March 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia Registers Vaccine to Protect Animals from COVID-19 VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Russia says it registered the world's first vaccine for animals against the COVID-19 virus on Wednesday — with government officials hailing an inoculation labeled 'Carnivac-Cov' as a victory in the global race to protect both animals and humans from further mutations of the coronavirus.
Russian daily COVID-19 infections drop most in half year People's Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- Russia logged 8,277 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily rise since Sept. 29 last year, taking its national tally to 4,536,820, the country's official monitoring and response center said Tuesday.
Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary Among States With Highest Number Of ECHR Cases RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- The Council of Europe says states across the continent last year continued to make "progress" on implementing judgments from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) despite the coronavirus pandemic.
UN Experts Describe Reports Of Major Abuses By Russian Mercenaries In Central Africa RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- UN experts have voiced concern over reports of "grave human rights abuses" by Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic (CAR), where they have been backing the government's military in the country's ongoing civil war.
Central African Republic: Rights experts concerned over 'Russian advisers' and close contacts with UN peacekeepers UN News 31 Mar 2021 -- UN-appointed independent rights experts on Wednesday raised concerns over the recruitment and use of private military and foreign security contractors by the Government of the Central African Republic, and their apparent close contacts with UN peacekeepers there.
U.S. General Calls Ukrainian, Russian Counterparts Over Reported Russian Troop Movements RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- A top U.S. general called his counterparts in Russia and Ukraine on March 31 amid reports of a buildup of Russian troops along Ukraine's border and in Crimea, the Pentagon confirmed on March 31.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the introduction of new anti-Russia sanctions by Australia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2021 -- "We noted a statement by Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne on the introduction of financial sanctions and a ban on the entry of one Russian citizen and four companies linked with the construction and maintenance of the Kerch Bridge."
Macron, Merkel Discuss Navalny, Possible Vaccine Cooperation With Putin RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed possible cooperation on vaccines with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the French Presidency said on March 30.
Merkel Ally Breaks Ranks, Calls For Halt To Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Germany's coordinator for transatlantic relations has called for a moratorium on construction on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a project that is fiercely opposed by the United States.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Threatens Hunger Strike Over Lack of Medical Care VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- A week after his lawyers claimed he was in poor health, jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny says he will go on a hunger strike until he is given proper medical care, according to a post on his Instagram account.
Jailed Kremlin Critic Navalny Announces Hunger Strike To Protest Treatment In Russian Prison RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has declared a hunger strike saying he is being deprived of proper medical treatment as fear among his associates grows over his state of health just months after being in a coma following a poison attack.
Boris Nemtsov Was One Of Putin's Harshest Critics. So Why Is His Young Son In An Ad For Russia's Ruling Party? RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- The Moscow branch of the ruling United Russia party has raised eyebrows with a social media video that features the 7-year-old son of former Deputy Prime Minister and opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead outside the Kremlin in February 2015.
In Suez Canal Blockage, Russia Spies An Arctic Seaway Marketing Opportunity RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Last week, as the gargantuan container ship Ever Given stood wedged in the Suez Canal, blocking the artery carrying around 15 percent of the world's cargo ship trade and giving the global economy palpitations, the state company that runs Russia's Arctic icebreakers had a different reaction: mockery.
Russia 'regrets' Italy's expulsion of diplomats on 'espionage' charge Press TV 31 Mar 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has expressed its regret for Italy's decision to expel two Russian diplomats on the grounds that they were 'spies.'
Italy arrests navy captain for alleged spying for Russia Press TV 31 Mar 2021 -- Italy has arrested a navy captain on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to Italian police.
Italy Expels Russian Officials As 'Extremely Serious' Spy Case Escalates RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Rome has ordered the expulsion of two Russian officials over an escalating espionage case that Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called an "extremely serious incident" between the NATO member state and Russia.
Italy Expels Two Russian Diplomats Accused of Espionage VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Italy says it expelled two Russian diplomats and arrested an Italian navy captain Tuesday for their alleged involvement in espionage.
Russia adds 8,711 COVID-19 cases People's Daily 30 Mar 2021 -- Russia registered 8,711 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the national tally to 4,528,543, the country's COVID-19 response center said Monday.
Russia Registers 8,277 COVID-19 Cases in Past 24 Hours SPA 30 Mar 2021 -- Russia registered 8,277 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 4,536,820, the coronavirus response center said on Tuesday, according to Sputnik News Agency.
NATO jets intercept Russian warplanes during unusual level of air activity NATO 30 Mar 2021 -- NATO fighter jets scrambled 10 times on Monday, March 29, 2021, to shadow Russian bombers and fighters during an unusual peak of flights over the North Atlantic, North Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea. In all, NATO aircraft intercepted six different groups of Russian military aircraft near Alliance airspace in less than six hours.
NATO Warplanes Scrambled Amid 'Unusual Peak' In Russian Air Activity RFE/RL 30 Mar 2021 -- NATO says it scrambled fighter jets 10 times amid what it called an unusual level of Russian air activity over Europe.
Analysts Urge Diplomatic Pressure on Russia to Allow Syria Aid Convoys VOA 30 Mar 2021 -- Analysts say the U.S. needs use its diplomatic leverage on Russia to ensure humanitarian aid continues to flow into Syria, where 90% of the population lives in poverty and is completely aid dependent. Improving the humanitarian situation there could be a major advance for U.S. policy, they say, as Washington is also the biggest single donor of assistance to the war-ravaged country.
U.S. Notes 'Atrocities' Of Assad Regime, Russian Air Strikes In Pledging Aid To Syria RFE/RL 30 Mar 2021 -- The United States has announced nearly $600 million in new humanitarian assistance in response to the war in Syria, noting that it is aimed at helping people who have faced "innumerable atrocities," including air strikes carried out by the regime and its ally, Russia.
Russian Physicians Demand Prison Medical Assistance For Navalny RFE/RL 30 Mar 2021 -- Hundreds of Russian physicians have demanded authorities provide immediate medical assistance to jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny amid growing concerns over the state of his health.
Putin Tells Merkel, Macron Russia Ready to Restore Interaction With EU, If Sees Interest Sputnik 30 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron that Russia was ready to restore normal interaction with the EU, if there is an interest in this, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
Russian Direct Investment Fund Agrees on Production of Over 60Mn Sputnik V Doses in China Sputnik 29 Mar 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Monday it had reached an agreement with China's Shenzhen Yuanxing Gene-tech to produce over 60 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus in China, with production due to start in May.
Canada Sanctions 2 Individuals, 4 Entities Over Crimea Rejoining Russia Sputnik 29 Mar 2021 -- Canada has imposed sanctions on two Russian executives and four entities in response to the decision of the people of Crimea to rejoin Russia, Global Affairs Canada said on Monday.
Work of 3 Checkpoints in Syria Suspended From Tuesday Amid Escalation, Russian Military Says Sputnik 29 Mar 2021 -- The work of checkpoints Seraqab and Miznaz in Idlib, as well as Abu Zeidin in Aleppo, will be suspended from Tuesday amid escalation until the situation stabilizes, Rear Adm. Alexander Karpov, deputy head of the Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria, said on Monday
Russia's TU-160 Bombers Carry Out Planned Flight Over Northern Europe Sputnik 29 Mar 2021 -- Two of Russia's TU-160 strategic bombers carried out a scheduled flight over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday.
Russia's Navalny Says Risks Solitary Confinement Over Prison Infractions RFE/RL 29 Mar 2021 -- Jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny says he fears the possibility of solitary confinement in a punishment cell after being accused of minor infractions.
Father Of Navalny Associate Held On Criminal Charge RFE/RL 29 Mar 2021 -- The father of Ivan Zhdanov, the director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) of jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, has been detained on a charge of abuse of office.
Another Doctor At Omsk Hospital Where Navalny Was Treated Dies RFE/RL 29 Mar 2021 -- The head of the trauma and orthopedics department at the Russian hospital where opposition politician Aleksei Navalny was treated for poisoning last summer has died.
North Macedonia Receives 2nd Batch of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine, Health Minister Says Sputnik 28 Mar 2021 -- North Macedonia on Sunday received the second shipment of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, the country's Health Minister Venko Filipče said.
Russia Reports 9,088 COVID-19 Cases SPA 28 Mar 2021 -- Russia has registered 9,088 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, up from 8,885 the day before, taking the tally to 4,519,832, the coronavirus response center said on Sunday, according to Sputnik News Agency.
Russian Oversight Commission Meets Navalny In Prison RFE/RL 28 Mar 2021 -- Members of the Public Oversight Commission in the Vladimir Region have met with jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny following his complaints about his declining health and poor medical treatment in Correctional Colony No. 2.
Test-Firing of Russia's Zircon Hypersonic Missile Expected This Summer, Sources Say Sputnik 28 Mar 2021 -- The Russian Northern Fleet's frigate of Project 22350, Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Gorshkov, will test fire a Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic cruise missile at the start of the summer, two defense industry sources told Sputnik.
US Vows 'Consequences' for Russian Actions VOA 28 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there will be "costs and consequences" for Russia for its allegedly malign activities against the United States.
Top Russian Defense Official Seeks Closer Burma Ties As Junta Kills Scores Of Protesters In 'Shocking Violence' RFE/RL 27 Mar 2021 -- The leader of Burma's ruling junta called Russia a "true friend" during a speech marking Armed Forces Day, as security forces in the Southeast Asian country reportedly killed scores of people in the bloodiest day of protests since last month's coup.
Russian submarines surface, break Arctic ice during naval drills Press TV 27 Mar 2021 -- Three Russian nuclear-powered submarines have surfaced simultaneously, breaking the Arctic ice during a naval maneuver, marking "the first time" such drills were conducted in the history of the Russian Navy.
Russia, Sputnik V developer hit back at Macron over vaccine world war remarks Press TV 27 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin and the Russian developer of the COVID-19 vaccine have hit back at French President Emmanuel Macron over his remarks that Russia and China seek to "weaponize" their jabs to attack the European Union.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, Moscow, March 26, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Mar 2021
Antigua and Barbuda Becomes 57th Country to Register Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine, RDIF Says Sputnik 26 Mar 2021 -- With the massive rollout of coronavirus vaccine, China and the US are in a race to scale up production to secure enough doses as quickly as possible. While supplies of key vaccine components, chemical ingredients and raw materials do not seem to pose a challenge for China, the US could run into hurdles in accessing the complex mRNA raw materials such as antiviral agents, industry observers noted.
Kremlin: Russia Never Politicises Issue of Vaccination Against COVID-19 Sputnik 26 Mar 2021 -- Russia has never politicised the issue of the COVID-19 vaccination, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
Reports: Russian-Backed Hackers Target German Lawmakers RFE/RL 26 Mar 2021 -- Suspected Russian state-backed hackers with a history of running disinformation campaigns against NATO have targeted dozens of German lawmakers, German media reported on March 26.
U.S. Invites Russian, Chinese Leaders To Climate Summit In April RFE/RL 26 Mar 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has invited the leaders of China and Russia to a climate summit he is hosting in April, despite deep differences with the two countries on a host of other issues.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Nikolai Yevmenov, reported on the course of the comprehensive Arctic expedition to the President President of Russia 26 Mar 2021
Putin Praises Russian Military Arctic Exercise VOA 26 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday praised a recent Russian military exercise in the Arctic region showcasing the Russian military's ability to operate in extreme conditions.
Navalny's Prison Ordeal Revives Grim Memories Of Magnitsky's Death In 2009 RFE/RL 26 Mar 2021 -- "Did they want to kill him?" wondered Jamison Firestone in a November 2009 interview with RFE/RL's Russian Service. "I don't know."
The Week In Russia: Prison 'Torture' And Putin's Propaganda RFE/RL 26 Mar 2021 -- The peculiarities of Putin's propaganda were in the spotlight as a Siberian sojourn in sheepskin is captured on camera, while his alleged COVID-19 vaccination is not. Also unseen: imprisoned Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny, whose lawyers raised the alarm about his treatment, saying he is in severe pain and accusing the authorities of a "deliberate campaign" to undermine his health.
U.S., EU Demand Navalny's Freedom As Worries Grow Over Russian Opposition Leader's Health RFE/RL 26 Mar 2021 -- The United States and the European Union have reiterated their calls for Russia to immediately release of Aleksei Navalny, after the jailed opposition politician said he was suffering from severe back pains and that "nothing" was being done by prison authorities to solve the problem.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on new anti-Russia sanctions introduced by Canada Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Mar 2021 -- "The official Ottawa's decision to impose anti-Russia sanctions, following its own Russophobic instincts, for a far-fetched reason of "persecution of Alexey Navalny and the opposition in Russia" was no surprise."
Russia Officially Launches Production of Its Third COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 25 Mar 2021 -- Russia's Chumakov research centre officially launched production of the country's third coronavirus vaccine, CoviVac, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education said on Thursday.
Lavrov: Russia in Talks With African Union About Sputnik V Vaccine Supply Sputnik 25 Mar 2021 -- Russia has been in talks with the African Union and national governments about getting its anti-coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V approved for use on the continent, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday.
Russian Language To Get Official Status In Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 25 Mar 2021 -- The separatist parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh has approved a proposal to make Russian the ethnic Armenian-populated region's second official languag, along with Armenian.
Austria Extradites Former Russian Culture Official Wanted On Embezzlement Charges RFE/RL 25 Mar 2021 -- Austrian authorities have extradited Boris Mazo, a former employee of the Russian Culture Ministry who is suspected in Russia of fraud and embezzlement.
Armenian PM Denies Contradictions In Comments About Fighter Jets Purchased From Russia RFE/RL 25 Mar 2021 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has come under criticism for what the opposition says are lies and contradictory statements about why the Armenian military did not deploy fighter jets purchased from Russia during last year's war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Syria, Russia say will intensify efforts to repatriate refugees despite US sanctions Press TV 25 Mar 2021 -- Syria and Russia say they will intensify efforts to repatriate refugees and displaced people to areas liberated from foreign-backed terrorists, despite sanctions imposed by the United States on the Arab country.
US says German companies could face sanctions in case of cooperation with Nord Stream 2 project Press TV 25 Mar 2021 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that German companies could face sanctions in case of cooperation with the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
Russian Media Regulator Seeks Personal Data As Moscow Eyes More Control Over Internet RFE/RL 25 Mar 2021 -- Amid ongoing attempts to impose more control over the Internet, Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor has proposed users of social-media networks and messenger applications hand over passport data and other personal information for verification.
Navalny's Lawyers Say His Condition 'Extremely Unfavorable,' Fear For His Life RFE/RL 25 Mar 2021 -- Lawyers for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny say their client is in great pain and fears for his life, contradicting a statement from Russian prison authorities that said the Kremlin critic was in "satisfactory" condition.
Russia Reports 8,861 New COVID-19 Cases SPA 24 Mar 2021 -- Russia on Wednesday reported 8,861 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,431 in Moscow, pushing the national case tally to 4,483,471 since the pandemic began, Reuters reported.
China, Russia Top NATO Agenda as US Seeks to Rebuild Transatlantic Bonds VOA 24 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO as he sought to strengthen the transatlantic relationship in a two-day summit this week in Brussels, which wrapped up Wednesday.
Ukraine Places Sanctions On Dozens Of Russian Officials, Entities RFE/RL 24 Mar 2021 -- Ukraine has placed sanctions on dozens of Russian officials and entities, including businesses and media.
EU, US Agree to Coordinate Actions Toward 'Confrontational' Russia - Borrell Sputnik 24 Mar 2021 -- Top EU and US diplomats discussed what they describe as Russia's "confrontational behavior" and agreed to coordinate their approach toward Moscow, according to the EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, on Wednesday.
U.S., EU Top Diplomats Vow To Cooperate On Russia's 'Challenging' Behavior RFE/RL 24 Mar 2021 -- The U.S. and EU top diplomats say they have agreed to coordinate their response to Moscow's "challenging" behavior such as its "ongoing aggression" against Ukraine and Georgia, as well as the "dwindling respect" in Russia for human rights and the rule of law.
Foreign Secretary: Russia must face cost for malign activity UK FCDO 24 Mar 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will rally NATO allies to face down the threat from Russia and ensure it faces real world consequences for hostile activity.
Blinken Tells Germany U.S. Sanctions Over Nord Stream 2 'Possible' RFE/RL 24 Mar 2021 -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, that U.S. sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline are a real possibility.
Russian Duma Approves Bill Aligning Election Law With Constitutional Amendments RFE/RL 24 Mar 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved the third and final reading of a bill aligning election laws with recent changes to the constitution that among other things allow for the possibility of President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036.
Russian Regional Governor Fired After Bribery Charge RFE/RL 24 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed one of his staunch supporters, the governor of the Penza region in the Volga Federal District, after he was arrested on suspicion of taking a bribe.
Navalny Allies Say Health 'Deteriorating,' Believe Life 'In Danger' RFE/RL 24 Mar 2021 -- Allies of jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny say his health is "deteriorating" and believe his life "in danger" in prison after he complained about severe back pain and leg numbness.
Chinese, Russian FMs hold talks, reach strategic consensus People's Daily 24 Mar 2021 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on Tuesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with the two sides reaching strategic consensus.
European Medicines Agency Reviewing Russian Vaccine Sputnik VOA 23 Mar 2021 -- The executive director of Europe's drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency, (EMA) said Tuesday it is evaluating Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for possible authorization of use in the European Union.
Putin Gets Covid-19 Vaccine Shot RFE/RL 23 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and is feeling well, RIA said on March 23 citing the Kremlin, as authorities seek to encourage hesitant Russians to get the shot.
Kremlin: Putin Gets Vaccinated Against Coronavirus, Feeling Well Sputnik 23 Mar 2021 -- Yesterday, the Russian leader announced he would be inoculated against the coronavirus on Tuesday. The Kremlin later clarified that the process of inoculation would not be broadcast.
Norway Blocks Rolls-Royce From Selling Engine Maker To Russian Company, Cites Security Fears RFE/RL 23 Mar 2021 -- Norway has announced that it is blocking Rolls-Royce's sale of a Norwegian engine maker to a Russian company over concerns it could allow sensitive technology to end up in Russian hands.
Russia Offers Turkey to Resume Operation of Checkpoints in Idlib, Aleppo Sputnik 23 Mar 2021 -- Russia has offered Turkey to resume the operation of several checkpoints in Idlib and Aleppo from March 25 due to the difficult humanitarian situation, Rear Adm. Alexander Karpov, deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria, said on Tuesday.
Blinken Warns Germany Of Possible Sanctions Over Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 23 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being built from Russia to Germany is against the European Union's own interests and warned Berlin of possible sanctions over the project.
Dems urge Biden administration to sanction Russia pipeline to EU Press TV 23 Mar 2021 -- Two Democratic senators have called on the administration of US President Joe Biden to sanction a Russian gas pipeline bound for Europe.
Russia: Unilateral sanctions do nothing but bring suffering to nations Press TV 23 Mar 2021 -- Russia's representative to the Vienna-based international organizations has sharply criticized the United States and its Western allies for imposing sets of unilateral sanctions against world states, saying such restrictions have only led to the sufferings of people across the globe, including the Iranian nation.
In Russia's Provinces, Navalny's Besieged Movement Says It's 'Again Gathering Force' RFE/RL 23 Mar 2021 -- Ivan Tumanov was born three days before Vladimir Putin first became Russia's president at the turn of the millennium. Now the 21-year-old who lives with his mother is the newest coordinator of an opposition movement that Putin, still president, is accused of using brutal tactics to dismantle.
Navalny's Team Announces Spring Push, Aims For Massive Rally To Free Kremlin Critic RFE/RL 23 Mar 2021 -- The team of jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny is making a new push to free the anti-corruption campaigner with plans for the largest anti-Kremlin protest in Russia's modern history.
Russia, China reject West's self-centered unilateralism: Lavrov Press TV 23 Mar 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia and China are opposed to the West's self-centered geopolitical games and unilateralism and are doing their utmost to protect their relations from Western threats.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Guilin, March 23, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Mar 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following talks with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, Guilin, March 23, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Mar 2021
Chinese, Russian FMs critical of US People's Daily 23 Mar 2021 -- The foreign ministers of China and Russia have criticized the United States' negative impact on global peace and growth and urged the US to return to the Iran nuclear deal without conditions.
China, Russia conduct strategic communication on issues of common concern PLA Daily 23 Mar 2021 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday. The two sides conducted strategic communication on international and regional issues of common concern and reached broad consensus.
China, Russia In Show Of Unity Amid Western Criticism, Sanctions RFE/RL 23 Mar 2021 -- The foreign ministers of China and Russia have met in a display of unity and called for a summit of permanent members of the UN Security Council amid Western sanctions against them over human rights violations and repression of political dissent.
Russia reserves right to retaliate Bulgaria's expulsion of two diplomats Press TV 23 Mar 2021 -- Russia has denounced Bulgaria's "groundless" decision to expel two Russian diplomats over accusations of espionage, reserving the right to retaliate.
Putin Says He Will Get Vaccinated Against Coronavirus On March 23 RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he will get vaccinated against coronavirus on March 23.
Meeting on increasing vaccine manufacturing and vaccination progress President of Russia 22 Mar 2021 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference on increasing the manufacturing capacity of COVID-19 vaccines and the progress of vaccination in Russia.
On Sputnik V, Russian firm urges EU to 'stop being biased' Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- "Dear Commissioner Breton, please stop being biased." That is part of an official response by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to controversial remarks from Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, who said on Sunday evening that the European Union "had absolutely no need for Sputnik V."
Russia Reports 9,284 New Coronavirus Cases, 361 Deaths SPA 22 Mar 2021 -- Russia on Monday reported 9,284 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, including 1,586 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 4,466,153, according to Reuters.
Syrian, Russian airstrikes inflict heavy losses on terrorists in Idlib' Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- Russian and Syrian fighter jets have reportedly targeted positions belonging to foreign-backed Takfiri militants in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib near the Turkish border.
Soyuz Rocket Launches 38 Satellites For 18 Countries RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- The Russian space agency, Roskosmos, says that a Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 22 carrying 38 foreign satellites after takeoff was twice postponed due to technical issues.
Statement by the Foreign Ministry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Mar 2021 -- "We regret to note that the American side has not supported the proposal made by President of Russia Vladimir Putin to US President Joe Biden to hold a live-broadcast discussion on March 19 or 22, 2021, on the problems that have accumulated in bilateral relations, as well as on the subject of strategic stability."
US, Russia Can Work Together in 'Stable and Predictable Way' on Some Areas, Sullivan Says Sputnik 22 Mar 2021 -- The United States and Russia can work together in some areas in a stable and predictable manner, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview on Monday.
Russia accuses US of rejecting dialogue offer between Putin, Biden Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- The diplomatic impasse between Moscow and Washington is turning ugly after the former on Monday accused the latter of rebuffing an offer of online dialogue between the two sides' leaders.
European Council President Tells Putin EU-Russian Relations At 'Low Point' RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- European Council President Charles Michel has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that relations between the European Union and Russia are "at a low point" with disagreements in "many areas," which the Russian leader blamed on the bloc's "confrontational policies."
Moscow court rejects Navalny's complaint Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- A court in Russia has rejected jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny's complaint against the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Court Rejects Navalny's Lawsuit Accusing Investigators Of Failing To Probe His Poisoning RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- A military court in Moscow has rejected a lawsuit filed by jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny against the Main Military Investigative Directorate (GVSU) over its refusal to launch an investigation into his poisoning in Siberia with a nerve agent last August.
Russian Regional Governor, A Strong Putin Supporter, Held On Graft Charges RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- Ivan Belozertsev, the governor of Russia's Penza region and a vocal supporter of President Vladimir Putin, has been arrested and sent to pretrial detention for two months on corruption charges.
Lavrov: US pullout from Iran deal shows incapacity to negotiate Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the US withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran was a violation of international law, and proved Washington's complete inability to engage in talks and reach agreements.
Russia Retains Right to Respond to Bulgaria For Expelling Two Diplomats, Embassy Says Sputnik 22 Mar 2021 -- Bulgaria's decision to declare Russian diplomats personae non-gratae is groundless, and Russia reserves the right to respond, the Russian Embassy in Sofia said on Monday.
Moscow Will Respond to Bulgaria's Potential Steps Against Russian Diplomats, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 22 Mar 2021 -- Moscow will respond to Sofia's potential steps against Russian diplomats, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Monday.
Bulgaria Expels Two Russian Diplomats Over Espionage Ring RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- Bulgaria's government has given two Russian diplomats 72 hours to leave the country, after the authorities uncovered the latest in a string of Moscow-linked spy scandals.
Interview: Russia, China set example on how to build relations, says Lavrov People's Daily 22 Mar 2021 -- China is a truly strategic partner of Russia and a like-minded country, and their mutually trusting and respectful dialogue should serve as an example to other countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.
Russia, China need to move away from dollar to reduce risks of US sanctions: Lavrov Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- Russia and China need to work to further reduce their dependence on the dollar and switch to national currencies for trade in order to alleviate the risks of US sanctions, says Russia's top diplomat.
China-Russia partnership 'key to balance US hegemony' Global Times 22 Mar 2021 -- As Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in China for his two-day visit on Monday, just two days after the China-US meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, Chinese experts said it's pretty normal for the two like-minded partners to coordinate crucial information, but it doesn't mean the two major powers are forming an anti-US alliance because this would be unnecessary and outdated.
China will advance strategic partnership with Russia at deeper levels: Foreign Ministry Press TV 22 Mar 2021 -- China's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying says Beijing would further advance comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia at deeper levels amid heightened tensions with the United States.
UK's New Surveillance Ship to Protect Undersea Cables From Russian 'Interest', Wallace Says Sputnik 21 Mar 2021 -- The United Kingdom's multi-role surveillance ship under construction will protect "critical" undersea cables from Russia's activities, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the BBC.
Bulgaria Tells Russia To Stop Spying, Threatens To Expel Diplomats RFE/RL 21 Mar 2021 -- Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has called on Russia to stop spying on his country, a day after authorities in the NATO member busted an espionage group passing military secrets to Russia.
Russian ambassador to US in Moscow for consultations over Biden insult against Putin Press TV 21 Mar 2021 -- The relations between the Kremlin and the White House have hit a new low, with Russian Ambassador to the United States now back in Moscow for "consultations," following US President Joe Biden's recent labeling of Russia's President Vladimir Putin a "killer."
Russia's Envoy To U.S. Back In Moscow After Spat Over Biden's Comment About Putin Being A Killer RFE/RL 21 Mar 2021 -- Russia's ambassador to the United States returned to Moscow on March 21 after being recalled for emergency consultations amid rising tensions with Washington following President Joe Biden's comments that he believed his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, was a killer.
Defense Secretary Wallace implicitly admits to Moscow destruction in event of war Press TV 21 Mar 2021 -- The Defense Secretary, Ben Wallace, has tried to defend the government's decision to increase the country's nuclear arsenal from 180 warheads to 260 on the grounds that Russian defenses have gotten stronger in recent years.
Technical Problems Delay Launch Of Soyuz Rocket Carrying 38 Satellites RFE/RL 20 Mar 2021 -- Technical problems forced the launch of a Russian Soyuz rocket with 38 satellites on board to be postponed until March 22, the Russian space agency Roskosmos said.
Ankara Not Seeking US Permit for Use of Russia's S-400 Systems, Turkish Official Says Sputnik 20 Mar 2021 -- Ankara's stance on the use of the Russian S-400 air defense systems remains unchanged: Turkey does not need the US permit for that, a spokesman for the parliamentary defense committee told Sputnik.
Russian Navy Tracking Two US Warships in Black Sea Sputnik 20 Mar 2021 -- The deployment of American naval assets in the Black Sea is limited by the Montreux Convention of 1936, which restricts the stay of warships from non-Black Sea-adjacent states to 21 days. Additionally, no more than nine foreign warships weighing a total of 30,000 tonnes are allowed be present in the body of water at any one time.
Bulgaria Preparing to Declare Russian Diplomats Personae Non Gratae in Espionage Case Sputnik 20 Mar 2021 -- Bulgaria is ready to declare Russian diplomats suspected of links to an espionage case personae non-gratae, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Saturday.
Russian Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Introduce Malware Into Tesla's Computer Network RFE/RL 19 Mar 2021 -- A Russian citizen who was arrested in the United States last summer has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to introduce malware into the computer network of automaker Tesla.
Cameroon Becomes 53d Country to Register Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 19 Mar 2021 -- Cameroon became the 53rd country to authorise the use of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced on Friday.
Philippines to Receive First Batch of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine in April, RDIF Announces Sputnik 19 Mar 2021 -- The Philippines will receive the first batch of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in April, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with CNN Philippines broadcaster.
Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Approved For Emergency Use In The Philippines RFE/RL 19 Mar 2021 -- The Philippines has approved Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on March 19.
Russia's RDIF, India's Stelis Biopharma to Jointly Produce 200Mln Sputnik V Doses Sputnik 19 Mar 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced on Friday that it would produce at least 200 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 jointly with India's Stelis Biopharma, which would be sufficient to inoculate 100 million people.
Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Roles in Transnational Cybercrime Enterprise US Dept. of Justice 19 Mar 2021 -- The Infraud Organization victimized millions of people in all 50 states and caused more than $568 million in financial losses
Russia To Help On Project To Extend Life Of Armenian Nuclear Power Plant RFE/RL 19 Mar 2021 -- Russia will help Armenia extend the life of its nuclear power plant in Metsamor for another 10 years, according to the director of the station.
In Moscow, Afghan Government, Taliban Agree To Accelerate Peace Talks RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Mar 2021 -- A senior Afghan official says the government and the Taliban have agreed at a meeting in Moscow to try to accelerate talks aimed at ending decades of war in the country.
Bulgaria Says It Has Broken Up Spy Ring Suspected Of Working For Russia RFE/RL 19 Mar 2021 -- Bulgaria says it has detained and charged six people suspected of passing classified information to Russia.
Meeting on socio-economic development of Crimea and Sevastopol President of Russia 18 Mar 2021 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Republic of Crimea and the city of federal significance Sevastopol, via videoconference.
Meeting with public representatives of Crimea and Sevastopol President of Russia 18 Mar 2021 -- The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with public representatives of the Republic of Crimea and the city of federal significance Sevastopol.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 18, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2021
Joint Statement on Extended "Troika" on Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, China, and Pakistan on the occasion of the Extended "Troika" on Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan.
Joint Statement of extended "Troika" on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, Moscow, 18 March 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2021 -- On 18 March 2021, Moscow hosted a regular meeting of the extended "Troika" comprising representatives of Russia, China, the USA and Pakistan, which focused on making progress in the intra-Afghan process to reach a negotiated settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
U.S., Russia, China, And Pakistan Urge Afghan Cease-Fire RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States, Russia, China, and Pakistan have jointly called on Afghanistan's warring sides to reach an immediate cease-fire just six weeks before a deadline for the United States to pull out troops who have been in the country for nearly 20 years.
Russian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Introduce Malware into a U.S. Company's Computer Network US Dept. of Justice 18 Mar 2021 -- Defendant's attempt to recruit employee to transmit malware to exfiltrate data and extort company thwarted by FBI
Syria, Russia slam US for supporting terrorists, pledge safe return of Syrian refugees Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Syria and Russia say the United States has been obstructing the return of the displaced Syrians to their homeland by financing foreign-sponsored mercenaries and igniting conflict across the Arab country.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Invites Russia's Lavrov to Beijing After Alaska Summit Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- In the face of mutual pressure from the United States, Russia and China have grown increasingly close in recent years, although both nations continue to strictly adhere to the principles of non-alignment.
Russia's Corvette Stoikiy Arrives at Port Sudan – Sources Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Russia's corvette Stoikiy has entered Port Sudan, two high-ranking sources at the port told Sputnik.
Putin on Biden's 'Killer' Remark: 'Takes One to Know One' VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin responded Thursday to comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden in which he described the Russian leader as a killer, saying, "It takes one to know one."
Replying to Biden's 'killer' comment, Putin says 'it takes one to know one' Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has mocked his American counterpart, Joe Biden, for his "killer" comment, but stressed that Moscow will not cut ties with Washington over the growing row.
Russia Reacts Sharply To Biden's 'Unprecedented' Comment About Putin Being A Killer RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has accused U.S. President Joe Biden of not wanting to improve bilateral ties after "unprecedented" comments in which he said believed Vladimir Putin is a killer.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in connection with the latest anti-Russia remarks from Washington Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2021 -- "The current US administration never ceases to surprise us with its absurd public statements. It's not just about the unseemly attacks against Russia's top officials, but also the absurd accusations of Russia's interference in last year's presidential election in the United States, in which, as you are aware, Joe Biden was the winner."
Kremlin: Biden's Remarks on Putin 'Clearly' Show Lack of Desire to Improve US-Russia Ties Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov qualified US President Joe Biden's recent comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin as "very bad statements" and noted that Russia assumes that the US leader certainly does not seek mending ties.
White House Says US Will Not Rely on Sanctions Alone to Deal With Russia, Has More Tools Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- The US administration will not rely on sanctions alone in trying to influence Russia's behavior, as President Joe Biden has a range of alternative tools at his disposal, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday.
Moscow Court Prolongs House Arrests Of Four Navalny Supporters RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- A Moscow court has extended the house arrest of Kira Yarmysh, a spokeswoman of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
Chechen Police Regiment Urges Putin To 'Protect' It From Newspaper's 'Defamation' RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- A special police regiment in Russia's North Caucasus region has urged President Vladimir Putin "to protect" them from "defamation" by the Moscow-based independent investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta after it published a report about alleged extrajudicial killings and torture by law enforcement in the region.
U.S. Warns Entities Involved In Nord Stream 2 They Face More Sanctions RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States has called for "any entity involved" in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany to disengage "immediately" or face U.S. sanctions.
US Secretary of State Warns Any Entity Working on Nord Stream 2 Risk Being Slapped With Sanctions Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- German authorities have been in talks with the US for months in a bid to convince Washington to discard the idea of slapping new sanctions on the joint megaproject of Russia's Gazprom and European energy giants.
Nord Stream 2 and Potential Sanctionable Activity US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- As the President has said, Nord Stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our Central and Eastern European allies and partners. The Department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved.
Russia recalls ambassador from US after Biden calls Putin 'a killer' Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Russia has called its ambassador to the US to come back home for consultations on the future of Moscow-Washington relations after US President Joe Biden called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "a killer".
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Ukraine US Dept. of State 18 Mar 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 Blasts Russia's 'Temporary Occupation' Of Crimea On Annexation's Seventh Anniversary RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The G7 group of nations has marked the seventh anniversary of Russia's forcible annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula by reaffirming their "unwavering support" for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
U.S. Denounces Repression In Russian-Controlled Crimea After Journalist Arrested On Spying Charge RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States has called the arrest of a journalist in Russian-annexed Crimea for allegedly spying on behalf of Kyiv "another attempt to repress those who speak the truth about Russia's aggression in Ukraine."
Bosnia Intends to Purchase Sputnik V Vaccine Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- The government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bosnian part of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina, decided on Wednesday to buy 500,000 Sputnik V doses.
Kremlin blasts Britain's plan to increase nuclear weapons stockpile Press TV 17 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has regretted a recent decision by the United Kingdom to increase its nuclear warhead stockpile by more than 40 percent.
Defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine UK FCDO 17 Mar 2021 -- Joint Statement Following Russia's Arria-formula Meeting on the Situation in Crimea
Russia's Black Sea Fleet Escorts Spanish Frigate Mendez Nunez, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- A Spanish frigate, the Mendez Nunez, entered the Black Sea on Wednesday and the NATO vessel is already being escorted by forces of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Russia Recalls Ambassador Following Biden Comments VOA 17 Mar 2021 -- Officials in Washington are reacting calmly to Moscow summoning home its ambassador to the United States for consultations about the deteriorated bilateral relationship.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Mar 2021 -- Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has been summoned to Moscow for consultations in order to analyse what needs to be done in the context of relations with the United States.
Russia Recalls Washington Ambassador For Consultations RFE/RL 17 Mar 2021 -- Russia said on March 17 that it had summoned its envoy to the United States back to Moscow for consultations on its ties with Washington but stressed it wanted to prevent an "irreversible deterioration" in relations.
Russian Ambassador to US to Fly to Moscow March 20 for Talks on Relations With Washington Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- On Wednesday, Moscow recalled the diplomat for consultations aimed at "analysing what to do and where to move" in the context of relations with Washington, the Foreign Ministry said.
Russia Has Nothing to Do With Campaigns Against Any US Presidential Candidates, Kremlin Says Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- Washington is allegedly planning to impose sanctions on Russia in the coming week as a response to an NIC report that accused Moscow of election meddling during the 2020 presidential vote.
Biden: Putin will 'pay a price' for 2020 election meddling Press TV 17 Mar 2021 -- US President Joe Biden says Russian President Vladimir Putin will "pay a price" for his interference in the US 2020 presidential election with the aim of undermining Biden's candidacy.
Russia rejects allegations of Putin-directed meddling in 2020 US election Press TV 17 Mar 2021 -- Russia has rejected allegations of interference in the United States' 2020 presidential election, saying Washington is seeking to besmirch Moscow's image and blame others for its own problems.
Tensions With Russia Flare As Biden Says Putin Will 'Pay A Price' For Election Meddling RFE/RL 17 Mar 2021 -- Already tense relations between Russia and the United States are fraying further as U.S. President Joe Biden suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon "pay a price" for alleged meddling in U.S. elections and Russia summoned its ambassador to the United States back to Moscow for consultations.
Russia Rejects U.S. Report That Putin Authorized Election Meddling, But Braces For More Sanctions RFE/RL 17 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has denied a U.S. report saying President Vladimir Putin authorized misinformation operations to try to influence last year's presidential election but said Russia is readying for new sanctions over the issues.
Moscow Sees US Intelligence Report on 'Election Meddling' as Unsubstantiated Hoax Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- The US intelligence's claims about Moscow's interference in the 2020 presidential vote are nothing but an unsubstantiated hoax, as the report is just adjusted to some conclusions that were invented in advance, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Sputnik on Wednesday.
U.S. Expands Russia Restrictions Over Poisoning Of Kremlin Critic Navalny RFE/RL 17 Mar 2021 -- The United States has expanded restrictions imposed on Russian experts that were imposed earlier this month as punishment for the poisoning of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny.
Russia Is Concerned as Iran Starts Enriching Uranium With Advanced Centrifuges Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- Russia is concerned over Iran's decision to start enriching uranium at its Natanz plant with new advanced IR-4 centrifuges, and it calls both on Tehran and on Washington to exercise restraint, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Five Things To Know About The U.S. Intelligence Report On Russian Election Interference RFE/RL 17 Mar 2021 -- In late January 2020, as the U.S. presidential campaign started to take shape, a video documentary appeared on U.S. television -- part of an effort, according to the U.S. intelligence community, to bolster Donald Trump's reelection bid and denigrate one of his strongest challengers, former Vice President Joe Biden.
Ukraine Accuses Russia Of Fresh Cyberattack RFE/RL 16 Mar 2021 -- Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) said on March 16 it had prevented a large-scale cyberattack by Russian hackers targeting classified government data.
Russia-Controlled Crimea Temporarily Lifts Pandemic Restrictions To Mark Annexation Anniversary RFE/RL 16 Mar 2021 -- Authorities in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea have temporarily lifted coronavirus pandemic restrictions to mark the seventh anniversary of the region's annexation by Moscow.
Russia Reports 9,393 New COVID-19 Cases SPA 16 Mar 2021 -- Russia on Tuesday reported 9,393 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,533 in Moscow, pushing the national infection tally to 4,409,438 since the pandemic began, according to Reuters.
Russia Submitted All Documents for COVID-19 Vaccine Registration in EU Sputnik 16 Mar 2021 -- Russia has submitted all the necessary documents to register its coronavirus vaccine in the European Union, and relevant effort continues, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, also warning against politicising the vaccine issue.
ODNI Releases Intelligence Community Assessment of Foreign Threats to the 2020 U.S. Elections Director of National Intelligence 16 Mar 2021 -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) today released the declassified Intelligence Community (IC) assessment of foreign threats to the 2020 U.S. federal elections. The document is a declassified version of a classified report that the IC provided to the President, senior Executive Branch officials, and Congressional leadership and intelligence oversight committees on January 7, 2021.
U.S. Intelligence Says Iran, Russia Carried Out Influence Operations During 2020 Election RFE/RL 16 Mar 2021 -- Russia and Iran both conducted misinformation operations to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, according to a U.S. intelligence report.
US: Russia, Iran Meddled in November's Election; China Held Back VOA 16 Mar 2021 -- A just-released assessment by U.S. intelligence officials finds Russia and Iran, joined by a handful of other countries and groups, did seek to influence the outcome of the November 2020 presidential election. But the assessment also concludes that, despite repeated warnings by a number of top officials, China ultimately decided to sit it out.
Russia Threatens To 'Temporarily' Block Twitter RFE/RL 16 Mar 2021 -- Russia's state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has threatened to block Twitter in a month's time if the social-media network doesn't begin removing banned content.
Russian Newspaper Calls On Authorities To Investigate 'Chemical Attack' RFE/RL 16 Mar 2021 -- The independent Russian investigative newspaper Novaya gazeta has called on Moscow authorities to investigate a "chemical attack" against its premises after a security camera recorded a person spraying its office entrance with an unknown liquid.
Hearing Into Navalny Lawsuit Over Refusal To Probe His Poisoning Postponed RFE/RL 16 Mar 2021 -- A Russian military court has postponed a hearing into a lawsuit filed by jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny for the refusal by Russian military investigators to open a probe into his poisoning with a nerve agent in Siberia last August.
Russia 'Reaches Agreement' On Sputnik Vaccine With Firms From Italy, Spain, France, And Germany RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- The head of Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund says it has reached "agreements with companies from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany to launch production" of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine.
EU Nations Considering Starting Talks With Producers of Russia's Sputnik V, Reports Suggest Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- Some European countries are considering starting talks with the creators of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, an EU official in charge of negotiations with the vaccine's developers told Reuters.
Russia's RDIF Agrees With Italy, Spain, France, Germany on Joint Sputnik V Production Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- Last month, Hungary became the first nation in the European Union to approve the Russian vaccine. In March, the RDIF said that it could supply the bloc with the vaccine after approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Global Arms Trade Plateauing Amid COVID-19 as Sales Gap Between US, Russia Widens – SIPRI Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- Substantial increases in arms sales by three of the top five exporters (the US, France, and Germany) were largely offset by declining Russian and Chinese exports, as the COVID pandemic is yet to take its economic toll on nations and affect their arms procurements.
US tops world's weapons supplier, Saudi Arabia biggest importer: Sweden-based think tank Press TV 15 Mar 2021 -- A recent report has revealed that more than a third of the global arms sold worldwide during the past five years originated in the United States, while Saudi Arabia was the world's largest weapons importer during the period.
Global Arms Transfers Leveled Off From 2016 To 2020, Swedish Institute Says RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- International deliveries of arms were flat from 2016 through 2020 compared with the previous five-year period, but they were still close to the highest level since the end of the Cold War, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a report released on March 15.
Russia Alarmed by Transfer of Turkish Army's Equipment in Syria's Raqqa, Military Says Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- Russia is alarmed by the transfer of equipment of the Turkish Armed Forces and the ongoing fortification works in the Syrian province of Raqqa, Rear Adm. Alexander Karpov, the deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria, said at a briefing.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on Ukrainian authorities' planned action against Russian Crimea Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2021
Complaint Filed In Moscow Against Vagner Mercenary Group Over Torture Of Syrian Detainee RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- Three nongovernmental organizations based in France, Syria, and Russia have announced a legal case in Moscow against the Vagner Group, a Russian military contractor with indirect ties to the country's political elite, over the 2017 torture of a detainee in Syria.
Navalny Moved To Penitentiary In Pokrov, Calls It 'Friendly Concentration Camp' RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- Opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has confirmed his relocation to a notorious penitentiary in the city of Pokrov, likening the institution to "a friendly concentration camp."
With Elections Still Months Off, The Kremlin Sends A Chilling Signal RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- Mikhail Kovyazin, a 48-year-old independent municipal deputy from the city of Kirov, had modest plans when he decided to attend the Municipal Russia conference of independent lawmakers in Moscow on March 13-14.
Russian Journalists Start 'Silent Broadcasts' To Avoid Prosecution RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- Journalists in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, where demonstrations in support of the region's jailed former governor have been held since July last year, have started so-called "silent broadcasts" to avoid prosecution.
Russia's Daily Coronavirus Cases Grow to More Than 10,000 SPA 14 Mar 2021 -- Russia reported 10,083 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours on Sunday, the first time the number of daily infections has crossed the 10 thousand mark since Monday. It brought the total case tally to 4,390,608, according to Reuters.
Astronauts From Expedition 64 Perform Spacewalk Outside ISS to Upgrade the Station Sputnik 13 Mar 2021 -- The International Space Station was successfully reboosted to a higher altitude on Friday to prepare for the arrival of its next set of crew members.
Air Leak in Russia's ISS Zvezda Module Still Unresolved Despite 2 Cracks Being Sealed Off Sputnik 13 Mar 2021 -- The air leak from the intermediate chamber of the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station (ISS) is still unresolved, despite two cracks being sealed off, according to the call between the ISS crew and the ground control broadcast by NASA on Saturday.
Russian Police Detain Around 200 At Opposition Event In Moscow RFE/RL 13 Mar 2021 -- Russian police detained around 200 people, mostly opposition figures and municipal deputies, at an event in Moscow, in the latest crackdown on Kremlin critics ahead of elections later this year.
Police in Moscow Raid Pro-Democracy Forum, Dozens Detained VOA 13 Mar 2021 -- Russian police detained more than 180 people Saturday at a conference of independent municipal deputies in Moscow — accusing participants of violating the law by attending a pro-democracy forum with ties to an organization the government has labeled "undesirable."
Russia ready for talks with Turkey on sale of SU-35, SU-57 fighter jets: Military official Press TV 13 Mar 2021 -- A Russian military official says Russia is ready for holding talks with Turkey on the possible delivery of Russian-made SU-35 and SU-57 fighter jets providing that Moscow receives the corresponding request Ankara.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 12, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Mar 2021
Russia Says Taliban Should Be Part Of Interim Afghan Government RFE/RL Gandhara 12 Mar 2021 -- Russia says the Taliban should be included in any interim Afghan government as Moscow prepares to host a conference next week that is meant to move forward the peace process in the conflict-wracked country.
Russia supports Afghanistan interim government with Taliban participation: Foreign Ministry Press TV 12 Mar 2021 -- Russia says it supports the formation of an interim government in Afghanistan that will include the Taliban.
Turkey won't bow to US pressure, will advance S-400 purchase: Russian official Press TV 12 Mar 2021 -- A Russian military official says Turkey would not cave in to pressure from the United States over advancing the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
Syria, Russia say US not letting stability return to Syria Press TV 12 Mar 2021 -- Syrian and Russian officials say the United States continues to impede the restoration of stability in the country through the imposition of economic sanctions, arguing Washington is using various methods of economic and political pressure on international bodies and organizations to turn a blind eye on the repercussions of such bans.
Russia voices concern about civilian deaths in Myanmar Press TV 12 Mar 2021 -- Russia has expressed concern about the increasing number of civilian deaths in Myanmar, stressing that it is following the developments in the Southeast Asian country "very closely."
Russia will retaliate if US deploys intermediate-range missiles to Asia-Pacific: Diplomat Press TV 12 Mar 2021 -- Russia has warned the United States against its controversial plan to deploy intermediate- and shorter-range missiles to the Asia-Pacific region, saying the move would be met with reaction and retaliation from Moscow.
The Week In Russia: Prisons, Prices, And Putin's 'Brutal Third Act' RFE/RL 12 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin may have his fieriest foe where he wants him -- in prison. The same cannot be said of several problems dogging the Kremlin months before parliamentary elections, including consumer prices, ruling-party poll numbers, and trust in the Sputnik-V coronavirus vaccine.
Russia's Bungling, Late-Game Effort To Control The Web RFE/RL 12 Mar 2021 -- When Russia announced it was slowing down Twitter access this week, citing the social network's alleged failure to delete objectionable material, it was seen as a sign that the Kremlin was acting on repeated threats to bring the Internet under control.
Navalny Moved To New, Unknown Location, His Lawyers Say RFE/RL 12 Mar 2021 -- Lawyers for Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny say he has been moved from a detention center in the Vladimir region, northeast of the Russian capital, to an undisclosed location amid a call from Western countries for his immediate release.
Former RT Reporter Says He Was Asked To 'Spy' On Navalny In German Hospital RFE/RL 12 Mar 2021 -- A German journalist who used to work for Russia's state-controlled television channel RT says he was asked by his employer to spy on Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in Germany after being poisoned in Siberia.
Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Republic of Turkey, and Russian Federation, Doha, 11 March 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11 Mar 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani following a trilateral meeting, Doha, March 11, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11 Mar 2021
Namibia Becomes 50th Country to Approve Russian Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik V Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- Namibia became the 50th country to authorise the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Thursday.
Ankara-Moscow Talks on S-400 Joint Production Ongoing, Turkish Industry Minister Says Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- Talks between Ankara and Moscow on the procurement of the second set of S-400 air defence missile systems and the possibility of future joint production are ongoing, the Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, Mustafa Varank, said on Thursday.
Turkey Not Ruling Out Buying Russia's Fifth-Gen Jet, Turkish Industry Minister Says Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- Turkish officials first began hinting at an interest in Russian military aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-35 4++ generation fighter and the fifth generation Sukhoi Su-57 jet, after Ankara was kicked out of Lockheed Martin's F-35 programme over its purchase of a Russian-made air defence system.
Lavrov: US, Western sanctions target Syrian people, obstruct reconstruction process Press TV 11 Mar 2021 -- Russia's foreign minister says the sanctions imposed on Syria by the United States and other Western countries target all Syrian people and obstruct the reconstruction process in the war-torn country.
Russia, Turkey, Qatar jointly making attempt to seek political resolution to Syria's conflict Press TV 11 Mar 2021 -- Russia, Turkey, and Qatar are making a joint attempt to help find a lasting, political solution to Syria's decade-long conflict, the Turkish foreign minister says.
Russian jets bombard Daesh positions in Syria's southeastern desert: Monitoring group Press TV 11 Mar 2021 -- A UK-based war monitoring group says Russian fighter jets have carried out a new wave of airstrikes against the positions of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group deep inside a desert region in southeastern Syria.
Private Russian Military Company May Sue News Agency for First Time Over 'Fake' Report Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- Russia's private military company, the Officers' Union for International Security (OUIS), which provides advisory and training services to the armed forces of the Central African Republic (CAR), may sue the Rosbalt news agency over an unverified report about Russian military contractors, OUIS director Alexander Ivanov said.
Moscow Court Upholds Sentence For Opposition Politician Galyamina RFE/RL 11 Mar 2021 -- The Moscow City Court has upheld the two-year suspended sentence for an opposition politician who was convicted in December over her involvement in anti-Kremlin protest rallies.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Initial Reading Of Bill Allowing 'Accidental' Corruption RFE/RL 11 Mar 2021 -- Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved the first reading of a bill allowing for "accidental" corruption.
Japan Scrambled Fighters to Escort Russia's Tu-95MS Over Sea of Japan, Russian Military Says Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- Japan has scrambled its fighters to escort two Russia's Tu-95MS strategic bombers during their scheduled flight over the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
EU Fumes Over Italy's Deal to Produce Russia's Sputnik Vaccine VOA 10 Mar 2021 -- European Union officials are fuming over Italy's agreement to manufacture Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, warning they have yet to approve the jab for use in the bloc.
Czech President Wants Health Minister Ousted Over Wait For Russian Vaccine RFE/RL 10 Mar 2021 -- Czech President Milos Zeman has called for Health Minister Jan Blatny to be dismissed for not rushing to allow Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine to be used in the country.
Russia rejects claim of discrediting US COVID-19 vaccines, EU states purchasing Sputnik V Press TV 10 Mar 2021 -- Russia has brushed off a US allegation that Moscow is discrediting Western-made coronavirus vaccines, as the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V nears approval as the first non-EU and non-US inoculation in the European Union (EU).
Iran to start manufacturing Sputnik V vaccine this month: Official Press TV 10 Mar 2021 -- A joint scheme between Iran and Russia to mass produce Russia's signature coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V is to begin in Iran this month, according to a senior official in the country's health ministry.
Moscow, Riyadh in Talks on Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Production in Saudi Arabia, Lavrov Confirms Sputnik 10 Mar 2021 -- Moscow and Riyadh are in talks on potential phase 3 clinical trials of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Saudi Arabia and its production in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Morocco Approves Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Against COVID-19 Sputnik 10 Mar 2021 -- The Kingdom of Morocco has authorised Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Wednesday.
Kenya Becomes 10th African Nation to Authorise Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Sputnik 10 Mar 2021 -- Kenya became the 10th African country to authorise Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Wednesday.
Kremlin calls U.S. cyberattack plans against Russia concerning Global Times 10 Mar 2021 -- A plan by the Biden administration to launch cyberattacks against Russia is a "cause for extreme concern," the Kremlin has said.
Russia Plans Afghan Conference To Advance Peace Talks RFE/RL Gandhara 10 Mar 2021 -- Russia plans to hold a conference in Moscow on March 18 to discuss Afghanistan as peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban stall, although it was unclear if the United States would attend.
Erdogan, Putin Witness Launch Of Construction At Turkish Nuclear Plant RFE/RL 10 Mar 2021 -- The Russian and Turkish presidents have witnessed the launch of construction of a new reactor at Turkey's first nuclear power plant.
Trial Of Navalny Ally Sobol Quickly Adjourned Over Technical Issue RFE/RL 10 Mar 2021 -- The trial of Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation who is charged with trespassing, has been adjourned just minutes after it started due to technical issues.
Top Moscow Police Official Rejects Criticism Over Excessive Use Of Force Against Navalny Supporters RFE/RL 10 Mar 2021 -- Moscow's top police official has rejected accusations that law enforcement used inappropriate force against supporters at rallies for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny in January and February.
Russia Puts The Brakes On Twitter, Slows Its Speed For 'Failure' To Remove Banned Content RFE/RL 10 Mar 2021 -- Russia's media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has imposed restrictions on Twitter by slowing down its speed across the country for its "failure" to remove banned content.
Russia's Restrictions on Twitter Are Meant to Force Compliance With Legislation, Kremlin Says Sputnik 10 Mar 2021 -- The restrictions places on Twitter by the Russian media watchdog are aimed at forcing the online giant to comply with national legislation, rather than to block anyone in particular, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Riyadh, March 10, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Mar 2021
China, Russia to jointly build lunar post PLA Daily 10 Mar 2021 -- China and Russia have agreed to join hands in building and running a robotic scientific outpost on the moon or in lunar orbit, according to the China National Space Administration.
U.S. Condemns Russia For Vaccine 'Disinformation,' Vows To Fight Back RFE/RL 09 Mar 2021 -- The United States publicly blasted what it called a Russian disinformation campaign designed to undermine confidence in U.S.-made COVID-19 vaccines and vowed to fight back "with every tool we have."
EU Regulator to Make Decisions on Sputnik V Vaccine Based Only On Scientific Data Sputnik 09 Mar 2021 -- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will review the compliance of Sputnik V, a Russian vaccine against COVID-19, with standards of the European Union and make recommendations based solely on the scientific data, a spokesperson from the EMA told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Kremlin Slams EMA Head for Comparing Early Approval of Sputnik V With 'Russian Roulette' Sputnik 09 Mar 2021 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday slammed a statement from Christa Wirthumer-Hoche, the chairwoman of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) management board, who compared the prospect of Austria's early approval of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to "Russian roulette," calling it "at least inappropriate."
Tunisia Reportedly Receives 1st Batch of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 09 Mar 2021 -- Tunisian Health Minister Faouzi Mehdi on Tuesday was present at the Carthage International Airport in the capital city of Tunis to welcome the first batch of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine, broadcaster Mosaique FM reported.
US's planned cyberattack on Russia will be international crime: Kremlin Press TV 09 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has described as worrying a US media report indicating that the United States plans to mount cyberattacks against Russia, stressing that such an act would be an international crime.
Kremlin: Report On Planned U.S. Cyberstrikes On Russia 'Alarming' RFE/RL 09 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has voiced "alarm" at a report in The New York Times that said the United States was preparing a series of covert counter cyberstrikes on Russian networks.
Kremlin: Alleged US Plans to Stage Cyberattacks on Russian Networks Would Amount to Int'l Crime Sputnik 09 Mar 2021 -- On Monday, The New York Times cited unnamed US government sources as saying that the Biden administration is considering retaliating for the alleged Russian hacking of American government agencies and corporations discovered in late 2020.
Russia to Host Conference on Afghanistan VOA 09 Mar 2021 -- Russia has sent invitations to leading Afghan politicians, the Taliban, and envoys of the United States, China, and Pakistan to participate in a three day conference starting March 18 on how to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan.
Report: Russian Foreign Ministry Plans Afghan Conference For March 18 RFE/RL Gandhara 09 Mar 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry plans to hold a conference in Moscow on March 18 to discuss Afghanistan, the TASS news agency reported, without providing any details on participants.
Turkey gives life sentences to 5 over 2016 killing of Russian ambassador Press TV 09 Mar 2021 -- A Turkish court has handed down life sentences to five individuals in the 2016 assassination of the then-Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov in Ankara, local media reports say.
Turkey Jails Five People For Life Over Killing Of Russian Envoy In 2016 RFE/RL 09 Mar 2021 -- A Turkish court has sentenced five people to life in prison over the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Ankara more than four years ago, state media reported on March 9.
Russia and China signed a memorandum on the creation of a lunar station Rosocosmos 09 Mar 2021 -- Dmitry Rogozin, General Director of Roscosmos State Corporation, and Zhang Kejian, Head of the National Space Agency, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the governments of Russia and China between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the creation of the International Scientific station (MNLS).
Russia, China to Sign Agreement on Joint Moon Base Project Within One Year, Source Reveals Sputnik 09 Mar 2021 -- Russia and China plan to ink an agreement on the joint moon research base following the signing of the memorandum on lunar cooperation, Anatoly Petrukovich, head of the Space Research Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Navalny's Team Looks To Expand Ahead Of September Parliamentary Polls In Russia RFE/RL 09 Mar 2021 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's team has announced plans to open offices in 10 cities where it believes the ruling United Russia party is most vulnerable in elections that must be held by September 19.
Liberal Russian Lawmaker Calls For Probe Into Suspected Kara-Murza Poisonings RFE/RL 09 Mar 2021 -- A prominent liberal lawmaker has called on Russian authorities to properly investigate the two sudden near-fatal illnesses suffered by opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza while traveling in Russia.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, March 9, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Mar 2021
Cmdr says Iran will stage further joint Navy drills with Russia, China IRNA 09 Mar 2021 -- Iran will hold further Joint Navy drills with China and Russia, Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear-Admiral Hamzeh Ali Kaviani said on Tuesday.
Russia says no need for new topics in JCPOA, proposes synchronized US-Iran steps Press TV 09 Mar 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has once again dismissed calls for an "updated" version of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that would include subjects irrelevant to the Islamic Republic's nuclear work.
EU Report Says Germany Is Leading Target Of Russian Disinformation RFE/RL 09 Mar 2021 -- Russia has targeted Germany more than any other country in the European Union in its disinformation efforts, a new report by the 27-member bloc shows.
North Macedonia receives first batch of Russian vaccines against COVID-19 People's Daily 08 Mar 2021 -- The first batch of 3,000 doses of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V against COVID-19 arrived in North Macedonia on Sunday, Health Minister Venko Filipce said via a Facebook post.
North Macedonia Greenlights Use of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine, RDIF Says Sputnik 07 Mar 2021 -- North Macedonia has authorized the use of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Sunday.
Russia Reports 10,595 New COVID-19 Cases, 368 Deaths SPA 07 Mar 2021 -- Russia on Sunday reported 10,595 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,534 in Moscow, taking the national case tally to 4,322,776 since the pandemic began, according to Reuters.
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Spreading Disinformation About Western COVID Vaccines RFE/RL 07 Mar 2021 -- The United States has accused Russian intelligence agencies of spreading disinformation about Western vaccines against the coronavirus in an attempt to undermine global confidence in their safety, The Wall Street Journal has reported.
'Russian, Syrian missile strikes target militants smuggling oil to Turkey' Press TV 07 Mar 2021 -- Russian and Syrian military forces have launched a barrage of missiles at makeshift refineries in Syria's northwestern province of Aleppo, causing a massive blaze as hundreds of tankers caught fire in the area that is controlled by Turkish troops and their allied Takfiri militants.
U.S. Senator Holds Up CIA Nomination To Force Biden To Stop Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 07 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (Republican-Texas) says he is holding up the confirmation of the next Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief in order to pressure President Joe Biden to stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Russia says ready to engage with US in reviving Iran deal Press TV 07 Mar 2021 -- Moscow says it is prepared to engage with the United States and other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in restoring full compliance with the JCPOA in the shortest time possible.
Russia Completes Phase 2 Trials of Sputnik Light Single-Dose Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik 05 Mar 2021 -- Earlier, an application for the emergency use authorisation of Sputnik Light, the single-dose version of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, had been filed in Russia and several other countries.
Russian Statistics Agency Reports COVID Deaths Surpass 200,000 VOA 05 Mar 2021 -- Russia's statistics agency said Friday that more than 200,000 Russians diagnosed with COVID-19 have died, more than double the figure used by the government's coronavirus task force.
Russia's 'Open Skies' Plane Inspects Camouflage of Military Facilities in Crimea, Source Says Sputnik 05 Mar 2021 -- A Russian Tu-214ON plane designed for carrying out reconnaissance missions under the Open Skies Treaty has carried out a flight as part of performing its new tasks to inspect the camouflage of Russian military facilities in Crimea and the Krasnodar Region, a military and diplomatic source told Sputnik.
Russia to slap tit-for-tat sanctions on US officials in spat over Navalny case Press TV 05 Mar 2021 -- Moscow says it will release a blacklist of American officials in the near future in retaliation for the sanctions recently imposed by Washington against Russian officials in the case of opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
Moscow Warns Of Retaliatory 'Stop List' On U.S. Citizens Over Navalny Sanctions RFE/RL 05 Mar 2021 -- Moscow says it plans a retaliatory "stop list" on U.S. citizens in response to Washington's decision to impose new sanctions against several senior Russian officials over the poisoning of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
Food For Thought: Rising Prices Vex Kremlin Election-Year Politics RFE/RL 05 Mar 2021 -- Since last year, Irina Likhtenshtein, a 73-year-old retired translator and editor in the central Russian city of Kazan, has steadily watch her grocery bills climb.
Russia says ready to help revive Iran deal in its original form Press TV 05 Mar 2021 -- Russia's foreign minister says a window of opportunity for saving a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal signed between Iran and major world powers remains open, expressing hope that all sides will return to the full implementation of the agreement in its original form.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 4, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Mar 2021
EU Drug Watchdog Reviewing Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine RFE/RL 04 Mar 2021 -- Europe's medicines regulator says it has started a "rolling review" of the Russian-developed Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, a key step toward approval for use across the 27-nation European Union.
Laos Becomes 44th Country to Register Russian Vaccine Sputnik V Sputnik 04 Mar 2021 -- Laos has authorised Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V for emergency use, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced on Thursday.
Sri Lanka Approves Russian Sputnik V Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik 04 Mar 2021 -- Sri Lanka became the 43rd country to authorize Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said Thursday.
Iran takes delivery of third batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccines Press TV 04 Mar 2021 -- Iranian customs authorities have taken delivery of a third batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccines as the country moves ahead with a nation-wide immunization drive against the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia Can Supply Sputnik V Vaccine to 50Mn EU Residents After EMA Approval, RDIF Says Sputnik 04 Mar 2021 -- Russia will be able to supply its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to 50 million EU residents starting from June after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approves the vaccine, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Thursday, stressing that vaccine partnership should be above politics.
Seven years of illegal occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation: UK statement UK FCDO 04 Mar 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush speaks about Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 at the OSCE Permanent Council.
Russia warns against using IAEA to settle scores with Syria Press TV 04 Mar 2021 -- Russia has called for not politicizing and exploiting the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Syria, warning against using the body to settle scores with the Damascus government.
In Apparent New Aim At Web Freedoms, Putin Wants 'Moral Laws' For The Internet RFE/RL 04 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the Internet in Russia to be bound by "moral laws" that he says will stop society from "collapsing" -- suggesting that Russian children are being exploited by his political opponents at anti-Kremlin demonstrations.
Russian fighter escorts U.S. bombers over Baltic Sea Global Times 04 Mar 2021 -- A Russian fighter jet escorted two U.S. strategic bombers over the Baltic Sea on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Russia's COVID Vaccine Sputnik V Green-Lighted for Use in Angola, Congo, Djibouti Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Angola, Djibouti and the Republic of Congo have officially authorized Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V for mass use, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Wednesday.
Nicaragua Begins Inoculation of Population With Russia's Sputnik V COVID Vaccine - Reports Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Nicaragua has started inoculating the population with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Prensa reported.
Russia's Su-27 Escorts 2 US Bombers Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- Two B-1B bombers of the US Air Force moved on Wednesday over the Baltic Sea toward the Russian border, they were escorted by Russian aircraft Su-27, the Russian Defense Ministry's National Defense Control Center (NDCC) said.
Philippines Signs Agreement to Buy Russian-Indian BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles Sputnik 03 Mar 2021 -- BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture by India and Russia, is on a marketing drive for its powerful anti-ship supersonic cruise missiles in south-east Asia and the Middle East, in a total of 14 countries. The missile is considered the world's deadliest and can hit a target at speed of around Mach 3 (ie, three times the speed of sound).
Russian Court Sentences Pro-Ukrainian Crimean Activist To Five Years RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- A Russian court has sentenced a pro-Ukrainian activist from Moscow-annexed Crimea, Oleh Prykhodko, to five years in prison on terrorism charges that he and his supporters have dismissed as politically motivated.
Russia warns US 'not to play with fire' after sanctions over Navalny Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia has warned the United States "not to play with fire," after Washington imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and entities over the case of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who Western governments say was poisoned last year.
Kremlin Huffs, Navalny Allies Fret: How Biden's New Russia Sanctions Are Going Down In Moscow RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia's caustic Foreign Ministry spokeswoman had this to say: "We urge our colleagues not to play with fire."
Russia Warns West Not To 'Play With Fire' With Navalny Sanctions RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia has reacted angrily to the latest round of sanctions imposed on it over the poisoning and detention of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, saying the move was "absolutely unacceptable" and would have a destructive effect on the country's already bad relations with the United States and the European Union.
Russia tells U.S. not to "play with fire" with new sanctions People's Daily 03 Mar 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. administration "not to play with fire" after Washington on Tuesday announced sanctions against Russian individuals and entities over the alleged poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Navalny Says He Is In Detention Center In Russia's Vladimir Region RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has sent his first message from custody after being transferred from a detention center in Moscow to the Vladimir region, northeast of the Russian capital, in late February.
Russian Court Hands Down First Criminal Sentence To Participant In January's Pro-Navalny Rallies RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- A court in Russia's Volga city of Kostroma has sentenced a man to 18 months of forced labor on a criminal charge for attacking a police officer during January 23 rallies against the arrest of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
Russia Adds Alliance Of Doctors To 'Foreign Agent' List RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Russia's Justice Ministry has added the professional medical organization Alliance Of Doctors to its controversial list of organizations fulfilling the functions of a "foreign agent."
Crimean Opera House Pulls Back Curtains On Russian Sanctions Loophole RFE/RL 03 Mar 2021 -- Sanctions have prohibited companies from doing business with the Russian authorities controlling Crimea for more than six years, but Western participation in the development of a bold, seagull-inspired opera house flies in the face of that ban.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on new US anti-Russia sanctions Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Mar 2021 -- "The US Administration, teamed up with the EU, has made a hostile move towards Russia by announcing new sanctions "to punish Moscow.""
Russia Reports 10,565 New COVID-19 Cases, 441 Deaths SPA 02 Mar 2021 -- Russia reported 10,565 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including 1,277 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 4,268,215, according to Reuters.
Russia Ready to Return to Open Skies Treaty, Upper House Speaker Says Sputnik 02 Mar 2021 -- Moscow is ready to return to the Treaty on Open Skies, which enables the signatories to carry out unarmed military surveillance flights, but the US has not yet made its final decision on the agreement, upper chamber speaker Valentina Matviyenko said in an interview with Sputnik.
Russia to respond to planned US, EU sanctions over Navalny case Press TV 02 Mar 2021 -- Russia says it will respond to planned sanctions by the United States over the case of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, depending on their content and nature.
Imposing Sanctions on Russia for the Poisoning and Imprisonment of Aleksey Navalny US Dept. of State 02 Mar 2021 -- The United States joins the European Union in condemning and responding to the Russian Federation's use of a chemical weapon in the attempted assassination of Russian opposition figure Aleksey Navalny in August 2020 and his subsequent imprisonment in January 2021.
Treasury Sanctions Russian Officials in Response to the Novichok Poisoning of Aleksey Navalny US Treasury 02 Mar 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) joined the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce in imposing sanctions in response to Russia's poisoning and subsequent imprisonment of Russian opposition figure Aleksey Navalny.
US Sanctions Russians for Role in Navalny Attack VOA 02 Mar 2021 -- For the first time, the administration of President Joe Biden is taking punitive action against Russia.
U.S., EU Slap Sanctions On Russia Over Navalny Poisoning, Arrest RFE/RL 02 Mar 2021 -- The United States and the European Union have announced coordinated sanctions against Russian officials over the poisoning and imprisonment of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, as the White House sets a firmer tone with Moscow while also demonstrating a united front against Kremlin aggression.
Prominent Russian Rights Group Shuts Down Over 'Foreign Agent' Laws RFE/RL 02 Mar 2021 -- Veteran Russian activist Lev Ponomaryov has shut his well-respected human rights organization due to the country's controversial laws on "foreign agents."
Military ties support China-Russia strategic cooperation: ministry Global Times 02 Mar 2021 -- Military relations stand as a bright spot and an important supporting force of the strategic cooperation between China and Russia, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said Monday.
Sputnik V Vaccination Showing 'Encouraging' Results in Argentina, Presidential Aide Says Sputnik 01 Mar 2021 -- Argentina believes that vaccination with Russia's Sputnik V shots is showing encouraging results, presidential assistant Cecilia Nicolini told Sputnik.
RDIF Received Many Requests From EU States for Direct Supplies of Sputnik V, CEO Says Sputnik 01 Mar 2021 -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has received many requests from EU countries for direct supplies of coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, and will continue to work in this direction and cooperate with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the fund's CEO, Kirill Dmitriev, said.
Slovakia Receives First Delivery Of Russian COVID Vaccine RFE/RL 01 Mar 2021 -- Slovakia has received its first shipment of 200,000 Sputnik V doses, the second European Union member state to obtain the Russian-made coronavirus vaccine.
Slovakia Approves Use of Russian Vaccine Sputnik V Without Waiting for EU Regulator Sputnik 01 Mar 2021 -- Slovakia followed Hungary's suit and registered Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V without waiting for the EU regulator's approval, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said in a statement.
Russia Targets Officers Accused Of Leaking Data On Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 01 Mar 2021 -- Within four months of falling violently ill on a flight to Moscow from Siberia in August, Russian opposition figure Aleksei Navalny had duped one of his alleged poisoners into confessing on a phone call and collaborated with investigative journalists on a report identifying the men suspected of using a nerve agent in a botched assassination attempt.
UN Rights Experts Urge International Inquiry Into Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 01 Mar 2021 -- Two UN human rights experts have called for an international investigation into the poisoning of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, saying evidence points to the "very likely involvement" of Russian government officials.
Moscow Court Finds Arrest Warrant For Navalny Associate Lawful RFE/RL 01 Mar 2021 -- The Moscow City Court has upheld an arrest warrant issued by a lower court last month for Leonid Volkov, a close associate of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
Russia responsible for Navalny poisoning, rights experts say UN News 01 Mar 2021 -- Russia is responsible for the poisoning and attempted killing of jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny, two independent UN rights experts said on Monday, issuing an "open call" for an international investigation into the incident.

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March 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News