August 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia Will Start Mass Vaccination of People Vulnerable to COVID-19 in November or December Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- On 11 August, the Russian government officially registered Sputnik V as the world's first vaccine against COVID-19.
Russian, Turkish Military Hold First Joint Training in Syria Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The Russian military police and the Turkish armed forces have conducted the first joint training in the Syrian province of Idlib, the deputy head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich, said on Monday.
Russian Fighters Escorted US Air Force's Strategic Bombers Over Baltic Sea, Russian Military Says Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Earlier, two Russian fighters Su-27 were scrambled to intercept US Air Force strategic bomber B-52H over the Baltic Sea in order to prevent violation of the Russian state border.
Russian Su-27 Fighter Intercepts Four NATO Warplanes Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- A significant increase of NATO reconnaissance activities at Russia's border near the Baltic and Black Seas has been detected in late July and August, forcing the Russian military to scramble its jets to intercept spy planes.
Two Russian Warships Arrive in Sri Lanka on Business Call - Pacific Fleet Spokesman Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov, Udaloy-class destroyers of Russia's Pacific Fleet, made a business call at a Sri Lankan port, the fleet's spokesman said on Monday.
Navalny's Team Publishes Siberian Investigation Conducted Just Prior To Poisoning RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Aleksei Navalny's team has published its investigative report about corruption in Siberia, where the Russian opposition politician was apparently poisoned earlier this month while conducting research.
Russian, Belarusian Foreign Ministers To Hold Talks In Moscow On September 2 RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with his Belarusian counterpart Uladzimer Makey in Moscow on September 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on August 31.
Russia's Coronavirus Infection Tally Climbs to near One Million SPA 30 Aug 2020 -- Russia reported 4,980 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, pushing its confirmed national tally up to 990,326, Reuters reported.
France probing senior officer with NATO for suspected espionage for Russia Press TV 30 Aug 2020 -- France has confirmed that it has placed a senior officer under investigation over an unidentified breach of security, amid reports that the officer had been engaged in espionage for Russia.
Senior French Military Officer Detained Over Reported Ties With Russian Secret Services RFE/RL 30 Aug 2020 -- A senior French military officer is under investigation for "security breaches," the country's defense minister has said.
French Army Officer Accused of Security Breach Amid Reports of Espionage in Favour of Russia Sputnik 30 Aug 2020 -- Europe 1 Radio reported that a French Army officer, whose identity was not disclosed, had transferred classified documents to Russia.
Russia lambasts U.S. sanctions amid Washington's own suspicious research People's Daily 29 Aug 2020 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the U.S. decision to blacklist Russian research institutes, recalling that Washington itself was carrying out suspicious research both in the United States and abroad.
Navalny Associate: Kremlin Involved in Opposition Leader's Poisoning VOA 29 Aug 2020 -- A close ally of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny says authorities in Moscow are reluctant to investigate Navalny's alleged poisoning, because the Kremlin was behind it, despite its denials.
Russia's Khabarovsk Holds 50th Protest In Defense Of Arrested Ex-Governor RFE/RL 29 Aug 2020 -- Locals in the Russian Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk have held their 50th protest against the July arrest of the region's popular former governor, Sergei Furgal.
Russia Fires Outspoken Chief Of Anti-Doping Agency RFE/RL 29 Aug 2020 -- The outspoken chief of Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has been fired, a move that the World Anti-Doping Agency said only reinforced its ongoing concerns about the agency.
Russia Sends Two Su-27 Fighters to Intercept US B-52H Bomber Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 29 Aug 2020 -- The Russian military reported multiple incidents over the Baltic Sea and the Black sea in August, with dozens of NATO aircraft approaching Russian borders in a major spike of reconnaissance activity.
Russian military intercepts US B-52 strategic bomber over Black Sea Press TV 28 Aug 2020 -- Russia has intercepted a US B-52 strategic bomber as it was heading toward Russian airspace over the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 27, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Aug 2020
U.S. Military 'Closely Monitoring' Russian Submarine That Surfaced Off Alaska RFE/RL 28 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command are closely monitoring a Russian submarine that surfaced near Alaska on August 27.
Germany Mulls Russia Response As Navalny's Condition Remains 'Serious' RFE/RL 28 Aug 2020 -- The Berlin hospital treating Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny after a suspected poisoning says the Kremlin critic is still in an induced coma but his condition is stable and his symptoms are improving.
Russian Fighters Scrambled to Intercept US Bomber B-52H Over Black Sea Sputnik 28 Aug 2020 -- Two Russian fighters Su-27 were scrambled to intercept US Air Force strategic bomber B-52H over the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defense Control Centre said on Friday.
Russia expels Norwegian diplomat in tit-for-tat move Press TV 28 Aug 2020 -- Russia has expelled a senior Norwegian diplomat in retaliation for an earlier move by Norway to expel a Russian diplomat on suspicion of having links to an alleged spy case.
Russia ready to intervene if Belarus situation out of control: Putin Global Times 28 Aug 2020 -- Russia is ready to intervene if the situation in Belarus gets out of control, although only as a last resort, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Lukashenko: Belarus, Russia Could Unite Troops in Case of Threat on Western Border Sputnik 28 Aug 2020 -- Late last week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pledged that Minsk would "react without warning" to any attempt aimed at violating the country's western borders.
Three More COVID-19 Vaccines Being Registered in Russia, Health Minister Reveals Sputnik 27 Aug 2020 -- Three more vaccines against the coronavirus are currently in the process of registration in Russia, the country's Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Thursday.
Statement on Russian Forces' Breach of Deconfliction Arrangement in Syria DoD 27 Aug 2020 -- Statement attributed to: Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman on the Russian Forces' Breach of Deconfliction Arrangement in Syria:
Russia blames US for tense confrontation in Syria Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- Moscow has blamed Washington for a tense confrontation in Syria after the US reported injuries among its troops in a "collision" with a Russian vehicle, saying the incident happened when the US military tried to hinder a Russian patrol there.
Russia Claims Convoy Rammed U.S. Military In Syria In Self-Defense RFE/RL 27 Aug 2020 -- The Russian Defense Ministry claims a Russian patrol in Syria acted in self-defense when a vehicle in a military convoy rammed a coalition vehicle carrying U.S. soldiers.
Pentagon Expects Return to Deconfliction After 'Unfortunate Encounter' With Russian Troops in Syria Sputnik 27 Aug 2020 -- On Thursday, a spokesperson for the US Department of Defense said the US expects a "return to routine" in eastern Syria following a clash with a Russian patrol that left four US service members injured.
Russian Military Chief Holds Talks With US Gen. Milley on Recent Incident in Syria Sputnik 27 Aug 2020 -- Russian Chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov spoke with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley about the recent incident with the US troops and Russian military police in Syria, the Russian Defence Ministry said Thursday.
US-Russia Skirmish in Northern Syria Leads to Minor US Injuries VOA 27 Aug 2020 -- U.S. coalition and Russian military patrols narrowly avoided a serious mishap in the north of Syria Tuesday when vehicles from each side appeared to have tried to outrun each other in a wheat field in northeastern Hasakah province.
Russian Prosecutors Claim There's No Sign Of Crime In Navalny Case RFE/RL 27 Aug 2020 -- Russian prosecutors said on August 27 that they have no indication so far that a criminal act has been committed against Aleksei Navalny, and requested that German medics treating the opposition leader share his medical records.
U.S. Blacklists Russian Entities For Chemical, Biological Weapon Research RFE/RL 27 Aug 2020 -- U.S. authorities have imposed "blacklist" restrictions on three Russian military and civilian scientific facilities, citing their alleged involvement in chemical and biological weapons research.
Russia arrests serviceman for passing state secrets to Ukraine Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested a serviceman in the province of Siberia for passing state secrets to Ukraine.
Russia Detains Soldier on Suspicion of Espionage for Ukraine in Siberia Sputnik 27 Aug 2020 -- A soldier in the Russian Strategic Missile Forces was detained in the Siberian city of Barnaul on suspicion of passing defence secrets to Ukraine, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday.
Putin urges Belarus authorities, opposition to find way out of crisis Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin urges Belarus' officials and opposition to resolve their differences towards ending the political turmoil that has followed the ex-Soviet republic's elections.
Putin Backs Minsk's Response To Protesters, Says Russian Troops Prepared To Deploy RFE/RL 27 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Minsk's response to postelection protests -- claiming after he announced Moscow's preparations to bolster President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime with Russian security forces that the Kremlin is more "neutral" on the Belarusian crisis than the United States or the European Union.
Polish Envoy, Regional Experts Eye Russia's Options in Belarus VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- Poland's top diplomat in Washington is calling for Russia to avoid any unilateral action to end a wave of protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, saying the crisis can best be dealt with by a united effort of the international community.
27 Countries Seek to Purchase Russian COVID-19 Vaccine, Deputy Prime Minister Says Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- On 11 August, Russia registered the world's first vaccine against the COVID-19 infection. It was developed by the Moscow-based Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry.
Russia's Coronavirus Infection Tally Passes 970,000 SPA 26 Aug 2020 -- Russia reported 4,676 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, pushing its confirmed national tally up to 970,865, Reuters reported.
Russia Ready to Start COVID-19 Vaccine Supplies to Brazil in November, RDIF CEO Says Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Wednesday that Russia is ready to start deliveries of the newly registered COVID-19 vaccine to Brazil in November.
Four US Troops Injured After Alleged Altercation With Russians in Syria, Reports Say Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- Four US soldiers were reportedly wounded during an altercation with Russian troops in northern Syria, US media outlet Politico reported on Wednesday, citing a draft Defence Department statement and an unnamed source.
US troops injured in interaction with Russian forces in Syria Press TV 26 Aug 2020 -- A number number of US forces in Syria were injured during an interaction with the Russian troops, Reuters reported, quoting two US officials.
US troops injured in 'collision' with Russian forces in Syria Press TV 26 Aug 2020 -- A number of US troops have been wounded during a 'collision' with Russian forces in northeastern Syria, the first time American casualties have been reported in such an encounter, US officials say.
Russia, Iran, Turkey Issue Joint Statement on Syria Condemning Israeli Attacks, US Theft of Oil Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- The statement was formulated on the sidelines of the meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, a United Nations-facilitated negotiating platform aimed at reconciling the Syrian government and the opposition and establishing an enduring peace in the war-torn country.
US Media Says Russia Could Market T-14 Armata as High-Tech Drone Tank Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- Russia began mass production of the T-14 Armata main battle tank earlier this month, with plans in the works to create an export version. The new tank, which has been field-tested in Syria, was first unveiled to the public during the 2015 Victory Day Parade in Moscow.
Russian MiG-31 Fighter Jet Intercepts Norwegian Aircraft Over Barents Sea Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- The day before, the National Defence Management Centre stated that Russia's MiG-31 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a Royal Norwegian Air Force plane over the Barents Sea.
Russian Mi-28NM Helicopter Testing New Types of Guided Weapons Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- New types of guided weapons with longer range are being tested on the Mi-28NM helicopter, senior trial pilot and head of flight service at the national center for the helicopter-building, Sergey Maslov said.
Before He Fell Ill, Navalny's Every Move Was Tracked. What About The Poisoning? RFE/RL 26 Aug 2020 -- When Aleksei Navalny arrived in Novosibirsk earlier this month to meet with local opposition activists, security services in the Siberian city were already tracking his moves.
Putin's Chef Says He Will Collect Debt Owed By Comatose Navalny RFE/RL 26 Aug 2020 -- Kremlin-connected Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin says he intends to collect a debt from comatose Aleksei Navalny and his shuttered Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) if the opposition activist survives what European doctors say was a poisoning.
Johnson applies pressure on Russia over alleged 'poisoning' of Navalny Press TV 26 Aug 2020 -- Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is using the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, to pile on more pressure on Moscow.
Russia says no grounds yet to probe allegations of Navalny's poisoning Press TV 26 Aug 2020 -- Russia says there are still no grounds for a probe of the alleged poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who is in a medically-induced coma at a German hospital.
Kremlin Says Navalny's Hospitalization Shouldn't Hurt Ties With West RFE/RL 26 Aug 2020 -- The Kremlin says it does not want the hospitalization of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny to damage relations between Moscow and the West, but is opposed to saying that Navalny was "poisoned" until medical tests confirm finding a specific toxin in his body.
Senior US Diplomat Aims to Bridge Differences with Moscow Over Oppposition Leader Poisoning, Belarus VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- The second-most senior U.S. diplomat wrapped up talks with top Russian officials in Moscow Wednesday – capping a two-day visit aimed at bridging differences over issues including the ongoing political crisis in Belarus and the sudden illness of a leading Russian political opposition figure from what appears to be a poisoning.
Russian-Indian Brahmos Missile Orders Grew $1Bln in 6 Months Despite Pandemic Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- The Russian-Indian missile joint venture Brahmos saw a $1 billion increase in orders in six months since the beginning of the year despite the coronavirus pandemic, the company's co-director, Aleksandr Maksichev said.
Russia's COVID-19 cases up 4,696 to 966,189 People's Daily 25 Aug 2020 -- Russia registered 4,696 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total to 966,189, the country's COVID-19 response center said in a statement Tuesday.
Head Of Russia's Tyva Was 'Reinfected' With COVID-19 RFE/RL 25 Aug 2020 -- The head of Russia's Tyva region in southern Siberia says he has been infected with coronavirus for a second time -- three months after he was first hospitalized with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Joint Russia-Turkey Patrol Comes Under Fire in Idlib Sputnik 25 Aug 2020 -- Last week, the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation stated that Turkish troops were hit by an unidentified explosive device while patrolling a highway in Syria's Idlib.
Russian jet intercepts US, Swedish, German reconnaissance planes over Baltic Sea Global Times 25 Aug 2020 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept reconnaissance planes from the United States, Germany and Sweden over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.
Russia Developing Radar to Detect Precise Number of Drones in a Swarm Sputnik 25 Aug 2020 -- Besides Russia, a handful of other countries, including the US, China, Italy, the UK, Japan and Israel are known to be working on technologies related to the mass deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles, whether it's to use them in combat and reconnaissance or to bring them down.
Russian MiG-31 Fighter Jet Scrambled to Intercept Norwegian Aircraft Over Barents Sea Sputnik 25 Aug 2020 -- Earlier this week, a Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept military aircraft from the US, Germany and Sweden over the Baltic Sea.
Confirmation of Reports on the Poisoning of Aleksey Navalny US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2020 -- "The United States is deeply concerned by reported preliminary conclusions from German medical experts that Russian opposition activist Aleksey Navalny was poisoned."
Pompeo: US 'Deeply Concerned' About Possible Poisoning of Russian Opposition Leader VOA 25 Aug 2020 -- The U.S. government said Tuesday it is "deeply concerned" about medical tests that indicate poisoning in the case of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, currently hospitalized in Germany following a medical evacuation.
With Navalny Poisoning Confirmed, Focus Turns To With What And By Whom RFE/RL 25 Aug 2020 -- For five days now, Russian anti-corruption activist Aleksei Navalny has been comatose, medically induced into unconsciousness in an effort to keep his body from shutting down.
Kremlin Claims German Doctors 'Rushing' To Say Navalny Was Poisoned RFE/RL 25 Aug 2020 -- The Kremlin has said that there was no immediate need to open a probe into how Aleksei Navalny fell gravely ill -- claiming that German doctors treating the Russian opposition leader were "rushing" to use the word poisoning.
Russian doctors deny German hospital's claim of opp. figure Navalny's poisoning Press TV 25 Aug 2020 -- Russian doctors say tests on opposition figure Alexey Navalny's found no traces of intoxication with substances from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors, dismissing the claim by a German hospital where he has been admitted.
EU Calls For Independent Russian Investigation Into Navalny's Condition Sputnik 25 Aug 2020 -- The European Union is calling for an independent Russian investigation into the condition of Alexey Navalny, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said in a statement.
Why is Vietnam Interested in Russia's Alleged COVID Vaccine? VOA 24 Aug 2020 -- A lot of eyebrows were raised when Russia announced it was the first to approve a vaccine for the coronavirus, and even more so when Vietnam said it would buy up to 150 million doses.
Volunteers in China-Russia vaccine trial to be vaccinated by end September Global Times 24 Aug 2020 -- Volunteers participating in a China-Russia COVID-19 vaccine trail are scheduled to have all been vaccinated by the end of September and results will be released by late autumn, Petrovax, a leading Russian pharmaceutical products developer, told the Global Times on Sunday.
Russia, Turkey agree on delivery of 2nd S-400 missile system regiment Global Times 24 Aug 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have signed a contract to deliver a second regiment of S-400 air defense systems to Turkey, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Sunday.
Three Birds With One Jet: Russian Su-27 Intercepts Two NATO Aircraft, Swedish Plane Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Aerospace Forces have pointed to a major spike in NATO reconnaissance activity along the country's maritime borders, from the west to the Far East, in recent months.
Russia Kicks Off Tests of Cutting-Edge S-500 Systems, Mass Production on the Way Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- Deputy Defence Minister Aleksey Krivoruchko announced that Russia Armed Forces are looking to receive the first batch of the newest systems in 2021. The full-scale supply of the S-500s is scheduled for 2025.
Russia Holding Test Flights of Latest Guided Missile Bulat - Rostec Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- The latest guided missile Bulat, which can strike lightly armored equipment, is now doing test flights, the press service of a Rostec subsidiary said.
Russian Defence Ministry Plans to Sign $15.5Bln Worth of Contracts at Army Forum - Shoigu Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry is planning to sign 39 contracts worth a total of 1.2 trillion rubles ($15.5 billion) at the Army-2020 military forum, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.
Russian Doctors Deny Navalny Had Traces, Symptoms of Cholinesterase Inhibitors Poisoning Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- Earlier, the doctors treating Navalny in the Berlin-based Charite clinic said they had found in his body traces of intoxication with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors. However, the exact substance is still unknown, the press service of the clinic added.
Kremlin: Putin Wasn't Involved in Talks on Transportation of Opposition Figure Navalny to Germany Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- Navalny was transported to the German clinic on Saturday after he fell ill on Thursday while on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. His press secretary suggested he may have been poisoned. However, doctors in Omsk, where he was hospitalised, said there were no traces of poison in Navalny's blood or urine.
S Korea Seeks Cooperation With Russia on Fifth-Generation Jets, Drones, Space - Attache Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- South Korea is seeking military cooperation with Russia amid growing threat on the Korean peninsula, with particular interest in the technology of Russian fifth-generation planes, drones and the exploration of space, Kim Young Wook, air attache at the South Korean embassy in Russia, said.
Austria, Russia Expel Diplomats In 'Economic Spying' Case RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- Austria has announced the expulsion of a Russian diplomat reported to be involved in economic espionage.
Russia Declares Austrian Diplomat Persona Non Grata in Response to Vienna's Earlier Decision Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow will respond in kind to Austria's expulsion of a Russian diplomat.
'One Way or Another': Moscow Vows Reciprocal Response to Expulsion of Russian Diplomat From Austria Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Austria declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata over espionage suspicions.
BrahMos Says Got Permission From Russia, India to Export Missiles to Third Countries Sputnik 24 Aug 2020 -- BrahMos Aerospace, a joint Russian-Indian developer of the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles, said on Monday it got greenlighted by the governments of Russia and India to export the missile to third countries.
After Belarusian Journalists Quit State TV, Russians Fill The Void RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- For almost a decade, Syarhey Kozlovich had been employed by the sprawling apparatus of Belarusian state TV. From his debut as a lowly member of the technical team in 2011, he worked his way up to becoming a presenter on Belarus-1, the country's main television channel.
Russia Registers 4,852 COVID-19 Cases in Past 24 Hours SPA 23 Aug 2020 -- Russia has registered 4,852 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours (4,921 yesterday), bringing the cumulative total to 956,749, the country's coronavirus response center said on Sunday, Sputnik reported.
Russia, Turkey 'agree in principle' on 2nd batch of S-400 delivery despite US opposition Press TV 23 Aug 2020 -- A senior Russian official says his country and Turkey have agreed in principle on the second shipment of Russian advanced S-400 missile defense systems despite strong opposition from the United States.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Was Under Surveillance During Trip To Siberia, Says Report RFE/RL 23 Aug 2020 -- Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, who is being treated in a German hospital after a suspected poisoning, was under surveillance by Russian federal security agents during his recent trip to Siberia, according to a Russian newspaper report.
Comatose Russian Dissident Visited by Wife in Berlin Hospital VOA 23 Aug 2020 -- The wife of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who is being treated for suspected poisoning at a Berlin hospital, visited her husband Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
Russia's Foreign Minister Calls Washington's Conditions for Preserving New START Treaty Unrealistic Sputnik 23 Aug 2020 -- The United States put forward unrealistic conditions for preserving the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a youth forum in the Moscow region on Sunday, calling talks with the US on the treaty exhausting.
First-Ever Footage of Modernised Tu-95MSM 'Bear' Bomber Taking Maiden Flight Released Sputnik 23 Aug 2020 -- The Tupolev Tu-95 has been part of the air-based component of Russia's strategic deterrent for decades, and has proven to be a tried-and-true workhorse for the military since its introduction all the way back in 1956.
Iraq Interested in Russian Infantry Vehicles, Su-57s, Army Inspector Says Sputnik 23 Aug 2020 -- Iraq is interested in purchasing infantry vehicles from Russia and in boosting Baghdad-Moscow military ties, Imad Al-Zuhairi, the military inspector for the Iraqi Ministry of Defence, said on Sunday.
Russia's FM: Belarusian opposition members who left for West seek 'bloodshed' Press TV 23 Aug 2020 -- Russia has accused Belarusian opposition members, who have left the country for West amid violent protests over election results, of seeking "bloodshed."
U.S. Senate report on Russian election meddling fails to present evidence: Russian Foreign Ministry People's Daily 23 Aug 2020 -- The whole story about Russian interference was "from the very beginning invented in the course of the internal political struggle between various forces in the United States," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Comatose Russian Opposition Leader in Germany for Treatment VOA 22 Aug 2020 -- A plane carrying Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who is in a coma after a suspected poisoning, touched down Saturday morning in Berlin, where he will receive medical attention at Charité Clinic, the city's main hospital.
Navalny arrives in Germany despite allies' claim of Russia ban Press TV 22 Aug 2020 -- Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition figure who is reportedly suffering a serious health condition, has arrived in Germany for medical treatment despite claims Moscow has banned his transport.
'Extensive' Tests Under Way On Putin Foe Navalny At Berlin Hospital RFE/RL 22 Aug 2020 -- The Berlin hospital where Aleksei Navalny is being treated said on August 22 that doctors had begun "extensive" diagnostic tests on the Russian opposition politician.
US Backs Down From Proposal to Add China to New START Talks, Set Other Conditions, Moscow Says Sputnik 22 Aug 2020 -- The United States has backed down from a proposal to add China to the talks on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) but set other conditions with the negotiations still being bogged down, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Saturday.
Former U.S. Green Beret Charged In Russian Espionage Conspiracy RFE/RL 22 Aug 2020 -- U.S. federal prosecutors have charged a former U.S. Army Green Beret living in northern Virginia with spying for Russia from 1996 to 2011.
Plane with Russian Opposition Leader Departs for Germany VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- An airplane taking Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to Berlin for medical treatment left the Siberian city of Omsk on Saturday.
Crime Boss Of Post-Soviet Underworld Shot Dead In Turkey RFE/RL 21 Aug 2020 -- The killing of a notorious crime boss from the Caucasus region is echoing across the criminal underworld of the former Soviet Union, with reverberations reaching an alleged Uzbek crime boss in Turkey who is the nephew of the former international amateur boxing chief.
Former US Army Officer Arrested on Charges of Spying for Russia VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- A former U.S. Army Special Forces officer was arrested on Friday on charges of spying for Russia, the second foreign espionage case announced by federal prosecutors this week.
Russia to begin COVID-19 vaccine trials on 40,000 people next week Global Times 21 Aug 2020 -- Mass testing of Russia's first potential COVID-19 vaccine to get domestic regulatory approval will involve more than 40,000 people and will be overseen by a foreign research body when it starts next week, backers of the project said on Thursday.
Mexico to take part in clinical trials of Russian COVID-19 vaccine People's Daily 21 Aug 2020 -- Mexico has been offered at least 2,000 doses of a Russian COVID-19 vaccine and is to take part in its clinical trials, said Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Thursday.
Mexico Could Test Russian COVID-19 Vaccine by Next Month VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- Mexico could begin testing a Russian-licensed coronavirus vaccine as early as next month.
Russia terms US attempts to instate Iran sanctions as illegal IRNA 21 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya condemned the US attempts to reimpose sanctions against Iran and described them as "illegal."
Russian Opposition Leader's Family says Moscow Covering Up Poisoning Attempt VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- Family and associates of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny accuse Moscow of blocking his medical evacuation to Germany to cover up what they say is an attempt to poison him.
German Doctors Given Access to Russia's Navalny, Head Doctor Says Sputnik 21 Aug 2020 -- German doctors were given access to Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny during a concilium on Friday at a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk, its head doctor said.
Navalny's Wife Calls On Putin To Allow His Evacuation To Germany RFE/RL 21 Aug 2020 -- The wife of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, who is in a coma in a Siberian hospital with suspected poisoning, has appealed to President Vladimir Putin to allow her husband's evacuation to Germany for urgent medical care.
No trace of poison found in Navalny tests: Russian doctor Press TV 21 Aug 2020 -- A senior doctor in a Russian hospital says no trace of any poison has been found in tests conducted on Alexei Navalny, an opposition figure, who is reportedly in serious condition in a hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk.
No Traces of Poison Found in Navalny's Samples, Doctor Says Sputnik 21 Aug 2020 -- Alexei Navalny's condition rapidly deteriorated on Thursday, while he was on board a flight to Moscow, resulting in an urgent landing in Omsk, where he was admitted to an intensive care unit at a local hospital.
Medics Believe Russian Opposition Figure Navalny is Too Unstable to be Moved for Further Treatment Sputnik 21 Aug 2020 -- Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny ended up in a hospital's intensive care unit after falling gravely ill and subsequently going into a coma. While doctors are still trying to determine the cause, a spokesperson for Navalny has already claimed he was poisoned.
Russian Su-30SM Intercepted US Spy Plane Aircraft Over Black Sea, MoD Says Sputnik 21 Aug 2020 -- The development comes a day after an Su-30SM escorted French and British reconnaissance planes that were spotted over the Black Sea and two days after an Su-27 intercepted a Boeing P-8 Poseidon and RC-135, also over the Black Sea.
Former Army Special Forces Officer Charged in Russian Espionage Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 21 Aug 2020 -- Former Green Beret Allegedly Conspired to Provide National Defense Information to Russian Intelligence
Former US Army Green Beret Charged Over Alleged Russian Espionage Conspiracy Sputnik 21 Aug 2020 -- A former member of the US Army Special Forces has been arrested by federal agents and now faces life imprisonment after he allegedly conspired with "Russian intelligence operatives to provide them with United States national defense information."
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 20, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Aug 2020
WHO Begins Discussions on Russia Vaccine VOA 20 Aug 2020 -- The World Health Organization's (WHO's) Europe office said it has begun discussions with Russia regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that the nation approved last week without the advanced trials normally required to prove a vaccine works.
Efforts Under Way To Send Comatose Kremlin Critic Navalny Abroad For Treatment RFE/RL 20 Aug 2020 -- Efforts are under way to evacuate outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny from Siberia to Germany for treatment after he has fallen into a coma, suspected of having been poisoned.
Russian Health Authorities Say Navalny's Condition Currently Steadily Serious Sputnik 20 Aug 2020 -- The Ministry of Health of Russia's Omsk Region said on Thursday doctors assessed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny's current condition as steadily serious after he suffered an acute health condition during a flight earlier in the day.
Russian Opposition Leader Hospitalized After Suspected Poison Attack VOA 20 Aug 2020 -- Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is in serious condition at a Siberian hospital after falling ill from what his press spokeswoman said appeared to be deliberate poisoning.
Russian jets intercept U.S. planes over Baltic, Black seas People's Daily 20 Aug 2020 -- Russian fighter jets on Wednesday intercepted three U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic and Black seas, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Russia Will Not Recognize US Notice to UNSC as Sanctions Snapback Against Iran, Envoy to UN Says Sputnik 20 Aug 2020 -- Russia will not recognize US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's notice to the UN Security Council on Iran as the beginning of the procedure to re-impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic, Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia told reporters on Thursday.
Pompeo Warns Russia, China Against Opposing US Move To Reimpose Iran Sanctions Radio Farda 20 Aug 2020 -- Ahead of his planned U.N. visit on Thursday to trigger the mechanism for re-introduction of all U.N. sanctions on Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened Iran's allies Russia and China with sanctions if they refuse to endorse the U.S. move.
Washington Warns India Against Major Arms Deals with Russia Sputnik 20 Aug 2020 -- The United States is warning India against purchasing significant Russian weapons like advanced anti-aircraft systems or fighter jets as they may impede its defence cooperation with the West, US Assistant Secretary of State Clarke Cooper told reporters on Thursday.
Pressure on Belarusian president, external interference 'counterproductive': Putin tells EU Press TV 20 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko or external interference in the internal affairs of Belarus will be counterproductive.
UK, NATO Navy Shadowed 9 Russian Warships During Passage Via North Sea Sputnik 19 Aug 2020 -- Navy of the United Kingdom and NATO has escorted a group of nine Russian warships during transit through the North Sea close to the UK territorial waters, the UK Royal Navy said in a press release on Wednesday.
Russian Investigative Committee Opens Case Over Death of Russian General in Syria Sputnik 19 Aug 2020 -- The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a case over the death of a Russian Armed Forces general in Syria and the injury of two more servicemen, the committee said in a statement.
Russian major general dies, two servicemen injured in roadside blast in eastern Syria Press TV 19 Aug 2020 -- A Russian major general has lost his life and two servicemen have sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device went off near their military convoy in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Russian Fighter Scrambled to Intercept US Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea, Military Says Sputnik 19 Aug 2020 -- A Russian fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, the National Centre for Defence Control (NDCC) said Wednesday.
Russia rebukes Norway for expelling diplomat Press TV 19 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Embassy in Norway has expressed its protest to Oslo following the expulsion of a Russian diplomat on suspicion of having links to a spy case.
Norway Expels Russian Diplomat Following Spy Arrest, Moscow Calls It 'Unjustified' RFE/RL 19 Aug 2020 -- Norway has expelled a Russian diplomat linked to the case of a Norwegian national recently arrested on espionage charges.
Norway Expels Russian Diplomat Amid Espionage Allegations Sputnik 19 Aug 2020 -- Police in Norway detained a 50-year-old Norwegian male, accused of giving secret information to a foreign country that "could harm Norway's fundamental interests", on 15 August. The arrested man allegedly met with a Russian intelligence officer.
Putin rejects pressure on Belarusian leadership in phone call with Macron People's Daily 19 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed "the aggravated situation" in Belarus in a phone conversation Tuesday, the Kremlin has said.
'An Aggressive, Multifaceted Effort': Five Highlights From The U.S. Senate Report On Russian Interference RFE/RL 19 Aug 2020 -- The fifth and final volume of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election landed with a reverberating thud, adding yet more to the din and rancor that has made this year's election unlike any previous one.
Trump Denies Collusion After Senate Report Finds Evidence Of Russia's 2016 Election Interference RFE/RL 19 Aug 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee's final report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election showed he had not colluded with Russia or Ukraine.
U.S. Senate report reveals more details between Trump campaign and Russia in 2016 People's Daily 19 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday released the final volume of its bipartisan investigation report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Statement of Senate Intel Vice Chair Sen. Mark R. Warner SSCI 18 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the below statement on the release of the fifth and final volume of the Committee's bipartisan Russia investigation titled, "Volume 5: Counterintelligence Threats and Vulnerabilities"
Rubio Statement on Senate Intel Release of Volume 5 of Bipartisan Russia Report SSCI 18 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Acting Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released the fifth and final volume of the Committee's bipartisan Russia investigation titled, "Volume 5: Counterintelligence Threats and Vulnerabilities," which examines Russia's attempts to gain influence in the American political system during the 2016 elections.
Senate Report Provides New Details of Russian Meddling in 2016 Presidential Election VOA 18 Aug 2020 -- A bipartisan investigation into Russian efforts to influence the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election found that Moscow successfully used a complex web of operatives and active measures to ensnare members of President Donald Trump's campaign, in some cases, leaving the incoming administration open to manipulation.
Senate Panel Releases 'Most Comprehensive' Report On Russia's 2016 Election Interference RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee's final report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election has concluded the Trump campaign chairman's contacts with Kremlin-linked individuals posed a "grave counterintelligence threat."
US Senate Report Alleges Russia Ordered 2016 Hack of Democrats Sputnik 18 Aug 2020 -- The US Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday alleged that Russia engaged in an aggressive, multi-pronged effort to influence the result of the 2016 US presidential election.
Russian Energy Minister Novak Tests Positive for COVID-19 Sputnik 18 Aug 2020 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who was himself diagnosed with COVID-19 in May and successfully completed treatment, was the one to deliver the news.
U.S., Russia Remain At Odds Over Extension Of New START Treaty RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- The United States and Russia have concluded a third round of arms-control talks still at odds over several key issues, but the two sides showed a willingness to possibly extend the New START Treaty before it expires next year.
Putin, Trump to Meet If Arms Control Deal Reached, US Special Envoy for Arms Control Says Sputnik 18 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump would meet if the Russian and US negotiators reach an arms control deal, but no preparations for such a meeting are in works at present, US Special Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea told reporters on Tuesday.
US Envoy Says Ball 'in Russia's Court' in Arms Talks VOA 18 Aug 2020 -- A U.S. arms envoy said Tuesday it is Russia's turn to respond to U.S. terms to extend the landmark New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
External pressure on Belarus unacceptable, Putin tells Western leaders Press TV 18 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told Western leaders that exerting pressure on the Belarusian leadership would be unacceptable, as violent protests continue against Belarus' newly re-elected President Alexander Lukashenko.
Putin Has No Good Options As Belarus Crisis Surges RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- On the evening of August 16, as hundreds of thousands rallied across Belarus calling for the ouster of its authoritarian leader, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the Conflict Intelligence Team, a Russian investigative outfit, posted an alarming report.
Ukraine Summons Belarusian Ambassador, Saying Release Of Russian Mercenaries Undermined Trust RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine has summoned the Belarusian ambassador for consultations on deteriorating relations between the two countries.
Russian COVID-19 cases up 4,892 to 927,745 Global Times 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia registered 4,892 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total to 927,745, the country's COVID-19 response center said in a statement Monday.
Russia Reports Nearly 5,000 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia reported 4,892 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, pushing its tally so far to 927,745, the fourth largest in the world, according to Reuters.
Turkish-Russian Joint Patrol Hit By Blast In Northwest Syria RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- A Turkish military vehicle was damaged by an explosion during a joint patrol with Russian troops in northwest Syria's Idlib region, but there were no casualties.
Turkish Military Hit by Explosion During Joint Patrol With Russian Troops in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have been jointly patrolling the M4 highway in Syria, which connects the provinces of Latakia and Aleppo, since March.
US Military Buildup in Poland Raises Tensions Along Russian Borders, Moscow Says Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- US military buildup in Poland contributes to the escalation of tensions along Russia's western borders, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday, commenting on the signing of an agreement to increase the US military presence in Poland.
Russian Fighter Su-27SM Intercepts US Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Russian fighter jet Su-27SM escorted a US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, which eventually turned away from the border, the Russian Defense Ministry's National Defense Control Center (NDCC) said on Monday.
Russia Could Step In to Help Embattled Belarus Leader Amid Massive Protests, Accusations of Rigged Election VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia indicated it was ready to provide military assistance to embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko - even as massive crowds marched in protest to an August 9 election protesters say was rigged in favor of the longtime Belarusian leader.
Russia begins production of COVID-19 vaccine People's Daily 16 Aug 2020 -- Russia has begun production of the first batch of vaccines against COVID-19, its health ministry said in a statement released Saturday.
Russia reports nearly 5,000 new coronavirus cases SPA 16 Aug 2020 -- Russia reported 4,969 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, bringing its nationwide tally to 922,853, the fourth highest caseload in the world, according to Reuters.
China welcomes Putin's proposal of holding online summit over Iranian nuclear issue People's Daily 16 Aug 2020 -- Trump says 'probably not' to join Putin-proposed summit on Iran
Russia Scrambles Su-27 Jet Over Black Sea to Identify Italian Plane, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 16 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Su-27SM fighter scrambled over the Black Sea to identify an Italian Navy aircraft approaching the country's border, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Center said on Sunday.
Russia says ready for military help as violent anti-Lukashenko protests rage in Belarus Press TV 16 Aug 2020 -- Russia says it has told Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko it is ready to offer military assistance as violent protests continue against Lukashenko and his contested re-election in the ex-Soviet republic.
Putin Tells Lukashenka Russia Ready 'To Provide Help' Militarily If Needed RFE/RL 16 Aug 2020 -- The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has told Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka that Russia is ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact, if necessary.
Russia starts manufacturing new COVID-19 vaccine: Ministry Press TV 15 Aug 2020 -- Russia has begun manufacturing the world's first vaccine for the novel coronavirus, Interfax news agency reports.
Russia reports more than 5,000 new coronavirus cases SPA 15 Aug 2020 -- Russia reported 5,061 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday, bringing its nationwide tally to 917,884, the fourth highest caseload in the world, Reuters reported.
Huge Protests Continue in Russia's Khabarovsk Over Arrest of Ex-Governor VOA 15 Aug 2020 -- Huge crowds took to the streets of the Russian city of Khabarovsk Saturday in continued protests following the arrest of former governor Sergey Furgal.
Putin, Lukashenko agree Russia will help maintain security in Belarus if needed Press TV 15 Aug 2020 -- The Belarusian and Russian presidents say the turmoil that has followed the recent presidential elections in the ex-Soviet republic will be remedied soon and not left out for exploitation by the parties that seek to poison the two countries' relations.
Belarus's Lukashenka Rejects Foreign Mediation Of Postelection Crisis, Says Russia Promised 'Full Assistance' RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- A defiant Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has rejected the possibility of foreign mediation in his country's ongoing postelection crisis, and told military officials that Russia has promised to provide a "full range of assistance" if requested.
Kyiv Angry Over Belarus's Release Of Alleged Russian Mercenary Group RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- Kyiv has expressed anger over a decision by Belarus to release a group of alleged Russian mercenaries that was detained near Minsk in late July.
UN refusal to back US-drafted anti-Iran resolution proves existence of intl. law: Russia Press TV 15 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says the almost unanimous refusal of the United Nations Security Council to support a US-sponsored draft resolution on extending the arms embargo against Iran proves that international law exists.
Statement by President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Russia's proposal to convene meeting of heads of state of UN Security Council permanent members with participation of heads of Germany and Iran Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Aug 2020 -- Debates around the Iranian issue within the UN Security Council are becoming increasingly strained. Tensions are running high. Iran faces groundless accusations. Resolutions are being drafted with a view to dismantling decisions that had been unanimously adopted by the Security Council.
WHO in conversation with Russia for more vaccine information: expert People's Daily 14 Aug 2020 -- A senior expert of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that it is currently in conversation with Russia to get additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine that Russia will start production soon.
Vietnam to buy Russian, British COVID-19 vaccine SPA 14 Aug 2020 -- Vietnam has registered to buy a Russian COVID-19 vaccine, state television reported on Friday, as it fights a new outbreak after going several months with no local cases, Reuters reported.
Over 20 countries want Russian COVID-19 vaccine: spokesperson People's Daily 14 Aug 2020 -- More than 20 countries are interested in getting Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
Russian fighter jet dispatched to intercept US aircraft near border Press TV 14 Aug 2020 -- A Russian fighter jet was dispatched to intercept a US aircraft that was approaching the Russian border over the waters of the Barents Sea, says the Russian military.
Belarus Releases Alleged Russian Mercenaries Detained In Purported Plot RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- Belarus has released 32 Russian citizens who were detained near Minsk last month and accused of being mercenaries plotting to "destabilize" the situation in Belarus around the August 9 presidential election.
The Week In Russia: The Vaccine, The Kursk, And Belarus RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- The timing must have been pure coincidence, but the symbolism seemed hard to overlook.
Thousands In Russia's Far East Continue Anti-Putin Protests, Chant 'Long Live Belarus!' RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- Thousands of protesters have marched in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, where rallies against President Vladimir Putin's role in a regional political crisis have been held for over a month.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 13, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Aug 2020
Moscow Mayor Says Certain About Good Quality of Russian Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik 13 Aug 2020 -- Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Thursday he was sure that Russian vaccine against the coronavirus was of good quality.
U.S. Releases Cybersecurity Advisory On New 'Drovorub' Russian Malware RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and FBI released an advisory on cybersecurity on August 13 warning about previously undisclosed Russian malware.
US Intelligence Accuses Russian Military Hackers of Spreading Malware 'Drovorub' Sputnik 13 Aug 2020 -- The US National Security Agency (NSA) and FBI on Thursday accused Russian military hackers of deploying new malware which they believe poses a threat to the Pentagon and the defense industry.
Russian military intercepts 2 US planes over Black Sea Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- The Russian military says it has intercepted two US military planes as they were heading toward Russian airspace over the Black Sea.
Russia Tightens Tax Screws on Super Wealthy VOA 13 Aug 2020 -- Russian leader Vladimir Putin is tightening the tax screws on the country's super-rich.
France's Macron Holds Talks With Russian, Iranian Leaders Over Lebanon, Belarus RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss postelection violence in Belarus and the situation in Lebanon following a devastating blast in Beirut.
Russia says outside forces attempt to destabilize Belarus after post-election protests Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- Russia says outside forces are clearly attempting to destabilize neighboring Belarus, which has witnessed violent protests in the past few days after President Alexander Lukashenko won the election.
Explainer: Putin Says Russia Has A COVID-19 Vaccine. Doubts Abound. RFE/RL 12 Aug 2020 -- Russia has become the first country to issue regulatory approval for a vaccine against COVID-19 and plans to launch a mass immunization program in October. Announcing the news in a teleconference with his cabinet on August 11, President Vladimir Putin said one of his daughters was inoculated with no serious side effects. "The main thing now is for us to ensure the safety of this vaccine's use and its effectiveness," he said.
US Skeptical about Russian Claim of Effective COVID-19 Vaccine VOA 12 Aug 2020 -- Two top U.S. health officials are expressing skepticism about Vladimir Putin's claim that Russian scientists have come up with the world's first safe and effective vaccine.
Russia first to register vaccine against COVID-19: Putin People's Daily 12 Aug 2020 -- Russia has registered the world's first vaccine against the novel coronavirus, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
Russia rejects concerns about COVID-19 vaccine, stresses safety Press TV 12 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has rejected allegations that the country's pioneering COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe, dismissing them as groundless and leveled by rival competitors.
WHO Says Looks Forward to Reviewing Details of Trials of Russia's First COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 12 Aug 2020 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking forward to reviewing details of the trials of Russia's newly registered vaccine against COVID-19 named Sputnik V, and maintains contact with the Russian authorities on that, the WHO's Europe Press Office told Sputnik.
WHO in contact with Russia on new COVID-19 vaccine: spokesman People's Daily 12 Aug 2020 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is in close contact with Russia regarding a possible pre-qualification of the world's first COVID-19 vaccine, a WHO spokesman said on Tuesday.
Russian Fighter Su-27 Scrambled to Intercept 2 US Military Aircraft Over Black Sea Sputnik 12 Aug 2020 -- Russian fighter jet Su-27 was scrambled after two US military aircraft approached Russian border over the Black Sea, so that no violation of the state border was allowed, the Russian Defense Ministry's National Defense Control Centre (NDCC) said on Wednesday.
Russian President Putin Says Country is First to Formally Approve Coronavirus Vaccine VOA 11 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country has become the first in the world to formally approve a new COVID-19 vaccine, despite a lack of data to back up his claims that the drug is safe to administer to humans.
WHO in Talks With Russia About New Vaccine VOA 11 Aug 2020 -- The World Health Organization said Tuesday said it was holding talks with Russia regarding its recently approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Meeting with Government members President of Russia 11 Aug 2020 -- "Perhaps, it would be inaccurate to describe some of them as current issues, considering their importance for the country and the entire world. I have been told that the world's first coronavirus vaccine was approved this morning. I am asking Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko to share some details on this subject, even though I know that it is quite effective, helps develop immunity and has gone through all the necessary trials."
Putin: Russia Becomes First Country in the World to Register COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 11 Aug 2020 -- Russia's first vaccine against the coronavirus was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute. Clinical trials of the vaccine were launched on 18 June and all 38 volunteers developed immunity.
Russia approves world's first COVID-19 vaccine amid concerns over worsening epidemic in winter Global Times 11 Aug 2020 -- Russia said on Tuesday it has approved the world's first COVID-19 vaccine and registered it with the national health department. Chinese experts believe the speed at which Russia is moving to roll out the vaccine reflects the Russia's concerns over the risk of a worsening epidemic in winter.
Putin Says Russia Has Registered A Coronavirus Vaccine, His Daughter Inoculated, Amid Skepticism RFE/RL 11 Aug 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin said a coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia has been approved for use, despite not undergoing clinical tests and no data being made public.
China, Russia Not Likely To Compromise On Extension Of Iran Arms Embargo Radio Farda 11 Aug 2020 -- The efforts of three European powers to convince China and Russia to agree to an extension of the UN arms embargo against Iran have reportedly not succeeded so far as the U.N. Security Council prepares to vote on a U.S. resolution to extend the embargo.
U.S. Welcomes Slovakia's Decision To Expel Russian Diplomats RFE/RL 11 Aug 2020 -- The U.S. State Department has welcomed Slovakia's decision to expel three Russian diplomats -- a move that media in Slovakia have linked to the 2019 killing in Berlin of a former Chechen rebel from Georgia.
German Foreign Minister Says Russia Not Cooperating On Berlin Murder Probe RFE/RL 11 Aug 2020 -- German authorities have made a total of 17 requests for information to Russia in connection with the murder in a Berlin park of a Georgian citizen, but to no avail, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Moscow on August 11.
Russian MiG-31 Fighter Jets Scrambled to Intercept US Global Hawk Drone Over Sea of Chukotsk Sputnik 11 Aug 2020 -- Earlier this month, the Russian military confirmed it had to scramble jets to intercept numerous American aircraft flying over the Black Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, as well as a Norwegian Falcon 20 jet over the Barents Sea.
Russia's Su-27 Scrambled to Overtake US Stealth Planes Over Black Sea Sputnik 10 Aug 2020 -- Russian fighter jet Su-27 was scrambled again to overtake US stealth planes over the Black Sea, forcing them to turn away from the Russian border, the national centre for the defence control said Monday.
Slovakia Reportedly Expels Russian Diplomats on Suspicion of Espionage Sputnik 10 Aug 2020 -- The agency's source said that the diplomats must leave the country by the end of the week.
U.S. 'Deeply Concerned' By Russia's Targeting Of 'Foreign Agent' Media RFE/RL 10 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington is "deeply concerned" by fresh efforts by Russia to target foreign media operating there.
As Belarus's Strongman Seeks To Extend His Embattled Rule, Moscow Watches Warily RFE/RL 10 Aug 2020 -- As election officials in Belarus claimed a landslide victory for incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka, and his main challenger rejected that result as rigged, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his counterpart a congratulatory note urging continued cooperation that "fulfills the vital interests of brotherly nations."
Russia says oil deal between US firm, SDF shows Washington's continued violation of Syria's sovereignty Press TV 08 Aug 2020 -- Russia says an agreement signed between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and an American oil company clearly reveals Washington's persistent violation of Syria's sovereignty and international law.
Report: Pompeo Warns Russia Against Taliban Bounties VOA 07 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned Russia's foreign minister about alleged bounty payments to Taliban militants for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan, according to The New York Times.
Pompeo Warned Moscow in July Call Against Alleged Bounties on US Soldiers - Report Sputnik 07 Aug 2020 -- Unnamed US officials told the New York Times on Friday that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave a vague warning to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last month that Russia should refrain from offering bounties to Taliban fighters to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan, as the Times has claimed was happening.
Russian Su-35 Jets Intercept US Strategic Bomber Over Sea of Okhotsk Sputnik 07 Aug 2020 -- Three Russian fighter jets Su-35 were scrambled to intercept and escort a US strategic bomber over the Sea of Okhotsk, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Center (NDCC) said on Friday.
Russian Su-27 Intercepts US Air Force Reconnaissance Aircraft Over Black Sea, MoD Says Sputnik 07 Aug 2020 -- Numerous aircraft approaching the Russian border over neutral waters in the Black Sea have been detected by airspace control systems in recent weeks.
The Week In Russia: Mercenaries, Media, And A Big Belarusian Election RFE/RL 07 Aug 2020
Widely Seen as Warning Shot, Russia Court Sentences Young Activists for Extremism VOA 07 Aug 2020 -- A Moscow court convicted 7 young Russians on extremism charges Thursday – sentencing several of the group to lengthy prison sentences in a closely watched case that seemed to encapsulate the limits of political youth activism in today's Russia.
Putin, Lukashenka Discuss Detainment Of Russian Vagner Mercenaries In Belarus RFE/RL 07 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka have discussed the recent detainment of 33 mercenaries from the private Russian security firm Vagner Group in Belarus.
Briefing by Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department Alexey Zaytsev, Moscow, August 6, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Aug 2020
Cooking The Numbers? Locals In Russia's Kaliningrad Say Coronavirus Testing Stopped In Bid To Show Fewer Cases RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- The official chart of new coronavirus cases for the western Russian exclave of Kaliningrad looks encouraging. In May and June, between 40 and 50 new cases were being reported daily, while in July and early August, the numbers were between 10 and 20, even as the region took significant steps to restart its economy.
Russia registers over 5,200 new COVID-19 cases People's Daily 06 Aug 2020 -- Russia has registered 5,267 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing its total to 871,894, the fourth highest in the world, the country's coronavirus response center said Thursday.
US Lying About Moscow's Links to Taliban, Russian Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 06 Aug 2020 -- The United States is lying about Russia's alleged links to the Taliban, the deputy head of the press department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexey Zaitsev, said Thursday, regarding the comments of Robert C. O'Brien, a US national security adviser to the president.
Russia intercepts 2 US spy planes over Black Sea Press TV 06 Aug 2020 -- Russia has intercepted a pair of US spy planes as they were heading toward Russian airspace over the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
'A Win That Weakens': What Does Russia Want From Belarus's Election? RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- About two-thirds through his 90-minute speech before a hall packed with the Belarusian political elite, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka turned his attention away from the candidates challenging him in the August 9 election and focused on another player with a stake in the vote.
Lukashenka Calls For Ukraine, Russia To Help Investigate Vagner Mercenaries RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has ordered his government to invite Ukrainian and Russian prosecutors to Belarus to investigate a group of 33 mercenaries from the private Russian security firm Vagner Group who've been detained in Minsk.
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Complex Online Disinformation, Propaganda Operation RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- The United States has accused Russia of developing a sophisticated "ecosystem" to spread disinformation and propaganda about the coronavirus and other issues.
Briefing With Special Envoy Lea Gabrielle On the GEC Special Report: Pillars of Russia's Disinformation and Propaganda Ecosystem US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2020 -- Special Briefing by Lea Gabrielle, Special Envoy and Coordinator of the Global Engagement Center
Russia Says Fighter Intercepted U.S. Surveillance Planes Over Black Sea RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- Russia says a fighter jet intercepted two U.S. military surveillance planes in the Black Sea -- the latest in a series of midair encounters between U.S., NATO, and Russian forces.
Russian Su-27 Intercepts US RC-135 and Poseidon Aircraft Over Black Sea, MoD Says Sputnik 05 Aug 2020 -- Russian airspace control systems have been detecting numerous air targets approaching the country's border over neutral waters in the Black Sea for several weeks.
In Nod To Russia, U.S. Condemns Foreign Military Involvement In Libya RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- The United States has said it is "deeply troubled" by growing violence in Libya and called on foreign powers to end their proxy war in the troubled North African nation.
Chinese, Russian Banks Refuse Transactions With Iran Radio Farda 05 Aug 2020 -- A member of Iran's Chamber of Commerce has said that China's Kunlun Bank is refusing to deal with Iran, as warnings from the international watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding banking ties with the Islamic Republic have become tougher this year.
Moscow Threatens 'Sad Consequences' After Belarus Arrests Russian Mercenaries Near Minsk RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- Russia has issued a thinly veiled threat against Belarus over the detention of 33 Russian mercenaries who were arrested at gunpoint near the capital, Minsk, last week.
Moscow Police Again Fining People En Masse For Not Wearing Masks In Subway RFE/RL 04 Aug 2020 -- Moscow police have again begun to fine people en masse for not wearing masks or gloves in the city's subway as coronavirus cases increase in some countries.
Russia warns US global deployment of missiles will meet response Press TV 04 Aug 2020 -- Russia has warned the United States against its controversial plan to deploy land-based missiles in various countries around the world, saying the move would be met with an immediate response from Moscow.
Russian Mercenaries in Libya Leave Mines as Deadly Calling Cards, Observers Say VOA 04 Aug 2020 -- International observers are sounding the alarm about an alliance between Russian mercenaries and a Libyan militia, which they say imperils civilians and risks intensifying Libya's civil war.
Russian COVID Vaccine Successfully Tested on Humans as Volunteers Show Immune Response Sputnik 03 Aug 2020 -- The final check-up of volunteers testing the coronavirus vaccine at the Burdenko Hospital in Russia showed immunity in all participants, the Russian Defence Ministry said Monday.
Russia Plans to Register Anti-coronavirus Vaccine in 10 Days SPA 03 Aug 2020 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) expects that the Russian vaccine against the new coronavirus infection will be registered within 10 days, head of the sovereign wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel, according to the Russian News Agency (TASS).
Report: Russians Suspected Of Hacking Former U.K. Trade Minister's E-Mail Ahead Of Elections RFE/RL 03 Aug 2020 -- Russians are suspected of hacking into a former British trade minister's e-mail and leaking classified U.S.-U.K. trade documents ahead of Britain's 2019 elections, Reuters reported on August 3.
Mass COVID-19 vaccination in Russia planned for October: health minister People's Daily 02 Aug 2020 -- Russian Health Ministry is planning a mass vaccination campaign against the coronavirus for October, TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.
Russian Vaccine Developer Further Tempers Official's Claim Of October Rollout RFE/RL 02 Aug 2020 -- Researchers behind one of two Russian candidate vaccines against the coronavirus undergoing the approval process in that country say they plan to launch production in November, raising further questions about official Russian pledges to have a vaccination campaign well under way before then.
Russian Virology Center Vektor to Begin Producing COVID-19 Vaccine in November - Director Sputnik 02 Aug 2020 -- The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vektor plans to begin production of a vaccine against the coronavirus in November, the center's Director-General Rinat Maksyutov said.
Moscow raps US 'disinformation campaign' against Russian missile work Press TV 02 Aug 2020 -- Moscow has slammed the Pentagon for unleashing a "disinformation campaign" against the Russian missile defense program, saying the US is attempting to "discredit" Russia and justify its military buildup around the world.
Protests Spread Across Russia in Support of Jailed Khabarovsk Former Governor VOA 02 Aug 2020 -- Protesters took to the street in cities across Russia on Saturday in support of jailed Khabarovsk former governor Sergei Furgal.
Trade Official Says Russian And Chinese Banks Refuse To Deal With Iran Radio Farda 02 Aug 2020 -- The chairman of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce says Tehran has virtually no banking transactions with Russia and China. If someone with an Islamic Republic passport applies for banking services in these countries, he will be rejected.
Belarusian Presidential Candidate Tsikhanouskaya Says She Is Against Integration With Russia RFE/RL 02 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she is against forming a union state with Russia but called for maintaining good relations with Moscow.
EU's Cybersanctions Against Russian Citizens Politically Motivated, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 01 Aug 2020 -- The political connotations of the European Union's decision to impose sanctions against Russian, Chinese, and North Korean citizens and entities for alleged cyberattacks are obvious, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
Russian Health Minister Says COVID-19 Vaccine Trials Have Been Completed Sputnik 01 Aug 2020 -- Clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, have been completed, Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko said.
COVID-19: Russian Health Minister Predicts 'Extensive' Vaccine Program In October RFE/RL 01 Aug 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is around 680,000, with more than 17.6 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the respiratory illness.
'They're Steamrolling Us': Lacking State Support, Russia's Small Businesses Are Struggling To Survive RFE/RL 01 Aug 2020 -- Aleksandr Zatulivetrov was once the proud owner of six restaurants in a city thronging with tourists. But four months after Russia introduced lockdown measures, he has put his apartment up as collateral and sold his car to cover rent for the two remaining establishments he hasn't been forced to sell.
Protesters Brave Drenching Rain To Demonstrate In Khabarovsk For 22nd Day RFE/RL 01 Aug 2020 -- Thousands of people braved rainy weather in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk on August 1 to attend a fourth weekend of mass demonstrations against President Vladimir Putin's role in a regional political crisis.
Protests Continue in Khabarovsk, Russia, Against Arrest and Replacement of Popular Regional Governor VOA 01 Aug 2020 -- Protesters took to the streets of the Russian city of Khabarovsk for the fourth straight weekend on Saturday, angered by the arrest of the region's popular governor.
Belarusian President Accuses Russia Of Trying To Cover Up Vagner Group Election Plot RFE/RL 01 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has accused Russia of trying to cover up an attempt to send 200 fighters from a private Russian military firm into Belarus on a mission to destabilize the country ahead of its August 9 presidential election.
Russian Foreign Intelligence Chief Hopes Incident in Belarus Resolved for Friendly Ties Sputnik 01 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Intelligence Chief Sergey Naryshkin said on Saturday he hoped the incident of Minsk's detention of 33 Russian nationals will be resolved in the interest of fraternal relations between the two countries.

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