January 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russian Police Deploy Batons, Tasers As More Than 4,000 Detained Amid Nationwide Protests RFE/RL 31 Jan 2021 -- Russian police used batons and tasers on peaceful protesters after tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets for a second-straight weekend to demand the release of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny and voice their discontent with the government.
Thousands Detained in Pro-Navalny Rallies Across Russia VOA 31 Jan 2021 -- Thousands protested in cities across Russia on Sunday, defying threats of arrest by the government for a second straight weekend, demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny.
Russian police arrest hundreds of pro-Navalny protesters Press TV 31 Jan 2021 -- Russian police have arrested hundreds of people who staged illegal protests in support of detained Western-backed blogger Alexei Navalny.
Unauthorised Rallies in Support of Navalny Held in Moscow and St. Petersburg Sputnik 31 Jan 2021 -- On 23 January, a number of Russian cities were hit by protests in support of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was detained in Moscow earlier this month for probation violations. The police warned that the demonstrations were not authorised and reminded rally-goers about coronavirus-related restrictions on public gatherings.
New US Administration Demonstrated Political Will in Extending New START Treaty, Kremlin Says Sputnik 31 Jan 2021 -- Earlier this week, Russia and the US agreed to prolong the US-Russian Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) by five years. Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified the agreement on Friday.
Kremlin says Russia, US need intensive dialog to resolve 'deep differences' Press TV 31 Jan 2021 -- Moscow says Russian President Vladimir Putin and his new American counterpart Joe Biden have confirmed that deep differences between the two countries need to be resolved in an intensive dialog.
Russia, Iran Sign Deal on Production of Sputnik V Vaccine in Iran, Iranian Ambassador Says Sputnik 30 Jan 2021 -- Tehran and Moscow have signed an agreement on the deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and the first batch of the drug is expected to be sent to Iran next week, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told IRNA news agency.
Russia, Turkey set up joint peacekeeping center in Nagorno-Karabakh Press TV 30 Jan 2021 -- Russia and Turkey have opened a joint center to monitor a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, under a truce that ended six weeks of fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed south Caucasus territory.
Turkish-Russian Center Begins Monitoring Nagorno-Karabakh Truce RFE/RL 30 Jan 2021 -- A joint Turkish and Russian observation center to monitor a cease-fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region started operations after an opening ceremony with senior defense officials in attendance on January 30.
Russian billionaire reveals 'secret' Black Sea palace belongs to him Press TV 30 Jan 2021 -- Russian billionaire Arkady Rotenberg says he is the owner of a luxurious Black Sea mansion that came under the spotlight last week, after opposition figure Alexey Nalvalny alleged it was owned by President Vladimir Putin.
Kremlin Insider Says He's Owner Of 'Putin Palace' At Center Of Corruption Scandal RFE/RL 30 Jan 2021 -- A childhood friend of President Vladimir Putin and one of Russia's wealthiest oligarchs has said in an interview that he owns the lavish Black Sea mansion spotlighted in a recent anti-corruption video describing it as "a palace for Putin."
Businessman Arkady Rotenberg Reveals He's Beneficiary of 'Palace' in Southern Russia Sputnik 30 Jan 2021 -- Russian businessman Arkady Rotenberg told the Mash Telegram channel on Saturday that the highly publicised "palace" located near the Black Sea resort of Gelendzhik in Russia actually belongs to him.
Russian Police Warn Against Taking Part In Protests Called For By Navalny RFE/RL 30 Jan 2021 -- Russian police have issued a strong warning against participating in protests that opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has called for on January 31.
Russian Interior Ministry Cautions Citizens Against Participating in Sunday Protests Sputnik 30 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Interior Ministry on Saturday called on citizens to refrain from participating in unauthorised protests scheduled for 31 January, reminding that disturbers of law and order will be liable to prosecution.
Ukrainian Parliament Bans Approval Of Russian COVID-19 Vaccines RFE/RL 29 Jan 2021 -- Lawmakers in Ukraine's parliament have overwhelmingly voted to ban the approval of vaccines made in Russia.
Sputnik V Vaccine Authorised in Republic of Guinea, RDIF Says Sputnik 29 Jan 2021 -- Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus was registered for use in the Republic of Guinea, the Russian sovereign wealth fund said Friday.
Russian president signs law extending New START nuclear treaty with US Press TV 29 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law extending the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last standing nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the US, which the ex-American administration failed to extend.
Putin Signs Bill Extending New START Nuclear Arms-Control Treaty RFE/RL 29 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill approving the extension of the New START nuclear arms-control treaty.
President Putin Signs Document Extending New START for 5 Years Sputnik 29 Jan 2021 -- On Wednesday, Russia and the US agreed to prolong the New START arms reduction deal by five years, mere days before it was due to expire.
The Week In Russia: Trolleybuses, Trams, And Other Threats RFE/RL 29 Jan 2021 -- The State Duma speaker said Russia could collapse if top officials take public transport. President Vladimir Putin raised the specter of global conflagration -- again -- in a remote appearance at the Davos economic forum. Back home, apartment raids and a court ruling seemed to betray Kremlin concerns about Aleksei Navalny and the wider discontent that is evident at protests over his arrest.
Inside The 'Propaganda Kitchen' -- A Former Russian 'Troll Factory' Employee Speaks Out RFE/RL 29 Jan 2021 -- The money wasn't bad, but the work was demanding: posting up to 120 comments a day, over an 11-hour shift -- in chat rooms, on websites, and in social-media profiles belonging to specific Russian-language news outlets such as the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and RFE/RL's Russian Service.
Navalny Associates Under Pressure Ahead Of Weekend Protests RFE/RL 29 Jan 2021 -- Russian authorities have continued to ramp up pressure on associates of jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny ahead of a second weekend of nationwide demonstrations that the Kremlin has called illegal.
Why is Kremlin Tagging Protesters 'Political Pedophiles'? VOA 29 Jan 2021 -- Russia's state-controlled media has been turning to a disinformation playbook it has used before in a bid to discredit protesters agitating for the release from prison of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, say analysts.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 28, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Jan 2021
Africa Working With Private Sector, China, Cuba and Russia to Secure Vaccines VOA 28 Jan 2021 -- African officials say they are working to acquire hundreds of millions of vaccine doses for the continent over the next year and are urging African solidarity in the battle against coronavirus.
Russia's Sputnik V Almost 100% Efficient in Developing Cell Response to COVID-19, Developer Says Sputnik 28 Jan 2021 -- Russia's Sputnik V vaccine's efficiency in formation of cellular immunity to COVID-19 is close to 100 percent, a senior researcher at a genetic engineering laboratory of the Gamaleya institute said on Thursday.
Press release on a visit by a Taliban delegation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Jan 2021 -- On January 28, Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan and Director of the Foreign Ministry's Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov held consultations with a delegation of the Taliban Movement.
Iran, Russia, Turkey reaffirm commitment to Syria sovereignty, territorial integrity Press TV 28 Jan 2021 -- Iran, Russia, and Turkey that act as the guarantors of an all-Syria ceasefire have issued a joint statement in support of the resolution of the Arab country's conflict on the sidelines of a gathering aimed at devising a new constitution for the war-weary nation.
U.S.-Russia Arms-Treaty Agreement Is 'Reason For Optimism' About Opening Dialogue, Envoy Says RFE/RL 28 Jan 2021 -- Russia hopes the extension of the last remaining U.S.-Russian arms-control treaty will give a new boost to restarting a strategic dialogue between Moscow and Washington, Russia's deputy UN ambassador has said.
Court Keeps Navalny In Jail As Russian Authorities Step Up Campaign Against Allies RFE/RL 28 Jan 2021 -- A Russian court has rejected opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's appeal against his arrest as authorities stepped up their campaign against the Kremlin critic with new detentions of his associates and warnings by police they will crack down on protesters expected to take to the streets this weekend in support of the 44-year-old lawyer.
Russian Court Finds 30-Day Arrest for Navalny is Legal Sputnik 28 Jan 2021 -- A district court in the Moscow Region found on Thursday that the 30-day arrest for Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny, who was detained at an airport on 17 January upon his return from Germany, is legal. A Sputnik correspondent reported from the courtroom.
Russian Court Rejects Navalny's Arrest Appeal VOA 28 Jan 2021 -- A Russian court has ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny to remain in jail, rejecting his appeal for release as authorities detained several of his associates following massive anti-Kremlin street protests in scores of Russian cities last weekend.
Report Outlines Corruption, Russian Cover-Ups By Ex-Biathlon Bosses RFE/RL 28 Jan 2021 -- An independent report commissioned by the International Biathlon Union (IBU) says there is evidence of "systematic corrupt and unethical conduct" by the former leadership of the sport's governing body in a decade-long cover-up of Russian doping cases.
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jan 2021 -- "We have taken note of the January 26 statement by the G7 foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union regarding some aspects of the sociopolitical situation in Russia, in which, without any grounds whatsoever, they accuse Moscow of violating its international legal obligations."
Moscow Relaxes COVID-19 Curbs, Allowing Restaurants, Bars To Open At Night RFE/RL 27 Jan 2021 -- Authorities in Moscow have lifted some coronavirus restrictions, including the overnight closure of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, citing the improving health situation.
Russia Reports 17,741 New COVID-19 Cases, 594 Deaths SPA 27 Jan 2021 -- Russia on Wednesday reported 17,741 new COVID-19 cases, taking its official tally to 3,774,672, Reuters reported.
Moscow Relaxes COVID-19 Restrictions VOA 27 Jan 2021 -- Authorities in Moscow have lifted some coronavirus restrictions, including the overnight closure of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, citing the improving health situation.
US agrees to extend major arms treaty, Russia says Press TV 27 Jan 2021 -- Russia says the United States has agreed to extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last bilateral agreement verifiably and transparently limiting the world's two largest nuclear arsenals, which the former US administration was unwilling to extend.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Extension Of Key Nuke Pact With U.S. RFE/RL 27 Jan 2021 -- Russia has approved an extension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty as Moscow and Washington look to save the last major pact of its kind.
Putin Urges Russian Foreign Ministry to Discuss Document on New START Extension With US Sputnik 27 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has tasked the Foreign Ministry with holding negotiations with the United States on signing a document to extend the nuclear arms reduction treaty New START, which expires on 5 February.
Police Raid Residences, Offices Linked To Jailed Kremlin Critic Navalny RFE/RL 27 Jan 2021 -- Groups of masked security forces have broken down doors and teemed into buildings across Moscow in a sweep of places associated with Aleksei Navalny, days before another nationwide protest in support of the jailed Kremlin critic.
Despite Being Forced Out Of Russia, Navalny Associate Vows To Fight On RFE/RL 27 Jan 2021 -- Belarusian citizen Uladzlen Los, a lawyer with jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), says he will continue his work with the Kremlin critic's team even though Russian police forced him out of the country following weekend rallies by tens of thousands calling for Navalny's release.
Russia ready to export Iran's surplus enriched uranium if US rejoined JCPOA: Deputy FM Press TV 27 Jan 2021 -- A senior Russian Foreign Ministry official says Moscow is ready to export Iran's enriched uranium produced above the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal should the United States return to the historic accord.
Minsk, Moscow, And Beyond: Belarus Protests Reverberate On Russian Streets RFE/RL 27 Jan 2021 -- When Russians took to the streets in the tens of thousands on January 23 in the biggest wave of nationwide protests in years to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, there were chants demanding the Kremlin critic's release as well as calls for President Vladimir Putin to step down.
Were We On The Same Call? Why The Readouts of Biden's Talk With Putin Differed - A Lot RFE/RL 27 Jan 2021 -- White House and Kremlin statements about phone calls between the U.S. and Russian leaders often differ substantially, and the readouts that followed President Joe Biden's first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin were far from an exception.
Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov's remarks and replies to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif, Moscow, January 26, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Jan 2021
Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov's remarks and replies to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif, Moscow, January 26, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Jan 2021
Telephone conversation with US President Joseph Biden President of Russia 26 Jan 2021 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Joseph Biden.
Argentina Set to Receive More Russian COVID-19 Vaccine VOA 26 Jan 2021 -- Argentina is set to receive another batch of a Russian vaccine against COVID-19 on Tuesday, just days after Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner became the country's latest leader vaccinated with the Sputnik V vaccine.
Russia Reports 18,241 New COVID-19 Cases, 564 Deaths SPA 26 Jan 2021 -- Russia on Tuesday reported 18,241 new COVID-19 cases, taking its official national tally to 3,756,931, Reuters reported.
Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Has Been Registered in Iran Sputnik 26 Jan 2021 -- Last week, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei stated that Iran had held talks with Russia, China, and India on the potential procurement of vaccines against the coronavirus.
FM Zarif: Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine registered in Iran IRNA 26 Jan 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced on Tuesday that Iran has approved the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V.
Putin Submits Agreement on New START Extension for Ratification to Russian State Duma Sputnik 26 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted an agreement on the extension of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) to the Russian parliament's lower house for ratification, according to the State Duma database.
Russian Tu-142 Planes Conduct Scheduled Flight Over Bering Sea, Sea of Chukotsk Sputnik 26 Jan 2021 -- Russia's Tu-142 antisubmarine aircraft performed a scheduled flight over the Bering Sea and the Sea of Chukotsk, the flight range exceeded 8,000 kilometres (4,970 miles), the Eastern Military District said on Tuesday.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia The White House 26 Jan 2021
Biden, Putin Hold First Phone Discussions VOA 26 Jan 2021 -- For the first time since his inauguration, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke Tuesday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, expressing concerns about the arrest of dissident Alexei Navalny, Moscow's cyber-espionage campaign and bounties on U.S. troops in Afghanistan, two senior Biden administration officials said.
In First Phone Call, Biden Warns Putin On Navalny, Ukraine, Agrees On Treaty Extension RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for the first time since his inauguration last week, raising concerns about some of the Kremlin's activities, including the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny and the seizure of the Crimean peninsula.
Biden 'Very Concerned' About Russia's Treatment Of Navalny RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concern over Moscow's crackdown on Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny and anti-government protesters.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Arrest and Detention of Alexey Navalny US Dept. of State 26 Jan 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
G7 Foreign Ministers Condemn Russia Over Navalny Detention, 'Violent Suppression' Of Protests RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) major industrial nations have condemned Russia for the "politically motivated" detention of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny and the "violent suppression" of protesters demanding his release over the weekend.
To Discredit Navalny Protesters, Russia Spreads 'Myth' Of Mass Youth Participation RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- Among the footage from Russia-wide protests against the jailing of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny on January 23, one clip stood out.
Media Watchdog Calls For EU Sanctions Over Russia's 'Heavy-Handed' Crackdown On Protests RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling on the European Union to impose further sanctions on Russian officials after "more than 50 journalists were arbitrarily detained" during nationwide anti-government protests last weekend.
Lawyer For Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation Forcibly Kicked Out Of Russia RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- A lawyer and Belarusian citizen who works for jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) says he was handcuffed and forced into a car with a sack over his head before being taken on a 10-hour drive to the border by plainclothes police and handed over to Belarusian authorities.
Russian FM: Iran, Russia discuss construction of new units for Bushehr power plant IRNA 26 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif here on Tuesday said that Russia and Iran discussed the construction of new units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Russia Joins Iran In Call For U.S. To Lift Sanctions To Rejoin Nuclear Pact RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- Moscow has joined Tehran in calling on U.S. President Joe Biden to lift crippling economic sanctions on Iran if he wants to save a multination deal aimed at keeping the Middle Eastern country's nuclear program in check.
U.S. Intelligence Analyst Given Stiff Prison Sentence For Trying To Pass Information To Russia RFE/RL 26 Jan 2021 -- A U.S. intelligence analyst has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for kidnapping and stealing national-security materials with the intent of selling them to Russia.
Russia Reports 19,290 New Coronavirus Cases, 456 Deaths SPA 25 Jan 2021 -- Russia registered fewer than 20,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time since Nov. 11, the country's coronavirus crisis response centre said on Monday, according to Reuters.
EU To Wait On Russia Sanctions Until Navalny's Fate Is Clear RFE/RL 25 Jan 2021 -- The European Union will wait to see if Russia releases jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny before deciding to impose fresh sanctions, amid heightened calls for tough action after a brutal weekend police crackdown that saw thousands of Russians detained during protests in support the jailed opposition figure.
EU, US Call on Russia to Immediately Release Navalny, Protesters VOA 25 Jan 2021 -- Foreign Ministers of the European Union are meeting in Brussels Monday to debate the response of the 27-nation bloc to Russia's arrest of opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and the police crackdown on pro-Navalny demonstrators, as pressure grows to impose sanctions on the Kremlin.
Putin backs free speech, slams as 'dangerous' protests demanding Navalny's release Press TV 25 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has thrown his weight behind the freedom of expression in the country, but denounced as "dangerous" illegal demonstrations held by supporters of detained Western-backed blogger Alexei Navalny.
Police Violence A Kick In The Gut To Kremlin Efforts To Tamp Down Protests RFE/RL 25 Jan 2021 -- If it wasn't obvious from the heavy police presence and official warnings how the Kremlin would respond to anti-government protests across Russia, the sound of an OMON officer's swift kick to Margarita Yudina's stomach and her pained screams as her head hit the pavement helped provide clarity.
HRW Says Response To Protests Show How Rights Standards Have 'Plummeted' In Russia RFE/RL 25 Jan 2021 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says "extreme" police brutality and "mass" arbitrary detentions during weekend protests across Russia are further evidence of "how low human rights standards have plummeted" in the country.
Russia's Anti-Doping Agency Will Not Challenge Two-Year Doping Ban RFE/RL 25 Jan 2021 -- Russia's anti-doping agency, RUSADA, says it will not appeal a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to ban Russia from competing as a nation at sports tournaments for two years, including the Tokyo Olympics and the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.
Russian Ship Begins Work On Nord Stream 2 Pipeline In Danish Waters RFE/RL 25 Jan 2021 -- The Russian vessel tapped to finish the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has begun work in Danish waters just days after the United States sanctioned its parent company.
Pakistan Approves Emergency Use of Russian Coronavirus Vaccine RFE/RL Gandhara 24 Jan 2021 -- Pakistan has approved the emergency use of a Russian vaccine to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Pakistan Approves Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine's Emergency Use SPA 24 Jan 2021 -- Pakistan's government decided to allow the emergency use of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the country, the Dawn newspaper reported on Sunday citing the government's sources. "At the meeting held by the registration board of Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority, another vaccine was also approved for emergency use," according to the newspaper.
Pakistan Authorises Emergency Use of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine, Reports Say Sputnik 24 Jan 2021 -- Pakistan has approved the emergency use of the Russian-made vaccine against the coronavirus disease, Sputnik V, media reported Sunday.
Russia Reports 21,127 New Coronavirus Cases, 491 Deaths SPA 24 Jan 2021 -- Russia reported 21,127 new coronavirus cases in the preceding 24 hours on Sunday, including 3,069 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 3,719,400, Reuters reported.
Russia's RDIF Reaches Agreement to Produce COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V in Turkey Sputnik 23 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) inked an agreement with a leading Turkish pharmaceuticals developer to produce Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in Turkey and started the transfer of manufacturing techniques, the RDIF told Sputnik on Saturday.
NATO welcomes US intention to extend New START with Russia Global Times 23 Jan 2021 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Friday welcomed US President Joe Biden's newly announced intention to extend by five years a bilateral treaty with Russia on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms.
Hungary Becomes First EU Country To Buy Russia's Sputnik-V Vaccine RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- Hungary has signed an agreement with Russia to buy two million doses of the Sputnik-V anti-coronavirus vaccine, the first European Union country to purchase the Russian immunization serum.
Hungary, Russia Sign Agreement on Sputnik V Coronavirus Vaccine Deliveries, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 22 Jan 2021 -- Hungary and Russia have signed an agreement on Russia's coronavirus vaccine deliveries, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Friday.
Russia Welcomes U.S. Call To Extend New START Nuclear Treaty But Wants Details RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- Russia has welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal to extend the New START arms control treaty, but said it needs to see concrete proposals from the American side.
Kremlin Welcomes US Political Will to Extend New START Sputnik 22 Jan 2021 -- The Kremlin welcomes Washington's political will to extend the New START deal, but believes that everything depends on the details of the proposal that are still unclear, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
Moscow Welcomes US Plan to Extend Nuclear Arms Treaty VOA 22 Jan 2021 -- Russia has welcomed the Biden administration's announcement it is seeking a five-year extension of the New START arms control treaty, set to expire February 5, though the Kremlin says it will await to see the details.
The Week In Russia: 'No. 2 Politician, No. 1 Headache' RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- The United States got a new president this week, but it's hard to escape the impression that Russia's political world has also seen a big change in less than seven days, a shift that will shape the future in unknown ways.
Ahead Of Protests, Russia Cracks Down On Navalny's Allies -- And TikTok RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- TikTok is flooded with messages of support for Aleksei Navalny. Pop stars and influencers are speaking out in his defense. And allies of the Russian opposition leader are using seemingly any platform imaginable to promote a singular cause: street demonstrations calling for his release from jail.
Navalny Associate Sobol Fined For Calling On Public To Protest In Support Of Kremlin Critic RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- A court in Moscow has fined Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer at opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, for calling on the public to hold rallies to protest the Kremlin critic's detention.
Navalny's Lawyers Say Court Ignored Russian Law In Decision To 'Illegally' Detain Kremlin Critic RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- Lawyers of jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny say their client's pretrial detention is illegal as several procedural regulations were violated while processing the case.
As Protests Near, Russian Officials Show No Signs Of Easing Up On Navalny, Associates RFE/RL 22 Jan 2021 -- Russian officials are showing no signs of letting up in efforts to preempt planned nationwide street protests this weekend in support of Aleksei Navalny, vowing to "immediately suppress" any unsanctioned events and threatening jail time for demonstrators after rounding up several of the Kremlin critic's allies for calling people to take to the streets.
EU MPs demand halt of Nord Stream 2 to pressure Russia Press TV 22 Jan 2021 -- EU legislators have reacted to Russia's arrest of blogger Alexei Navalny by passing a resolution demanding a halt to the completion of the Moscow-led Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that carries Russian natural gas to Europe.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 21, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jan 2021
Albania Expels Russian Diplomat For 'Repeated' Violations Of Coronavirus Restrictions RFE/RL 21 Jan 2021 -- Albania says it is expelling a Russian diplomat for allegedly violating lockdown rules aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus in the Adriatic country.
Russian Diplomat Declared Persona Non Grata in Albania Over Violation of Anti-Coronavirus Measures Sputnik 21 Jan 2021 -- It is stated that the ministry contacted the Russian Ambassador to Tirana, Mikhail Afanasyev, expressing concern about the continuing violations of measures to combat COVID-19 by the diplomat of the Russian embassy.
Statement by John Kirby, Pentagon Press Secretary, on New START DoD 21 Jan 2021 -- "President Biden's decision to seek a five-year extension of New START advances the nation's defense. Russia's compliance with the treaty has served our national security interests well, and Americans are much safer with New START intact and extended."
Biden seeks 5-year extension of New START arms treaty with Russia: Sources Press TV 21 Jan 2021 -- US President Joe Biden plans to extend a key nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia for another five years, according to the White House.
White House Confirms Biden Will Seek 5-Year Extension of New START Treaty With Russia Sputnik 21 Jan 2021 -- The only nuclear arms control regime in effect between the two countries expires on February 5, but can be prolonged for another half a decade.
US to Offer Russia 5-year Extension on Nuclear Treaty VOA 21 Jan 2021 -- The new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is planning to offer Russia a five-year extension of a nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire February 5, U.S. officials said Thursday.
Russia Cracks Down On Navalny Allies Ahead Of Protests RFE/RL 21 Jan 2021 -- Russian officials have stepped up their campaign against jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, rounding up his associates and warning social media and news networks against spreading information about nationwide protest this weekend.
Lithuanian FM Calls For Further Russia Sanctions Over Navalny 'Mock Trial' RFE/RL 21 Jan 2021 -- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has reiterated his call for the European Union to impose further sanctions on Russia following the arrest of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny and said the bloc should scrap consideration of a trip by foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to Moscow next month.
Russian Prosecutors Send Another Request to Germany Regarding Navalny Hospitalisation Sputnik 21 Jan 2021 -- The office of Russia's prosecutor general said on Thursday it had sent a new request to Germany for legal assistance concerning the hospitalisation of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and accused Berlin of concealing the true circumstances.
Russia Urges Social Networks To Stop Promotion Of 'Illegal' Protests To Youth RFE/RL 21 Jan 2021 -- Russia's telecommunications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has urged social-media networks, including the video-sharing app TikTok, to stop the spreading of posts by users that call on Russia's youth to take part in "illegal" public gatherings, such as one planned for this weekend to support Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny.
EU Lawmakers Demand Halt To Nord Stream 2 Over Navalny Arrest RFE/RL 21 Jan 2021 -- The European Parliament has passed a resolution calling on the European Union to "immediately" stop completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to take Russian natural gas to Germany in response to the weekend arrest of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny.
Biden Instructs Intelligence Agencies to Study Reports of 'Russian Hackers', US Soldier Bounties Sputnik 21 Jan 2021 -- The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden took place on January 20 and marks the start of the four-year term of Biden as the 46th president of the United States and Kamala Harris as vice president. Since being inaugurated, Biden has already signed a series of executive orders to undo US President Donald Trump's legacy.
Press release on the future of New START Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Jan 2021 -- When it comes to arms control, the previous US administration worked consistently and systematically to destroy the agreements which prevented Washington from arbitrarily building up, projecting and using military force and which it saw as an obstacle on its way to "victory" in the "great power rivalry" it itself declared.
Kremlin Says Russia Would Welcome Biden's Efforts To Extend New START Nuclear Treaty RFE/RL 20 Jan 2021 -- The Kremlin has reiterated its commitment to extending the New START nuclear arms-control treaty with the United States, saying it would welcome efforts promised by the administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to reach an agreement on the last remaining major nuclear arms pact between the two countries.
Russia Backs Extension of New START for Maximum 5-Year Period, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 20 Jan 2021 -- Russia considers it expedient to extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the United States for the maximum stipulated five-year period, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Russia brushes off sanctions calls by West over Navalny detention Press TV 20 Jan 2021 -- Russia has shrugged off calls by certain European states for sanctions against Moscow over Alexei Navalny, not heeding the West's calls to release the opposition figure, who returned to the country following recuperation in Germany from alleged poisoning.
Berlin's Stance on Nord Stream 2 Unchanged Despite US Sanctions, Gov't Spokesperson Says Sputnik 20 Jan 2021 -- The German government took note of the new US sanctions targeting the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project but adheres to its previous position that the project should be completed, German government deputy spokesperson Martina Fitz said on Wednesday.
U.S. Sanctions Russian Ship Working On Nord Stream 2 Pipeline RFE/RL 20 Jan 2021 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on a Russian vessel in a bid to stop completion of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would carry Russian natural gas to Europe under the Baltic Sea.
Kadyrov Says Six Armed Militants Killed In Chechnya RFE/RL 20 Jan 2021 -- Ramzan Kadyrov, Kremlin-backed leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, says regional security forces and police have killed six armed militants led by Aslan Byutukayev in a special operation.
Controversial Parler Network Gets Support From Russia, Reports Say RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Parler, a social-media website popular with U.S. right-wing groups, has partially returned online with the apparent help of a Russian-based technology company, according to reports on January 18.
Russia Reports 21,734 New Coronavirus Cases, 586 Deaths SPA 19 Jan 2021 -- Russia on Tuesday reported 21,734 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, including 3,281 in Moscow, pushing the national tally to 3,612,800, Reuters reported.
Putin, Bolivian President Discuss COVID-19 Response, Sputnik V Vaccine - Kremlin Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed by phone with his Bolivian counterpart, Luis Arce, the fight against the coronavirus and the Sputnik V vaccine, the Kremlin said.
Serbia Expects 250,000 Doses of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine on 19-20 January, Vucic Says Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- Serbia expects to receive 250,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus on Tuesday or Wednesday, President Aleksandar Vucic said.
Russia Dismisses Calls for Sanctions After Navalny Arrest VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Russia dismissed calls Tuesday for opposition leader Alexei Navalny's release and threats of sanctions after his arrest, calling the issue a national matter.
In A Response To Navalny's Arrest, Clues to Biden's Russia Policy RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Less than two hours after Aleksei Navalny was detained at passport control at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on January 17, the man who will hold one of the most important positions in the new White House made a statement on Twitter:
Russian Police Officer 'Under House Arrest' Over Data Leak About Alleged Navalny Poisoners RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- A police officer in the Russian city of Samara has been placed under house arrest on suspicion of leaking data that may have helped the Bellingcat investigative group identify the alleged poisoners of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, the RBC business daily reports, citing its sources.
Navalny Sent To Notorious Moscow Jail, Kremlin Shrugs Off Criticism RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has been placed in a cell in Moscow's notorious Matrosskaya Tishina detention center after a judge at a hastily arranged hearing ruled to keep the Kremlin critic in custody for 30 days following his dramatic airport arrest upon arrival from Germany.
Navalny Investigation Shines Light On 'Putin Palace' RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- The Anti-Corruption Foundation of Aleksei Navalny issued a fresh investigation on January 19, shining a spotlight on a Black Sea mansion allegedly built for Russian President Vladimir Putin, one day after the opposition leader and Kremlin critic was ordered to remain in custody for 30 days pending trial following his dramatic return to Russia from Germany.
US Sanctions Russian Vessel Fortuna Laying Pipelines for Russian Nord Stream 2, Treasury Says Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- The United States imposed sanctions on the Russian pipe-laying vessel Fortuna and its owner KVT-Rus for building the Nord Stream 2 gas-exporting route, the US Department of Treasury said on Tuesday.
Sanctions on Russian Entity and a Vessel Engaging in the Construction of Nord Stream 2 US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2021 -- Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Russia-based entity KVT-RUS and identifying the vessel FORTUNA as blocked property.
Germany regrets US plan to ban Russian vessel over Nord Stream 2 project Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- Germany has voiced regret at the United States' plan to impose sanctions on a Russian vessel involved in the construction of the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would increase gas exports to Germany.
Russian Authorities Say 'Coronavirus-Free' Turkmenistan Registers Sputnik-V Vaccine RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) says Turkmenistan has registered Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine against COVID-19 even though the country claims to have no cases of the coronavirus.
Russia Launches Mass COVID Vaccination Campaign RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- Russia has launched a mass coronavirus vaccination campaign opened to all Russians in a bid to stem the spread of the virus without reimposing a new nationwide lockdown.
Russia Reports 22,857 New Coronavirus Cases, 471 Deaths SPA 18 Jan 2021 -- Russia reported 22,857 new coronavirus cases on Monday, including 3,679 in Moscow, taking the national tally - the world's fourth highest - to 3,591,066, Reuters reported.
Syria Shouldn't Be Turned Into Battlefield For Israel and Iran, Lavrov Says Sputnik 18 Jan 2021 -- Russia calls on Israel to report on the possible security threats from Syria, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday, stressing that Syria should not turn into a battlefield for Iran and Israel.
Russia sends more troops to Syria's Hasakah after US deployment Press TV 18 Jan 2021 -- Russia's military says it is dispatching additional units of military police - about 300 servicemen - to Hasakah Province in northeastern Syria in order to reinforce joint observation posts manned by Russian and Syrian forces.
UN rights office 'deeply troubled' by Russian activist Aleksei Navalny's arrest UN News 18 Jan 2021 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) have raised alarm over the arrest of Russian opposition activist Aleksei Navalny and called for his immediate release. The office said in a tweet that they were "deeply troubled" by the arrest and called on the Government to respect his right to legal due process.
Russian Court Orders Putin Critic Navalny Held for 30 Days VOA 18 Jan 2021 -- A Russian court on Monday sentenced opposition leader Alexei Navalny to 30 days in a Moscow prison over parole violations, setting the stage for a later trial that could send the Kremlin's most vocal critic to prison for several years.
Russian opposition leader Navalny detained upon returning from Germany People's Daily 18 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was detained on Sunday upon his arrival in Moscow from Germany, where he received medical treatment for alleged poisoning over the past months.
Russian court orders Navalny held in police custody until mid-February Press TV 18 Jan 2021 -- A Russian court has ordered opposition figure Alexei Navalny to remain in custody until February 15, a day after he was arrested at the airport upon his arrival in Russia from Germany, his aides say.
Navalny arrest: Russia urges West to stop meddling, deal with own issues Press TV 18 Jan 2021 -- In the wake of the arrest of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny in Moscow, the US and several European counties have called for his "immediate release." Moscow decried their interference in its internal affairs, urging them to deal with their own issues, instead.
'Take To The Streets': With Call For Protests, Navalny Throws Down Gauntlet To Kremlin -- And Russian Society RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- For more than a decade, Aleksei Navalny has been one of President Vladimir Putin's most outspoken and influential critics in Russia, investigating high-level corruption, organizing protests, and traveling across the country to back opposition candidates in regional elections and nurture his network of political activists.
Navalny Calls For Street Protests As World Blasts Russian's Detention RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- Aleksei Navalny has urged Russians to take to the streets in protest after a judge at a hastily arranged hearing in a makeshift courtroom just outside Moscow ruled to keep the Kremlin critic in police custody for 30 days after his dramatic airport arrest a day earlier.
Detention Of Kremlin Critic Navalny Sparks Strong Condemnation, Demands For His Immediate Release RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- The detention of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny upon arrival in Moscow from Germany has drawn a wave of international criticism.
Russian Court Arrests Opposition Figure Navalny For 30 Days Sputnik 18 Jan 2021 -- On Sunday evening, Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport upon his arrival from Germany over probation violations.
Foreign Secretary statement: Arrest of Alexey Navalny UK FCDO 18 Jan 2021 -- The Foreign Secretary has responded to the arrest of Alexey Navalny by the Russian authorities
U.S. To Sanction Russian Vessel Building Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline In Baltic Sea RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- The United States plans to sanction a Russian vessel as it seeks to stop the completion of a controversial natural gas export pipeline to Europe.
Russia expels two Dutch diplomats in tit-for-tat move Press TV 18 Jan 2021 -- Russia has decided to expel two Dutch diplomats from the country in a tit-for-tat move after the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from the Netherlands on espionage charges last month.
In Tit-For-Tat Move, Russia Expels Two Dutch Diplomats RFE/RL 18 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has expelled two Dutch diplomats in a tit-for-tat move after the expulsion for espionage of two Russian diplomats from The Hague last month.
Russia Expels Two Dutch Embassy Staffers Sputnik 18 Jan 2021 -- In December 2020, the Russian Embassy in The Hague promised to retaliate after the Dutch Foreign Ministry had declared two employees of the Russian diplomatic mission personae non grata for alleged "activities incompatible with their diplomatic status".
Detention Of Kremlin Critic Navalny Sparks Immediate Criticism Of Moscow By West RFE/RL 17 Jan 2021 -- The detention of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny by law enforcement as he arrived in Moscow following his return from Germany after recovering from being poisoned has sparked immediate outrage and criticism of the Kremlin.
Arrest of Aleksey Navalny US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2021 -- The United States strongly condemns Russia's decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny. We note with grave concern that his detention is the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices who are critical of Russian authorities.
RDIF Rejects Media Claims Sputnik V Was Denied Authorisation for Emergency Use in Brazil Sputnik 17 Jan 2021 -- Uniao Quimica, a Brazilian chemical-pharmaceutical company, launched the production of the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in Brazil in January. Developed by Russia's Gamaleya Centre, it was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be registered in the world.
Russia Reports 23,586 New Coronavirus Cases, 481 Deaths SPA 17 Jan 2021 -- Russia reported 23,586 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, including 4,012 in Moscow, which plans to reopen public schools on Monday after an extended New Year break, Reuters reported.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Detained on Arrival in Moscow VOA 17 Jan 2021 -- Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained upon his arrival in Moscow Sunday evening — his first time back in his home country since the Russian opposition politician was poisoned last August and evacuated for treatment abroad.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Detained After Arrival In Moscow RFE/RL 17 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny arrived in Moscow from Germany, where he was being treated after being poisoned, and was promptly detained by law enforcement authorities at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.
Russian opposition figure Navalny arrested upon arrival in Moscow Press TV 17 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who had violated the terms of his suspended prison sentence, was arrested upon arrival in Moscow.
Navalny Due To Fly Back To Russia With Threat Of Arrest Looming RFE/RL 17 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition figure Aleksei Navalny is due to fly back to Russia on January 17 from Germany despite the Russian authorities' stated desire to arrest him and potentially jail him for years.
European Council President Calls on Russia to Release Opposition Vlogger Navalny Sputnik 17 Jan 2021 -- The European Council president, Charles Michel, on Sunday urged Russian authorities to release Russian political opposition vlogger Alexey Navalny.
Zakharova Calls For Respecting International Law After Sullivan Comments on Navalny Sputnik 17 Jan 2021 -- In response to comments on the detention of Russian opposition vlogger Alexey Navalny made by Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor for US President-elect Joe Biden, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova advised foreign officials to respect international law and focus on domestic issues.
Turkey to continue talks with Russia on 2nd batch of S-400 air defense systems: Erdogan Press TV 16 Jan 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will continue talks with Moscow for the procurement of the second batch of advanced Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, and both sides would discuss details at the end of the current month.
Germany Hands Over Navalny Interview Transcripts To Russia, Demands Criminal Probe RFE/RL 16 Jan 2021 -- Germany has sent to Russia the transcripts of interviews its authorities conducted with Aleksei Navalny, and demanded that Moscow carry out a full investigation into the poisoning of the Russian opposition politician.
Moscow Court Jails Member Of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation On Extremism Charges RFE/RL 16 Jan 2021 -- A Russian court has ordered a member of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) accused of inciting extremism on the Internet to be kept in pretrial detention until February 28, according to a top human rights lawyer.
Council Of Europe Urges Russia To Explain NGO Designation As 'Undesirable' RFE/RL 16 Jan 2021 -- The head of the Council of Europe has expressed "great concern" after the Association of Schools of Political Studies of the Council of Europe was added to the list of "undesirable" organizations in Russia.
Russia Informs UN Of Withdrawal Of 'Military Instructors' From Central African Republic RFE/RL 16 Jan 2021 -- Russia has informed the United Nations that it plans to withdraw 300 "military instructors" sent to the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) in the run-up to presidential and legislative elections.
US warns India against S-400 purchase deal with Russia: Report Press TV 16 Jan 2021 -- The United States warns India that it would not get a waiver on its planned acquisition of S-400 air defense systems from Russia, implying that New Delhi will face sanctions similar to those imposed on Turkey for buying the advanced equipment.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 15, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Jan 2021
Russia records 24,763 new COVID-19 cases People's Daily 15 Jan 2021 -- Russia confirmed 24,763 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours, taking its nationwide tally to 3,495,816, the country's COVID-19 response center said Thursday.
Russia Working With Venezuela to Ship Sputnik V Coronavirus Vaccine, Envoy Says Sputnik 15 Jan 2021 -- Moscow and Caracas are exploring ways to ensure the delivery of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to Venezuela, which is expected to start by the end of January, Russia's ambassador to Venezuela, Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov, told Sputnik on Friday.
Paraguay Registers Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine, RDIF Head Says Sputnik 15 Jan 2021 -- The Paraguayan Health Ministry approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus, the vaccine was registered under the emergency use authorisation procedure without additional clinical trials in the South American country, the Russian Direct Investment Funds (RDIF) said on Friday.
Mexico's Nuevo Leon State Poised to Purchase, Produce Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Sputnik 15 Jan 2021 -- The Mexican state of Nuevo Leon intends to begin negotiations with Russian representatives over the purchase of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, Manuel de la O Cavazos, the state minister of health, told the El Universal newspaper, adding that the vaccine will likely be produced in the Mexican region as well.
Erdogan: Turkey Will Not Ask US for Permission to Receive New S-400s From Russia Sputnik 15 Jan 2021 -- Last month, the US sanctioned Turkey over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defence systems, a move that was harshly criticised by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the Beginning of Domestic Procedures for the Withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the Treaty on Open Skies Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Jan 2021 -- On November 22, 2020 the United States of America withdrew from the Treaty on Open Skies under an artificial pretext. This essentially destroyed the balance of interests of the State-Parties reached when the Treaty was signed, inflicted a severe damage to its functioning and undermined the role of the Open Skies Treaty as a confidence and security building measure.
Russia Starts Withdrawal From Open Skies Treaty Over Improper Implementation of Pact Sputnik 15 Jan 2021 -- The day before, the Russian Arms Control Delegation in Vienna demanded that the remaining parties to the Open Skies Treaty guarantee the confidentiality of data received during observation flights.
Russia preparing to leave Open Skies Treaty after US exit Press TV 15 Jan 2021 -- Russia says it is preparing to leave the Treaty on Open Skies, which allows reconnaissance flights over the participants' entire territory, months after the United States unilaterally quit the key trust-building pact.
Russia To Exit Open Skies Treaty After U.S. Pullout RFE/RL 15 Jan 2021 -- Russia says it is beginning the procedure to withdraw from the international Open Skies Treaty after the United States last year left the accord, which allows unarmed aerial surveillance flights over dozens of participating states.
The Week In Russia: Risks And Returns RFE/RL 15 Jan 2021 -- Returns can be a big deal in Russia, in art and in life.
Navalny Says Member Of Anti-Corruption Foundation Detained On Extremism Charge RFE/RL 15 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says a member of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) has been detained on a charge of inciting extremism.
Interview: Media Lawyer Says Russia's New Laws 'Are Burying Civil Society' RFE/RL 15 Jan 2021 -- At the end of last year, Russia adopted a number of new legal measures that many observers say are intended to further restrict the country's already state-dominated media sphere. Among other things, the government has begun placing individuals on its list of "foreign-agent" media, subjecting them to potential fines or prison sentences. The government has also criminalized online defamation.
Germany Signs Off On Nord Stream 2 Construction In Its Waters RFE/RL 15 Jan 2021 -- German authorities have granted permission for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline from Russia to continue despite U.S. sanctions threats and opposition from environmental groups.
Moscow To Reopen Schools, Extend Other Coronavirus Curbs RFE/RL 14 Jan 2021 -- Moscow authorities have extended restrictions against COVID-19 for another week, with the exception of pupils returning to schools from January 18.
Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Rollout To Expand Globally Despite Western Media Claims, RDIF Chief Says Sputnik 14 Jan 2021 -- The Russian vaccine created at the Gamaleya Research Centre in Moscow is being rolled out internationally in the race to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the chief executive of Russia's sovereign wealth fund said on Thursday.
WHO Ready to Speed Up International Certification of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine, Official Says Sputnik 14 Jan 2021 -- The international certification of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus, Sputnik V, is at the stage of WHO approval and the organisation is ready to help in speeding up this process, technical officer for immunisation at WHO Regional Office for Europe, Oleg Benes, said at a briefing with Russian-language media.
Commerce Tightens Controls to Prevent Support of Foreign Military-Intelligence and WMD Activities US Dept. of Commerce 14 Jan 2021 -- Today, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) imposed new controls on any U.S. technologies and specific activities of U.S. persons who may be supporting foreign military-intelligence end uses and end users in China, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuela, as well as in terrorist-supporting countries.
European Human Rights Court Accepts Ukraine Complaint Against Russia In Crimea RFE/RL 14 Jan 2021 -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that a complaint brought by Ukraine against Russia alleging human rights violations in the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 is "partly admissible."
Turkey says no going back on S-400 deal with Russia Press TV 14 Jan 2021 -- Turkey says it will not turn back on a deal to purchase advanced S-400 air defense missile system from Russia despite opposition from the United States.
With Return To Russia, Navalny Hedges Jail Threat Against Prospect Of Mobilizing Opposition To Putin RFE/RL 14 Jan 2021 -- When Vladimir Lenin stepped off a train at St. Petersburg's Finland Station in April 1917, he set in motion events that would transform Russia and ultimately divide the world into opposing camps. Winston Churchill would later compare the first Soviet leader to a "plague bacillus" - a parasite that enters an organism at the very moment it can do most harm.
Navalny's Expected Return To Moscow Lights Up The Russian Internet RFE/RL 14 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has announced that he will return to Russia on January 17, following months of recuperation after being poisoned by a Novichok-type nerve agent in August.
Russian Prison Authority Will Seek Arrest Of Kremlin Foe Navalny Upon Return RFE/RL 14 Jan 2021 -- Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) says it will seek the arrest of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic new showdown between the Kremlin and Navalny, who is one of President Vladimir Putin's most outspoken foes.
Meeting with Government members President of Russia 13 Jan 2021 -- The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with members of the Government of the Russian Federation.
Putin Orders Mass Coronavirus Vaccinations From Next Week RFE/RL 13 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered officials to begin mass vaccinations next week and to open up the inoculation program to all Russians.
Venezuelan Health Ministry Registers Russian Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik V Sputnik 13 Jan 2021 -- The Venezuelan Health Ministry registered the Russian vaccine against the Sputnik V coronavirus via a fast-track procedure, according to a statement on the vaccine's website.
Russia Agrees with Brazil to Supply 10 mln Doses of Sputnik Vaccine in Q1 SPA 13 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Brazilian pharmaceutical company Uniao Quimica have agreed on supplies of 10 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine to Brazil in the first quarter of 2021, Reuters cited vaccine developers as saying today, on Wednesday.
RDIF to Deliver 150Mln Doses of Sputnik V to Brazil in 2021, Including 10Mln in Q1 Sputnik 13 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will deliver 10 million doses of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to Brazil in the first quarter of 2021, with a total of 150 million doses to be delivered this year, according to the vaccine's official Twitter account.
EU Consultations on Sputnik V Vaccine Authorisation Set for 19 January, RDIF CEO Says Sputnik 13 Jan 2021 -- The European Union is set to conduct a scientific review of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 on 19 January, which could be the first step toward gaining emergency use approval in the bloc, Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Reports: Interpol Issues Notices For Russians Over Lebanon's Deadly Port Blast RFE/RL 13 Jan 2021 -- Media reports say Interpol has issued "red notices" for two Russian men and a Portuguese individual linked to a shipment of ammonium nitrate that exploded at the port in Beirut last summer.
Kyiv Vows To 'Hold Responsible' Ukrainians Sanctioned For U.S. Election Meddling RFE/RL 13 Jan 2021 -- The head of the Ukrainian president's office says that Volodymyr Zelenskiy's administration will do "everything in its power to hold...responsible" Ukrainians who meddled in the November U.S. election after Washington imposed sanctions on nearly a dozen Ukrainian nationals and entities.
Ukrainian Leader And New Moldovan President Develop Strategic Ties With One Eye On Russia RFE/RL 13 Jan 2021 -- The leaders of Moldova and Ukraine have called for rebooting ties as the two neighbors pursue a pro-EU agenda and fend off territorial disputes with Russia-backed forces.
US threatens to sanction European firms helping Nord Stream 2 pipeline Press TV 13 Jan 2021 -- The US State Department has warned European companies which it suspects are involved in building Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that they face the risk of sanctions, according to two sources.
The 'Last Free Mayor In Putin's Russia' Steps Down. The Question Is Why. RFE/RL 13 Jan 2021 -- On January 10, the popular mayor of the eastern Siberian city of Yakutsk, Sardana Avksentyeva, wrote on social media that she was submitting her resignation because "my family is seriously worried about my health."
Is Russia Trying to Revive French Courtship? VOA 13 Jan 2021 -- The Kremlin appears to be hoping it can revive the interest of France's President Emmanuel Macron in thawing the European Union's frosty relations with Moscow, hoping that in turn could lead to a lifting of sanctions on Russia, say analysts.
Poisoned Kremlin Critic Says He's Returning to Russia VOA 13 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny announced Wednesday he would return to Moscow January 17 — ending a fourth-month convalescence in Germany where he has been recovering from a poisoning attack he suffered in Siberia last August.
Russia Reports 22,934 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 12 Jan 2021 -- Russia reported 22,934 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including 5,001 in Moscow, taking the national tally - the world's fourth highest - to 3,448,203, Reuters reported.
Tunisia in Talks With Russia on Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine Supplies - Health Minister Sputnik 12 Jan 2021 -- Tunisia is engaged in talks with several COVID-19 vaccine producers, including Russia, over delivery of its Sputnik V vaccine, Tunisian Health Minister Faouzi Mehdi said.
Mexican President Says Country Intends to Buy 24Mln Doses of Russia's Sputnik V, Earmarks $240Mln Sputnik 12 Jan 2021 -- Mexico is seeking to extend its vaccination campaign, primarily pinning hopes on the Russian Sputnik V and the joint British-Swedish AstraZeneca shots.
Russia Prolongs Suspension Of Flights With U.K. Over New Coronavirus Strain RFE/RL 12 Jan 2021 -- Russia has extended its suspension of flights to and from Britain due to the new U.K. coronavirus strain until February 1.
Russia to Supply Up to 25 Million Doses of Sputnik V Vaccine to Nepal Sputnik 12 Jan 2021 -- Russia intends to deliver up to 25 million doses of its Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 to Nepal, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Second Asian Department Director Zamir Kabulov said.
Thirty Years After Soviet Crackdown In Lithuania, Kremlin Accused Of Rewriting History RFE/RL 12 Jan 2021 -- In the early hours of January 13, 1991, hundreds of Lithuanians headed to the TV tower in Vilnius, where they would make a stand against Soviet troops deployed to crush the Baltic state's bid to reclaim independence. More than a dozen died, and hundreds were wounded.
Russian Watchdog Takes First Step Toward Punishing RFE/RL Under 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 12 Jan 2021 -- Russia's telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor has drawn up its first eight administrative protocols - all against Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty - for violating the country's controversial foreign agents law.
Navalny Says Authorities Ask Court To Change Suspended Sentence To Jail Time RFE/RL 12 Jan 2021 -- Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, who last year survived a poison attack he says was ordered by President Vladimir Putin, has said that Russia's prison authority has asked a court to switch his suspended prison sentence to jail time.
Russia Threatens Poisoned Opposition Leader Navalny With Prison VOA 12 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny says authorities in Moscow have formally asked a Russian court to jail him for violating terms of his parole dating back to a 2015 suspended sentence — the latest twist in a lengthy political drama between the opposition figure and the Kremlin.
Palestinian National Authority Registers Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Against Coronavirus, RDIF Says Sputnik 11 Jan 2021 -- Palestinian National Authority became the first to register Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in the Middle East, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev said Monday.
Russia Reports 23,315 New COVID-19 Cases, 436 Deaths on Monday SPA 11 Jan 2021 -- Russia reported 23,315 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, including 4,646 in Moscow, taking the national tally - the world's fourth highest - to 3,425,269 since the pandemic began, Reuters reported.
Gamaleya Institute Chief Believes Russia Also Has Its Unique Coronavirus Strain Sputnik 11 Jan 2021 -- Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya research institute, expressed the belief on Monday that there is a unique strain of coronavirus in the country, just like in the United Kingdom, but it has not been detected yet.
Russia Hosts First Azerbaijan-Armenia Talks Since Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Deal VOA 11 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders on Monday, marking the first meeting since Russia brokered a peace deal that ended a six-week conflict over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Putin hosts Armenia, Azeri leaders to discuss 'next steps' in Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal Press TV 11 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a trilateral meeting with leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss further steps in a Moscow-brokered peace deal that ended six weeks of fierce fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Putin Hosts Trilateral Meeting With Armenia, Azerbaijan Leaders RFE/RL 11 Jan 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a trilateral meeting in Moscow on January 11 with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan nearly two months after a Russia-brokered cease-fire agreement ended six weeks of fierce fighting over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Leaders of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan Sign Statement on Development of Karabakh, Putin Says Sputnik 11 Jan 2021 -- Leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia signed a statement on the development of the Karabakh region, which became the site of a military conflict late last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
India Refuses to Budge on US Threat as 100 Airmen Ready for S-400 System Training in Russia Sputnik 11 Jan 2021 -- Last week, US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said that "sanctions are not designed to harm friends", but India will have to make a choice on the S-400. India's Ministry of External Affairs, while replying to possible sanctions, said it has an independent foreign policy that guides defence acquisitions in line with national security interests.
'No Risks So Far': Turkey Ready to Buy Another Batch of Russia's S-400s, Defence Official Says Sputnik 11 Jan 2021 -- In December, the US sanctioned Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, a move that was harshly criticised by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Ukrainians Accused Of Meddling In 2020 Presidential Vote RFE/RL 11 Jan 2021 -- The United States says it has imposed sanctions on seven Ukrainians and four Ukrainian entities for attempting to interfere in the November U.S. presidential election.
Sanctioning Russia-linked Disinformation Network for its Involvement in Attempts to Influence U.S. Election US Dept. of State 11 Jan 2021 -- Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on seven individuals and four entities that are part of a Russia-linked foreign influence network associated with Andrii Derkach, who was designated on September 10, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848 for his attempt to influence the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
Treasury Takes Further Action Against Russian-linked Actors US Treasury 11 Jan 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took additional action against seven individuals and four entities that are part of a Russia-linked foreign influence network associated with Andrii Derkach. Russian agent Derkach was designated on September 10, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848, for his attempt to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
US Treasury Sanctions Alleged Russian Disinformation Network VOA 11 Jan 2021 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions Monday against associates and entities affiliated with Ukrainian politician Andrii Derkach, who they say operates a Russian-backed foreign influence network that attempted to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Tyva Leader To Look Into Discrimination Claims Against Russian Recruits RFE/RL 11 Jan 2021 -- The leader of Russia's Republic of Tyva in Siberia, Sholban Kara-Ool, has vowed to look into claims by several recruits from Tyva about alleged race-based bullying in a military unit in the western region of Yaroslavl.
Swedish Court Hands Lengthy Prison Terms To Attackers Of Chechen Blogger RFE/RL 11 Jan 2021 -- A court in Sweden has sentenced two Russian citizens from Chechnya to lengthy prison terms for their roles in last year's attempted killing of Tumso Abdurakhmanov, an exiled Chechen blogger and outspoken critic of the North Caucasus region's Moscow-backed leader.
Russia Reports 22,851 New COVID-19 Cases and 456 Deaths SPA 10 Jan 2021 -- Russia on Sunday reported 22,851 new COVID-19 cases including 4,216 in Moscow, pushing the national infection tally to 3,401,954 - the world's fourth highest - since the pandemic began, according to Reuters.
Russia Confirms First Case Of New Coronavirus Strain RFE/RL 10 Jan 2021 -- Russia has confirmed its first case of the new strain of the coronavirus.
'There's A Room Under The Stairs': Russia's FSB Sets Up Resident Agents At Research Institutes RFE/RL 10 Jan 2021 -- On December 29, the Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences held its annual New Year's gathering for researchers and other employees. The institute's director and his deputy duly greeted the crowd with traditional seasonal speeches and well-wishes.
Russian Hacker Gets 12 Years In Prison In U.S. In Massive Consumer Data Theft Case RFE/RL 08 Jan 2021 -- A Russian hacker who had admitted to participating in one of the largest thefts of consumer data from U.S. financial institutions, brokerage firms, and other companies, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in New York.
The Week In Russia: Fact-Check That Schadenfreude? RFE/RL 08 Jan 2021 -- Of all the irritants in the U.S.-Russian relationship, for Moscow one of the biggest seems to be U.S. criticism of its records on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the 21 years since President Vladimir Putin came to power - as well as attendant actions such as the imposition of sanctions.
Rights Groups Concerned About Inclusion Of Five Russians On 'Foreign Agents' List RFE/RL 08 Jan 2021 -- Two international rights watchdogs have expressed concerns over the inclusion of the five Russian citizens on a controversial list of foreign agents seen by the West as a way for Russian authorities to clamp down on dissent.
Creating conditions for a very frozen conflict? US Navy to step up patrols in frigid Arctic waters off Russia's northern borders RT 07 Jan 2021 -- As Arctic ice retreats further each year, it helps to open up another front in the perennial standoff between Russia and the US, with both nations racing to dominate the space and control the emerging maritime trade route.
Russia's RDIF Says Bolivia Registered Sputnik V Vaccine Based on Trial Results in Russia Sputnik 06 Jan 2021 -- Bolivia has registered the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine based on Russia's clinical trial data, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Wednesday.
Russia's RDIF to Supply 2 Million Doses of Sputnik V Vaccine to Serbia Sputnik 06 Jan 2021 -- The first batch of vaccine was delivered to Serbia on 30 December. The vaccine was approved without additional clinical trials in the country.
Russia criticizes U.S. as "root cause" of Iran uranium enrichment People's Daily 06 Jan 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that the United States is responsible for Iran's recent decision of enriching uranium to 20 percent.
Developer of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Stands Up for Its Reliability Sputnik 05 Jan 2021 -- Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine was thoroughly tested and major foreign vaccine producers followed suit, Alexander Gintsburg, the head of the Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Russia, Kazakhstan To Increase Oil Output At Saudi Expense Following New OPEC+ Deal RFE/RL 05 Jan 2021 -- Russia and Kazakhstan will increase oil production in February and March at the expense of Saudi Arabia as Riyadh seeks to keep the OPEC+ alliance together and maintain a tighter oil market as a resurgent pandemic cools demand.
Russia vows to complete pipeline to Germany despite US pressure Press TV 05 Jan 2021 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak says the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which is designed to take Russia's gas via the Baltic Sea to Germany, will be completed despite the sanctions imposed by the United States on companies involved in the project.
Kazakh President Says Country Didn't Receive Territory As 'Gift' From Russia RFE/RL 05 Jan 2021 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has rejected recent comments by two Russian lawmakers describing Kazakhstan's current territory as being a "gift" from Russia, saying such "provocative" remarks aimed to "spoil" relations" between the two neighbors.
Controversial 'Russian Gift' Comments Spark Mixed Feelings In Northern Kazakhstan RFE/RL 05 Jan 2021 -- The remote village of Dolmatovo is located on the banks of the Ishim River in northern Kazakhstan, just 4 kilometers from the Russian border.
St. Petersburg Records More New COVID Cases Than Moscow RFE/RL 04 Jan 2021 -- The number of new COVID-19 cases in Russia's second-largest city of St. Petersburg has surpassed that of Moscow for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia, Kazakhstan Seek Higher Oil Output As Other OPEC+ Members Remain Cautious RFE/RL 04 Jan 2021 -- Russia and Kazakhstan are seeking another increase in oil output during the January 4 meeting of OPEC+ members as other nations express concern about global energy demand amid the rapid spread of a new strain of the coronavirus.
How Putin is Preparing for 2021 Challenges VOA 04 Jan 2021 -- This year marks the 30th anniversary of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The December collapse was jolting in its speed and followed a failed coup by hard-liners against then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Moscow: Gaddafi Supporters Should Be Allowed to Participate in Libyan National Dialogue Sputnik 04 Jan 2021 -- The intra-Libyan political dialogue must be inclusive of supporters of the country's toppled leader Muammar Gaddafi, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said in an interview.
Russia Reports 24,150 New Coronavirus Cases, 504 Deaths SPA 03 Jan 2021 -- Russia on Sunday reported an additional 24,150 new coronavirus cases from the last 24 hours, including 3,851 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 3,236,787, Reuters reported.
Russia will soon test Sarmat ICBM capable of beating any defenses Press TV 03 Jan 2021 -- Russia is planning to conduct "in the near future" flight tests of its new intercontinental ballistic missile, which it says is capable of beating any defense systems.
Analysis: With Key Elections Looming, Russia's Putin Tightens The Screws RFE/RL 02 Jan 2021 -- The waning days of 2020 were rife with portentous activity in Russia.
Moscow Foundation With Links To Vagner Group Says Four Russians, One Ukrainian Freed In Libya RFE/RL 02 Jan 2021 -- A Moscow-based foundation with links to the Vagner Group, a Russian military contractor force, says three Russians and one Ukrainian national have been freed from captivity in Libya.
The Telegram App Gives Voice To The Oppressed In Belarus And Russia. But Hate Groups Are Using It Too. RFE/RL 01 Jan 2021 -- In a year marked by tightened restrictions and unrest, Telegram sent a clear message to authoritarian governments who tried to keep it quiet in 2020. But as the app, which has earned a reputation as a free-speech platform, looks to spread the word in Iran and China, its popularity among messengers of violence and hate remains a concern.
Suspected Russian Hackers Behind Massive Breach Accessed Microsoft's Source Code RFE/RL 01 Jan 2021 -- Suspected Russian government hackers behind a massive intrusion of government and private company networks were able to gain access into Microsoft's source code, a key building block for software or operating systems, the tech giant said on December 31.
Car bomb hits near Russia base in Syria's Raqqah: Monitoring group Press TV 01 Jan 2021 -- A bomb has reportedly gone off near a Russian military base in Syria's northeastern province of Raqqah.
Serbian President Opens Key Section Of Russia-Led Balkan Pipeline RFE/RL 01 Jan 2021 -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has presided over the ceremonial opening of the Serbian section of the Russia-led Balkan Stream natural-gas pipeline.
TurkStream Able to Transmit 454Bln Cubic Feet of Gas Per Year Through Serbia Sputnik 01 Jan 2021 -- A pipeline that connects Bulgaria and Hungary through Serbia to deliver Russian gas via TurkStream will be able to transfer up to 12.87 billion cubic meters (454 billion cubic feet) a year after the pipeline is connected to Hungary's gas transmission system, operating company Gastrans said on Friday.
Ministry of Defence Sheds Light on Heightened Reconnaissance Activity Near Russia's Borders in 2020 Sputnik 01 Jan 2021 -- Russia's radio-technical troops are an arm of the Russian Aerospace Forces, outfitted with radar equipment and designed to conduct reconnaissance of enemy aerospace attack assets.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

January 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News