October 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia ready to provide Armenia with 'all necessary help' as Karabakh 4th truce falls apart Press TV 31 Oct 2020 -- Russia says it will provide Armenia with "all necessary assistance," as a fourth ceasefire attempt falls apart, with the two sides accusing one another of bombing residential areas in and around the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Armenia, Azerbaijan Accuse Each Other Of New Shelling As Russia Vows Assistance To Yerevan RFE/RL 31 Oct 2020 -- Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other of shelling residential areas, just a day after the sides agreed to avoid targeting civilian populations in and around the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
New agreement between Iran, Russia on Sirik power plant ISNA 31 Oct 2020 -- Director of power plant projects in Iran announced on Saturday that Iran and Russia have renewed agreement on construction of Sirik power plant in southern Iranian province of Hormuzgan.
'Trump's Done Nothing Good For Us': As Americans Go To The Polls, Most Russians Shrug RFE/RL 31 Oct 2020 -- When Donald Trump was elected U.S. president in 2016, Russian lawmaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky hosted a champagne party in the country's parliament to celebrate the real estate magnate's surprise victory.
Russia Proposes US to Consider Putin's Arms Control Initiative Sputnik 31 Oct 2020 -- Moscow is offering the United States to consider an arms control initiative proposed by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Embassy in Washington has said.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 29, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Oct 2020
Russia open to return of occupied lands in Karabakh to Azerbaijan: Putin Press TV 30 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is open to the return of the occupied lands of the south Caucasus region of Nagorna-Karabakh to Baku, in an effort to put an end to weeks of heavy fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The Week In Russia: COVID, Clout, War, And Remembrance RFE/RL 30 Oct 2020 -- Sergei Lavrov's scuttled Balkans visit points up problems at home and challenges abroad for the Kremlin. Also, a new twist in Russia's treatment of World War II, and in remarks about same-sex unions, President Vladimir Putin appears to put the perceived interests of the state -- specifically, efforts to stem a population decline -- over the interests of the individual.
Two Charged In Sweden With Attempted Murder Over Chechen Blogger Assault RFE/RL 30 Oct 2020 -- Swedish authorities have charged two individuals with attempted murder and accessory to attempted murder in a hammer attack on a blogger and outspoken critic of the authoritarian leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Ukraine Gas Chief Urges U.S. To Add More Sanctions Against Russian Pipeline RFE/RL 30 Oct 2020 -- Ukraine's natural-gas chief has urged the United States to expand sanctions aimed at stopping construction of a nearly complete Russian energy pipeline that would bring gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
Russia's Putin Says No to Lockdown Despite Spiking COVID Cases VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Russia reported record numbers of infections and deaths from the novel coronavirus on Thursday, the latest sign that the country is again struggling to contain an outbreak that Kremlin officials only recently portrayed as largely under control.
Mayor Of Ufa, Capital Of Russia's Bashkortostan, Dies Of COVID-19 RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- The mayor of Ufa, the capital of Russia's Bashkortostan region, Ulfat Mustafin, has died of COVID-19 at the age of 61.
Spain Investigates Russian Links to Catalan Separatists VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Russian agents offered military aid to Catalan separatists at the height of their failed bid to break away from Spain in 2017, according to a judicial investigation in Spain.
Putin Says Russia Ready To Work With Anyone Who Wins U.S. Presidency RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is ready to work with any U.S. president, regardless of who wins next week's election.
NATO Countries Rejected Russia's Proposals on INF Treaty Too Hastily, Russian FM Spokeswoman Says Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- NATO countries too hastily rejected the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), Moscow characterises the situation in the missile sector as a crisis, and the United States is fully responsible for it, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
COVID-19: Russia Reports Single-Day Record For Fatalities; Iran's Parliament Speaker Tests Positive RFE/RL 28 Oct 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 1.1 million, with more than 44 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the respiratory illness.
Russia applies for accelerated registration for its coronavirus vaccine People's Daily 28 Oct 2020 -- Russia has made applications to the World Health Organization (WHO) for an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) and prequalification of its COVID-19 vaccine "Sputnik V," a Russian sovereign wealth fund said on Tuesday.
US Says Ready to Deploy Ballistic Missiles in Europe to Deter Russia Sputnik 28 Oct 2020 -- The United States will deploy its ballistic missiles in Europe if necessary to deter Russia, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said on Wednesday.
Putin, Erdogan discuss Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, Libya Press TV 28 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed deep concern about the persisting conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh as well as the rising presence of foreign terrorists in the clashes in a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart.
Workhorse Russian Tu-154 Passenger Jet Flies Into Retirement RFE/RL 28 Oct 2020 -- The last Tu-154 passenger jet still in service in Russia has completed its final scheduled commercial flight.
U.S. Congressional Ukraine Caucus Worried Nord Stream 2 Sanctions Bill Could Be Dropped RFE/RL 28 Oct 2020 -- Members of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus are concerned a U.S. bill to expand sanctions on a Russian natural-gas pipeline to Europe could be dropped from the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Moscow Says Those Ignoring Putin's INF Offer Show Irresponsible Approach to European Security Sputnik 28 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that US exit from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was a "grave mistake" which creates the risk of a renewal of the nuclear arms race.
Trump Wants Putin To 'Join Forces' On China, Former Adviser Says RFE/RL 28 Oct 2020 -- President Donald Trump would focus in a second term on getting Russian President Vladimir Putin to side with him in his confrontation with China, a former adviser said.
Russia Issues National Mask Mandate After Coronavirus Cases Surge VOA 27 Oct 2020 -- Russian authorities issued a national mask requirement Tuesday as the country set a single day record for coronavirus deaths amid a resurgence of new cases.
Russian Foreign Minister Cancels Balkan Tour After COVID-19 Exposure RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called off a Balkan tour after coming into contact with someone infected with COVID-19.
Russia's Vector Launches Production of EpiVacCorona Vaccine Against COVID-19, Watchdog Says Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- Russia's research centre Vector has already launched production of its coronavirus vaccine EpiVacCorona, the head of the national public health watchdog, Anna Popova, said on Tuesday.
Putin invites NATO to jointly reduce tensions in Europe as INF Treaty ends People's Daily 27 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday asked the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to jointly de-escalate the situation in Europe since the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has terminated.
Russia's Shoigu Says Situation Remains Tense as NATO Boosts Presence Near Union State Sputnik 27 Oct 2020 -- The situation on the Union State of Russia and Belarus' border with NATO remains tense, as the alliance keeps increasing its military presence there, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday, assuring that the Russian military prioritizes Union State security.
Russia's Top Investigative Unit Takes Over Probe Into 'Ordered Assassination' Of Businessman RFE/RL 27 Oct 2020 -- The head of Russia's Investigative Committee has ordered the agency's Main Investigative Directorate to take over the investigation into last week's high-profile killing of Aleksandr Petrov, a businessman and local lawmaker in the northwestern Leningrad region.
Russia's new coronavirus cases hit new record high of 17,347 SPA 26 Oct 2020 -- Russia's daily tally of new coronavirus cases surged to a record high of 17,347 on Monday, including 5,224 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 1,531,224, Reuters reported.
Russian Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik V Causes No Side Effect in 85% of Patients, Developer Says Sputnik 26 Oct 2020 -- Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V causes no side effects in 85 percent of the vaccinated, the head of the Gamaleya research center that developed the vaccine, said Monday.
New Japanese Prime Minister Suga Says Determined to Resolve Dispute With Russia Sputnik 26 Oct 2020 -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at his policy speech to parliament on Monday that his government will seek to resolve the territorial dispute with Russia.
Russian airstrikes kill 78 Turkish-backed militants in Syria's Idlib: SOHR Press TV 26 Oct 2020 -- Dozens of Turkish-backed Takfiri militants have been killed in Syria's troubled northwestern province of Idlib when Turkish fighter jets carried out a string of airstrikes against the positions of terror groups operating in the area.
Reports: Russian Air Strikes Kill Dozens In Northwestern Syria RFE/RL 26 Oct 2020 -- Suspected Russian air strikes on a camp in northwestern Syria run by Turkish-backed militia fighters have reportedly killed at least 50 people and wounded scores of others.
Airstrike in Syria's Idlib Province Reportedly Kills Over 40 Militants Sputnik 26 Oct 2020 -- An airstrike conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib has killed more than 40 terrorists and injured at least 60 others, Syria's Al Watan newspaper reported on Monday, citing health sources in Idlib.
Airstrike on Syrian Rebel Base Kills at Least 50 VOA 26 Oct 2020 -- War monitors say an airstrike on a rebel training camp in northwestern Syria on Monday killed more than 50 Turkish-backed fighters and wounded at least 90.
US INF withdrawal increases risk of renewed nuclear arms race: Putin Press TV 26 Oct 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia says the United States' last year "grave mistake" in abandoning a landmark nuclear treaty with Moscow threatens the world with the risk of another nuclear arms race as the Kremlin puts forth a proposal to negotiate new verification measures with Washington.
Su-27 Fighter Intercepts French Bombers Over Black Sea - Russian MoD Sputnik 26 Oct 2020 -- The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that a Russian Air Force Su-27 fighter had intercepted several French attack aircraft in international airspace over the Black Sea.
Russia's Su-27 Intercepts German Patrol Aircraft and US Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea, MoD Says Sputnik 26 Oct 2020 -- Last week, the Russian Defence Ministry stated that Russian fighters had intercepted two strategic bombers of the US Air Force over the Bering Sea.
Hold Your Tongue: School Incident Plays Into Sensitive Issue Of Language In Ukraine RFE/RL 25 Oct 2020 -- For a speaker of either language, it may be hard to listen to the recording without wincing: An elementary-school art teacher in Odesa berates a pupil for responding in Ukrainian, rather than Russian, quickly driving her to tears in front of her classmates.
Russia Relations Unlikely To Improve, Regardless Of U.S. Election Outcome RFE/RL 25 Oct 2020 -- If he wins another four years in the White House in the election on November 3, U.S. President Donald Trump may make a new push to mend Washington's severely strained relations with Moscow, doubling down on an effort that was swiftly stymied after he took office in 2017.
Russia's new coronavirus cases rise by 16,710 SPA 25 Oct 2020 -- Russia reported 16,710 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, including 4,455 in Moscow, bringing the national tally to 1,513,877 cases since the pandemic began, Reuters reported.
Moscow Sends 10 More Armoured Vehicles to Central African Republic, Russian Envoy Says Sputnik 24 Oct 2020 -- CAR Prime Minister to Arrive in Moscow on Saturday
Kyrgyzstan Ready to Consider Expansion of Russia's Kant Airbase Sputnik 24 Oct 2020 -- Kyrgyzstan is ready to consider the expansion of the Russian airbase Kant if such a proposal comes from Moscow or the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), newly-appointed Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev told Sputnik.
Navalny's Poisoning Spooked Russia. The Politicians He Nurtured Say 'It Motivated Us.' RFE/RL 24 Oct 2020 -- When Aleksei Navalny arrived in this Siberian city in August, the opposition leader gathered supporters at his local headquarters to applaud their efforts in an ongoing regional election campaign and give a motivating speech tinged with his usual mix of sarcasm and dark humor.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the presentation of Sweden's defence strategy Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Oct 2020 -- We have noted Sweden's proposed defence strategy, Total Defence 2021-2025 Bill submitted by Swedish Minister of Defence Peter Hultqvist to parliament on October 15, which includes, in part, a 40 percent increase in the military budget.
Russia, Iran Ramp Up Attacks In Attempt to Meddle in US Election, Officials Warn VOA 23 Oct 2020 -- Russia and Iran are ramping up attacks on U.S. government networks and computer systems while also amplifying their disinformation campaigns, hoping to rattle the confidence of American voters with less than two weeks until the Nov. 3 presidential election.
U.S. Says Russian Hackers Targeted State, Local Governments Ahead Of Election RFE/RL 23 Oct 2020 -- Russian state-sponsored hackers have targeted dozens of U.S. state and local government networks in recent weeks and stolen data from at least two servers, the U.S. government says.
United States Sanctions Russian Government Research Institution US Dept. of State 23 Oct 2020 -- The United States remains steadfast in countering malign cyber activities by Russian actors on behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation. Today, we designated a Russian government research institution directly connected to the destructive and life-threatening Triton malware – also known as TRISIS and HatMan– pursuant to Section 224 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.
U.S. Sanctions Russian Research Institution Tied to Malware That Targets Industrial Systems RFE/RL 23 Oct 2020 -- The United States has sanctioned a Russian government research institute connected to the development of a computer malware capable of targeting industrial safety systems and causing catastrophic damage.
Treasury Sanctions Russian Government Research Institution Connected to the Triton Malware US Treasury 23 Oct 2020 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated, pursuant to Section 224 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a Russian government research institution that is connected to the destructive Triton malware.
Russia says will keep working with Iran despite US pressures Press TV 23 Oct 2020 -- Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman says Moscow will continue its cooperation with the Islamic Republic despite the US pressures and the difficult situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Snowden Does Not Intend to Return to US Until Charges Against Him Dropped, Lawyer Confirms Sputnik 23 Oct 2020 -- US whistleblower Edward Snowden does not intend to return to the United States from Russia until all charges against him have been dropped, his lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, told Sputnik on Thursday.
Russia says US not willing to meet halfway to extend nuclear arms treaty Press TV 23 Oct 2020 -- Russia says the United States is refusing to meet halfway to extend the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms agreement between the two countries, the New START treaty.
Russia Cites Challenges To Reaching New START Extension With U.S. RFE/RL 23 Oct 2020 -- The Kremlin says a possible one-year extension of the New START arms-control treaty beyond its current expiration in February would be aimed at buying time for the two sides to reach a new agreement instead of prolonging the current accord.
The Week In Russia: Poison, Pragmatism, And Performative Defiance RFE/RL 23 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the latest in a long series of fiery warnings to the West, but sent more pragmatic signals to Washington on nuclear arms negotiations and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club President of Russia 22 Oct 2020 -- Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the final plenary session of the 17th Annual Meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 22, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Oct 2020
US hardly the 'superpower' it used to be: Putin Press TV 22 Oct 2020 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin suggests that, what he calls, the era of the United States' "absolute dominance" throughout the international community is far over as the world's power relations are undergoing important changes.
Intelligence Agencies Accuse Iran, Russia of Trying to Use Voter Registration Data to Sow Chaos Ahead of US Election VOA 22 Oct 2020 -- U.S. intelligence agencies are accusing Iran and Russia of trying to use voter registration data in "desperate attempts" to sow chaos and confusion ahead of the November 3 U.S. presidential election.
Iran, Russia Reject U.S. Accusations Of Election Interference RFE/RL 22 Oct 2020 -- Russia and Iran have rejected U.S. claims that the two countries have been interfering with the 2020 presidential election next month.
Kremlin Expresses Regret Over US New Groundless Claims of Russian Interference in Election Sputnik 22 Oct 2020 -- The Kremlin regrets new groundless allegations that Russia is interfering in the US presidential election, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
Russia backs 'peaceful solution' for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict after Armenia hails war Press TV 22 Oct 2020 -- Russia describes a "peaceful solution" as the only way out of the deadly flare-up in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, a day after Armenia ruled out any role for diplomacy.
Did Russian Miscalculation Spark Nagorno-Karabakh Flare-Up? VOA 22 Oct 2020 -- The foreign ministers of the warring nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia will separately meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington Friday as the Trump administration joins international efforts, previously led by Russia, to tamp down a conflict that has killed hundreds of combatants and civilians since roaring bloodily back into life in September.
U.S., Russia move closer on nuclear arms control deal, but differences remain People's Daily 22 Oct 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday pressed for immediate negotiations between Washington and Moscow to finalize a verifiable agreement as the two sides seem moving closer to extend a key nuclear arms control treaty.
Russia seeks to continue dialogue with U.S. on nuclear treaty People's Daily 22 Oct 2020 -- Russia on Wednesday confirmed its readiness to continue negotiations with the United States on the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
Kremlin Hopes New START Treaty Will Be Extended For One Year, Disagreements Overcome Sputnik 22 Oct 2020 -- On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, addressed issues regarding the extension of the New START Treaty. The president called on the US to "work together and search for a solution", while noting that if "our partners decide that it is not needed", "the security of Russia — will not be affected".
If Russia Wanted to Poison Navalny Would Never Let Him Cross Into Germany - Putin Sputnik 22 Oct 2020 -- Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has been undergoing treatment in Berlin after his alleged poisoning on 20 August, which caused him to collapse aboard a Moscow-bound plane.
UK enforces new sanctions against Russia for cyber attack on German Parliament UK FCDO 22 Oct 2020 -- UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab welcomes decisive action to hold perpetrators to account for Fancy Bear cyber attack in 2015.
EU, U.K. Slaps Sanctions On Two Russians, Entity Over Bundestag Cyberattacks RFE/RL 22 Oct 2020 -- The European Union and Great Britain have imposed sanctions against the head of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, a unit within the agency, and one of its officers for their involvement in a 2015 cyberattack on Germany's lower house of parliament.
US against Iraq's bids to acquire Russian missile systems: Lawmaker Press TV 22 Oct 2020 -- An Iraqi legislator has criticized the United States for hampering Baghdad government's attempts to acquire Russia's long-range and surface-to-air missile systems to modernize its defense infrastructure.
Whistle-Blower Snowden Reportedly Granted Permanent Residency By Russia RFE/RL 22 Oct 2020 -- Russian media says U.S. whistle-blower Edward Snowden has been granted permanent residency by the government.
Snowden Receives Permanent Residence Permit in Russia, Lawyer Says Sputnik 22 Oct 2020 -- In late September, CNN reported citing court records that former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) contractor Edward Snowden, who leaked intelligence secrets in 2013, had agreed to pay the US government more than $5 million earned from his book "Permanent Record" and speeches given.
World's most powerful nuclear icebreaker joins Russia's fleet Press TV 21 Oct 2020 -- The world's largest and most powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker, the Russian-made Arktika, will join the country's Arctic fleet in coming months, according to Russian media reports.
Putin Says Vaccination Against Coronavirus Must Be Rolled Out Across Russia Sputnik 21 Oct 2020 -- It is necessary to roll out vaccination against the coronavirus across the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
'Crisis Of Trust': Russia's Pandemic Fatigue Combines With Wariness Of Expert Advice RFE/RL 21 Oct 2020 -- On a recent evening at Depo Food Mall, a converted tram depot serving cuisines from around the world, visitors packed the aisles and dined at crowded tables outside the nearly 200 food stalls that fill the vast complex. You had to strain to spot a mask.
As Clock Ticks, Washington and Moscow Tiptoe Toward Extension Of Nuclear Arms Pact RFE/RL 21 Oct 2020 -- Are Russia and the United States on the verge of saving the last major arms-control treaty, keeping a lid on the world's two largest nuclear arsenals and staving off the possibility of an all-out arms race?
US, Russia Close to Arms Control Deal, Long-Term START Treaty Talks May Follow, Envoy Says Sputnik 21 Oct 2020 -- The United States and Russia are "very close" to an arms control agreement that may lead to negotiations on a long-term deal, US Permanent Representative to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison told reporters on Wednesday.
Russia ready to freeze nuclear warheads along with U.S. to extend arms treaty People's Daily 21 Oct 2020 -- The time gained from the extension of the treaty can be used to conduct comprehensive bilateral negotiations.
Russia decries US sanctions on Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project Press TV 21 Oct 2020 -- The Kremlin has decried Washington's sanctions against the Russia-led Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project as 'unfriendly and destructive.'
Russian Fighters Intercept Two US Strategic Bombers Over Bering Sea Sputnik 21 Oct 2020 -- Russian fighters intercepted two strategic bombers of the US Air Force over the Bering Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
Su-34 Has Accident in Russia's Khabarovsk Region, Pilots Self-Eject Sputnik 21 Oct 2020 -- A Su-34 aircraft had an accident in the Khabarovsk region in Russia's Far East, the pilots managed to self-eject, the press service of the Eastern Military District said Wednesday.
Kremlin slams Western accusations of cyber attacks Global Times 21 Oct 2020 -- Western attempts to blame the Russian special services for cyber attacks are rooted in "frenzied Russophobia," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.
Sputnik V Production in Russia May Increase Five-Fold From October to December - Russian Minister Sputnik 20 Oct 2020 -- The number of doses of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 produced each month in Russia may increase five-fold from October to December, the Russian minister of industry and trade, Denis Manturov, said on Tuesday.
U.S. Reportedly Threw Out 45 Faulty Russian Ventilators Without Using Them RFE/RL 20 Oct 2020 -- The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reportedly thrown away the 45 ventilators delivered by Russia at the height of the coronavirus pandemic without ever using them.
Russia says US preparing 'revolution scenario' in Moldova Press TV 20 Oct 2020 -- Russia says the United States is preparing a "revolution" in Moldova ahead of the November election in the former Soviet state.
Progress on New START US Dept. of State 20 Oct 2020
US, Russia Signal Willingness to Extend Nuclear Arms Pact VOA 20 Oct 2020 -- The U.S. and Russia signaled their willingness Tuesday to reach a new deal on nuclear arms control by working toward a freeze on warhead arsenals for a year past the February expiration of the current weapons pact.
U.S. Ready To Meet 'Immediately' With Russia Over Extending Nuclear Weapons Accord RFE/RL 20 Oct 2020 -- The United States says it is prepared to meet "immediately" with Russia to finalize a deal to extend their last major arms-control treaty, New START, by one year after Moscow backed a U.S. proposal to freeze its total number of nuclear warheads if Washington does the same.
Russia offers mutual 1-year freeze on N-warheads to facilitate extension of treaty with US Press TV 20 Oct 2020 -- Russia has offered to put a one-year freeze on the number of its nuclear warheads in return for a similar freeze on the number of the United States' atomic warheads to facilitate a one-year extension of the last nuclear arms control treaty between the two countries.
Foreign Ministry statement on New START Treaty Extension Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Oct 2020 -- "We have received no official response from the United States to our Note dated October 16 which contains the proposal put forward by President Vladimir Putin to extend the New START Treaty for one year. We have noticed only some comments made by U.S. officials on social media platforms. Given contradictory reactions to the actual situation, we want to clarify."
US Fighters Escort Russian Strategic Bombers in Far East, Russian Defenсe Ministry Says Sputnik 20 Oct 2020 -- The United States scrambled two F-22 fighters to escort Russian TU-95 strategic bombers, which serve as missile platforms, over neutral waters in the Russian Far East, the Russian Defence Ministry said Tuesday.
Russian Defense Ministry Mulls Opening Office In Traditional Ally Serbia RFE/RL 20 Oct 2020 -- The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to open an office in Serbia as Moscow pushes to expand military ties with its traditional Balkan ally.
Russian Defense Ministry Opposes Cutting Army Staff, Other 'Unacceptable' Proposals RFE/RL 20 Oct 2020 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says it has rejected austerity measures proposed by the Finance Ministry, such as reducing of the number of military personnel.
US Accusations Against Russian Intel of Cyberattacks Due to Pre-Election Situation - MFA Sputnik 20 Oct 2020 -- On Monday, the US Department of Justice indicted six Russians, allegedly linked to state agency GRU, in relation to hacking attacks conducted in the US, Ukraine, South Korea and France in the past few years.
Russian Embassy Says Hacking Accusations Coming From US Have 'Nothing to Do With Reality' Sputnik 20 Oct 2020 -- The Russian Embassy in Washington has refuted US claims of alleged Russian involvement in a major cyber attack targeting officials and various large-scale events, with an embassy representative telling Sputnik that Russia has no intention to engage in destabilizing operations.
U.S. indicts six Russian military intelligence officers for cyberattacks People's Daily 20 Oct 2020 -- The United States on Monday announced an indictment of six Russian military intelligence officers relating to several cyberattacks worldwide.
United States Charges Russian Military Intelligence Officers for Cyber Crimes US Dept. of State 19 Oct 2020 -- The criminal charges the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today against six officers of the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate's (GRU) Military Unit 74455 highlight once again Russia's continuing disruptive, destructive, and destabilizing activities in cyberspace.
First results of Russian coronavirus vaccine trial to include data from 5,000-10,000 people SPA 19 Oct 2020 -- Interim results from the late-stage human trial of Russia's main coronavirus vaccine candidate could include data from 5,000 -10,000 participants, Denis Logunov, director at the Gamaleya Institute that developed the vaccine, said on Monday.
Moscow To Begin Mass Coronavirus Vaccinations In Weeks RFE/RL 19 Oct 2020 -- The mayor of Russia's capital says the city will begin mass vaccinations against the novel coronavirus disease "in December-January" as he sets to open two more field hospitals to deal with a surge in cases.
Navalny Determined To Return To Russia Despite Kremlin Efforts To Keep Him Away RFE/RL 19 Oct 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says the Kremlin is doing everything in its power to prevent him from returning to Russia, but he still plans to go back.
Kremlin Would Prefer to Hear US Readiness to Extend New START, Presidential Spokesman Says Sputnik 19 Oct 2020 -- The Kremlin would prefer the United States to announce its readiness to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), as giving up on the deal could have a negative impact on the entire world, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich's Remarks at Press Conference Announcing Cyber-Related Indictment of Six Russian Intelligence Officers FBI 19 Oct 2020 -- FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich delivered the following remarks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., with other Department of Justice officials announcing charges against six members of the GRU—Russia's military intelligence agency—in connection with the worldwide deployment of destructive malware and other disruptive actions. (Remarks as delivered)
Six Russian GRU Officers Charged in Connection with Worldwide Deployment of Destructive Malware and Other Disruptive Actions in Cyberspace US Dept. of Justice 19 Oct 2020 -- Defendants' Malware Attacks Caused Nearly One Billion USD in Losses to Three Victims Alone; Also Sought to Disrupt the 2017 French Elections and the 2018 Winter Olympic Games
Six Russian GRU Officers Charged in Connection with Worldwide Deployment of Destructive Malware and Other Disruptive Actions in Cyberspace US Dept. of Justice 19 Oct 2020
U.S. Charges Six Russian Military Officers With 'Destructive' Global Hacking Campaign RFE/RL 19 Oct 2020 -- The United States has charged six Russian military officers with a "destructive," global criminal cyber-campaign that included the worldwide distribution of destructive malware and attempts to undermine the former Soviet republics of Georgia and Ukraine.
US Charges Six Russian Military Officers in Global Cyberattacks VOA 19 Oct 2020 -- U.S. prosecutors on Monday announced charges against six Russian military intelligence officers in connection with a global computer hacking campaign that targeted the 2017 French presidential election and the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, and carried out other high-profile cyberattacks.
UK exposes series of Russian cyber attacks against Olympic and Paralympic Games UK FCDO 19 Oct 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemns malicious cyber activity by Russia's GRU.
Indian Defence Secretary to Review Weaponry Order in Russia in the Event of a Clash with China Sputnik 19 Oct 2020 -- Amid India's longest-ever border standoff with China, the nation's military is rushing to provide winter gears and weaponry to thousands of troops in the high-altitude region Ladakh amid freezing conditions. India has expedited several defence purchases, including that of air defence missile systems and 33 fighter jets from Russia.
Maduro Says Venezuela Received Thousands of Doses of Coronavirus Treatment From Russia Sputnik 18 Oct 2020 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says thousands of doses of a coronavirus treatment have arrived from Russia.
Turkey's Erdogan Blames US, Russia & France for Helping Arm Armenia Sputnik 18 Oct 2020 -- Armed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh region broke out on 27 September, with both Armenian and Azerbaijani sides accusing each other of firing the first shot.
Russia to respond to US missile deployment in Asia Pacific: Envoy Press TV 18 Oct 2020 -- Russia's ambassador to Washington has warned against US deployment of missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, saying Moscow will take reciprocal measures to counter such provocation.
US rejects Putin's proposal on New START extension Global Times 17 Oct 2020 -- The White House on Friday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal earlier in the day to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for at least one year without conditions.
U.S. Rejects Putin's Proposal On Nuclear Disarmament Treaty As 'Nonstarter' RFE/RL 17 Oct 2020 -- The United States says Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend the New START nuclear disarmament treaty without freezing nuclear warheads is a "nonstarter."
Russia to Respond to US Deployment of Missiles in Asia-Pacific Region, Ambassador Says Sputnik 17 Oct 2020 -- Moscow will adequately respond to Washington's deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said.
Giuliani contacted Russian agents to get information on Biden: Report Press TV 17 Oct 2020 -- US President Donald Trump's personal attorney has contacted Russian agents to obtain intelligence to help him win the 2020 presidential election.
Russia Starts Testing Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine on Volunteers Aged Over 60 Sputnik 16 Oct 2020 -- Russia has started testing its coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V on volunteers aged over 60, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told Sputnik on Friday.
Russia's new daily COVID-19 cases reach 13,754 People's Daily 16 Oct 2020 -- Russia has added 13,754 COVID-19 cases and 286 deaths on Thursday, following Wednesday's record daily rise, the country's COVID-19 response center said in a statement.
US Negotiator Accuses Russia of 'Backtracking' on Nuclear Agreement Sputnik 16 Oct 2020 -- US Special Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea on Friday called it a disappointment that Russia "backtracked" on the American proposal to conclude an agreement that would cover all nuclear warheads.
Russia to abandon trilateral MH17 talks, calls investigation biased People's Daily 16 Oct 2020 -- Russia will no longer participate in the trilateral consultations on the downing of the MH17 flight in 2014, describing them as biased and meaningless, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Russia leaves MH17 talks with Netherlands, Australia for anti-Moscow bias Press TV 16 Oct 2020 -- The Dutch and Australian governments have urged Russia to return to negotiations over its alleged involvement in the 2014 downing of a Malaysian Airline flight over Ukraine after Moscow withdrew from the talks while accusing it of being "biased" and "politicized" against Russia.
Switzerland Imposes Sanctions Against Russian Entities Over Crimean Bridge Construction Sputnik 16 Oct 2020 -- Switzerland has adopted sanctions against Russian individuals and companies involved in the construction of the bridge over the Kerch Strait that connected the Crimean Peninsula with continental Russia, the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs said on Friday.
Air Leak Rate at Russia's ISS Zvezda Module Halves After Crack Sealed With Tape Sputnik 16 Oct 2020 -- The air leak rate in the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station has halved after the crack in the intermediate compartment was sealed with tape, according to the crew's communication with Earth, broadcast by NASA.
Putin proposes Russia, US extend arms control treaty for year Press TV 16 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Russia and the United States extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty without any preconditions for at least one year.
Putin Proposes Extension Of New START Treaty For One Year Without Conditions RFE/RL 16 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed extending a bilateral nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States for one year without preconditions to keep it from expiring early next year and allow talks to revive it to continue.
The Week In Russia: Syria, Sanctions, And A 'Conscious Act Of Civic Courage' RFE/RL 16 Oct 2020 -- As Moscow struggled to contain the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Human Rights Watch described "patterns of cruelty" in attacks by Russian and Syrian forces on civilian infrastructure in Idlib Province.
Russia, Kazakhstan Replace Decades-Old Military Cooperation Agreement RFE/RL 16 Oct 2020 -- The Russian and Kazakh defense ministers signed an agreement in the Kazakh capital on October 16 on bilateral military cooperation to replace a deal that has been in place since 1994.
Russia weighs military cooperation with Iran after arms embargo expiration: Foreign Ministry Press TV 16 Oct 2020 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says Moscow will consider military technical cooperation with Iran in line with mutual interests after the expiration of a United Nations arms embargo on Tehran.
Russia Says It Put Tsikhanouskaya On Wanted List Following Move By Belarus RFE/RL 16 Oct 2020 -- Russia says it put Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya on its wanted list in line with regional agreements after Belarus first made the move claiming she had called for overthrowing the constitutional order in the country.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 15, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Oct 2020
COVID-19: Russia Records Record Daily Death Toll RFE/RL 15 Oct 2020 -- Russia has reported its highest number of COVID-19 deaths since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
As Russia's COVID Cases Spike, A Wait For A Vaccine Already Approved RFE/RL 15 Oct 2020 -- In early September, as the number of new coronavirus infections in Russia was rising again, Boris Mikhailov, a graphic designer from Moscow, saw an online ad for volunteers to test a vaccine against COVID-19.
'Only The Suffocating Are Hospitalized': Russia Faces Second Wave Of COVID-19 RFE/RL 15 Oct 2020 -- Perm, Omsk, Ufa, Moscow, and more: In cities across Russia, doctors, patients, and relatives of those seeking treatment or testing for COVID-19 have often harrowing stories about the resurgence of the coronavirus in recent weeks.
Russia registers second coronavirus vaccine People's Daily 15 Oct 2020 -- The Novosibirsk-based Vector research center has registered the second Russian coronavirus vaccine, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during an online government meeting Wednesday.
Russia, Turkey agree on strict adherence to Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire People's Daily 15 Oct 2020 -- Russia expressed the hope that Turkey would contribute in a constructive manner to the de-escalation of the conflict, considering Turkey's membership in the OSCE.
Russia, Turkey call for joint efforts to end Karabakh conflict Press TV 15 Oct 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have called for international cooperation and joint efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Kremlin Blasts New EU Sanctions on Russian Officials Over Navalny Case as Deliberate Unfriendly Step Sputnik 15 Oct 2020 -- Earlier on Thursday, the EU unveiled its Navalny sanctions list, which includes six high-level Russian officials and one research institute over their purported role in the alleged poisoning of the Russian opposition figure.
Kremlin: EU's fresh sanctions on Russian nationals damage bilateral ties Press TV 15 Oct 2020 -- Russia says a new round of sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) against a number of its nationals, including aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin, over the alleged poisoning of the country's opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, and Libya's civil war, damage relations between the two sides.
EU Slaps Sanctions On Russia Over Navalny 'Assassination' Attempt, Libya Meddling RFE/RL 15 Oct 2020 -- The European Union and Britain have moved quickly to impose asset freezes and travel bans against six senior Russian officials and one entity for the "attempted assassination" of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny with a Soviet-style chemical agent in August.
UK sanctions Alexey Navalny's poisoners UK FCDO 15 Oct 2020 -- The UK will enforce sanctions against 6 individuals and an entity responsible for the Novichok poisoning of Alexey Navalny.
U.S. touts progress on New START extension, but Russia disagrees People's Daily 15 Oct 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington would welcome an agreement based on understandings reached recently with Moscow to extend a key arms control treaty.
Russia Halts Talks On MH17, Dutch Say They 'Regret' Kremlin Move RFE/RL 15 Oct 2020 -- Russia says it has decided to halt consultations with Australia and the Netherlands on the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger flight over eastern Ukraine more than six years ago, after the Dutch government took Russia to court in July for its alleged role in the tragedy.
Russia Urged To Stop Forced Military Conscription, Other Violations of International Law In Crimea RFE/RL 15 Oct 2020 -- The European Union has denounced forced military conscription of residents in the Russian-occupied Crimea region and called on Moscow to "stop all violations of international law" in the peninsula.
Russia's Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft reaches ISS in record time People's Daily 15 Oct 2020 -- The Russian spacecraft Soyuz MS-17 has successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS), setting a new world record for its journey to the orbital complex in three hours and three minutes, the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos said in a statement on Wednesday.
Trials of Russian COVID-19 Vaccine Start in Venezuela, President Maduro Says Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- The first batch of Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine against the novel coronavirus was delivered to Venezuela in early October, and 2,000 volunteers have been selected to participate in the trials.
Russia to Bring COVID-19 Vaccine Production to 15Mln Doses Monthly in Spring, Senior Official Says Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- Russia is expected to boost its monthly coronavirus vaccine production to 1.5 million doses in December, 3-3.5 million doses in January and up to 15 million doses in the spring, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said on Wednesday.
Putin Says Second Russian Anti-COVID Vaccine Registered by Vector Centre, After Gamaleya's Sputnik V Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- Vector's vaccine is the second one registered in Russia after the Gamaleya Institute's coronavirus treatment. The latter was the first one registered in the world, and is called Sputnik V.
Four Companies Are Working on COVID-19 Vaccines Production in Russia, Health Minister Reveals Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- Four companies are currently working on the coronavirus vaccine production in Russia, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Wednesday.
Lavrov Calls for Deployment of Russian Peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh as Tensions Escalate Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- Earlier in the day, the Armenian Defence Ministry said that it "reserves the right" to attack any military facility in Azerbaijan after saying that Baku had hit military equipment on Armenian territory.
Azerbaijan Confirms Strike Inside Armenian Territory; Russia Renews Call For Diplomatic Solution RFE/RL 14 Oct 2020 -- Azerbaijan has confirmed striking a missile-launch site in Armenia that Baku claims was being used to target civilian areas, marking the first time in a two-week escalation in fighting that it has acknowledged hitting targets inside Armenian territory.
US ready to extend arms control pact with Russia: Pompeo Press TV 14 Oct 2020 -- US secretary of state says his country is ready to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty after expiration.
Russia rejects conditional US offer to extend New START Press TV 14 Oct 2020 -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has rejected as "unacceptable" a proposal by the United States to condition the extension of the New START arms control treaty on the freezing of Russian and US nuclear weapons at the current levels.
Russia Ready to Include 2 Out of 5 New Weapons in New START Treaty, FM Lavrov Says Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- Russia is ready to include two weapons out of five in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Russia Sees 'No Prospects' For Extending Nuclear Pact With U.S. RFE/RL 14 Oct 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow doesn't see any prospects for extending the New START arms-control treaty with the United States, though it plans to carry on with negotiations on the subject.
Two Tu-160s Flew Over Barents, Norwegian, North Seas, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- Two strategic missile carriers Tu-160 flew over the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas, escorted by aircraft from the Royal Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Russian Defence Ministry reports.
Russian Navy Based in Kamchatka on Alert Amid Approaching Cyclone Sputnik 14 Oct 2020 -- The Russian Pacific Fleet, based on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East, has been put on alert after being threatened by the imminent approach of a devastating cyclone.
Kremlin won't tolerate EU approach toward Russia over Navalny case Press TV 14 Oct 2020 -- The Kremlin says Russia is not ready to tolerate the European Union's approach toward Moscow after the union imposed sanctions against the country over the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
EU Reportedly Agrees To Sanctions On Russian Officials, Entity Over Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 14 Oct 2020 -- The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions against six people and one entity over the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny with a Soviet-style chemical agent in August, diplomats have been quoted as saying.
Ex-Governor Of Russia's Udmurtia Region Sentenced To 10 Years For Bribe-Taking RFE/RL 14 Oct 2020 -- The former governor of Russia's Udmurtia region has been convicted of bribe-taking and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Russia, Uzbekistan Among Rights Abusers Elected To UN Human Rights Council RFE/RL 14 Oct 2020 -- Russia and China were among 15 countries elected to the UN Human Rights Council on October 13, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and the United States over their abysmal human rights records.
Norway Says Moscow Behind Cyberattack On Parliament RFE/RL 13 Oct 2020 -- Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide has said that Russia was behind a cyberattack launched against the Norwegian parliament in August, an accusation rejected by Moscow as "a deliberate provocation."
Death And 'Deception:' When A Young Russian Nurse's Aide Died Of COVID-19, Her Hospital Pretended She Didn't Exist RFE/RL 13 Oct 2020 -- Among the 75 people whose portraits gaze out from a makeshift memorial to medical workers who have died of COVID-19 in St. Petersburg since the pandemic began, the youngest is 30-year-old Maria Tyshko.
Russian Sputnik V Vaccine Trials on People Aged 60+ to Finish in Mid-2021, Gamaleya Institute Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2020 -- The trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V on volunteers aged over 60 are set to be completed in mid-2021, and after that, the vaccine will be tested on children, Alexander Gintsburg, the head of the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, said on Tuesday.
Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary 'Doing Next To Nothing' To Fight Foreign Bribery RFE/RL 13 Oct 2020 -- An anti-corruption watchdog has ranked Russia, Bulgaria, and Hungary among 19 leading global exporters that are doing little or even nothing to enforce rules meant to prohibit companies from paying bribes in foreign markets.
Chechen Officials Say Four 'Militants' Killed In Grozny RFE/RL 13 Oct 2020 -- Authorities in Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya say police in the regional capital, Grozny, have killed "four militants."
Russian Submarine Orel Hits Surface Target in Barents Sea With Granit Missile Sputnik 13 Oct 2020 -- Russian nuclear-powered submarine Orel fired an anti-ship cruise missile Granit at a surface target in the Barents Sea as part of exercises, the Northern Fleet said on Tuesday.
EU agrees to sanctions targeting Russians over Navalny case Press TV 12 Oct 2020 -- The European Union (EU) has agreed to back a French-German proposal to sanction a number of Russian officials over accusations of the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
Sanctions Against Russia Over Navalny Should Not Impede Cooperation With Moscow, Borrell Says Sputnik 12 Oct 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell said on Monday that sanctions against Russia over the case of opposition figure Alexey Navalny should not get in the way of EU cooperation with Moscow on a number of issues, including on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
In Sign Of Losing Patience, EU Warns Of Sanctions For Belarus, Russia RFE/RL 12 Oct 2020 -- The European Union has warned Belarus and Russia that it is prepared to enact new sanctions against both as the bloc's largest powers signal they are running out of patience with their eastern neighbors over corruption and a lack of democracy.
Russia Expels Two Bulgarian Diplomats In Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 12 Oct 2020 -- Russia says it is expelling two Bulgarian diplomats, nearly three weeks after two staff at the Russian Embassy in Sofia accused of military espionage were told to leave.
Russia Expels Two Bulgarian Diplomats Sputnik 12 Oct 2020 -- Bulgaria announced in late-September that it had moved to expel two Russian diplomats, claiming they could be involved in spying activities in the Balkan country.
S-300s, S-400s to Be Modified to Use Various Types of Missiles Simultaneously, Report Says Sputnik 11 Oct 2020 -- Russia's air defence troops are equipped with at least 125 battalions of S-300s (about 1,500 launchers total) and 69 battalions of S-400s (552 launchers), with the latter expected to remain the most advanced road-mobile air defence system in Russia's arsenal until the arrival of the S-500 beginning next year.
Russia Reports New Daily Record For Coronavirus Cases RFE/RL 10 Oct 2020 -- Russia has reported a new daily record in coronavirus cases as authorities struggle to cope with surging cases in Moscow and elsewhere.
Russia concerned about NATO activities near borders: FM People's Daily 10 Oct 2020 -- Russia is concerned about the increased military activities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) near its borders, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Danish counterpart Jeppe Kofod on Friday.
Russian Police Detain Dozens Amid Continuing Protests in Khabarovsk RFE/RL 10 Oct 2020 -- Police in Khabarovsk have detained dozens of protesters as demonstrators persisted in their public opposition to the Kremlin's abrupt sacking of the regional governor.
Moscow Denies Russia, US 'Close' to Deal on Nuclear Warhead Freeze Sputnik 10 Oct 2020 -- Russia and the United States have not agreed to continue freezing their nuclear arsenals, and it is unclear what guides media reports that claim to the contrary, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Saturday.
Rouhani, Putin discuss JCPOA, COVID-19, Karabakh truce IRNA 10 Oct 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin welcomed the ceasefire in Karabakh and stress holding more talks to solve this conflict.
Iran, Russia discuss JCPOA IRNA 09 Oct 2020 -- Iran's Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali and the Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov late on Friday reviewed the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Russia hosts Armenia-Azerbaijan talks on Nagorno-Karabakh Press TV 09 Oct 2020 -- Armenia's Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and his Azeri counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, have met in Russia's capital, Moscow, for the first time since the eruption of the deadliest fighting between Armenian and Azeri troops in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh in more than two decades.
Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to attend peace talks on Karabakh: Russia Press TV 09 Oct 2020 -- Russia says Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to attend peace talks in Moscow amid fighting in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Azerbaijan's Aliyev Warns Moscow Talks 'Last Chance' For Armenia RFE/RL 09 Oct 2020 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says he is giving Armenia a "last chance" to resolve a conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh as his country will reclaim the territory "either via peace or by war."
Russian Prime Minister Mishustin Says Moscow Ready to Assist Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis Settlement Sputnik 09 Oct 2020 -- Both Armenia and Azerbaijan previously confirmed their readiness to engage in negotiations that are expected to take place in Moscow later on Friday.
Russia slams EU for 'acting as judge, jury' in Navalny case Press TV 09 Oct 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has slammed the European Union (EU) for "acting as judge and jury" in the case of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who is alleged to have been poisoned.
The Week In Russia: Tough Tests In The 'Near Abroad' RFE/RL 09 Oct 2020 -- In 2016, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia's borders don't end anywhere."
Denmark Supports EU Sanctions Against Moscow Over Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 09 Oct 2020 -- Denmark says it will join European Union (EU) sanctions to be imposed against Russia over the poisoning of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny with a chemical agent from the Soviet-style Novichok group.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 8, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Oct 2020
'The Chief Doctor Won't Answer': Amid Surge, Russian Medical Workers Seek Missing COVID Hazard Pay RFE/RL 08 Oct 2020 -- In early June, ambulance paramedic Tamara Ivanova was called into work from her vacation and ordered to undergo a coronavirus test with the rest of the medical workers in her village some 40 kilometers from the Novgorod region town of Staraya Rusa.
Russian Orthodox Church Leader Quarantined After Contact With Person Infected With Coronavirus RFE/RL 08 Oct 2020 -- The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, is in quarantine after being in contact with a person infected with the coronavirus.
Russia says obliged by security treaty to prevent total govt. breakdown in Kyrgyzstan Press TV 08 Oct 2020 -- Russia says Moscow has been obliged by a security treaty to prevent a complete breakdown of government in Kyrgyzstan, where rival groups have claimed power in a post-election unrest.
Russian President Vladimir Putin Calls For End to Hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh Sputnik 08 Oct 2020 -- The Nagorno-Karabakh region saw an escalation of tension on 27 September, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanging accusations of sparking the hostilities. The military actions in the region continue, despite repeated calls by the international community for a ceasefire and resumption of negotiations.
Russian-led bloc does not see prospect of intervention in Karabakh conflict Press TV 08 Oct 2020 -- The head of a Russian-led military alliance, which includes Armenia, says he is confident the ongoing fighting over the Azerbaijani territory of Karabakh will not proceed to a stage to warrant an intervention.
Moscow Sees Trump's Pledge to Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan as Pre-Election Rhetoric Sputnik 08 Oct 2020 -- US President Donald Trump's claims about the upcoming reduction in US military presence in Afghanistan are likely mere pre-election rhetoric, Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special presidential adviser and the head of the Foreign Ministry's Second Asian Department, told Sputnik on Thursday.
Russia's Assistance 'Turning Point' in Syrian War, Allowing to Crush Terrorists, Bashar Assad Says Sputnik 08 Oct 2020 -- The war in Syria will continue until every part of the nation's territory is liberated from terrorists, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik, recalling how Russia's involvement in the conflict at Damascus' request changed the course of events and resulted in a massive counterterrorist advance.
Russia denounces French-German 'blackmail' over Navalny Press TV 08 Oct 2020 -- Russia has denounced as "unacceptable" a recent statement by France and Germany accusing the Kremlin of poisoning opposition figure Alexei Navalny, saying it amounts to "blackmail."
Moscow Says Navalny Case Used as Pretext for New Round of Russia Sanctions, Vows Reciprocal Response Sputnik 08 Oct 2020 -- Previously, France and Germany promised they would send suggestions for targeted sanctions against Russia relating to the Navalny case to their European Union partners in the near future should Moscow not "explain" why and how the political activist had been poisoned.
State Dept. Says US Monitoring Russian Missile Tests After Zircon Launch Sputnik 08 Oct 2020 -- The United States is watching Russian missile tests which informs Washington's arms control policies, a State Department spokesperson said on Thursday commenting on the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile demonstration.
No Criminal Cases Against Tikhanovskaya Launched in Russia Sputnik 08 Oct 2020 -- Russia has not initiated any criminal proceedings against former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, she is on the wanted list only under agreements with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Russian Interior Ministry said on Thursday.
Assad Says Would Like to Get Inoculated Against COVID-19 With Russian Vaccine Sputnik 07 Oct 2020 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik he would like to get personally inoculated against the coronavirus with a Russian vaccine.
Russia reports 11,115 new COVID-19 cases in single day Global Times 07 Oct 2020 -- Russia registered 11,115 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, close to its all-time high of 11,656 recorded in May, the country's COVID-19 response center said Wednesday.
Russian president says relatives, associates vaccinated for COVID-19 Press TV 07 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says some of his close relatives and people in his inner circle have already been vaccinated against the new coronavirus.
Kremlin not optimistic about nuclear arms talks with US Press TV 07 Oct 2020 -- The Kremlin says it saw no cause for optimism in Russia's talks with the United States over the New START treaty, the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms agreement.
Russia successfully test-fires hypersonic cruise missile Press TV 07 Oct 2020 -- Russia has successfully test-launched a hypersonic cruise missile, in a move praised by President Vladimir Putin as a step toward strengthening the country's security.
Russia Says It Successfully Test-Launched Hypersonic Missile On Putin's Birthday RFE/RL 07 Oct 2020 -- The Russian military says it has successfully test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile off Russia's northern coast, in what President Vladimir Putin hailed as a "big event" for the country.
Putin Hails Successful Launch of Zircon Hypersonic Cruise Missile as 'Major Event' for Russia Sputnik 07 Oct 2020 -- A Zircon hypersonic cruise missile has successfully hit a target in the Barents Sea, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated. The military stressed that the missile flew around 450 kilometres, reaching Mach 8 speeds.
Russian Emergency Services Report Explosions at Former Military Depots in Ryazan Region Sputnik 07 Oct 2020 -- Earlier in the day, local media reported, citing eyewitnesses that a military facility had caught fire near the village of Shekemishevskiye Khutora in the Ryazan Region.
Villages Evacuated After Munitions Depot Explodes In Western Russia RFE/RL 07 Oct 2020 -- Russia has evacuated more than 1,600 people from villages near a munitions depot that exploded in the western Ryazan region.
Russia rejects OPCW report on Navalny as part of 'pre-planned conspiracy' Press TV 07 Oct 2020 -- Russia has denounced as part of a "pre-planned conspiracy" a recent report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirming the presence of a substance similar to Novichok in opposition figure Alexei Navalny's blood.
Germany, France To Propose Sanctions Targeting Specific Russians Over Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 07 Oct 2020 -- Germany and France say they will seek European Union sanctions targeting individuals held responsible for the poisoning of Aleksei Navalny, after a global chemical watchdog confirmed that a banned nerve agent was used against the Russian opposition leader.
'Russian Hitman' Trial Opens In Berlin RFE/RL 07 Oct 2020 -- The trial of a Russian man began on October 7 over the assassination of a former Chechen commander in a Berlin park, allegedly on Moscow's orders.
Russia's new coronavirus cases surge past 11,000 to highest since May 11 SPA 06 Oct 2020 -- Russia's daily tally of new coronavirus cases rose to its highest since May 11 on Monday as authorities reported 11,615 new infections nationwide, including 4,082 in Moscow, Reuters reported.
WHO Says Russia Shared Data on Phase I, II Clinical Trials of COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V Sputnik 06 Oct 2020 -- Russia has shared with the World Health Organisation (WHO) the data obtained during phase I and II of the clinical trials of its Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, an adviser at the WHO's Western Pacific Regional Office said.
US Homeland Security Says Russia, China Pose Major Threats to US Security Sputnik 06 Oct 2020 -- The United States considers Russia, China and White supremacists among major threats to its national security, the Department of Homeland Security said in a new report published on Tuesday.
Russia says Nagorno-Karabakh could turn into launch pad for terrorists Press TV 06 Oct 2020 -- A high-ranking Russian official has warned that the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has been the scene of fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the past days, could become a launch pad for terrorists to enter Russian territory.
Zarif, Lavrov reiterate diplomatic settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict IRNA 06 Oct 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in a telephone conversation for the second time this week stressed the need to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through diplomatic and political means.
Russian Fighter Su-27 Intercepts 4 UK Military Aircraft Over Black Sea, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 06 Oct 2020 -- Russian fighter jet Su-27 intercepted four UK military aircraft, including two fighters, over the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Centre (NDCC) said on Tuesday.
OPCW Confirms Novichok-Like Nerve Agent Used In Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 06 Oct 2020 -- A global chemical-weapons watchdog says samples taken from Russian opposition figure Aleksei Navalny have confirmed the presence of a chemical agent from the banned Novichok group, triggering renewed international calls for Russian authorities to investigate the matter.
Navalny Says Putin Was Behind Poisoning Because Of Election Fears RFE/RL 06 Oct 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has again blamed President Vladimir Putin for the poisoning incident in August that nearly took his life and confirmed his plans to return to Russia after he fully recovers in Germany.
Navalny Affair Follows Pre-Planned Scenario - Russian Foreign Ministry Responds to OPCW Report Sputnik 06 Oct 2020 -- The fantasy of the alleged poisoning of blogger and political opposition figure Alexei Navalny continues according to a pre-planned conspiracy scenario, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, commenting on a new report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Critics Demand Stronger European Response to Poisoning of Russian Dissidents VOA 06 Oct 2020 -- Europe is under growing pressure to offer a more robust response to Russia, following the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Siberia in August. German doctors say he was poisoned with Novichok, a Russian nerve agent.
Russian Scientists Report 'Mass Death' Of Sea Life Off Kamchatka Peninsula RFE/RL 06 Oct 2020 -- Russian scientists say pollution has caused a mass die-off of marine life off the shoreline of the Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, with poisonous substances stored in a Soviet-era underground site suspected of being behind the disaster.
With Fish Dying And Talk Of Rocket Fuel In The Water, Residents Of Russia's Kamchatka Want Answers RFE/RL 06 Oct 2020 -- Surfers on Khalaktyr beach, a popular stretch of sand on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, knew something was wrong when, in early September, dips in the ocean resulted in stinging eyes and nausea.
Russia Detains Two Brothers Accused Of Passing State Secrets To Estonia RFE/RL 06 Oct 2020 -- Russian authorities say they have detained a serviceman and his brother for having allegedly passed state secrets to neighboring Estonia.
Russia's new coronavirus cases surge to highest since May 12 SPA 05 Oct 2020 -- Russia's daily tally of new coronavirus cases rose to its highest since May 12 on Monday as authorities reported 10,888 new infections nationwide, including 3,537 in Moscow, Reuters reported.
Russian Foreign Ministry Calls Sudan Peace Agreement 'Important Step' for Reconciliation Sputnik 05 Oct 2020 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday called the recent signing of a peace deal between the Sudanese government and several rebel groups an "important step" toward national reconciliation in the African country.
Russia, France, U.S. Reiterate Call For Cease-Fire In Nagorno-Karabakh As Fighting Escalates Into Cities RFE/RL 05 Oct 2020 -- Russia, France, and the United States have reiterated their call for an immediate cease-fire in and around the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, saying the escalating conflict represented an "unacceptable threat" to the region's stability.
International Leaders Urge Cease-fire in Nagorno-Karabakh VOA 05 Oct 2020 -- Leaders from France, Russia and the United States issued a joint statement Monday urging a cease-fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Joint Statement Calling for a Ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh US Dept. of State 05 Oct 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of France on October 5, 2020.
U.S., Russian Officials Hold Arms-Control Talks In Finland RFE/RL 05 Oct 2020 -- Negotiators from Russia and the United States have met in the Finnish capital for a new round of arms-control talks as the two powers' last remaining bilateral nuclear arms pact is due to expire early next year.
Assad: Russian military presence in Syria important to intl. order Press TV 05 Oct 2020 -- Syria says apart from helping it fight terrorism, Russia's military presence in the Arab country is important to ensuring international order.
Russian Fighter Intercepts German, Swedish Aircraft Over Baltic Sea, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 05 Oct 2020 -- A Russian fighter jet intercepted a German patrol aircraft and a Swedish reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defense Control Center (NDCC) said in a statement.
Russia to Conduct Observation Flight Over Denmark This Week, Military Says Sputnik 05 Oct 2020 -- Russian specialists will carry out an observation flight over Denmark starting from Monday under the Treaty on Open Skies, Krasnaya Zvezda, the official newspaper of the Russian Defence Ministry, informs.
Chemical Weapons Group Ready To Cooperate With Russia In Navalny Poisoning Case RFE/RL 05 Oct 2020 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed Russia's request for the global watchdog to dispatch experts to the country as the Kremlin faces accusations of being behind the poisoning of opposition figure Aleksei Navalny.
Leader Of Russia's Volatile Daghestan Region Replaced RFE/RL 05 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has replaced the leader of the volatile North Caucasus region of Daghestan.
Son Of Jailed Former Khabarovsk Governor Detained, Reports Say RFE/RL 05 Oct 2020 -- Media reports in Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk Krai region say the son of the region's former governor, Sergei Furgal, who is in custody on charges of attempted murder and ordering two killings in 2004-05, has been detained.
Russia's New Coronavirus Cases Top 10,000 for First Time Since Mid-May SPA 04 Oct 2020 -- Russia reported 10,499 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the highest number of daily infections since May 15, when the outbreak was at its peak and lockdowns were in place, Reuters reported.
Russian Military Creep In Belarus Raises Security Alarms RFE/RL 04 Oct 2020 -- Russia's support of Alyaksandr Lukashenka may come at a price that could alter the balance of power in Europe as the Kremlin flexes its military might on the eastern fringes of NATO and exacts concessions from the embattled Belarusian strongman.
Russian Navy Tracking Movements of UK's Dragon Warship in Black Sea, MoD Says Sputnik 04 Oct 2020 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet is tracking the movements of the UK warship HMS Dragon, which has entered the Black Sea, the Russian Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.
Pandemic, Petroleum, And Putin: Russia's Ruble Buckles Under Pressure RFE/RL 03 Oct 2020 -- The Russian ruble ended September at about a five-year low against the euro, falling as far as 93.3 rubles to the euro on September 29. The same day, the ruble traded at 79.8 against the U.S. dollar, the weakest exchange since the oil-price crash in March.
Russia's Stranded Ekranoplan RFE/RL 03 Oct 2020 -- Two months after the Soviet-made "Lun" ekranoplan was hauled onto a remote beach in Daghestan to star in a military-themed Patriotic Park, the legendary craft remains wallowing in the breakers, sporting what appears to be significant damage.
HRW Warns Of Privacy Concerns As Russia Expands Facial-Recognition Systems RFE/RL 02 Oct 2020 -- Two months after the Soviet-made "Lun" ekranoplan was hauled onto a remote beach in Daghestan to star in a military-themed Patriotic Park, the legendary craft remains wallowing in the breakers, sporting what appears to be significant damage.
Iran, Russia urge immediate ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh IRNA 02 Oct 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov reviewed latest developments in Nagorno-Karabakh in a phone call late on Friday, calling for immediate ceasefire in the region.
Navalny Says Putin Was Behind His Nearly Fatal Poisoning RFE/RL 01 Oct 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny blames President Vladimir Putin for the poisoning in August that nearly took his life and vows to return home to continue his anti-corruption campaign.
Moscow ready to provide platform for contacts to resolve Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts Global Times 01 Oct 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday confirmed Moscow's readiness to provide a platform for organizing contacts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts.
France, U.S., Russia Issue Joint Call For Peace As Fighting Rages In Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 01 Oct 2020 -- Heavy shelling between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces persisted for a fifth day as the two sides continued to ignore repeated calls from international leaders to halt fighting over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Russia reports daily record of COVID-19 cases since June Global Times 01 Oct 2020 -- Russia registered 8,945 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, a daily record not seen since June 12 as the pandemic resurges, the country's coronavirus response center said Thursday.
COVID-19: Russian Research Center Says Early Trials Of Its Coronavirus Vaccine Successful RFE/RL 01 Oct 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 1 million, with more than 34 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the respiratory illness.
EU Sanctions Russian Entities, Individuals Responsible For Kerch Strait Rail Bridge RFE/RL 01 Oct 2020 -- The European Union on October 1 announced asset freezes on four companies and two individuals responsible for the construction of the Kerch Strait railway bridge.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

October 2020 - Russia Special Weapons News