citizens stuck overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused many countries to ban international commercial flights in their battle to contain the spread of the disease.
Russia to Create System to Identify Citizens Who Return From Abroad to Curb Spread of COVID-19 Sputnik 05 Apr 2020 -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia has grown to 5,389 after 658 new cases were registered over the past day, the COVID-19 response centre said in a statement on Sunday.
Russia Confirms 658 New Coronavirus Cases in 24 Hours Bringing Total to 5,389 Sputnik 05 Apr 2020 -- The country previously went had a paid week off, as Russian President Vladimir Putin urged people to stay at home to curb the coronavirus pandemic, also introducing travel bans and boosting the healthcare system.
Moscow is at Greater Risk of Coronavirus, Hence Tough Measures Taken to Curb the Spread - Mayor Sputnik 05 Apr 2020 -- At the moment, Russia has reported at least 4,731 coronavirus cases, with the majority of them (over 3,300) registered in Moscow. In order to curb the infection, President Vladimir Putin earlier announced a paid week off from March 28 to April 5, urging people to stay at home.
Trump Says Russia, Saudi Arabia 'Destroying' Themselves; Will Impose Oil Import Tariffs If Necessary RFE/RL 05 Apr 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia and Saudi Arabia are "destroying" themselves with an oil price war, adding he will impose tariffs on their imports if necessary to protect the U.S. oil industry.
Russia Didn't Support Termination of OPEC+ Deal, Putin Eager to Have Constructive Talks - Kremlin Sputnik 05 Apr 2020 -- The day before, it was reported that the main participants in the OPEC+ group supported the idea of meeting on 6 April to discuss cutting oil production.
Moscow to Introduce System For Self-Isolation Control in Case of Quarantine Violations Sputnik 04 Apr 2020 -- The day before, Moscow's authorities stated that they had launched a system for monitoring patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Russian Aerospace Forces Send 2 More Planes to Serbia to Fight COVID-19 Sputnik 04 Apr 2020 -- The seventh and the eighth planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces have left for Serbia to help the Balkan nation fight the coronavirus outbreak, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday.
Russia Will Produce 500 Coronavirus Ventilators in April, 2,500 and 3,000 in Subsequent Months Sputnik 04 Apr 2020 -- According to Russia's Health Ministry, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country currently stands at 4,731, with 43 deaths.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Says 2,854 of Total COVID-19 Cases Local, 808 Imported Sputnik 04 Apr 2020 -- The majority of COVID-19 cases reported in Russia, 2,854 since the start of the outbreak, have been transferred locally by contact and 808 cases of the disease have been imported to the country, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Saturday.
Two Teams of Russian Specialists to Stay in Belgrade, 5 to Be Sent to Other Cities to Fight COVID-19 Sputnik 04 Apr 2020 -- Earlier, the Russian Defence Ministry said it would send 87 military epidemiologists and medics, as well as protective gear and disinfectant to Serbia on 11 flights starting Friday.
US Envoy to NATO Floats Idlib Aid 'Package' to Turkey in Exchange for Dropping Russia's S-400s Sputnik 04 Apr 2020 -- Ankara is expected to activate the S-400s in the coming weeks, but Washington has not given up on its plans to get the much-feared weapons out of Turkey. Stick has not worked, apparently, so now is the time to offer some carrot.
Saudis Lash Out Over Russia's Claim That Kingdom Withdrew From Output Deal RFE/RL 04 Apr 2020 -- Saudi Arabia's energy minister has rejected Russia's allegation that the kingdom withdrew last month from a deal to cut oil production.
Russia 'ready to cooperate, cut oil production' Press TV 03 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his country's readiness to cooperate with Saudi Arabia and the United States to slash oil production.
Putin Tells Russian Security Council That Month-Long Quarantine Vital to Stem COVID-19 Sputnik 03 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told the members of the Security Council on Friday that the introduction of quarantine measures until May was necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.
COVID-19: Iran 'Successfully' Battling Outbreak Despite Sanctions; Patriarch Seeks To Save Moscow RFE/RL 03 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll has surpassed 54,000 with over 1 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
A Mystery Wrapped In An Enigma Inside A Russian Coronavirus Aid Shipment To The U.S. RFE/RL 03 Apr 2020 -- It was a coronavirus aid shipment that already had raised eyebrows in both the United States and Russia.
Russian president rules out restricting economic activity across country Press TV 03 Apr 2020 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ruled out restricting economic activity across the country because of the coronavirus epidemic, saying it would be "impractical."
Four Planes With Russian Military Specialists Leave For Serbia to Help Fight Against COVID-19 Sputnik 03 Apr 2020 -- The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, discussed the possibility of cooperating in the fight against coronavirus, with Moscow pledging to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.
Putin Orders to Boost Production of Protective, Disinfection Equipment Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Sputnik 03 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to increase the production of personal protective equipment and disinfection products in the necessary volumes and create a reserve in the light of growing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a document published on the government's website on Friday.
Russia Confirms 601 New Coronavirus Cases in 24 Hours Bringing Total to 4,149 Sputnik 03 Apr 2020 -- Russia registered 601 new cases of coronavirus infection in 24 hours, the number of confirmed cases now reaches 4,149, the federal COVID-19 response centre said Friday.
Trump Says He Brokered Saudi-Russian Oil Deal, But Details Scant RFE/RL 03 Apr 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he brokered a deal with Russia and Saudi Arabia to cut oil output and end a steep decline in oil prices amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Russian Military Holding Drills to Defend Crimea From Air Attack Sputnik 03 Apr 2020 -- Naval aviation and air defence units of Russia's Black Sea Fleet are taking part in an exercise aimed at defending Crimea from an aerial attack, the press service of the Russian Southern Military District said on Friday.
Russian Navy to Get First Borei-A Class Nuclear-Powered Submarine in April - Shipbuilder Sputnik 03 Apr 2020 -- The Russian Navy will receive the first Borei-A class strategic nuclear-powered submarine, Knyaz Vladimir, this month, United Shipbuilding Corporation President Alexey Rakhmanov said on Friday.
Russia 'ready to cooperate, cut oil production' Press TV 03 Apr 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his country's readiness to cooperate with Saudi Arabia and the United States to slash oil production.
The Week In Russia: The Anatomy Of Deceit RFE/RL 03 Apr 2020 -- In seventh-grade Latin class, the incomparable Irving Kizner taught us about one of Roman orator Cicero's rhetorical devices. As I recall, it's basically this: When you want to make sure your audience hears something, tell them that you won't mention it -- and then mention it.
Russian Election Officials Postpone All Votes Until After June 21 RFE/RL 03 Apr 2020 -- Russia's election authorities have postponed all upcoming local and nationwide votes in the country until after June 21.
EU Lawmakers Say Russia Using Coronavirus Crisis For Political Benefit RFE/RL 03 Apr 2020 -- A group of European Union lawmakers are accusing Moscow of exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to try to get sanctions imposed over Russia's actions in Ukraine lifted, according to a letter seen by RFE/RL.
India mulling purchase of 3 refurbished submarines from Russia Press TV 03 Apr 2020 -- India is considering a proposal by Russia to supply the Indian navy with three refurbished submarines, capable of launching cruise missiles.
COVID-19: Putin Extends Non-Working Period Amid Spike In Cases; Pakistan Urged To Give Workers Better Protection RFE/RL 02 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll has surpassed 51,000 with over 1 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Address to the Nation President of Russia 02 Apr 2020
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 2, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Apr 2020
Putin Prolongs Non-Working Period Until April 30 as Part of Russia's COVID-19 Response Sputnik 02 Apr 2020 -- The Russian president made the announcement in a televised address, his second in eight days, as the government introduces additional measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia's Coronavirus Man Of The Moment? For Now, It Looks Like Moscow's Mayor RFE/RL 02 Apr 2020 -- There he was, riding down the escalator at one of Russia's leading infectious disease hospitals alongside Vladimir Putin as the president toured the facility and its preparations for the coronavirus epidemic.
U.S. Purchase of Needed Supplies From Russia US Dept. of State 01 Apr 2020 -- The United States is committed to the global fight against COVID-19. We are a generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action across the world, but we cannot do it alone.
COVID-19: Moscow Has App To Monitor Quarantine; Belarus Denies First Fatality RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll has surpassed 45,000 with over 900,000 infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Coronavirus Aid Coming 'From Russia With Love' -- Or An Agenda? RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- The fifteen Russian military planes that delivered much-needed medical equipment to Italy last week to deal with the coronavirus outbreak were branded with the slogan "From Russia With Love."
Russia Says Military Plane En Route To U.S. With Coronavirus Aid RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Russia says it has sent a military plane with medical equipment to the United States to help in its battle to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Russia Ramps Up Production and Usage of Coronavirus Tests - Prime Minister Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- Russia has registered 2,777 cases of the new coronavirus as well as 24 fatalities since reporting the first case in late January. Some 121 people have recovered from the disease. The country was among the first to introduce travel restrictions against China and has since promoted self-isolation in order to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.
Trump Says He May Join Possible Saudi-Russia Talks On Oil's Slump RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia and Saudi Arabia are discussing holding talks about the sharp fall in oil prices and that he would consider joining them.
One Russian Blogger's Effort To Unearth The Secrets Of Putin's Rise To Power RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Amid the crisis of the global coronavirus pandemic, the 20th anniversary of Vladimir Putin's first election as Russian president on March 26, 2000, passed largely unremarked. A long interview with Putin by the state news agency TASS that was expected to be rolled out in 20 installments running up to the big date was quietly postponed amid poor ratings after 17 segments, hopelessly overtaken by headline-grabbing events.
Putin Signs Law Enabling Cabinet to Declare State of Emergency Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- Last week, Putin addressed the nation to announce a set of measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. Currently, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe has exceeded 300,000, while in Russia the total number of registered infections stands at 2,777, according to Johns Hopkins University.
EU Monitor: Russia, China Sow Distrust In West Through Coronavirus Disinformation RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Russia and China continue to deploy a campaign of disinformation around the coronavirus outbreak that could have "harmful consequences" for public health around the world, according to a report published by the EU's foreign-policy arm.
Ukraine Says It Uncovered Spy Channel Between Naval Officer, Russia's FSB RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) says it has breached an espionage communication channel between a high-ranking Ukrainian naval officer and staff from Russia's main spy agency, the FSB, in the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.

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April 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News