May 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russian space agency calls Trump's reaction to SpaceX launch 'hysteria' Press TV 31 May 2020 -- The Russian space agency Roscosmos has criticized US President Donald Trump's reaction to NASA's launch of two astronauts into space, calling it "hysteria."
Russia's Northern Fleet Plans Major Arctic Drills For This Summer Sputnik 31 May 2020 -- Russia's Northern Fleet will carry out major drills in the Barents and Norwegian Seas this month, with more than 30 ships planned to be involved, Commander of the Northern Fleet, Vice Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, has announced.
Russia says coronavirus infections pass 400,000 SPA 31 May 2020 -- Russia on Sunday reported 9,268 new cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the national tally to 405,843, according to Reuters.
Syria receives advanced MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia: SANA Press TV 31 May 2020 -- Syria has received a second batch of advanced MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia as Damascus and its allies are fighting a remaining Daesh pocket in the Arab country.
Russia Reports 8952 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 30 May 2020 -- Russia reported 8952 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 396,575.
U.S. General: Russian Aircraft Flown To Libya Linked To Moscow's Pursuit Of Foothold In Region RFE/RL 30 May 2020 -- The U.S. military's Africa Command (AFRICOM) has rejected Russia's claim that Moscow did not deploy fighter jets to Libya, saying on May 29 that the aircraft reflected Russia's goal to establish a foothold in the oil-rich country.
US General: Russia Using 'Same Playbook' in Libya as in Ukraine, Syria VOA 29 May 2020 -- Russia is further destabilizing Libya to gain a stronghold in northern Africa, just as it has in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, according to a top official with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Russia Reports 8572 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 29 May 2020 -- Russia reported 8572 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 387,623.
U.S. Warns Of Russian Hacking Group's Attempts To Gain 'Dream Access' To Computer Systems RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) on May 28 warned government partners and private companies about a Russian hacking operation that it says uses a special intrusion technique to target operating systems often used to manage computer infrastructure.
'A Single Clenched Fist': Russia Defiant But Anxious As U.S. Seeks To End Its Monopoly On Manned Space Flight RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- As veteran NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken made final preparations aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule for the first manned orbital flight from U.S. soil in almost a decade, the Russian company that operates the famed Soyuz rocket marked a milestone of its own.
Deep Trouble: Russia Finally Moves To Raise Radioactive Debris From Arctic Waters RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- The nuclear-powered submarine, built four decades earlier for the Soviet Northern Fleet, was being towed to a Murmansk shipyard to be dismantled when it was hit by a summer storm. The sub sank, killing nine sailors and sending around 800 kilograms of radioactive fuel to the sea bottom.
The Week In Russia: Pens, Polls, And A Glaring Exception To Putin's Rule RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin tosses a pen -- and state media outlets pick it up. The murky story of the "absolutely healthy" Chechen leader's reported illness underscores the dark compromises the Kremlin has made with Ramzan Kadyrov. Russia arrests journalists at home and lashes out at Western media over reports on the COVID-19 numbers and the president's poll ratings. Several journalists are arrested, and a dogged activist dies at 66 after spending part of the past decade behind bars.
Russia slams US for cancelling sanction waivers IRNA 29 May 2020 -- Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Friday condemned the measure taken by the US to cancel waivers to sanctions against Iran's nuclear facilities, terming the move as unfortunate.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 28, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 May 2020
Interview: Russia And Turkey Kick A 'Wasp's Nest' In Libya RFE/RL 28 May 2020 -- Russia and Turkey seem to be on the brink of a serious confrontation in Libya, while simultaneously supporting opposing sides in the civil war in Syria.
Russia blasts US for ending Iran sanctions waivers, quitting intl. treaties Press TV 28 May 2020 -- Russia condemns the United States for undermining international security by deciding to end waivers on the American sanctions that target Iran and withdraw from a number of international treaties, including a recent one pertaining to unarmed surveillance flights.
China Seen As Rising Military Power In Central Asia, Foreshadowing Future Friction With Russia RFE/RL 28 May 2020 -- China is steadily increasing its security footprint in Central Asia and closing the gap with Russia, a trend that could see Moscow's influence "undermined in the coming decade," according to a new report.
Russia's Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 4,000 SPA 28 May 2020 -- Russia today reported 174 deaths from the new coronavirus in the previous 24 hours, matching its record daily rise for fatalities and taking the overall death toll to 4,142, according to Reuters.
Nobody Hiding Anything: Moscow Mayor Says City Publishes All Data on COVID-19 Mortality Sputnik 28 May 2020 -- Moscow is publishing all data on mortality and not hiding anything, the Russian capital's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said Thursday.
Russian Ambassador Summoned to German Foreign Ministry Over Hacking Attack on Bundestag Sputnik 28 May 2020 -- Earlier in May, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Germany still hasn't presented any evidence that Russia was involved in the 2015 hacking of emails from computers in the Bundestag.
Russia Cannot Rule Out Washington's Potential Withdrawal from Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Sputnik 28 May 2020 -- The Washington Post has reported, citing sources, that the US Administration is discussing the possibility of the US conducting its first nuclear test since 1992.
COVID-19: Moscow Offers Free Antibody Tests; Georgia Reopening Public Transport RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is almost 350,000 with more than 5.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Chechen Leader Says He's Healthy But Doesn't Deny Hospital Stay For COVID-19 RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says he is feeling well, in an apparent attempt to dispel media reports about his hospitalization with COVID-19.
Russia Reports 161 New Coronavirus Deaths SPA 27 May 2020 -- Russia said today 161 people with the coronavirus had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 3968. Reuters reported.
COVID-19: Moscow Offers Free Antibody Tests; Georgia Reopening Public Transport RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is almost 350,000 with more than 5.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Turkey Committed 'In Principle' to Activating Russian-Made S-400 Missiles, Erdogan's Spokesman Says Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- Washington has consistently objected to NATO-member Turkey acquiring the Russian-made S-400 missile systems, claiming they were incompatible with security standards of the alliance and might compromise the operations of the new US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets.
The Indispensable Mr. Kadyrov? Questions About Chechen Leader's Health Prompt New Questions About Region's Future RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- Rumors of Ramzan Kadyrov's coronavirus-induced demise may have been exaggerated.
Former Head Of Russia's Chuvashia Sues Putin Over Dismissal RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- In an unprecedented move, the former head of the Russian region of Chuvashia, Mikhail Ignatyev, has filed a lawsuit against President Vladimir Putin challenging a presidential decree that removed him from office in January.
Russian Defence Contractor Reveals Dates of Airborne Missile and Cluster Glide Bomb Delivery Sputnik 27 May 2020 -- The serial delivery of Russia's new Broneboyschik (armour piercer) air-launched missiles to the country's army is planned for 2021, documents for making it operational will soon be drafted, the CEO of Tecmash arms industry company (part of state corporation Rostec) has said in an interview.
Russian Fighters Intercept U.S. Aircraft, Risk Midair Collision, U.S. Navy Says RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- Two Russian Su-35 fighter jets flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner while intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft over international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean, the U.S. Navy has said.
Russia denies US claim of sending fighter jets to Libya Press TV 27 May 2020 -- Russia has dismissed as "disinformation" claims by the United States that Moscow has deployed fighter planes to Libya to support its "mercenaries" aiding the rebels in the North African country.
U.S. Releases More Details About MiG-29s, Su-24s It Says Were Flown To Libya RFE/RL 27 May 2020 -- The U.S. military has provided more details about an alleged Russian deployment of fighter jets to Libya, as officials in Russia continued to deny the presence of Russian military aircraft or personnel in the North African country.
Third Unsafe Intercept by Russia in U.S. Sixth Fleet in Two Months NNS 26 May 2020 -- For the third time in two months, 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, May 26, 2020.
COVID-19: Russia Says CSTO Should Focus On Biosecurity; Georgia Marks Subdued Independence Day RFE/RL 26 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is almost 350,000 with more than 5.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russia Reports 8915 COVID-19 New Infections SPA 26 May 2020 -- Russia reported 8915 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to 362,342.
Hailed As Heroes On State TV, Russia's Medical Workers Feel Like Victims Off-Screen RFE/RL 26 May 2020 -- When the number of coronavirus cases in Russia began growing in early March, Vladimir Shelkovy set about preparing for an influx of patients to his hospital in Noviy, a village in the southern Krasnodar region.
Russia deploys military fighter aircraft to Libya AFRICOM 26 May 2020 -- U.S. Africa Command assesses that Moscow recently deployed military fighter aircraft to Libya in order to support Russian state-sponsored private military contractors (PMCs) operating on the ground there.
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Sending Jets To Libya To Support Mercenaries RFE/RL 26 May 2020 -- The United States says Moscow has deployed military jets to Libya to provide support for Russian mercenaries helping a local warlord battle the North African country's internationally recognized government.
AFRICOM: Russia Deploys Fighter Jets to Libya VOA 26 May 2020 -- U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) says Russia recently deployed military fighter aircraft to Libya to support Russian state-sponsored, private military contractors, who are helping forces fighting the U.N.-supported Libyan government.
Russia begins building first strategic stealth bomber: Report Press TV 26 May 2020 -- Russia has begun manufacturing a prototype of its first strategic stealth heavy bomber, which is expected to be completed next year, a report says.
US Should Not Hope to Get Open Skies Treaty Data After Pullout - Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 26 May 2020 -- The United States should not hope that they will receive data on the Open Skies Treaty after exiting it, but not-parties to the agreement may partially compensate it with satellite surveying, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Tests of Russia's Poseidon Drone Carrier, Belgorod Sub to Last Until End of 2021 - Source Sputnik 26 May 2020 -- Tests of Russia's Project 09852 nuclear submarine Belgorod, which will be the first experimental carrier of Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drones, will last until the end of 2021, a defen?e industry source said.
Russian Military Helicopter Crashes In Chukotka, Killing Four RFE/RL 26 May 2020 -- A Russian military helicopter has crashed in Russia's northeastern Chukotka Peninsula, killing four people.
Russia Reports 8946 Coronavirus New Cases SPA 25 May 2020 -- Russia reported 8946 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of the novel coronavirus infections in the country to 353,427 cases.
Russia Demands Apology From Bloomberg Over Report About Putin's Low Ratings RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Russia has demanded an apology from the Bloomberg news agency over a report it published about President Vladimir Putin's low trust rating among Russians.
Current Time Report Sparks Investigation At Makeshift Hospital In Moscow Region RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Prosecutors in Moscow say they have started an investigation after Current Time reported alleged shortages of medicines and labor violations at a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients set up by a well-known Azerbaijani-Russian businessman Araz Agalarov.
Russian Prosecutor Seeks Lengthy Prison Term For American On Spying Charges RFE/RL 25 May 2020 -- Russian prosecutors have asked a Moscow court to find former Marine Paul Whelan guilty of espionage -- a charge Whelan and U.S. officials vehemently deny -- and sentence him to 18 years in prison.
Turkish State Broadcaster Launches Russian Channel To Fight 'Disinformation And Manipulation' RFE/RL 24 May 2020 -- Turkey's state-run TRT broadcaster has launched a new Russian digital platform.
Russian Consumer Protection Chief Warns Of Higher Coronavirus Death Rate RFE/RL 24 May 2020 -- The head of Russia's consumer protection and well-being agency, Anna Popova, warned on May 24 of increased COVID-19 death rates even as official figures show a slight easing in daily infections since peak counts around two weeks ago.
Russia's Ryabkov Mocks Pompeo Claim That Moscow Uses Open Skies Treaty to Identify Targets Sputnik 24 May 2020 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Saturday rejected as ludicrous the allegation by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Moscow used the Open Skies Treaty to target critical infrastructure in the United States and Europe.
NATO Official Says Jets Intercepted Russian Aircraft In European Airspace Nearly 300 Times In 2019 RFE/RL 23 May 2020 -- NATO jets intercepted Russian planes flying close to NATO airspace nearly 300 times in 2019, an alliance official said, amid a continuing upward trend of Russian and NATO aircraft encounters.
U.S. Lawmakers Criticize White House On Shipment Of Ventilators To Russia RFE/RL 23 May 2020 -- U.S. congressional lawmakers have complained to the White House about the shipment of dozens of U.S.-built ventilators to Russia, saying the move was done without justification and could potentially deprive coronavirus-infected Americans of treatment.
Chechen Leader Kadyrov Issues Eid Message Despite Rumored COVID-19 Hospitalization RFE/RL 23 May 2020 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, has issued a recorded message congratulating Muslims on Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the monthlong Ramadan fasting.
Putin Signs Law Allowing Voting By Mail And Internet RFE/RL 23 May 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a new measure that allows elections at all levels and referendums to be conducted by mail and via the Internet, according to the Kremlin's website.
Foreign Ministry statement on the US decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2020 -- US senior government officials - President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo - have announced a decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. This decision is a deplorable development for European security.
Meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation President of Russia 22 May 2020 -- The President held a videoconference meeting on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation.
Survey: One In Three Russian Doctors Told To 'Adjust' COVID-19 Stats RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- More than a third of doctors working with coronavirus patients in Russia have received "instructions" to manipulate statistics on the COVID-19 outbreak, a new poll suggests.
Russia reports record daily rise in new coronavirus deaths SPA 22 May 2020 -- Russia on Friday reported 150 new fatalities from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, a record daily rise, taking the country's official nationwide death toll from the virus to 3,249, according to Reuters.
Chechen Parliament Speaker Denies Reports That Kadyrov is Infected With COVID-19 Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Earlier, it had been reported that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was infected with the coronavirus and had been transferred to hospital in Moscow.
Russia May Face Second COVID-19 Wave in October-November - Putin Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Russia may face a new COVID-19 wave in the period between October and November, and this should be taken into consideration while removing the restrictions imposed to contain the virus, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
Russia censures US for planning to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Russia says a planned move by the United States to withdraw from a major international treaty on unarmed surveillance flights would undermine global security.
Russia Accuses U.S. Of Undermining Security With Open Skies Treaty Move RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- A top Russian diplomat has accused the United States of seeking to undermine international security after President Donald Trump gave notice on withdrawing from the Open Skies treaty, citing what U.S. officials said were repeated Russian violations.
Russia Rejects 'Ultimatum' After US Move to Quit Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Russia will not accept any ultimatums and is determined to engage in dialogue based on equal terms, the Foreign Ministry warned Friday, after the United States said it will exit the Open Skies Treaty.
White House Official: Trump To Seek Extension Of New START Arms Treaty With Russia RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- A top U.S. official said President Donald Trump was expected to seek an extension of the New START treaty with Russia, a major nuclear arms agreement set to expire next year.
US Ready for 'Good Faith' Negotiations on New START Treaty With Russia, O'Brien Says Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien's statement follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump on the country's plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, a multilateral international agreement comprising 34 nations, facilitating transparency and bolstering security in Europe.
US Officially Notifies Russia of Its Withdrawal From Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The day before, US President Donald Trump said that he had a good relationship with Russia but Moscow did not adhere to the Open Skies Treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries.
U.S. says pulling out of Treaty on Open Skies People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States is withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies, the latest move to abandon a major international arms control agreement.
The Week In Russia: Coffee, Tea, And High Technology RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- Coffee has won Russia's hot-drink Cold War, outpouring tea for the first time in a major shift in traditional values. President Vladimir Putin says the country needs to do better at high-tech to preserve its status as a "separate civilization," while an expert calls it a "declining power" that must be watched warily by the West. And Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is hospitalized as COVID-19 marches on.
Russian Court Bans Prominent Group Promoting Ethnic Bashkir Rights RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- The Supreme Court of the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan has banned the Bashqort group, which for years has promoted the Bashkir language and culture as well as equal rights for ethnic Bashkirs.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 21, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2020
COVID-19: Pakistani Lawmaker, Ex-Governor Die After Positive Tests; Chechnya Imposes Eid Restrictions RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is almost 330,000 with more than 5 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Questions Surround Chechen Leader After Reported Hospitalization For Coronavirus RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- Chechen and Russian officials remain tight-lipped about the condition or whereabouts of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a day after news reports said he had been hospitalized in Moscow for possible coronavirus infection.
Reports: Chechen Leader Kadyrov Has Suspected Coronavirus RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed authoritarian leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, is currently under medical observation due to a suspected coronavirus infection, Russian news agencies report.
Who Lives? Who Dies? Russia's Front-Line Doctors Face Agonizing Dilemmas As COVID-19 Crisis Unfolds RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- As the COVID-19 epidemic continues to sweep Russia, doctors say they are increasingly forced to make daunting choices regarding the use of limited resources, or are concerned about the looming prospect of having to do so.
U.S. Says Military Plane With Ventilator Shipment Arrives In Moscow RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- A U.S. military plane carrying ventilators has landed in Moscow to help Russia in its battle against the coronavirus outbreak.
'Rage Is Brewing': Navalny Warns Of Public Anger Over Russia's COVID-19 Response RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- Russian citizens are expressing greater protest sentiment as the spread of the coronavirus and the state's fight against it has left many people dissatisfied, including doctors and small-business owners, said one of the nation's most influential opposition activists.
Russia's Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 3,000 Mark SPA 21 May 2020 -- Russia's official coronavirus death toll rose to 3,099 on Thursday after officials said 127 people had died in the last 24 hours, Reuters reported.
DOD Statement on Open Skies Treaty Withdrawal DoD 21 May 2020 -- "Tomorrow the United States will formally submit its notification of its decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. After careful consideration, including input from Allies and key partners, it has become abundantly clear that it is no longer in the United States' best interest to remain a party to this Treaty when Russia does not uphold its commitments. U.S. obligations under the Treaty will effectively end in six months."
On the Treaty on Open Skies US Dept. of State 21 May 2020 -- "Tomorrow, the United States will submit notice of its decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies to the Treaty Depositaries and to all other States Parties to the Treaty. Effective six months from tomorrow, the United States will no longer be a party to the Treaty. We may, however, reconsider our withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance with the Treaty."
Briefing with Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea and Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Dr. Christopher A. Ford On the Treaty on Open Skies US Dept. of State 21 May 2020
US to Exit International Military Surveillance Treaty VOA 21 May 2020 -- President Donald Trump said Thursday that he was pulling the United States out of the 18-year-old international Open Skies Treaty allowing surveillance flights over other countries because Russia has been violating it.
Trump to withdraw US from Open Skies treaty, citing Russian violation Press TV 21 May 2020 -- US President Donald Trump plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, the Trump administration's latest move to pull the US out of a global treaty.
U.S. To Exit Open Skies Treaty Over Russian Violations RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- The United States has announced that it will withdraw from the Open Skies treaty because of violations of the agreement by Russia.
Pentagon: US Will Formally Submit Notice to Withdraw From Open Skies Treaty Friday Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- The US Department of Defense (DoD) on Thursday said that the US would formally submit its request to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty on Friday.
Trump Confirms US Withdrawal From Open Skies Treaty, Says New Deal Possible Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- Earlier in the day, the New York Times reported, citing a source in the US presidential administration, that Washington plans to inform Moscow on Friday about its intention to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty.
US Withdrawal From Open Skies Treaty 'Distasteful, Ill-Advised' - Helsinki Commission Head Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- The Trump administration withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty weakens transatlantic security and is otherwise ill-advised, Helsinki Commission Chairman Congressman Alcee Hastings said in a statement.
Moscow Regrets US Reported Intention to Quit Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- Earlier, the US accused Russia of abusing the terms of the treaty, claiming that Moscow had been unfairly limiting US flights through its airspace.
US Mulls Extension of New START, Seeks 'Gentleman's Agreement' With Russia, Report Claims Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the only agreement limiting the number of nuclear weapons in Russia and the US to remain in effect, is set to expire in 2021, as the Trump administration keeps avoiding the extension, insisting instead that China must also take part.
EU May Break Own Protocol By Participating In Russia-Backed Crimea Event RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- The European Union and several of its member states may break the bloc's own guidelines on contacts with de facto authorities of the Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula by participating in a Moscow-backed videoconference on the situation in the region.
Russia Ready to Sell Abroad New Radar Locator Detecting Hypersonic Targets - Defense Exports Agency Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- Russia's state intermediary agency for defence exports, Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec Corporation), said on Thursday it was ready to sell abroad a new radar locator, capable of detecting hypersonic targets.
Russian Su-57 Fighter Passes State Tests, Fulfilling Set Requirements Sputnik 21 May 2020 -- Earlier in 2019, the Russian Defence Ministry ordered 76 Su-57 jets during the International Military and Technical Forum. The jets are capable of tackling all types of air, ground or naval surface targets.
Plans To Merge Three Russian Regions Spark Concerns, Protests RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- Plans by Russia's government to merge the northwestern region of Arkhangelsk, the Nenets Autonomous District, and the Republic of Komi, have sparked protest among residents who fear losing their ethnic identity.
Not So Green On The Other Side: How A Russian Tycoon's Big U.S. Cannabis Bet Went Up In Smoke RFE/RL 21 May 2020 -- When the authorities in Plumas County, California, inspected a new commercial hemp plantation in April 2019, they were so alarmed by what they found that they sought to impose a temporary moratorium on the emerging industry in unincorporated local towns.
PM Mishustin says Russia's coronavirus outbreak reaching stabler phase SPA 20 May 2020 -- Russia's coronavirus outbreak is entering a more stable phase, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday, while warning that restrictions should be lifted carefully in the 17 regions where such moves have been authorised, according to Reuters.
Russia's coronavirus infections pass 300,000, deaths near 3,000 SPA 20 May 2020 -- Russia reported 8,764 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, its lowest daily rise since May 2, taking the total number of documented infections to 308,705, Reuters reported.
Russian Direct Investment Fund Says It Paid in Full for COVID-19 Aid Sent to US Sputnik 19 May 2020 -- Russia sent an An-124 cargo plane to the United States in April with disinfectants, glasses, respirators and masks, as well as other medical equipment. The cargo was sent as part of aid to help the US fight the deadly virus. President Trump welcomed the aid, calling it a "kind gesture".
Russian Prime Minister Mishustin Discharged From Hospital After COVID-19 Treatment, Resumes Work Sputnik 19 May 2020 -- Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree annulling Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov's appointment as the acting prime minister.
Russia Reports 9,263 New Coronavirus Infections, Total Nears 300,000 SPA 19 May 2020 -- Russia said on Tuesday that 9,263 new cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 299,941, Reuters reported.
Redeployment of US Nukes to Poland Would Be Direct Violation of Russia-NATO Agreement, Lavrov Warns Sputnik 19 May 2020 -- Russian officials have already repeatedly warned in the past that its Eastern European neighbours' decision to host US-made strategic systems, including components of America's Aegis Ashore missile defence system, make them targets for Russia's strategic nuclear response in the event of a war.
US redeployment of nukes to Poland would violate NATO accord: Russia Press TV 19 May 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the redeployment of US nuclear weapons from Germany to Poland would be a direct violation of a Russia-NATO agreement.
Accusations of Russian war crimes in Syria 'part of media war' Press TV 19 May 2020 -- Russia says allegations that the Russian military has committed war crimes in Syria are part of a "media war" on Moscow and are based on information from unidentified, unreliable sources.
Russian Mi-8 Military Helicopter Crash Kills Three in Moscow Region Sputnik 19 May 2020 -- According to Russia's Defence Ministry, the accident happened at around 8 p.m., local time.
Tu-22M3 Bombers Make Planned Flight Over Black Sea's Neutral Waters - Russian Military Sputnik 19 May 2020 -- Russian bombers Tu-22M3 flew over the neutral waters of the Black Sea on Tuesday and at some stages were escorted by fighters of Russia's Southern Military District, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.
Measures Taken by Russia Led to One of Lowest COVID-19 Mortality Rates Globally, Minister Says Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- Measures Taken by Russia Led to One of Lowest COVID-19 Mortality Rates Globally, Minister SaysMOSCOW (Sputnik) - The comprehensive measures taken by Russia to curb the coronavirus pandemic led to one of lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Monday.
Six of Russian State Duma Members Diagnosed With COVID-19 - Speaker's Aide Sputnik 18 May 2020 -- Six of 450 members of the State Duma, the Russian parliament's lower house, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Anastasia Kashevarova, an aide to the State Duma Chairman, said on Monday.
Putin Acknowledges Acute COVID-19 Problem In Daghestan After Locals Warn Of 'Catastrophe' RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged a "complicated" situation in Russia's southern republic of Daghestan after a local mufti described the region's battle against COVID-19 as a "catastrophe."
Russian COVID-19 cases grow to 290,678 People's Daily 18 May 2020 -- Russia has confirmed 8,926 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising its total number of infections to 290,678, its coronavirus response center said in a statement Monday.
Russia's New Coronavirus Cases Below 10,000 for Third Day in A Row SPA 18 May 2020 -- Russia on Monday reported 8,926 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide case tally to 290,678, according to Reuters.
U.S. Tells Russia To Stop 'Inflicting Suffering On Crimean People' RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- The acting U.S. ambassador to Kyiv, Kristina Kvien, has called on Russia to "stop its legacy of inflicting suffering on the people of Crimea," as Ukraine commemorated the victims of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's mass deportation of Crimean Tatars from their homeland in 1944.
Russia, Iran And The Future Of Syria's Assad Radio Farda 18 May 2020 -- The "project to oust the Syrian strongman, Bashar al-Assad" is a "big American-Zionist lie", says a former senior Iranian diplomat and a current advisor to the speaker of parliament.
Russian Plans To Move Ahead On Second Gas Pipeline To China RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- Russian state-run energy giant Gazprom says it has launched feasibility studies for the construction of a second gas pipeline to China that would more than double the volumes it could deliver there.
Pandemic Partnership: Coronavirus Clears Path For Deeper China-Russia Ties In Hi-Tech RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- Beijing and Moscow are being pushed together by the coronavirus pandemic in what could lead to a deepening partnership on next-generation technologies, a development that could greatly affect Eurasia.
World Should Take 'Declining Power' Russia 'More Seriously,' Says Political Analyst Nye RFE/RL 18 May 2020 -- One of the most vocal champions of global "interdependence" in international affairs, Joseph Nye, has warned that the United States and the world should take Russia "much more seriously."
Stranded In Russia With No Money, Desperate Central Asian Migrants Face Tough Choices RFE/RL 17 May 2020 -- Hundreds of Central Asian migrants have been stranded at Russian-Kazakh border crossings for several days, trying to return home after their hopes of working in Russia were dashed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia Reports 9,709 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 17 May 2020 -- Russia reported 9,709 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, a rise from 9,200 new cases reported the previous day, according to Reuters.
U.S. To Send Ventilators To Russia Amid Surge In Coronavirus Cases, VOA Reports RFE/RL 17 May 2020 -- The United States will donate 200 medical ventilators to Russia after the country saw a spike in new coronavirus cases, Voice of America (VOA) has reported.
All 4 Planes With Russian Specialists Returned From Serbia - Defence Ministry Sputnik 17 May 2020 -- All four Russian planes transporting military personnel and equipment back from Serbia have returned, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.
US, Russia, Britain Top List of COVID Infections VOA 16 May 2020 -- Nearly 4.6 million people worldwide have been infected with the coronavirus and more than 310,000 have died because of it, according to figures available Saturday afternoon from Johns Hopkins University.
US Donating 200 Ventilators to Russia VOA 16 May 2020 -- The United States will donate 200 medical ventilators to Moscow via U.S. military transport beginning next week, to aid against the worsening coronavirus outbreak in Russia.
Russia Reports 9,200 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 16 May 2020 -- Russia reported 9,200 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday, down from 10,598 new cases reported the previous day, according to Reuters.
Return Of Crimea 'Difficult And Slow Process,' Says Ukraine's Parliament Speaker RFE/RL 16 May 2020 -- The speaker of the Ukrainian parliament says efforts to return control of Crimea to Kyiv are part of "a difficult and slow process," that Ukraine is determined to resolve.
Russian President Vladimir Putin Reveals How Moscow Created Unique High-Tech Weapons Sputnik 16 May 2020 -- During his address to the Federal Assembly, the president showcased the country's new strategic weapons, including the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, unmanned underwater vehicles and the Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic cruise missile.
NASA: US Hopes Russia Will Support Artemis Space Development Accords Sputnik 16 May 2020 -- The US government still hopes that Russia will support the newly proposed bilateral Artemis Accords for the economic development of space between the Earth and the Moon, NASA Acting Associate Administrator Mike Gold told reporters.
Opening of Defence Ministry's medical centres for treating patients with COVID-19 President of Russia 15 May 2020 -- A videoconference was held on the opening of multifunctional medical centres in several Russian regions, built by the Defence Ministry to treat patients with the novel coronavirus infection.
Instructions following meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation President of Russia 15 May 2020 -- Vladimir Putin approved a list of instructions following a meeting on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation held on May 11, 2020.
Russia's FM Lavrov blasts media rumors Moscow seeks to 'hide' data on COVID-19 deaths Press TV 15 May 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has strongly dismissed media reports that Moscow sought to conceal the real number of Russians dying of the COVID-19 contagious disease, saying the Kremlin has no intention whatsoever to hide such information.
Russia's Media Regulator Asks Google To Block Article Questioning Coronavirus Death Toll RFE/RL 15 May 2020 -- Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has asked Google to block an article about the controversy over official data on coronavirus deaths in the country on the website of MBKh Media independent online publication.
Russia Reports 10,598 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 15 May 2020 -- Russia on Friday reported 10,598 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide case tally to 262,843, Reuters reported.
Russia calls U.S. accusations against China of spreading COVID-19 groundless People's Daily 15 May 2020 -- Moscow considers the U.S. accusations against China of spreading COVID-19 groundless, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday.
German Energy Regulator Deals Fresh Blow To Nord Stream 2 Project RFE/RL 15 May 2020 -- Germany's energy regulator has declined to grant an exemption of rules governing the EU's internal gas market to the operators of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to carry gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
Russia: US citation of its right under JCPOA astonishing IRNA 15 May 2020 -- Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that it is astonishing that American legal experts cite the rights of the US in resolutions on Iran that have been violated by White House officials.
Russia, China slam US plan to extend UN arms embargo on Iran Press TV 15 May 2020 -- China and Russia have rejected US plans to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran along with a probable push to trigger a return of all sanctions on Tehran at the UN Security Council.
Russia rejects allegations of spying on Germany's Merkel in 2015 Press TV 15 May 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has rejected claims by German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Russian hackers spied on her in 2015.
Two Months Later, Czech Probe Into Reports Of Russian Ricin Plot Faces Hurdles RFE/RL 15 May 2020 -- On March 14, Andrei Konchakov arrived at Vaclav Havel International Airport on a flight from Moscow. The 34-year-old Russian had lived in the Czech capital for years, and was recently appointed director of two state-run Russian institutions in Prague, giving him diplomatic status.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 14, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 May 2020
In Russia, Rumblings of Discontent Grow as Oligarchs Move to Plug Gaps VOA 14 May 2020 -- Once they scrambled to grab what they could from a disintegrating Soviet state, exploiting the political and economic chaos of the post-communist Boris Yeltsin era to secure state enterprises, oilfields and mineral deposits at knockdown prices. But now Russia's uber-wealthy oligarchs are rushing to shore up a failing state effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Russia Reports 9974 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 14 May 2020 -- Russia on Wednesday reported 9974 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide tally to 252,245, according to Reuters.
WHO Representative Downplays Doubts About Russian Coronavirus Figures RFE/RL 14 May 2020 -- The World Health Organization's representative in Russia has downplayed doubts about the country's coronavirus statistics even as new public data suggests authorities may be undercounting the death toll from the pandemic.
U.S. opposes verification of biological weapon production: Russian FM People's Daily 14 May 2020 -- The United States categorically opposes the adoption of a protocol to the convention of banning biological and toxin weapons, which would establish a mechanism to verify compliance by member countries with their obligation not to produce such weapons, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
Trial Begins Of Russian Couple Charged With High Treason Over Wedding Photos RFE/RL 14 May 2020 -- A Russian couple charged with high treason have gone on trial for photographs taken at their wedding five years ago and published online that allegedly revealed the identity of a security operative.
Russia Reports More Than 10,000 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 13 May 2020 -- Russia on Wednesday reported 10,028 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide tally to 242,271, according to Reuters.
Moscow Prepares Letters to FT, NYT Demanding to Refute Misreporting on COVID-19 in Russia Sputnik 13 May 2020 -- Moscow has prepared letters to chief editors of The Financial Times and The New York Times newspapers, demanding a refutation of the published misinformation about the coronavirus statistics in Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
US States Returning Russian Ventilators Out of 'Abundance of Caution' - Emergency Agency Sputnik 13 May 2020 -- The states of New York and New Jersey earlier received ventilators from Russia as a form of aid to help the country fight the novel coronavirus pandemic.
After Deadly Fires, Russia Suspends Use Of Ventilators It Also Sent To U.S. RFE/RL 13 May 2020 -- U.S. emergency officials say ventilators sent to the United States by Russia to help treat COVID-19 patients are the same model that reportedly caused two deadly fires in Russian hospitals.
Germany Has 'Hard Evidence' Of Russian Cyberattack On Parliament RFE/RL 13 May 2020 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel says there is "hard evidence" of the involvement of "Russian forces" in a 2015 cyberattack on the German parliament in which documents from her own parliamentary office were reportedly stolen.
US Space Force Commander Claims Russia's 'Unsafe Behavior Has Not Slowed Down' During Pandemic Sputnik 13 May 2020 -- One of the US Space Force's leading commanders recently blasted Russian space activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming Moscow has an "increasing penchant for unsafe and what I would consider unacceptable behavior in space." Meanwhile, the Pentagon is readying its own plans for militarizing outer space.
The Strange Story Of A Russian Ventilator Shipment To the U.S. Just Got Stranger RFE/RL 13 May 2020 -- It was billed as a gesture of goodwill, a way to start improving toxic relations between Moscow and Washington as both countries battle the coronavirus. But the shipment of ventilators and other supplies was plagued by confusion and mixed messages from the start:
Russia Requests Czech Police Protection For Alleged Ricin Trafficker RFE/RL 13 May 2020 -- Russia's embassy in the Czech Republic has formally requested Czech police protection for one of its employees -- a Russian diplomat accused in the Czech media of bringing highly toxic ricin to Prague in an alleged plot to poison three senior municipal officials.
COVID-19: Kazakh NGOs Demand Detailed Report On Spending; Iran Allows All Mosques To Open Temporarily RFE/RL 12 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is some 286,000 with more than 4.1 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Iran, Russia urge enhanced cooperation in battle against coronavirus pandemic Press TV 12 May 2020 -- Iran's Health Minister Saeed Namaki and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Murashko have stressed the importance of enhancing joint efforts in the fight against the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister: We Never Manipulated COVID-19 Statistics Sputnik 12 May 2020 -- Russia has never manipulated official coronavirus statistics, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Tuesday commenting on reports of foreign media.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov Hospitalised with COVID-19 Sputnik 12 May 2020 -- Peskov has become the latest top Russian figure to come down with COVID-19. Last week, Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova tested positive for the virus, but said she was manifesting mild symptoms.
Putin's Spokesman Peskov Hospitalized for Coronavirus VOA 12 May 2020 -- The spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin has been hospitalized after testing positive for the coronavirus, according to Russian news agencies.
Russia Moves Up to Second Place In COVID-19 Cases SPA 12 May 2020 -- Russia has surpassed Spain and currently ranks second in the world in the number of officially confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the Russian News Agency (TASS) data based on statements made by these countries' authorities.
Kremlin Spokesman Peskov, Wife Hospitalized With COVID-19 RFE/RL 12 May 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, and his wife, Tatyana Navka, have tested positive for the coronavirus and are in the hospital being treated for COVID-19.
Russian Health-Care Regulator Checking Ventilators Linked To Deadly Fires RFE/RL 12 May 2020 -- Russia's health-care regulator, Roszdravnadzor, has started checking ventilation devices widely used for treating serious coronavirus cases in the country following two deadly fires allegedly caused by malfunctions in such equipment.
No Signs That Russia Underestimates COVID-19 Mortality Rate - WHO Sputnik 12 May 2020 -- There are no signs that Russia is knowingly understating its data on COVID-19 mortality rate despite articles in western media outlets stating otherwise, WHO spokeswoman in Russia Melita Vujnovic said on Tuesday.
Russia, Turkey Carry Out 10th Joint Patrolling in Syria's Idlib – MoD Sputnik 12 May 2020 -- The Russian and Turkish military on Tuesday conducted the tenth joint patrol along the M4 highway in Syria's northern Idlib de-escalation zone, the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for the reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria said in a statement on Tuesday.
Despite A Mass COVID-19 Outbreak, Workers In Russia's Arctic Labor On RFE/RL 12 May 2020 -- Until recently, the massive Kola Yard project in the town of Belokamenka on the western shore of the Kola Bay was best known as a flagship of Russia's effort to develop the Far North and open the Arctic region for economic exploitation.
Is Russia's State Oil Giant Pulling The Strings At An Influential Business Newspaper? RFE/RL 12 May 2020 -- A specter is haunting Vedomosti, threatening to undermine the independence of one of Russia's most respected business newspapers, at a time when Russian media is under pressure from the Kremlin.
Meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation President of Russia 11 May 2020 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, on the sanitary and epidemiological situation and new measures to support the country's population and the national economy.
Russia Reports Record Rise in Number of New Coronavirus Cases SPA 11 May 2020 -- Russia on Monday reported a record rise in the number of new coronavirus infections with 11,656 new cases in the last 24 hours, a phenomenon authorities attribute to a massive testing programme, Reuters reported.
Putin Announces Easing of Nationwide Lockdown VOA 11 May 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the easing of nationwide coronavirus-related restrictions.
Putin Says Russia's Coronavirus-Related Days Off Work to End Tuesday Sputnik 11 May 2020 -- The Russian president first announced a period of nationwide 'non-working' days for non-essential workers in late March, extending them through the month of April and into early May as part of the country's effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19: Putin Ends Russia's 'Nonworking Period'; Kazakhstan Eases Restrictions RFE/RL 11 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is some 283,000 with 4.1 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Amnesty International: Attacks By Damascus, Russian Forces In Syria 'Amount To War Crimes' RFE/RL 11 May 2020 -- Amnesty International says it has documented 18 attacks in northwest Syria carried out by Syrian government and Russian forces over the past year that amounted to war crimes.
Media Out Russian In Alleged Plot To Poison Czech Officials With Ricin RFE/RL 11 May 2020 -- Czech media have identified the man they say is the undercover Russian diplomat who entered the country nearly two months ago with a suitcase containing ricin as part of an alleged plot to poison as many as three Prague officials who had taken actions that angered the Kremlin.
Russian coronavirus cases above 200,000 SPA 10 May 2020 -- The Russian authorities said on Sunday they had recorded 11,012 new cases of the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the nationwide tally to 209,688. Russia's coronavirus taskforce said 88 people had died in the past day, pushing the national death toll to 1,915, according to Reuters.
Radical Russian Imperial Movement Expanding Global Outreach VOA 09 May 2020 -- The Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), a white supremacist group based in St. Petersburg, is increasingly expanding its outreach beyond Russia through the establishment of transnational networks with like-minded neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups, experts on the group warn.
Russian troops helping Venezuela search for members of failed incursion: Report Press TV 09 May 2020 -- Russian troops are helping Venezuela in its search operation for members of a force, which recently made an unsuccessful incursion attempt there, by operating drones over the Latin American country, according to a report by local news outlet El Nacional.
Russia Reports 10817 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 09 May 2020 -- Russian authorities said today they had recorded 104 new deaths linked to the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 1827.
COVID-19: New Cases In Russia Top 10,000 For Seventh Straight Day RFE/RL 09 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 276,000 with almost 4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Putin Leads Scaled-Back Russian Events To Mark 75th Anniversary Of Victory Day RFE/RL 09 May 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin marked Victory Day calling for unity and a dignified honoring of those killed during World War II, even as the coronavirus pandemic curtailed the pomp the Kremlin had planned for Russia's most important secular holiday.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 8, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 May 2020
COVID-19: Pakistan Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 25,000 As Government Set To Ease Lockdown RFE/RL 08 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus has reached nearly 270,000 with more than 3.8 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russian Armed Forces May Get First Next-Generation S-500 Missile Systems in 2021 Sputnik 08 May 2020 -- Earlier this year, Pavel Sozinov, general designer at the Russian defence concern Almaz-Antey, touted the S-500 as a missile system that is capable of intercepting targets located hundreds of kilometres above the Earth.
The Week In Russia: Up In The Air -- The Future's Uncertain And So Is The Past RFE/RL 08 May 2020 -- As Russia prepared for scaled-down Victory Day ceremonies, coronavirus infections rose fast and Moscow's mayor suggested the real numbers may be much higher than the official case count. Opinion polls and grim economic forecasts clouded President Vladimir Putin's prospects for choreographing his own political future and reshaping the country's past.
Briefing on Russian Engagement in the Middle East US Dept. of State 07 May 2020
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Inflaming Libya Conflict, Sending Syrian Fighters RFE/RL 08 May 2020 -- The United States has accused Russia of worsening the situation in war-torn Libya and funneling Syrian mercenaries to support Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar in his battle to capture the capital, Tripoli.
Belarus Strips Russian Reporters Of Accreditation Amid Coronavirus RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- Belarusian authorities have stripped two Russian journalists of accreditation after their reports about the growing coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Russia to Ease Shutdown Amid Steady Growth of COVID-19 Cases VOA 07 May 2020 -- Russia has announced plans for a gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions after the so-called non-working period ends Monday.
COVID-19: Moscow Cases 'Likely Three Times Higher' Than Official Toll; Pakistan To Lift Virus Lockdown RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus has passed 260,000 with more than 3.7 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russian watchdog proposes lifting COVID-19 restrictions in 3 stages Global Times 07 May 2020 -- Anna Popova, head of Russia's consumer rights and human well-being watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, proposed Wednesday to lift COVID-19 restrictions in three stages.
Pandemic, Oil, And Arms Control Dominate Trump, Putin Phone Call RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on May 7, discussing arms control, oil prices, and the global coronavirus pandemic, according to the White House and the Kremlin.
Moldovan Court Rules Russian Loan Violates Law RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- Moldova's Constitutional Court has ruled that a 200 million-euro ($216 million) loan agreement with Russia is unconstitutional.
'We'd Like to Do It': Trump Says US, Russia Looking Into Moving Ahead on Arms Control Deal Sputnik 07 May 2020 -- Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, US President Donald Trump indicated the two countries are ready to discuss arms control agreements.
Russia Discusses With Turkey Delivery of Extra S-400 Systems - Defence Cooperation Agency Sputnik 07 May 2020 -- Moscow and Ankara discuss the composition and the time frame for the delivery of an additional batch of the Russian S-400 air defence systems, the head of the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, has said.
Putin Bans Armed Forces Members From Carrying Electronic Devices, Gadgets RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree banning members of the armed forces from carrying smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets capable of recording and storing information while on duty.
'We Would Have Lost': Did U.S. Lend-Lease Aid Tip The Balance In Soviet Fight Against Nazi Germany? RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- On February 24, 1943, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain transport aircraft with serial number 42-32892 rolled out of a factory in Long Beach, California, and was handed over to the U.S. Air Force.
UN Monitors Say Mercenaries From Russia's Vagner Group Fighting In Libya RFE/RL 07 May 2020 -- UN experts say mercenaries from the Vagner group, a Russian private security firm, are supporting Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar in his battle to capture the capital, Tripoli.
U.S.: Russia, China Spinning Coronavirus Conspiracies To Blame West RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- China and Russia are promoting "false narratives" on social media that blame the West for the coronavirus pandemic while casting their countries as best-equipped to deal with the crisis, U.S. officials say.
COVID-19: Factories To Restart In Moscow Next Week Even As Cases Surge Across Russia RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is nearing 260,000 with more than 3.6 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Russia's coronavirus cases rise by more than 10,000 for fourth straight day SPA 06 May 2020 -- The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 10,559 over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide tally to 165,929, the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Wednesday. It was the fourth consecutive day that cases had risen by more than 10,000, according to Reuters.
Russian Public Health Chief Proposes 3-Stage Plan to Lift Coronavirus-Related Restrictions Sputnik 06 May 2020 -- According to Anna Popova, the measures taken have allowed Russia to delay the spread of the virus by two months and benefit from international experience of the disease.
Russian President Putin Discusses Timeline of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions With Gov't Sputnik 06 May 2020 -- In late April, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered an address to the nation via a video conference on the situation around the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, stressing that self-isolation measures should be extended until at least 11 May.
Russian Minister of Culture Tests Positive for Coronavirus Sputnik 06 May 2020 -- As of 6 May, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia stands at 165,929, with 1,537 fatalities, according to the country's coronavirus response centre.
Coronavirus Tops Agenda As EU Aims To Counter Russia, China In Western Balkans RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- Leaders of the European Union and six Balkan states with hopes of entering the bloc will gather for an online summit on May 6 that has been overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic.
EU Woos Balkans With More Aid As Russia, China Vie For Influence RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- Leaders of the European Union have reaffirmed their "unequivocal support" for six Western Balkan states to eventually become members of the bloc and offered them fresh financial support as the region struggles to cope with the coronavirus crisis.
Russian Coal Baron Bosov Dead In Possible Suicide RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- Russian billionaire Dmitry Bosov has been found dead at his home in a Moscow suburb, in what officials say was a suicide.
Polls Show Support For Putin Slipping As Backing For Constitutional Reform Rises RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- An opinion poll by Russia's independent Levada Center polling agency has found that President Vladimir Putin's approval rating has declined to its lowest level since he was prime minister in 1999.
Facebook Removes Hundreds Of Disinformation Accounts Linked To Russia, Iran, Georgia RFE/RL 05 May 2020 -- Facebook has removed hundreds of social-media accounts - more than half of them based in Russia, Iran, and Georgia - after finding they belonged to networks that were running influence campaigns.
Ukraine's Security Service Says It Detained Russian Agent RFE/RL 06 May 2020 -- The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) says it has detained an alleged spy accused of collecting data on a "modern missile system" on behalf of Russia.
Iraq will purchase Russian missile system if US does not provide modern armaments: Lawmaker Press TV 05 May 2020 -- A senior Iraqi lawmaker says his country will buy long-range surface-to-air S-300 or S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia in a bid to update its own defense infrastructure in case Washington does not help Baghdad in getting modern armaments.
Third Russian Doctor Mysteriously Falls From Hospital Window Amid Coronavirus Outbreak RFE/RL 04 May 2020 -- A doctor at an ambulance unit in Russia's western Voronezh region is in serious condition after falling from a hospital window following complaints that he was forced to work even after testing positive for COVID-19, the third such case in the country in recent days.
Russia Reports Record Daily Rise of New Coronavirus Cases VOA 04 May 2020 -- Russia has seen a record rise in coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to government figures reported Sunday.
Pentagon Accuses Russia, China of 'Exploiting' Coronavirus to Sow Division Between US, Italy Sputnik 04 May 2020 -- Russia and China's efforts to help Italy, one of the countries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent months, have prompted some observers to rethink the significance of Rome's European and trans-Atlantic alliances. The US is concerned about this, Mark Esper says.
Activists Decry Bid by Russia, Cuba, Saudi Arabia to Join UN Rights Body VOA 04 May 2020 -- A watchdog group is calling on democratic nations to prevent the election of Russia, Cuba and Saudi Arabia to the 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council, saying their abysmal human rights records disqualify them from membership.
Russia's Northern Fleet Tracks NATO Warships Crossing Into Barents Sea - Defence Ministry Sputnik 04 May 2020 -- According to the National Defence Operations Centre, the NATO battle group sailed into the Barents Sea on Monday, 7 a.m. Moscow time.
Russian forces block US convoy in northeast Syria as tensions rise Press TV 03 May 2020 -- Russian military police units in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah have reportedly prevented a US convoy from entering a strategic city, amid escalation between the two sides over freedom of movement in the mainly Kurdish-inhabited region.
Russia To Adjust Spending On Putin's 'National Projects' As Economy Hit By Coronavirus RFE/RL 03 May 2020 -- Russia may alter spending plans for a series of national goals promoted by President Vladimir Putin two years ago as the spread of the coronavirus slashes budget revenues.
COVID-19: Russia Again Reports New Record In Cases; Belarus To Go Ahead With Victory Day Parade RFE/RL 03 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 244,000 with 3.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Coronavirus cases in Russia rise by record daily amount SPA 03 May 2020 -- Russia on Sunday recorded its highest daily rise in confirmed coronavirus cases with 10,633 new cases, bringing the total to 134,687, with more than half of cases and deaths in Moscow, Reuters reported.
Russian Military Helps Disinfect Another 20 Facilities in 3 Serbian Cities - Ministry Sputnik 03 May 2020 -- Russian biological and chemical protection military experts have disinfected, together with their Serbian colleagues, 20 facilities in three Serbian cities over the past 24 hours as part of their joint COVID-19 response, the Russian Defen?e Ministry said Sunday.
COVID-19: Tajikistan Announces First Deaths; Second Russian Official In Hospital RFE/RL 02 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is approaching 242,000 with 3.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Rapid Increase in COVID-19 Cases in Moscow Linked to Growing Testing Rate Sputnik 02 May 2020 -- Moscow's COVID-19 response centre on Saturday explained the rapid increase in new cases of infection by the growing number of reference centers verifying positive coronavirus results in the Russian capital.
Russian Black Sea Fleet carries out drills in Mediterranean Sea Global Times 02 May 2020 -- Four ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have conducted drills involving anti-mine reconnaissance and overcoming minefields in the Mediterranean Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Friday.
Turning A Newspaper Into 'Toilet Paper': Business Daily Caught Up In Putin's War On Journalism RFE/RL 02 May 2020 -- On April 23, the editorial staff of the business daily Vedomosti took the unusual step of publishing an editorial that accused the paper's own acting editor in chief, Andrei Shmarov, of undermining the values of professional journalism that underlie Vedomosti's reputation.
Russian Ship Capable Of Completing Nord Stream 2 Approaches Danish Waters RFE/RL 02 May 2020 -- A Russian ship capable of laying pipe is approaching Danish waters, raising speculation it may seek to complete an $11 billion natural-gas pipeline whose construction was halted by U.S. sanctions last year.
Russian Minister of Construction, His Deputy Tested Positive for COVID-19 Sputnik 01 May 2020 -- So far, Russia has registered 114,431 COVID-19 cases, 1,169 deaths, and 13,220 recoveries, according to Rospotrebnadzor.
China Pays High Price for Russian Gas Radio Free Asia 01 May 2020 -- China is paying a high price for natural gas from Russia's newly-opened Power of Siberia pipeline at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has driven many energy costs down to historic lows.
COVID-19: Russia Reports Record Daily Increase; Pakistan's Parliament Speaker Tests Positive RFE/RL 01 May 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 233,000 with almost 3.3 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
Over 3.7Mln COVID-19 Tests Conducted in Russia - Watchdog Sputnik 01 May 2020 -- Over 3.7 million tests to detect COVID-19 have been conducted in Russia, and 211,000 suspected carriers across the country are under medical observation, the national public health watchdog said on Friday.
Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for COVID-19 People's Daily 01 May 2020 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said he has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Kremlin on Thursday.
The Week In Russia: Image And Influence Abroad, Coronavirus In The Cabinet RFE/RL 01 May 2020 -- The official number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia rose above 100,000, with deaths exceeding 1,000, and the prime minister tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin's Syria "headache" persisted and a bitter dispute with the Czech Republic took a dramatic turn.
Russia's Energy Czar, Disliked And Feared, Catches Blame As Oil Prices Collapse, Venezuela Deals Crumble RFE/RL 01 May 2020 -- March was the cruelest month for one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's longest-serving and most hawkish confidants.
Behind Russia's Coronavirus Fight, a Surveillance State Blooms VOA 01 May 2020 -- In the age of COVID-19, where does the line between security, privacy, and freedom lie?
US State Dept. Says Russia and China Have No Reason to Vote Against Prolonging Iran Arms Embargo Sputnik 01 May 2020 -- Russia and China have no reason to vote against the prolongation of the arms embargo on Iran, US Special Representative for Iran, and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State Brian Hook said.

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May 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News