July 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News

Ukraine To Seek Extradition Of Alleged Russian Mercenaries Detained In Belarus, Moscow Calls For Their Release RFE/RL 31 Jul 2020 -- Kyiv says it will seek the extradition of alleged contractors from the Russian private military company Vagner being held in Belarus as Moscow demanded their release, saying they were in transit and headed to Turkey.
Deaths of '300 Russians' in Syria sent warning to Moscow, Pompeo says Press TV 31 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the deaths of "300 Russians" in a failed attack on a military base held by US and mainly Kurdish forces in Syria's oil-rich eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr more than two years ago sent a warning to Moscow.
The Soviet Mars Shot That Almost Everyone Forgot RFE/RL 31 Jul 2020 -- A U.S. Atlas V rocket lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral on July 30 to cap an unprecedented month of international Mars mission launches, including by the United Arab Emirates and China.
Russia intercepts US spy planes over Black Sea for fourth time in a week Press TV 31 Jul 2020 -- The Russian military has intercepted American spy planes over the Black Sea four times in the past week.
Russia vows 'reciprocal' response to EU's political sanctions Press TV 31 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says it will respond in kind to travel and financial sanctions imposed by the European Union on a department of its military intelligence service over alleged cyber attacks.
Putin Signs Into Law Bill On Multiday Voting In Elections RFE/RL 31 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a controversial bill that allows voting over as many as three days during elections.
Russia Opens Criminal Case Against Opposition Politician Over Anti-Kremlin Rallies RFE/RL 31 Jul 2020 -- Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against Yulia Galymina, an opposition Moscow city councillor and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, over her involvement in anti-Kremlin rallies.
The Week In Russia: The Death Of An Anti-Perestroika Icon And A Wagnerian Riddle In Belarus RFE/RL 31 Jul 2020 -- The fears of a perestroika foe who has died at age 81 have echoes in President Vladimir Putin's political planning, and Russia's intentions in Belarus face new scrutiny after Kremlin-linked mercenaries are arrested and the embattled authoritarian who is arguably Putin's closest foreign ally accuses Moscow of a plot to destabilize elections.
Kremlin urges Belarus to release 33 detained Russians Press TV 31 Jul 2020 -- Russia has urged Belarus to immediately release 33 Russian private security contractors detained on terrorism charges, dismissing the accusations against them as bogus.
Briefing by Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department Alexey Zaytsev, Moscow, July 30, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jul 2020
China, Russia Nearing Status as U.S. Nuclear Peers, Stratcom Commander Says DoD News 30 Jul 2020 -- For the first time, the United States will face two peer competitors with nuclear capabilities – China and Russia – by the end of this decade, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command said.
Russian Intelligence Hit In First Ever EU Sanctions Against Cyberattacks RFE/RL 30 Jul 2020 -- The European Union has imposed its first-ever sanctions against alleged cyberattackers, targeting four Russian citizens and a unit of Moscow's GRU military intelligence agency.
The United States Applauds the EU's Action on Cyber Sanctions US Dept. of State 30 Jul 2020 -- The United States welcomes today's announcement from the European Union's High Representative Josep Borrell regarding the body's first designations under its cyber sanctions framework.
Ukrainian Ex-President Kravchuk Takes Presidential Envoy Post In Group For Resolving Conflict RFE/RL 30 Jul 2020 -- Ukraine's first President Leonid Kravchuk has agreed to take the post of presidential envoy in the trilateral contact group on resolving the armed conflict in the country's east.
Russia arrests suspected Ukraine spy in Black Sea Fleet Press TV 30 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has arrested a serviceman from the country's Black Sea Fleet in the Crimean city of Sevastopol over suspected espionage for Ukraine.
Russia's Security Service Arrests Black Sea Fleet Officer Working for Ukraine Intelligence Sputnik 30 Jul 2020 -- A serviceman of Russia's Black Sea Fleet who worked for the Ukrainian military intelligence was placed into custody in Sevastopol for committing high treason, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday.
What Is Russia's Vagner Paramilitary Group And What Was It Doing In Belarus Ahead Of Vote? RFE/RL 30 Jul 2020 -- When authorities in Belarus conducted a high-profile operation to detain some 33 suspected Russian mercenaries near Minsk on July 29, officials were quick to connect the incident with the country's August 9 presidential election.
Kremlin Refutes Claims That Russia Sends People to Belarus to Destabilize Situation Sputnik 30 Jul 2020 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refuted on Thursday as "slander" claims that Russia could have tasked anyone with destabilizing the situation in Belarus ahead of the presidential election there.
Belarus Arrests Suspected Russian Mercenaries, Alleges Election Plot VOA 30 Jul 2020 -- Relations between Russia and its erstwhile ally Belarus veered into uncharted territory after Belarusian security forces on Wednesday detained more than 30 suspected Russian mercenaries near the capital Minsk - allegedly for trying to disrupt Belarus' Aug. 9 presidential elections.
Fighter Jet Scrambled to Intercept US Spy Planes Flying Near Russia's Black Sea Borders Sputnik 30 Jul 2020 -- The incident follows last week's string of interceptions of NATO spy planes and reconnaissance drones operating near Russia's maritime borders off the Black and Baltic seas, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea near the Russian naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus.
Pompeo Says U.S. Will 'Do Everything' To Stop Nord Stream 2 Project RFE/RL 30 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has told lawmakers that the United States intends to impose sanctions on firms that continue to help Russia build a natural-gas pipeline to Europe as he sought to dispel concerns about Washington's commitment to halt the controversial project.
Ex-Trump Adviser Says Putin Living In A 'Bubble,' Out Of Fresh Ideas To Move Russia Forward RFE/RL 30 Jul 2020 -- A former senior foreign policy adviser to President Donald Trump said U.S. policy toward Russia continues to be hamstrung by partisan politics but that Moscow also needs to change its behavior for bilateral relations to improve.
Russian Oligarchs Find Way To Bypass U.S. Sanctions Through Secrecy Of Art Sales RFE/RL 30 Jul 2020 -- Two Russian oligarchs have been able to bypass U.S. sanctions barring them from U.S. financial systems by taking advantage of lax laws governing high-priced art purchases in the United States, according to a congressional report released on July 29 following a two-year investigation.
Meeting on sanitary and epidemiological situation and readiness of healthcare system for autumn and winter President of Russia 29 Jul 2020 -- The President held a meeting, via videoconference, on the sanitary and epidemiological situation and readiness of the healthcare system for the autumn and winter period.
Russian Navy Starts Large-Scale Drills in Black Sea Soon After Completion of NATO Exercise Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- On Monday, large-scale NATO exercise Sea Breeze-2020 concluded in the north-west of the Black Sea. Over 20 ships, as well as numerous aircraft and helicopters, and around 2,000 servicemen from Ukraine, the United States, Bulgaria, Georgia, Norway, Romania, Spain and Turkey took part in the drills.
Report: U.S. Officials Say Russia-Backed Websites Spread Coronavirus Disinformation RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- U.S. officials have identified three English-language websites that they say Russia is using to spread disinformation about the coronavirus pandemic to exploit the U.S. struggle to contain the outbreak.
Trump Says He Never Questioned Putin About Reports That Russia Paid Taliban To Kill U.S. Troops RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- President Donald Trump said he never raised with Russian leader Vladimir Putin media reports that Moscow paid the Taliban to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Trump Says He Didn't Discuss Russia-Taliban Bounty Allegations with Putin VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump told the Axios news site that he did not discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin an alleged Russian plot to pay militants for attacks on American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Three Detained In Russia's Far East Amid Anti-Kremlin Protests RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Police in Russia's Far East have detained three people who demonstrated in support of the arrested former governor of the Khabarovsk Krai region.
The United States and Russia Hold Space Security Exchange US Dept. of State 28 Jul 2020 -- Officials from the Departments of State, Defense, and Energy, as well as the National Security Council, met with Russian Federation officials in a Space Security Exchange under the framework of the Strategic Security Dialogue.
Russia Hands Over Terror Suspect To Azerbaijan, Allegedly Trained In Iran Radio Farda 28 Jul 2020 -- At the request of the Republic of Azerbaijan Russia handed over an individual accused of receiving "terrorist" training in Iran, TASS and Azerbaijani media reported July 28.
U.S., Russia Begin Three Days Of Nuclear Arms-Control Talks RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- U.S. and Russian officials have opened three days of nuclear arms-control talks in Vienna less than a year before a treaty covering about 90 percent of the world's atomic weapons expires.
Russia claims it intercepted U.S. spy plane over Black Sea Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- The Russian defense ministry said in a statement that it had sent a Su-27 fighter plane on Monday to intercept a U.S. surveillance plane over the Black Sea that it said was approaching the Russian border.
Russia intercepts another US spy plane over Black Sea Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Russia has intercepted a US spy plane over the Black Sea, the third such incident in less than a week, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
Russia Deploys S-400 to Arctic Only to Ensure National Security, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The deployment of S-400 missile systems on Russia's Arctic islands is a logical step, needed exclusively for national defence, and it should not raise concerns, Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Nikolai Korchunov stated in an interview.
FSB Says 'Terrorist' From Central Asia Killed Near Moscow RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has killed a person from Central Asia who "planned a terrorist attack" in Moscow.
Russian Federal Security Service Prevents Terror Attack in Moscow Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday it had prevented a terror attack that a Central Asian national planned to stage in a crowded area in Moscow.
Serbia Seeks to Purchase More Warplanes to Strengthen its Armed Forces, Potentially from Russia VOA 27 Jul 2020 -- Serbia is seeking to further strengthen its armed forces by purchasing more warplanes, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Sunday.
U.S., Russia Discuss Space Security Ahead Of Nuclear Talks This Week RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- U.S. and Russian officials are holding talks on space security after the United States and Britain last week accused Moscow of having launched an anti-satellite weapon.
Russian Su-27 Scrambled to Intercept US Plane Over Black Sea, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft over neutral waters in the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Centre (NDCC) said on Monday.
Russia's Far East Starts Massive Drills Involving Over 4,000 Troops Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Large-scale drills involving over 4,000 troops started in two regions of Russia's Far East on Monday, the Eastern Military District said.
Thousands Continue Anti-Kremlin Protests In Russia's Khabarovsk RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- Thousands of people have rallied in the central square of the Russian Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk to demand the release and return of the region's governor, Sergei Furgal.
Germany Rejects U.S. Proposal For Russia's Return To G7 RFE/RL 27 Jul 2020 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has rejected allowing Russia's return to the Group of Seven (G7), after U.S. President Donald Trump raised the prospect of Moscow rejoining the club of leading economic powers.
Kremlin on Maas' G7 'Statement': Russia Not Seeking to Rejoin Group Sputnik 27 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has not put forward any initiatives related to joining the G7, and the country does not actually seek being a member of the group, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, commenting on German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas' fresh statement against Russia's reincorporation into the format.
Serbian President Says Balkan Nation Seeking More Warplanes RFE/RL 26 Jul 2020 -- The president of Serbia says the Balkan nation is seeking to purchase more warplanes.
Putin, Zelenskiy Speak By Phone Ahead Of Fresh Truce In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 26 Jul 2020 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine hours before a fresh cease-fire was due to enter into force.
Russian Navy to be armed with hypersonic nuclear strike weapons: Putin Press TV 26 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a boost in the county's military equipment, saying the Navy will be armed with hypersonic nuclear strike weapons, underwater nuclear drones as well as 40 new ships and vessels this year.
More Anti-Kremlin Protests In Russia's Khabarovsk RFE/RL 26 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Russian Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk on July 26 to demand the release and return of the region's governor.
Putin Attends Naval Parade, Promises New Ships, Weapons RFE/RL 26 Jul 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin said the Russian Navy will get 40 new ships and vessels this year, as he attended a naval parade in St. Petersburg marking Navy Day in Russia.
Russian Police Conduct 'Terrorism' Raid On Independent Municipal Candidates During Corruption Seminar RFE/RL 25 Jul 2020 -- Russian special forces on July 25 raided the headquarters of the United Democrats movement in the Tatarstan capital Kazan during a seminar on corruption.
U.S. Says Russian Military Supplying More Weapons And Vagner Group Fighters To Libya RFE/RL 25 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. military has accused Russia of supplying more offensive weapons and fighters to Libya in an attempt gain a foothold in the North African country.
Anti-Putin Protests In Russia's Far East Gather Steam RFE/RL 25 Jul 2020 -- A demonstration against the way Russian President Vladimir Putin has handled a regional political crisis is reportedly the largest seen in the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk since protests began there more than two weeks ago.
Some 6,500 People Join Rally in Support of Arrested Ex-Governor in Khabarovsk, Authorities Say Sputnik 25 Jul 2020 -- Some 6,500 people are taking part in an unauthorised rally in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, the 15th day of protests in support of arrested former Governor Sergey Furgal, the city administration said.
Thousands in Khabarovsk, Russia, Protest Replacement of Popular Regional Governor VOA 25 Jul 2020 -- Huge crowds took to the streets of the Russian city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, angered by the arrest of the region's popular governor, replaced this week by a Kremlin appointee who had never lived in the region.
Russia's Su-27 Scrambled to Intercept US Reconnaissance Plane Over Black Sea - Military Sputnik 24 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Su-27 fighter was scrambled on Friday to intercept a US reconnaissance aircraft flying over the Black Sea and the latter eventually drifted away from the Russian border, the Russian Defen?e Ministry said on Friday.
Russian Upper House Passes Bill on Multi-Day Voting in Elections Sputnik 24 Jul 2020 -- Bill Qualifying Alienation of Territories as Extremism
Chechen Leader Imposes Sanctions on Pompeo in Retaliation to US Blacklist Sputnik 24 Jul 2020 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia's southern region of Chechnya, announced on Friday that he was adding US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to a regional sanction list in a tit-for-tat for being blacklisted in the US over alleged human rights violations.
Human Trials of Russia's Second COVID-19 Vaccine to Start July 27 Sputnik 24 Jul 2020 -- Russian State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector received permission to conduct clinical trials of a vaccine against coronavirus, the first volunteers will receive it on July 27, Russian healthcare watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said on Friday.
Russia's Coronavirus Case Tally Passes 800,000 SPA 24 Jul 2020 -- The total number of cases of the novel coronavirus in Russia passed 800,000 on Friday, as the country reported 5,811 new infections in the past 24 hours, Reuters reported.
Russia denies US, UK accusations of testing space weapon Press TV 24 Jul 2020 -- Russia has rejected as "propaganda" American and British allegations that it has tested an anti-satellite weapon in space.
Briefing With Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Dr. Christopher A. Ford On the U.S.-Russia Space Security Exchange US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2020
U.S., Russia To Hold Space Security Meeting Amid Alarm Over Anti-Satellite Weapons RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- A U.S. delegation will meet with Russian officials on July 27 to discuss security in space for the first time in seven years amid alarm in Washington over Moscow's latest test of an anti-satellite weapon.
U.S. Says Russia Tested Anti-Satellite Weapon In Space RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- The United States has accused Russia of conducting the test of an anti-satellite weapon in space that Washington fears could be used to threaten critical U.S. and allied satellites.
The Week In Russia: Trolling Khabarovsk And Other Tales Of A New Era RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin's response to protests in the Far East fails to please, and Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov revels in a promotion while a gulag historian is sentenced on charges he denies. Also, three-day votes loom as a fixture of the future, a long-term legacy of Putin's successful push to secure a possible 12-year extension of his rule amid the coronavirus crisis.
Russian Far East Rallies Continue As Protesters Denounce Putin, New Governor RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of supporters of the arrested former governor of Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk region, Sergei Furgal, have rallied for the 14th straight day, demanding the resignation of President Vladimir Putin and denouncing the Putin-appointed acting governor of the restive region.
Russian Parliament's Upper Chamber Approves Bill On Multiday Voting In Elections RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- Russia's upper chamber of parliament, the Federation Council, has approved a bill that allows voting over as many as three days during elections.
Chechen Leader Kadyrov Announces 'Sanctions' On U.S. Secretary Of State RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, the authoritarian leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, has declared "sanctions" against U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo.
Russia and the Wagner Group continue to be involved in both ground and air operations in Libya AFRICOM 24 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Africa Command has mounting evidence that Russia, through the Wagner Group, continues to position military equipment in Libya capable of conducting kinetic operations there.
Widow Of Chechen Killed Near Vienna Confirms He Was Police Informant RFE/RL 24 Jul 2020 -- The widow of a Chechen man who was gunned down earlier this month in a Vienna suburb says her husband was an informant for Austrian security agencies and that police were examining his cell phone, which she said had recordings and other possible evidence.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 23, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jul 2020
Russia's coronavirus tally nears 800,000 SPA 23 Jul 2020 -- Russia reported 5,848 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, pushing its national tally to 795,038, the fourth largest in the world, Reuters reported.
Trump And Putin Discuss Arms, Coronavirus In First Call Since Afghan Bounty Claims RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin about an arms agreement and fighting the coronavirus in their first call since explosive allegations emerged last month that Moscow had put bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.
Trump tells Putin hopes to avoid US-Russia-China arms race Press TV 23 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that he will avoid an "expensive" US arms race with Russia and China.
RFE/RL Investigation Identifies Several Who Served On Deadly Separatist Military Tribunals In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- RFE/RL has determined the identities of and new details about seven of the nine men who served on so-called "military tribunals" and carried out several executions of those it "convicted" in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk.
Deal Reached For Ukraine Cease-Fire From July 27 RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have reached an agreement for a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine from July 27.
Russia conducts space-based anti-satellite weapons test USSPACECOM 23 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Space Command has evidence that Russia conducted a non-destructive test of a space-based anti-satellite weapon. On July 15, Russia injected a new object into orbit from Cosmos 2543, currently Satellite Catalog Number 45915 in Space-Track.org.
US claims Russia just tested an 'anti-satellite weapon' in orbit Press TV 23 Jul 2020 -- The US Space Command has claimed that it's found evidence that Russia recently conducted a test of anti-satellite weapons.
An Isolated Case? Observers Doubt Far East Unrest Will Spread Across Russia RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- For nearly two weeks, residents of the Russian city of Khabarovsk have been protesting following the July 9 arrest of the region's popular governor, Sergei Furgal. After President Vladimir Putin named a Moscow-based politician with no ties to the Far Eastern region as Furgal's temporary replacement, the protests took a sharply anti-Moscow turn.
Russian Police Question First Khabarovsk Activist As New Governor Refuses To Meet Protesters RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- Russian law enforcement have questioned a Khabarovsk activist for the first time since mass protests broke out in the Far East region two weeks ago following the arrest of the local governor.
Russia's Media Watchdog Seeks To Tighten Restrictions On 'Foreign Agent' Outlets RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- The Russian state media watchdog has posted a draft instruction on how media outlets who have been registered as "foreign agents" must identify that fact in published or broadcast materials.
Putin Names Kadyrov Major General, Transfers Him To The National Guard RFE/RL 23 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded the rank of military major general to the head of the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Scottish Nationalists Urged to Boycott Russian State Media VOA 23 Jul 2020 -- Scotland's nationalists are coming under mounting political pressure to stop appearing on Russian state-backed broadcaster RT following an explosive report earlier this week by Britain's parliamentary intelligence watchdog, which said Moscow has been actively seeking to boost the campaign for Scottish independence.
Russia Reports 5,862 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia on Wednesday reported 5,862 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the nationwide tally of infections to 789,190, Reuters reported.
EU 'To Impose Sanctions' On Russia, China, North Korea Over Cyberattacks RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- European Union ambassadors have given the green light to sanctions on Russia's GRU military intelligence unit, as well as on Chinese and North Korean entities over three separate cyberattacks in recent years.
Russia-Controlled Court Sentences Crimean Tatar For Participation In Resistance Group RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- A court in Russia-annexed Crimea has sentenced a local Tatar man to eight years in prison after finding him guilty of being a member of an "illegal armed group" that resists Moscow's control of the peninsula.
Royal Navy Spots, Shadows Russian Kalibr-Carrying Sub in English Channel Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russian submarines and other warships regularly pass through the waters adjacent to the UK and France on their way to the Mediterranean and Black seas, with the subs doing so in a surfaced position and often accompanied by support vessels.
Video: Russian Black Sea Fleet Holds Massive Military Drills Off Crimea Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The footage offers a glimpse of the land, naval and airborne elements of the Russian military that were involved in the drills.
Russian Black Sea Fleet Monitoring NATO Vessels, Planes Taking Part in Sea Breeze Drills, MoD Says Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet is keeping track of NATO vessels and aircraft taking part in the Sea Breeze drills in the north-west of the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
Russia's New Mi-8AMTSh-VN Attack Helicopter Being Flight-Tested - Rostec Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia's new Mi-8AMTSh-VN attack transport helicopter is already being flight-tested, Andrey Boginskiy, the CEO of the Russian Helicopters manufacturing company (part of Rostec corporation), said.
Rallies In Khabarovsk Continue As Protesters Demand Putin's Resignation RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of supporters of the arrested ex-governor of Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk Krai region, Sergei Furgal, have rallied for a 12th day, this time demanding the resignation of the country's president, Vladimir Putin.
Russian Baltic Gas Pipeline On Pompeo's Agenda As He Visits Denmark RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has arrived in Denmark, where he is set to discuss the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline when he meets with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.
The 1980 Olympics Are The 'Cleanest' In History. Athletes Recall How Moscow Cheated The System. RFE/RL 22 Jul 2020 -- When Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics, games were being played not only in Soviet arenas but at the headquarters of the KGB.
In Ankara, Turkey, Russia declare coordination for Libya truce Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have agreed to work harder for a sustainable ceasefire in Libya in coordination with the United Nations.
Iran, Russia to devise long-term strategic cooperation agreement: FM Zarif Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Tehran and Moscow have agreed to devise and conclude a long-term strategic cooperation agreement.
Zarif says delivered 'important' message to Putin, agreed on strategic cooperation deal Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says he has delivered an "important" message from Iran's President Hassan Rouhani to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, adding that Tehran and Moscow agreed to finalize a long-term comprehensive deal on strategic cooperation.
UK considers adopting new 'espionage' law to counter Russian influence Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Following the publication of the Russia report there is growing clamor in the British political establishment for a new espionage law that takes stock of both actual and potential national security threats.
UK minister: No evidence of Russian meddling in Brexit vote Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- A British minister rejects the notion that Russia meddled in the 2016 Brexit referendum following the disclosure of a report that showed the UK was "clearly a target" for disinformation campaigns around its elections.
Russia Report: Kremlin Denies Election Meddling as Dossier Compiled by UK Spy Agencies Published Sputnik 21 Jul 2020 -- A report on alleged Russian interference in British politics which was completed last year has finally been published. Publication of the report was deliberately delayed until after the General Election, reportedly to spare the blushes of the ruling Conservative Party.
Iran's Zarif Offers A New Long-Term Cooperation Agreement To Russia Radio Farda 21 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says extending Tehran-Moscow 20-year cooperation agreement is on the Islamic Republic's agenda.
Putin orders Russian navy to modernize warships Global Times 21 Jul 2020 -- The share of modern warships in the Russian navy should exceed 70 percent by 2027, President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
'Not Just Trolling, But Humiliation': Putin's Choice To Replace Khabarovsk Governor Unlikely To Calm Unrest RFE/RL 21 Jul 2020 -- The moment the popular governor of Russia's Khabarovsk region was arrested and hustled off to Moscow on July 9, locals - who have taken to the streets in daily protests, with crowds twice numbering in the tens of thousands – began wondering who President Vladimir Putin would name as a replacement.
Rallies In Russia's Khabarovsk Continue As Protesters Target Anger At Newly Appointed Governor RFE/RL 21 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of supporters of the arrested ex-governor of Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk region, Sergei Furgal, rallied for an 11th day in the regional capital, denouncing newly appointed acting Governor Mikhail Degtyaryov.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Bill On Multiday Voting In Elections RFE/RL 21 Jul 2020 -- The lower chamber of Russia's parliament, the State Duma, has approved the final reading of a bill that would allow voting over as many as three days during elections.
U.S. House Approves More Sanctions Related To Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 21 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an amendment that would impose new sanctions on companies helping Russia complete a controversial natural-gas pipeline to Germany.
US Hits Russia's Kadyrov with Sanctions Over Rights Abuses VOA 21 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Department of State has announced it is imposing additional sanctions against Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia's southern republic of Chechnya, in a move American officials linked to a pattern of continued human rights abuses by the Chechen strongman.
Lavrov hails Iran-Russia cooperation deal as significant IRNA 21 Jul 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday said that the agreement signed on the basis of mutual relations and principles of cooperation between Iran and the Russia is an important deal which determines shape of bilateral relations and the principles of interaction as the key areas are mentioned in the document.
FM Zarif: Iran-Russia ties at highest level IRNA 21 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zaif said that the relations between Iran and Russia today have the strongest status compared to the previous decades, and the two sides hope to bolster such relations to the highest level possible.
Russia trying hard to maintain JCPOA, Lavrov says IRNA 21 Jul 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that Moscow is working hard to maintain the nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the US unilaterally withdrew from.
FM Zarif: Renewing Iran's 20-year agreement with Russia on agenda IRNA 21 Jul 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday described Iran's relations with Russia as strategic, adding that he is going to discuss the renewal of a 20-year agreement with Russia during his visit to Moscow.
Iran interested in buying new Russian weapons: ambassador to Moscow ISNA 21 Jul 2020 -- Iran is interested in buying new Russian weapons to enhance its defense capacities, Iranian ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said in an interview with the Kommersant daily.
Strong Iran-Russia ties guarantee global peace, security: FM Zarif Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran-Russia relations are at their strongest in decades, adding that such sustainable ties will benefit both countries and guarantee global peace and security.
Extension of 20-year Iran-Russia cooperation deal on agenda of talks: Zarif in Moscow Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- In Moscow, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says extending a 20-year cooperation agreement with Russia, which will expire next year, is on the agenda of talks between the two countries.
Memorandum on Reinforcing Operations Security DoD 21 Jul 2020 -- Today the Secretary for Defense released a memorandum for all Department of Defense personnel reinforcing Operations Security (OPSEC) and the importance of preventing unauthorized disclosures.
U.K. Report Calls For Further Study Of Russian Interference, Claims Meddling In Scottish Vote RFE/RL 21 Jul 2020 -- A British parliamentary committee has criticized the government for failing to investigate Russian interference during the 2016 Brexit referendum despite "credible" commentary that Moscow had tried to meddle in the Scottish independence referendum two years earlier.
Russian Influence in Britain is 'New Normal,' Intelligence Committee Warns VOA 21 Jul 2020 -- A long-awaited House of Commons report laying bare Kremlin-sponsored bids to influence the outcomes of British elections and other votes, and to meddle in the workings of British democracy generally, was released Tuesday, with lawmakers on the intelligence and security committee saying Russia sought to break up the United Kingdom by attempting to "influence" the 2014 Scottish independence vote.
Nicola Sturgeon takes London to task over Russia report Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- As the British political establishment digests the contents of the Russia report, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has seized the initiative by calling out the government for its complacency.
Long-awaited Russia Report triggers political storm in Britain Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- The long-awaited report into alleged Russian "interference" in British national life was finally released today after the government caved into public pressure.
Russian Health Ministry Denies Report That Elites Were Given Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Health Ministry has denied a report by Bloomberg that political and business elites have been given early access to an experimental vaccine against COVID-19.
US Sanctions Aim to Keep Russian Financier from Meddling in Sudan's Future VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's "chef" because of the billions he made in the catering business, Russian financier Yevgeniy Prigozhin had far more cooking abroad, including meddling in U.S. elections and suppressing democracy in Sudan, according to U.S. charges.
Public Designation of Russian National Ramzan Kadyrov Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- Today, the Department of State is publicly designating Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020.
U.S. Adds Sanctions Against Chechen Leader Kadyrov For Rights Abuses RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- The United States has slapped additional sanctions on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov "for numerous gross violations of human rights."
US Sanctions Chechen Leader Kadyrov for Alleged Human Rights Violations, Pompeo Says Sputnik 20 Jul 2020 -- Washington has sanctioned a number of Russian citizens and entities under the so-called Magnitsky Act, which allows it to impose restrictions on individuals and entities whom it considers to be human rights abusers.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Announces Closure Of His Anti-Corruption Foundation RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition politician and outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny has announced the closure of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) after using it for almost a decade to reveal wrongdoing by the Russian authorities.
Navalny's Greatest Hits: FBK's Best Corruption Exposés During Its Nine-Year History RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition activist Aleksei Navalny has announced that he will be closing his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which has angered oligarchs and officials alike with his blistering investigations, after a Kremlin insider won a large defamation lawsuit.
Putin Replaces Governor Of Restive Far East Region Amid Ongoing Protests RFE/RL 20 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired the governor of the Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges, which sparked massive rallies in his support.
Russia's U.K. Envoy Says Allegations Of Vaccine Hacking Make 'No Sense' RFE/RL 19 Jul 2020 -- Russia's ambassador to Great Britain has denied Western allegations that Moscow helped hackers target laboratories conducting research on vaccines to fight the coronavirus.
Russia's UK envoy: COVID-19 vaccine hacking claims nonsensical Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- Moscow's ambassador to London has rejected allegations made by the UK and its allies that Russian intelligence services attempted to steal data on coronavirus vaccine research projects from laboratories around the world.
Russian UK envoy: Moscow to penalize those imposing sanctions on Russians Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- The Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom says Moscow will find ways to punish those imposing sanctions against its nationals as part of "the Magnitsky case."
Protests Continue In Russia's Far East Over Arrest Of Local Governor RFE/RL 19 Jul 2020 -- Mass rallies continue to rock the Far Eastern Russian region of Khabarovsk as the backlash against the arrest of a local governor rattles the Kremlin.
Russia's New Constitution to Further Silence Debate VOA 18 Jul 2020 -- Outside the Moscow headquarters of the Federal Security Service last week, some of Russia's most prominent journalists protested the arrest of Ivan Safronov, a former journalist charged with treason. Some were briefly detained.
Thousands In Khabarovsk Protest Arrest Of Russian Governor RFE/RL 18 Jul 2020 -- Tens of thousands of people in the Far Eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk marched in an unsanctioned rally on July 18 to protest the arrest of a local governor.
Russian Army's Snap Combat Readiness Check Unrelated to Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Tensions Sputnik 18 Jul 2020 -- Russian Deputy Defence Minister Col. Gen. Alexander Fomin refuted on Saturday any connection between the combat training activities carried out by the Russian armed forces and the escalation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Thousands in Khabarovsk, Russia Protest the arrest of regional governor VOA 18 Jul 2020 -- Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of the Russian city of Khabarovsk Saturday to protest the arrest of the region's governor on charges related to multiple murders in 2004 and 2005.
The Return Of Cozy Bear: Russian Hackers In The Crosshairs Of Western Intelligence Agencies - Again RFE/RL 18 Jul 2020 -- Six years ago, Dutch intelligence agents reportedly infiltrated a malicious group of hackers working out an office building not far from the Kremlin. Dutch agents hacked into a security camera that monitored people entering the Moscow building, according to the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant; they also reportedly monitored in 2016 as the hackers broke into the servers of the U.S. Democratic Party.
Biden Briefed On U.S. Intelligence, Says Russia Still Meddling In Electoral Process RFE/RL 18 Jul 2020 -- U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden says he is now getting regular intelligence briefings and has been told that Russia is continuing in its attempts to meddle in the upcoming U.S. election.
Russia Says No Need to Steal Western Coronavirus Research VOA 17 Jul 2020 -- Russia still expects a tentative agreement with a multinational pharmaceutical company to manufacture a COVID-19 vaccine under development with Oxford University to move forward, despite accusations Russia has been trying to steal vaccine data, the head of Russia's wealth fund said Friday in an interview with Reuters.
Health Minister Expects Russian Vaccine Against COVID-19 to Be Registered in August Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- The registration of a Russian vaccine against the coronavirus is expected to be completed in the first half of August, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday.
Russia to Make Coronavirus Vaccine Available for General Public During Phase 3 Trials Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- Russia will make a coronavirus vaccine candidate it is working on available to general public before it clears the third and last phase of clinical trials, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Friday.
Russia's Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 12,000 SPA 17 Jul 2020 -- Russia's death toll from the novel coronavirus passed 12,000 on Friday, as the country reported 186 new deaths in the past 24 hours, Reuters reported.
Russia Urged To Accept Responsibility On Sixth Anniversary Of MH17 Downing RFE/RL 17 Jul 2020 -- Ukraine and its Western partners have marked the sixth anniversary of the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger flight over eastern Ukraine by calling on Russia to cooperate fully with the investigation into the tragedy and accept its responsibility.
Three Russian soldiers injured as unknown drone strikes Syria's Hasakah: Report Press TV 17 Jul 2020 -- At least three Russian troops have been injured in a drone attack in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.
Russia's Putin orders snap military drills in southwest Press TV 17 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the military to go on high alert for snap military exercises in the country's southwestern region, which is facing "a serious threat of terrorism."
Putin Orders Massive Snap Russian 'Combat Readiness Check' RFE/RL 17 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a snap "combat readiness check" involving 150,000 personnel and hundreds of aircraft and naval vessels to ensure security in Russia's southwest, where he sees a "serious threat" from terrorism.
Out of the Blue: Russia Holds Snap Checks in Its Military Districts Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry announced on Friday a snap check of troops in the southern and western military districts, as well as certain units of Airborne forces and Naval Infantry per the decision of President Vladimir Putin.
Russian Fighters Intercept Norwegian Reconnaissance Plane Above Barents Sea Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Northern Fleet scrambled fighters on Friday to escort a Norwegian reconnaissance aircraft flying above the Barents Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Kremlin denies UK allegations of vote meddling, COVID-19 vaccine hacking Global Times 17 Jul 2020 -- The Kremlin on Thursday denied claims by Britain that "Russian actors" sought to meddle in last year's general election and that Russian intelligence services most likely hacked coronavirus vaccine research.
The Week In Russia: The Kremlin And The World Out There RFE/RL 17 Jul 2020 -- With the coronavirus crisis and President Vladimir Putin's push for the option of seeking two more terms, as well as planning for the postponed Victory Day military parade, the Kremlin seemed to turn its attention inward in the past few weeks and months.
'The Kremlin Is Shocked': Moscow Scrambles For A Response As Protests Rock Russia's Far East RFE/RL 17 Jul 2020 -- In September 2018, residents of Khabarovsk Krai, a Russian region bordering China, voted overwhelmingly for a governor not allied with the ruling party. Sergei Furgal, a former scrap-metal trader, won the election on a wave of discontent over falling wages and a hugely unpopular pension reform that raised the retirement age by five years.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Ordered Not To Leave Moscow During Investigation Into Video Post RFE/RL 17 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says he has been ordered not to leave Moscow as investigations continue connected to a criminal case launched over comments he made on social media.
Russia, Germany criticize U.S. threat to sanction Nord Stream 2 as disregard for Europe's energy sovereignty People's Daily 17 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act -- was enacted in late December 2019.
Russia Categorically Denies Meddling in UK Elections, Warns of Negative Consequences for Relations Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- On Thursday, London hurled a string of accusations at Moscow, accusing it of trying to interfere in the UK's 2019 general election, and of using hackers to try to steal British coronavirus vaccine research. The same day, a parliamentary intelligence committee promised to release a report on alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 16, 2020. Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Jul 2020
Russian Defence Ministry Calls US Accusations on Open Skies Treaty Speculative Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- The United States is using speculative accusations against Russia to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, Sergei Ryzhkov, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's National Center for Reducing Nuclear Danger, said.
Second Phase of Russia's Coronavirus Vaccine Trials to Be Completed August 3, RDIF Says Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- The second phase of trials of Russia's vaccine against coronavirus, which is developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, will be completed on August 3, and the first phase will be conducted not only in Russia but abroad as well, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Thursday.
Russia refutes West-sourced 'coronavirus research theft' claims Press TV 16 Jul 2020 -- Russia rejects allegations emerging from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada claiming that Moscow was trying to steal research data on the new coronavirus.
UK condemns Russian Intelligence Services over vaccine cyber attacks UK FCO 16 Jul 2020 -- The Foreign Secretary has called out Russia's unacceptable cyber attacks against COVID-19 vaccine developers.
Russia Accused of Stealing Western Coronavirus Research VOA 16 Jul 2020 -- U.S., British and Canadian officials accused the Kremlin Thursday of being behind a massive and ongoing cyber hack aimed at stealing from Western pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions doing research into coronavirus vaccines and treatment therapies.
Moscow Refutes UK Claims That Russia-Linked Hackers Tried to Steal Data on COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- Last month, the head of the UK spy agency GCHQ said that Britain's intelligence agents had detected multiple cyberattacks on the country's health infrastructure this past spring, linking the attacks to attempts to steal sensitive data about a possible COVID-19 vaccine.
Britain, U.S., Canada Accuse Russia Of Trying To Steal COVID-19 Vaccine Research RFE/RL 16 Jul 2020 -- Britain, Canada, and the United States have accused Russia of trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world.
Azerbaijan-Armenia Clashes Highlight Turkey-Russia Rift VOA 16 Jul 2020 -- Military clashes between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan continued Thursday, further raising tensions between Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in the conflict.
Britain: 'Almost Certain' Russia Tried to Meddle in 2019 Elections VOA 16 Jul 2020 -- Britain's foreign ministry said Thursday Russia sought to interfere in Britain's 2019 general election by illicitly acquiring sensitive documents relating to a planned free trade agreement with the United States and leaking them online.
Russia denounces Western bids to politicize humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria Press TV 16 Jul 2020 -- Russia has strongly condemned efforts by a number of Western countries to politicize delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria for the sake of their own interests, saying such efforts violate the Arab country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russian Foreign Ministry Has Information US Forces Train Militants Near Syria's At Tanf Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- There is information that US forces, which occupy the "security zone" around Syria's At Tanf, train militants, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
Russia denounces US for threat of sanctions on gas projects in Europe Press TV 16 Jul 2020 -- Russia has denounced the US threat of sanctions on two pipeline projects in Europe, saying Washington's aim is to dissuade the Europeans from purchasing Russian natural gas.
Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline Project Will Be Completed Despite US Wailing, Medvedev Says Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project would be completed, despite "wailing of US friends."
Khabarovsk Krai Governor Furgal's Pretrial Arrest Upheld Amid Rallies In His Support RFE/RL 16 Jul 2020 -- The Moscow City Court has upheld the two-month pretrial arrest of Sergei Furgal, the governor of the Far Eastern Khabarovsk Krai region, who is charged with attempted murder and ordering two murders in 2004-2005, as his supporters rallied in the city of Khabarovsk for a sixth day.
Moscow Court Upholds Space Agency Aide's Pretrial Detention In High Treason Case RFE/RL 16 Jul 2020 -- The Moscow City Court has upheld the two-month pretrial detention of former journalist Ivan Safronov, currently an aide to the chief of Russia's Roskosmos space agency, who is charged with high treason.
Russian Couple On Treason Trial Over Wedding Photos Faces New Charge RFE/RL 16 Jul 2020 -- A Russian couple that is on trial for high treason for photographs taken at their wedding five years ago that revealed the identity of a security operative when published online are facing a new charge: passing secret information to Latvian intelligence.
Intelligence and Security Committee: Russia report to be published within days Press TV 16 Jul 2020 -- The report into Russian influence in UK politics, which has been suppressed for over nine months by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is to be published before July 22, when parliament breaks up for the summer.
Moscow Court Excludes From Safronov's Warrant Claims He Cooperated With Czech Intelligence Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- The Moscow City Court ruled on Thursday to exclude from high treason suspect Ivan Safronov's arrest warrant the claims that he cooperated with the Czech intelligence.
Russia Reports More Than 6,400 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 15 Jul 2020 -- Russia on Wednesday reported 6,422 new coronavirus cases, pushing its confirmed national tally to 746,369, the fourth highest in the world, Reuters reported.
Treasury Targets Financier's Illicit Sanctions Evasion Activity US Treasury 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took further action as part of its ongoing sanctions efforts regarding financier Yevgeniy Prigozhin (Prigozhin), by targeting entities located in Sudan, Hong Kong, and Thailand that have enabled his ability to evade U.S. sanctions. The actors targeted today have directly facilitated Prigozhin's global operations and attempted to suppress and discredit protestors seeking democratic reforms in Sudan.
The United States Imposes Sanctions on Russian Financier's Global Sanctions Evasion Network US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the United States took action to further limit Yevgeniy Prigozhin's destabilizing global activity by designating entities that have enabled his ability to evade sanctions - this time, in Sudan.
U.S. Slaps More Sanctions On Kremlin-Linked Businessman Prigozhin For 'Destabilizing Global Activity' RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on the interests of an influential Russian businessman close to President Vladimir Putin.
US Slaps Sanctions on Three Russian Nationals and Five Companies Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Last year, the US Treasury accused Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin of being involved in meddling with US elections in 2016.
Updated Public Guidance for Section 232 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the Department of State updated the public guidance for Section 232 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which allows for the imposition of sanctions on persons making certain investments or engaging in certain other activities with respect to Russian energy export pipelines. By
U.S. Threatens To Expand Sanctions On Nord Stream 2 As Russia Moves To Complete Pipeline RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States has threatened to sanction any individual or company helping Russia build a controversial natural gas pipeline to Germany as the Kremlin moves to complete the last kilometers of the nearly $11 billion project.
Hundreds Protest In Moscow Against Constitutional Changes That Could Extend Putin's Rule RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Several hundred people turned out in Moscow on July 15 to protest recently approved constitutional changes that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve two more terms until 2036.
Rights Campaigners: Treason in Russia Can Mean Almost Anything VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Treason in Russia can almost mean anything these days, say rights campaigners.
Russia, Wagner Group complicating Libyan ceasefire efforts AFRICOM 15 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clear evidence that Russian employed, state-sponsored Wagner Group laid landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around Tripoli, further violating the United Nations arms embargo and endangering the lives of innocent Libyans.
U.S. Accuses Russian-Backed Mercenaries Of Mining Libya In Violation Of UN Arms Embargo RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States military command in Africa has accused the Kremlin-connected military contractor Vagner Group of violating a United Nations arms embargo and endangering the lives of innocent Libyans by laying land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around Tripoli.
Putin and Merkel Say There is 'No Point' in Sanctions Pressure Against Iran - Kremlin Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- On Wednesday, Russian president Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a phone conversation, during which they discussed various issues, including resolving the conflict in Ukraine and efforts to maintain the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in relation to Iran's nuclear program.
Russian Lawmakers Approve In Initial Reading Expanded 'Extremism" Law Aimed At Crimea RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's lower chamber of parliament, the State Duma, has approved the first reading of an expanded extremism bill aimed at further quelling opposition activists and politicians as well as anyone questioning Moscow's forcible seizure of the Crimean Peninsula.
Roadside bomb hits Russian-Turkish patrol in Syria, injuries reported Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Several Turkish and Russian soldiers have been wounded after a roadside bomb planted by militants in Syria went off near a joint Moscow-Ankara patrol in the Arab country's northwestern province of Idlib.
Russia-Turkey Joint Patrol Hit By Bomb Attack In Syria RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Defense Ministry said on July 14 that a roadside bomb planted by militants hit a joint Russian-Turkish patrol in Syria, wounding three Russian soldiers, Russian news agencies reported.
Syria: Three Russian Soldiers, Turkish Troops Injured in Explosion During Joint Patrol Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- In December 2019, three Russian servicemen were also injured in a blast from an improvised explosive device during a routine patrol in Syria. Russian and Turkish forces are currently carrying out joint patrols along a key highway in the restive Syrian proince of Idlib.
Russian UN envoy slams exploitation of aid delivery mechanism for Syria Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia has condemned the exploitation of a cross-border mechanism for aid deliveries to Syria by some members of the UN Security Council, and their disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the war-ravaged Arab country.
Navalny Summoned For Questioning In Libel Case RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has been summoned for questioning in a criminal case launched over comments he made on social media.
Protesters In Russian Far East Continue Push For Release Of Governor Charged With Murders RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of demonstrators have renewed their peaceful protest in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, demanding the release of the region's governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested last week on charges of attempted murder and ordering the killings of two businessmen in 2004-2005.
Russia Scrambles Fighters as US, Norwegian Spy Planes Detected Near Borders Over Barents, Black Seas Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The incident follows a string of similar occurrences along Russia's borders in recent weeks, with the air force repeatedly scrambling jets to intercept US reconnaissance planes and other military aircraft probing Russian air defences from the Black Sea in the west to the Sea of Japan in the east.
Japan Notes Advancing Military Cooperation Between Russia, China in Fresh Defence Paper Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Japan's 2020 Defence White Paper published on Tuesday contains assessments of growing Russian-Chinese military cooperation, highlighted in a separate chapter.
Tests of Russia's COVID-19 Vaccine Conducted in Compliance With Regulations Sputnik 13 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry stressed on Monday that tests of the vaccine against coronavirus are being conducted in full compliance with methodological regulations, with no attempts to reduce the duration of the research.
A Russian Demographer Questioned Government COVID-19 Numbers. He Was Fired Earlier This Month. RFE/RL 13 Jul 2020 -- In Russia, as in many other countries, the number of coronavirus infections has continued a grim upward march: 733,699 officially confirmed cases as of July 13.
Protesters In Russia's Far East Demand Release Of Regional Governor Charged With Murders RFE/RL 13 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of demonstrators have continued to peacefully protest in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, demanding the release of the region's governor Sergei Furgal, who was arrested last week on charges of attempted murder and ordering the killings of two businessmen in 2004-2005.
Russia's Military Vehicles Manufacturer Develops New Lightweight Armoured Car Strela Sputnik 13 Jul 2020 -- Russia has developed a cutting-edge Strela armoured cross-country vehicle that is twice as light as the Tigr-type vehicles and has a higher speed, as well as better mine protection, Alexander Krasovitsky, the director general of Military Industrial Company (VPK), an armoured military vehicles manufacturer, said on Monday.
Russian Investigators Bring High Treason Charges Against Roscosmos Aide Safronov Sputnik 13 Jul 2020 -- Russian investigators have brought high treason charges against Ivan Safronov, a former defen?e journalist and currently an adviser to Russian space agency Roscosmos chief, lawyer Ivan Pavlov said on Monday, adding that Safronov keeps denying his guilt.
Ex-Journalist Safronov Formally Indicted For High Treason By Russian Investigators RFE/RL 13 Jul 2020 -- Investigators of the Federal Security Service have formally charged an aide to the chief of Russia's Roskosmos space agency, journalist Ivan Safronov, with high treason.
Russia's air defenses repel drone attack on Hmeimim base in Syria Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- Russian air defenses have repelled a drone attack launched by unidentified militants on the strategic Hmeimim airbase in Western Syria, the Russian defense ministry says.
Air Defence Systems Repel Militant Drone Attacks on Hmeimim Airbase, Russian Military Says Sputnik 12 Jul 2020 -- Militants in Syria have attempted to launch a drone attack on the Khmeimim airbase, although the unmanned flying vehicles were shot down by air defence systems, Rear Admiral Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Sunday.
Russia's Sechenov University Successfully Completes Trials of World's 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 12 Jul 2020 -- The clinical trials of the world's first coronavirus vaccine on volunteers at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University have been successfully completed, Vadim Tarasov, the director of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, told Sputnik.
Russia 'successfully completes' human testing of COVID-19 vaccine + World updates Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- A Russian research center says it has successfully completed the clinical trials of the world's first coronavirus vaccine on humans, and scientists in China and Thailand are also racing to start new phases in developing their own potential vaccines for COVID-19.
Hundreds Protest For Second Day In Russia's Khabarovsk After Arrest Of Popular Governor RFE/RL 12 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds marched through Khabarovsk amid a second day of protests in the Russian Far Eastern city over the arrest of a popular regional governor.
Tragic Magic: Moscow City Contract Written With Disappearing Ink, Deputy Alleges RFE/RL 12 Jul 2020 -- A deputy in a local Moscow council said a city contract to replace an elevator in an apartment building was written with disappearing ink, potentially allowing the company to inflate the price.
Former Special Counsel Defends Probe Into Russian Interference In 2016 Election RFE/RL 12 Jul 2020 -- Former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who conducted a probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, has defended his investigation and said the conviction of Roger Stone, an adviser to President Donald Trump, was handled properly.
Robert Mueller Supports Stone's Conviction, Says Russia Investigation Was 'of Paramount Importance' Sputnik 12 Jul 2020 -- According to the White House, Stone, a former advisor to President Trump, is a victim of the Russia investigation and efforts by the Democrats to undermine the Trump presidency.
Russia Reports 6,611 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia on Saturday reported 6,611 new coronavirus cases, taking its nationwide tally of infections to 720,547, Reuters reported.
Trump Says Authorized Cyberattack on Russia's Internet Research Agency in 2018 Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump confirmed to The Washington Post that he had authorized a cyberattack on Russia's Internet Research Agency in 2018.
U.S. Convicts Russian Hacker Nikulin Over Massive Data Breach RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- A jury in San Francisco has convicted Russian citizen Yevgeny Nikulin over a series of hacks and cyberthefts eight years ago that targeted major U.S. social-media companies such as LinkedIn and Dropbox.
Russia forex reserves surge by over $50bn y/y in July: Report Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia has increased its international funds by more than $50 billion in the year ending July 1, shows a report.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister: Return to INF impossible after US unilateral withdrawal Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says Washington's withdrawal from the now-collapsed Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty has been an "irreparable" mistake, which has made the return of the landmark agreement impossible.
Former Russian Finance Minster Says Economy 'In Stagnation,' Needs More Government Spending RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- A respected former Russian finance minster said the nation's economy is stagnating and the government needs to invest more in education and health in order to drive growth.
Angry Khabarovsk Residents Rally In Support Of Arrested Governor RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk to protest against the arrest of their regional governor on murder charges, chanting slogans against President Vladimir Putin.
Russia Continues to Boost Gold Reserves, Adds Further $2.7 Bln to Int'l Assets Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The country's total foreign holdings are now above the $500 billion target set by the Central Bank of Russia a few years ago.
Russia Scrambles 2 Fighters to Intercept US Spy Jet Over Sea of Japan - Video Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- Russian Su-35 and MiG-31 fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday to intercept the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft of the US air force over the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the Russian Defen?e Ministry said.
Russia, China veto Western-backed UNSC resolution on Syria aid Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia and China have for the second time this week blocked a Western-sponsored UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution to extend aid deliveries across the border from Turkey into northwest Syria amid concerns that the move violates the war-torn country's sovereignty.
Ex-CIA Chief Says U.S. May Need To Respond With 'Bold' Action If Russian Bounties Prove True RFE/RL 11 Jul 2020 -- The former head of the CIA said the United States may need to respond with "bold" action against Russia, including imposing harder-hitting sanctions, should a report prove true that Moscow offered Taliban-linked militants money to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan.
Russia Starts Final Stage of Testing COVID-19 Vaccine, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- Russia has started the final stage of testing the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian Defence Ministry, the latter said on Friday.
U.S. Military Leaders Vow Response If Proof Of Russian Bounties Paid To Taliban Uncovered RFE/RL 10 Jul 2020 -- Top Pentagon officials have said that the United States will respond if the U.S. military is able to corroborate reports that Russia paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.
UNSC Fails to Adopt Russian Draft Resolution to Deliver Syria Aid via 1 Crossing for One Year Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- The previous resolution submitted by Russia was also blocked in the UNSC, with the United States, UK, Germany, France, Estonia, Belgium, and the Dominican Republican voting against the measure.
Netherlands Takes Russia To European Rights Court Over MH17 Downing RFE/RL 10 Jul 2020 -- The Dutch government is taking Russia to the European Court of Human Rights for its alleged role in the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014.
Moscow Slams Hague's Decision to Bring Russia Before European Court of Human Rights Over MH17 Crash Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- The news comes after the Dutch Public Prosecution Service agreed to delay the hearings from this autumn to February-March 2021, after a request by attorneys and representatives of the victims.
Russia, China Again Veto Aid to Millions of Syrians VOA 10 Jul 2020 -- With only hours to go before a mandate to deliver aid across the border from Turkey into northwest Syria was due to expire Friday, Russia and China vetoed a U.N. resolution extending that assistance for six more months, threatening to totally shut down the operation.
Russia, Some OPCW Member States Criticize Report on Chemical Attacks in Syria Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- Russia and some members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) believe that the conclusions made by an OPCW investigative team regarding chemical attacks in Syria could result in a further split of the international organisation.
Lavrov 'Not Optimistic' About New START Treaty Talks With U.S. RFE/RL 10 Jul 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he is "not particularly optimistic" about a possible extension of the New START nuclear arms-control treaty with the United States.
Russia rejects 'unscrupulous speculation' alleging offer of bounties to Taliban Press TV 10 Jul 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed "unscrupulous speculation" about alleged Russian ties with the Taliban militants in Afghanistan.
The Week In Russia: A Rough Start To A New Era RFE/RL 10 Jul 2020 -- Raids, arrests, and a terror-related verdict against a journalist examining the root causes of a violent act. Russia's first week under an amended constitution that opens the path for Vladimir Putin to remain president until 2036 was packed with developments that deepened concerns among opponents, rights activists, and critics about the country's direction in a potentially harrowing new era.
A Sweeping Clampdown In Russia Has Putin Critics Warning Of New Repressions RFE/RL 10 Jul 2020 -- As Russians cast ballots in a tightly managed vote on constitutional changes that would pave the way for President Vladimir Putin to extend his rule until 2036, some of his critics warned the changes would usher in a clampdown on dissent and strengthen the hand of Russia's powerful security services.
Russian Governor Charged With Ordering Murders Sent To Pretrial Detention RFE/RL 10 Jul 2020 -- Sergei Furgal, the detained governor of Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk region, has been sent to pretrial detention on charges of attempted murder and ordering the killing of two local businessmen.
Russia-China Gas Deal Proves Costly for Both Sides Radio Free Asia 10 Jul 2020 -- Russia's natural gas prices for China have started to drop amid signs that the contract for supplies from the Power of Siberia pipeline will prove costly for both countries.
Russian Exports To Iran Continue To Grow Despite Decline In Tehran's Trade Radio Farda 10 Jul 2020 -- According to the latest figures released by Russia's Federal Customs Service (FTS) it exported $692 million worth of goods to Iran from January to May, which indicates a 31 percent growth in comparison with the same period last year.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 9, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Jul 2020
Russia Reports More Than 6,500 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 09 Jul 2020 -- Russia on Thursday reported 6,509 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its official nationwide tally to 707,301, the fourth largest caseload in the world, Reuters reported.
Russian Lawmakers Propose Expanded 'Extremism' Law Aimed At Crimea RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- A group of Russian lawmakers has proposed an expanded extremism bill aimed at further quelling opposition activists and politicians as well as anyone questioning Moscow's forcible seizure of the Crimean Peninsula.
Roscosmos: Spaceship Progress MS-13 With Waste Cargo From ISS Collapses in Atmosphere Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Progress MS-13 cargo spaceship that undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) got out of orbit and collapsed in the atmosphere, Russia's space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday.
Russian Governor Who Beat Kremlin Candidate Arrested On Suspicion Of Ordering Murders RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Russian investigators have arrested the governor of a Far Eastern province, who two years ago won a surprise victory over the Kremlin favorite, on suspicion of ordering the murder of businessmen.
United Russia's Revenge? Far Eastern Governor's Arrest Raises Suspicions RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Locals in Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk region woke up on July 9 to television images of their popular governor being manhandled into a black SUV by a group of burly law enforcement officers in masks and camouflage.
Russian Police Raid Homes Of Opposition Group Coordinators, Independent Lawmakers RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Police in Russia have searched the homes of coordinators of the Open Russia opposition group, the editor in chief of the independent MBKh Media online publication, and independent municipal candidates.
Russian Foreign Ministry Sees UK's 'Magnitsky' Sanctions as Another Unfriendly Step Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The UK's new sanctions against Russian nationals under the Magnitsky Act are another unfriendly step, as well as an attempt to put pressure on justice and interfere in Russia's domestic affairs, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
U.S. Commander 'Not Convinced' Russian Bounties Led To Killing Of U.S. Soldiers In Afghanistan RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- The head of U.S. Central Command says he is "not convinced" that any Russian bounties paid to Taliban militants resulted in the deaths of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Top US general says not convinced Russian cash led to US deaths in Afghanistan Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- A top US general says he is not convinced Russia had incentivized Taliban-linked militants to kill coalition forces, including American troops, in Afghanistan.
Russian, US Officials Discussed Afghan Bounty Allegations - Russian Envoy Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The New York Times newspaper published an article in late June citing unnamed intelligence officials as saying the US President had been presented with an intelligence report claiming Russia could have paid bounties to Taliban*-linked militants to assassinate US troops in Afghanistan.
Russian, Chinese Vetoes at UN Potentially Cut Off Millions of Syrians from Aid VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Tuesday, potentially shutting down a six-year-old cross-border aid operation that assists millions of Syrian civilians in the northwestern part of the country.
Russia, Turkey working on ceasefire in Libya Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow and Ankara are working on an immediate ceasefire agreement in Libya.
A 'Hard Rain': Five Takeaways From A Treason Charge In Russia RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Prominent former defense reporter Ivan Safronov has been arrested and jailed in Moscow on a charge of treason, accused of passing state secrets to a NATO country that his lawyer says is the Czech Republic. Safronov denies the allegation, and former colleagues say it's absurd. Here's a look at possible motives and meanings behind the latest prosecution to rock Russia.
'Pandora's Box Is Open': After Journalist's Arrest, Russian Civil Society Fears Crackdown By Emboldened Security Services RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- The last time a journalist in Russia was arrested on suspicion of treason - before the detention of Ivan Safronov on July 7 - was November 20, 1997. On that day, environmental journalist Grigory Pasko was returning from a reporting trip in Japan when agents of the Federal Security Service (FSB) met him in Vladivostok and accused him of spying.
Russia Accuses Former Military Reporter Of Supplying Arms-Trade Data To Czech Republic RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia has arrested a former journalist on a charge of high treason for allegedly passing military secrets to a NATO government in what some are calling a clear attack on press freedom.
Ex-Journalist Appeals Detention As Russian Media Demand Transparency In Treason Case RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Lawyers for Ivan Safronov, a former reporter and adviser to the chief of Russian space agency Roskosmos, say they have appealed their client's pretrial arrest on a high-treason charge he rejects.
Russia Charges Former Journalist with Treason VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- A former Russian journalist currently employed by the country's space agency has been arrested and charged with state treason for passing secrets to the West – punishment, his supporters argue, for his past coverage of sensitive Russian military and political affairs.
Beijing to Join US-Russia Talks If US Cuts Nukes to Chinese Level, China's Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- China is ready to join the disarmament talks with the United States and Russia if Washington agrees to reduce its nuclear arsenal to the Chinese level, Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Arms Control Department Fu Cong said.
Moscow Will Not Press China to Join US-Russia Arms Control Talks, Russian Ambassador Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia respects China's reluctance to join the arms control talks with the United States and Moscow will not exert pressure on Beijing to change its stance, Russian Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said during an online briefing hosted by the National Interest think tank.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Calls Strategic Cooperation With Russia 'Excellent' Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- China and Russia maintain constant contact on strategic security issues, bilateral cooperation on this issue is excellent, Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Arms Control Department Fu Cong said.
Russian Authorities In Occupied Crimea Detain Tatar Activists, Search Their Homes RFE/RL 07 Jul 2020 -- Russian authorities have detained seven Crimean Tatar activists after searching their homes in different parts of Ukraine's Moscow-controlled Crimea region.
Kremlin Vows Reciprocal Measures Over U.K. Sanctions Against Russians RFE/RL 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia has threatened to respond with reciprocal measures to British sanctions against more than two dozen Russian citizens in connection with the mistreatment and death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009.
Russia to slap counter-sanctions on UK: Kremlin Press TV 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia says it will introduce sanctions against the United Kingdom in retaliation for British bans targeting more than two dozen Russian officials.
Russia 'reserves right to retaliate' UK sanctions Press TV 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia says it reserves the right to retaliate against the United Kingdom for imposing sanctions on 25 Russian officials over alleged human rights violations.
'Everyone's Asking Who's Next': Chechens In Europe Warn Of More Killings RFE/RL 07 Jul 2020 -- Chechen blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov says no one was surprised to hear that Mamikhan Umarov had been killed. "All the world knew [he was in danger]," Abdurakhmanov told Current Time. "Umarov himself knew it very well."
Austria Probes Checkered History Of Chechen Asylum Seeker For Clues Into Possible Political Murder RFE/RL 07 Jul 2020 -- Austrian police are investigating whether the murder of a Chechen asylum seeker outside the capital, Vienna, over the weekend was a political assassination or related to organized crime.
Russia arrests aide to space agency chief on charges of treason Press TV 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia has arrested an aide to the head of the country's space agency Roscosmos on charges of state treason.
Russian Space Agency Aide, Former Journalist Pleads Not Guilty To High Treason RFE/RL 07 Jul 2020 -- Ivan Safronov Jr., an adviser to the chief of Russia's Roskosmos state space agency and a former journalist, has pleaded not guilty after being detained on a charge of high treason for allegedly passing military secrets to a NATO government.
Roscosmos Chief's Adviser Safronov Placed in Custody for Two Months Over Treason Charges, Court Says Sputnik 07 Jul 2020 -- Safronov, serving as an adviser to the chief of the Russian space agency Roscosmos since May, was detained earlier in the day. The ex-defence reporter denies the treason charges.
Roscosmos Chief's Adviser Safronov Denies Treason Charges Sputnik 07 Jul 2020 -- Ivan Safronov, an adviser to the head of Russian space corporation Roscosmos, denied on Tuesday his guilt in handing classified defence information to NATO, a Sputnik correspondent reported from a district court in Moscow.
Austrian Police Investigating Whether Murder Of Russian Asylum Seeker Politically Motivated RFE/RL 06 Jul 2020 -- Austrian police are investigating whether the murder of a Russian asylum seeker outside the capital of Vienna over the weekend was a political assassination.
U.K. Sanctions Russian Officials Over Alleged Involvement In Magnitsky Death RFE/RL 06 Jul 2020 -- Britain has imposed sanctions on more than two dozen Russian individuals in connection with the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky as relations between the two nations remain frayed over what London calls Moscow's destabilizing acts.
Russia Begins Construction of World's Most Powerful Nuclear Icebreaker Sputnik 06 Jul 2020 -- Once completed, the first of the new 'Leader'-class of icebreakers will succeed the LK-60Ya, another Russian-made design, as the largest and most powerful icebreaking vessel in the world.
US intelligence involved in 'drug trafficking' in Afghanistan: Russia envoy Press TV 05 Jul 2020 -- The Russian presidential envoy to Afghanistan says the US intelligence has been involved in "drug trafficking" in the country, while dismissing accusations by Washington that Moscow has colluded with the Taliban to kill American troops.
Russian Shot Dead Near Vienna Was Reportedly A Kadyrov Critic RFE/RL 05 Jul 2020 -- A Russian asylum seeker who was shot dead outside the Austrian capital, Vienna, on July 4 was a former Chechen separatist and a critic of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, sources in the Chechen diaspora told RFE/RL.
Putin: Adoption of Constitutional Amendments Right For Russia Sputnik 05 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday has expressed confidence that the adoption of amendments to the country's constitution following a nationwide vote is a step in the right direction for strengthening the country and fostering development for decades to come.
Russia's Coronavirus Cases Near 675,000, Death Toll Passes 10,000 SPA 04 Jul 2020 -- Russia on Saturday reported 6,632 new cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the nationwide tally of infections to 674,515, Reuters reported.
US records 53,000 new cases, Brazil passes 1.5m, Russia nears 675,000 Press TV 04 Jul 2020 -- Cases of the coronavirus are surging worldwide with far reaching effects from South Africa to Brazil and India.
Moscow Surprised by UK's Response to Russia's Exit From UN Syria Deconfliction Mechanism Sputnik 04 Jul 2020 -- Moscow is surprised by the UK Foreign Office's comment that Russia's withdrawal from the UN deconfliction mechanism in northwest Syria was "unacceptable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, adding that the participation in the mechanism was voluntary.
Russia says expanded G7 summit without China a 'flawed idea' Press TV 04 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says Moscow is not in talks with the United States about its potential role at a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) scheduled to be held this summer.
Russia Denies It Is In Talks With U.S. About Expanded G7 RFE/RL 04 Jul 2020 -- Russia is not in talks with the United States about its potential role at an expanded Group of Seven (G7) summit later this year, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on July 4.
Moscow Warns Open Skies Treaty to Crumble in 'Domino Effect' if More Nations Follow US Suit Sputnik 04 Jul 2020 -- In May, the US announced its intention to pull out of the 2002 treaty, allowing reconnaissance flights over some 34 participating countries, unless Russia adheres to its terms. Moscow has repeatedly denied breaching the agreement.
US Intelligence, Accusing Russia of Shady Deal With Taliban, Is Involved in Drug Trade, Envoy Says Sputnik 04 Jul 2020 -- US intelligence is deeply involved in the Afghan drug trade at the same time as it accuses Russia of conspiring with the Taliban, Special Presidential Envoy on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said on Saturday.
Moscow says Russia's constitutional changes to come into force July 4 Press TV 03 Jul 2020 -- Russia says new changes to the Russian constitution, including an amendment that allows President Vladimir Putin to potentially remain in power until 2036, will come into force on July 4.
Afghan Lawmakers: Russian Support to Taliban No Secret VOA 03 Jul 2020 -- Amid controversy in Washington over reports that a Russian intelligence unit paid bounties to Taliban militants to kill U.S. and NATO soldiers in Afghanistan, some Afghan lawmakers say it is no secret Russia has cultivated close contacts with the Taliban and it is likely Russia has financially supported Taliban violence.
Russia Reports 6,718 New Coronavirus Infections SPA 03 Jul 2020 -- Russia on Friday reported 6,718 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the nationwide tally of infections to 667,883, Reuters reported.
Biden Slams Trump on Russia Bounties in Foreign Policy Contrast VOA 03 Jul 2020 -- Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's rebuke of President Donald Trump's handling of allegations that Russians paid bounties for the killing of American soldiers reflects his longstanding criticism of the president on national security and foreign policy.
Pelosi: US should put sanctions on Russian intelligence, defense sectors Press TV 03 Jul 2020 -- US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for sanctions on Russia's intelligence and defense sectors after a briefing on reported Russian payments to Taliban militants to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.
10 Russian Subs Reportedly Sent to the Atlantic in 2019 for 'One of Largest Drills Since Cold War' Sputnik 03 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry has repeatedly underscored that any movement by the country's naval vessels at sea is conducted in strict accordance with international norms.
Russia Will Deploy Space System Warning of Missile Attacks by 2024, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 03 Jul 2020 -- Russia is going to deploy a space system that warns of missile attacks by 2024, Sergei Surovikin, the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, told the military's official newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Thursday.
S-500 Will Be Capable of Destroying Hypersonic Weapons in Space, Russian Aerospace Forces Say Sputnik 03 Jul 2020 -- The S-500 Prometey ("Prometheus") is a cutting-edge surface-to-air defence missile system with a range of 400-600 kilometers (250-370 miles). Head engineer Pavel Sozinov announced earlier that it would be able to intercept targets hundred kilometres above the surface of the Earth.
The Week In Russia: Landslide Leaves Putin And The People On Shaky Ground RFE/RL 03 Jul 2020 -- The Kremlin has claimed victory after a landslide vote for constitutional changes that could enable Russian President Vladimir Putin to remain president until 2036. But the process leaves him on shakier ground than before, in terms of perceived legitimacy, and exposes the Russian people to the whims of the state and its security apparatus under a constitution one analyst said is now "meaningless."
Election Monitors Find 'Unprecedented' Levels Of Fraud In Russian Vote On Extending Putin's Rule RFE/RL 03 Jul 2020 -- The day President Vladimir Putin declared victory in a vote on constitutional changes that pave the way for him to rule Russia until 2036, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it a "triumphal referendum on confidence" in the former KGB officer, who has already spent over two decades in power.
Meeting with the working group on drafting proposals for amendments to the Constitution President of Russia 03 Jul 2020 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, with members of the working group on drafting proposals for amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
Putin Signs Decree On Constitutional Amendments, Changes Take Effect July 4 RFE/RL 03 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that will bring into force a sweeping package of constitutional amendments that among other things open a path for him to stay in power until 2036, if he chooses to take part in two more presidential elections.
Putin Signs Decree to Introduce Constitutional Amendments After All-Russian Vote Sputnik 03 Jul 2020 -- A week-long referendum on introducing an array of amendments to the Russian Constitution concluded on 1 July with 77.92% of citizens voting in favour of adopting the changes to the basic law.
U.S. Citizen Whelan Begins 16-Year Sentence For Espionage In Russia RFE/RL 03 Jul 2020 -- A lawyer for former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was convicted of espionage in Russia last month, says her client's 16-year prison sentence has begun.
India approves purchase of Russian fighter jets despite US sanction threats Press TV 03 Jul 2020 -- India has approved buying 33 Russian fighter jets, worth more than $2.4 billion, despite US threats to impose sanctions on the country over transactions with Moscow.
India Agrees To Multibillion-Dollar Russian Jet Deal Amid Standoff With China RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- India has green-lighted the purchase of 33 Russian fighter jets and upgrades to 59 others worth $2.4 billion at a time of rising border tensions with China.
India Approves Purchase of 33 Fighter Jets, Including Su-30MKI, Worth $2.5 Billion From Russia Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- As the Indian Air Force has faced a shortage of fighter jets since its old fleet of aircraft retired, the government has adopted a two-pronged strategy for a midlife overhaul of existing planes and the induction of new ones.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 2, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Jul 2020
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Says Russia-Annexed Crimea's 'De-Occupation Is Inevitable' RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Russia's departure from the Black Sea Crimea Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, is "inevitable."
Prominent Russian Expert On Mercenary Groups Convicted Of Treason RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- The St. Petersburg City Court has sentenced military analyst Vladimir Neyelov to seven years in prison after convicting him of treason.
EU Calls For Investigation Into Irregularities In 'Triumphant' Vote For Putin RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- The European Union has called on Russia to probe reports of irregularities in a national, nonbinding plebiscite that approved a sprawling package of constitutional amendments that, among other things, would open the possibility for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.
Nyet In Nenets: A Northern Russian Region Just Said No To Putin's Constitution RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- The official returns on Russia's plebiscite on constitutional amendments showed a solid block of 'Yes' votes across the nation for a package of changes that, first and foremost, allow President Vladimir Putin to seek a 12-year extension of his reign.
Putin Thanks Russians for Taking Part in Vote on Constitutional Amendments Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Russians on Thursday for taking part in the vote on constitutional amendments.
Kremlin Sees Results of Russia's Constitutional Amendments Vote as Triumph Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The result of the all-Russian vote on constitutional amendments is a clear sign of the Russian people's trust in the president, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday.
Kremlin Lauds Russia's Constitutional Reform Vote VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Russia overwhelmingly embraced changes to the country's constitution in a weeklong national vote that ended Wednesday and was held during the coronavirus pandemic, scoring a controversial victory for President Vladimir Putin amid complaints of vote rigging and a constitutional coup by Kremlin critics.
Russian Voters Clear Path for Putin to Remain in Power Until 2036 VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Voters in Russia have approved a package of constitutional reforms that includes opening the possibility that President Vladimir Putin can remain president until 2036. 
Putin granted right to extend rule until 2036 in landslide vote Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Russians opened the door to Vladimir Putin staying in power until 2036 by voting overwhelmingly for constitutional changes that will allow him to run again for president twice.
Pelosi Accuses White House of Trying to 'Con' US Public on Intelligence VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Leading Democratic lawmakers are slamming the White House, one of them accusing the president and his aides of trying to trick the American public into believing intelligence on an alleged Russian plot to pay for attacks on U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan is not serious.
Top Intelligence Officials Brief Congress on Alleged Russian Bounties VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Top U.S. intelligence officials briefed key members of Congress Thursday on what is known – and what is not known – about an alleged Russian plot to pay militants for attacks on American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.
U.S. Intelligence Officials To Hold Classified Briefing On Allegations Russia Offered Bounties To Taliban RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is due to be briefed on July 2 by senior intelligence officials following reports alleging Russia paid the Taliban bounties to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Russia working with Taliban to 'expedite' US pullout from Afghanistan, Pentagon claims Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- The Pentagon has claimed that Russia has been working with Taliban and the Afghan government to "expedite" the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
COVID-19 not significantly impacting Russian army: defense minister People's Daily 01 Jul 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic is not significantly impacting Russia's armed forces, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a conference call on Tuesday.
'Fully Briefed' Trump Calls Russia Bounty Report 'Fake News Media Hoax' VOA 01 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is dismissing intelligence reports suggesting Russia may have offered a bounty to Taliban-linked militants for attacks on U.S. forces after top aides said he was fully briefed on the matter.
More Lawmakers Urge Trump To Consider Repercussions For Russia Over Alleged Bounties RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump should consider imposing new economic sanctions on Russia if reports alleging that Moscow paid the Taliban bounties to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan are true, Democrats who were briefed on the matter said.
US Allegedly Has Financial Data to Support Russia Bounty Claims - Reports Sputnik 01 Jul 2020 -- The US intelligence community's claims that Russia offered bounties for US soldiers in Afghanistan is allegedly supported by data obtained showing financial transfers from the GRU to a Taliban-linked account, the New York Times reported citing three officials familiar with the matter.
Trump: 'Russian Bounty' Intel Claims Never Presented to Him Since It 'Didn't Rise to That Level' Sputnik 01 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he was never briefed on claims published by the New York Times about bounties on US soldiers in Afghanistan given to the Taliban by Russian intelligence agents because US intelligence agencies don't believe it ever happened.
Trump blames Russian bounty allegations on fake news Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has blamed the "fake news" for the allegations about suspected Russian bounties on coalition forces in Afghanistan, calling it a "hoax."
Russia's president says US after 'economically suffocating' Syria Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia says the United States seeks to 'economically suffocate' Syria by adopting new sanctions against the country.
In Call With Erdogan And Putin, Iran's Rohani Calls For End Of 'Illegitimate' U.S. Presence In Syria RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- The "illegitimate" presence of U.S. forces in Syria should end immediately, Iranian President Hassan Rohani told Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in a video conference on July 1 on the situation in the war-torn country.
Russian Su-27 Fighter Jets Scrambled Over Black Sea to Intercept US Spy Plane Sputnik 01 Jul 2020 -- Russian Su-27 fighter jets were scrambled over the Black Sea on Wednesday to intercept a US reconnaissance plane, the Southern Military District's press office said.
Preliminary Results In Russian Constitutional Plebiscite Pave The Way For Putin's Continued Rule RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- Polls have closed in Russia in a national, nonbinding plebiscite on proposed constitutional amendments that, among other things, would open the way for President Vladimir Putin to seek two more terms and remain in power until 2036.
Inside The 'Nyet' Campaign: Russia's Divided Opposition And The Doomed Battle To Scupper Putin's Vote RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- The office of the NO campaign is on the fifth floor of a building on Petrovka Street, up the road from Moscow's police headquarters and across from the Prosecutor-General's Office. A guard manning a turnstile in the lobby notes down the passport details of each visitor.
Apparent Ballot Stuffer Is Caught Red-Handed (And Blue-Gloved) At Russian Polling Station RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- An election observer declared that "all is very good" when it came to voting at polling station No. 568 in the Russian city of Saransk, with everything well-organized and no violations seen.
The Putin Constitution: How Will It Change Russia? RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- On the penultimate day of a weeklong vote on one of the biggest projects of his 20-year rule, a constitutional overhaul that comes with the option of seeking two more Kremlin terms, President Vladimir Putin went on Russian TV screens with a direct appeal to viewers.
Russia denies its power plants responsible for heightened radiation levels Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- Russia has denied that its nuclear power plants were responsible for the leak of harmless levels of radioactivity that were detected over northern Europe last week.

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July 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News