June 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News

Direct Line with Vladimir Putin President of Russia 30 Jun 2021 -- The annual special Direct Line with Vladimir Putin was broadcast live by Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, NTV, Public Television of Russia (OTR) and Mir TV channels, and Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii radio stations.
Meeting with Nursultan Nazarbayev President of Russia 30 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin met with First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is in Russia on a working visit.
Putin Had A Chance To Rev Up Russia's Sluggish Vaccination Drive. His Message Was Muddled. RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Ahead of Vladimir Putin's annual Direct Line call-in show, a marathon Q&A session in which people across Russia address the president on air with their problems and requests, a column in the popular media outlet Republic dubbed the event a "Direct Line with the anti-vaxxers."
U.S. Urges Russia To Stop Violence In Central African Republic After Damning UN Report RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. envoy to the United Nations has called on Russia to immediately stop violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) and pull out "mercenaries" from the poor but resource-rich country.
UN Report on Russians Killing Civilians in CAR Based on 'Unfounded Accusations', Diplomat Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- The report produced by the UN Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic (CAR) claiming that Russian personnel engaged in the killing of civilians is based on unfounded accusations, Russia Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said in a press conference on Wednesday.
Putin: HMS Defender Incident in Black Sea is a Complex Provocation Plotted by UK and US Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- During the 23 June incident, a Russian warship and a Su-24M jet fired warning shots near HMS Defender, which proceeded to ignore orders to leave Russian territorial waters immediately.
Britain, Russia Still At Odds Over Warship Incident In Black Sea RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Britain and Russia have once again clashed over an incident last week in the Black Sea as a British warship passed by Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.
Lavrov: Russia Praises Turkey's Stance on S-400 Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- Russia values Turkey's position on the development of military cooperation and Ankara's stance to use the first regiment of the S-400 air defence system to ensure its security, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Lavrov Says Russia-U.S. Arms Control Talks To Start 'By Mid-July' RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he expects the United States and Russia to launch new arms control talks by mid-July.
In Annual Call-In, Putin Hopes Russia Will Avoid New Pandemic Lockdown RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin, fielding questions from across the country on his annual call-in show, urged citizens to overcome their hesitancy and get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the country continues to wrack up daily records for deaths from the coronavirus.
Vladimir Putin: US Understands That World is Changing But Still Wants to Preserve Dominant Position Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- The Russian head of state made the statement during his annual Q&A session during which he answers questions from the public. The coronavirus pandemic, environmental issues, and economic crisis are on the agenda of this year's event.
Russia Labels Czech Rights NGO As 'Undesirable,' Says It Poses Threat RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- The Russian State Prosecutor's Office has banned a Czech nongovernmental organization after putting it on the "undesirable" list.
With Record Daily COVID Deaths, Kremlin Says Vaccination Campaign Not Meeting Targets RFE/RL 29 Jun 2021 -- Russia has reported another daily record for COVID-19 deaths as the country struggles with a jump in cases triggered by the highly contagious delta variant first identified in India and a sluggish vaccination rollout.
Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Shows 97.8% Efficacy in UAE's Vaccination Campaign Sputnik 29 Jun 2021 -- Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 demonstrated 97.8% efficacy against coronavirus cases and 100% efficacy against severe cases during the vaccination campaign in the United Arab Emirates, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Tuesday.
UN Report Says Russia Carries Out Abuses In Central African Republic RFE/RL 29 Jun 2021 -- Russian military instructors and Central African Republic (CAR) forces they are supporting have carried out indiscriminate killings, used excessive force against civilians, and looted in the war-torn country, according to a UN report.
Russian Jets Flew by Dutch Ship at Safe Distance in Black Sea to Prevent Border Violation - Video Sputnik 29 Jun 2021 -- The incident apparently happened the day after a Russian warship and fighter jet were forced to fire warning shots in order to drive the Royal Navy's HMS Defender from Russia's territorial waters near the Crimean Peninsula after the British vessel ignored calls to leave.
US Coast Guard Considering Arctic 'FONOPS' to Counter Russian Presence at North Pole Sputnik 29 Jun 2021 -- The US needs to expand its operations in the Arctic to counter Russia's presence there, the head of the US Coast Guard said on Monday. That could include "freedom of navigation operations" (FONOPS) like the US uses to challenge maritime claims of other nations of which it does not approve.
Russia Tests Air-Defense Systems In Occupied Crimea Amid Multinational Black Sea Drills RFE/RL 29 Jun 2021 -- Russia has tested its air-defense systems in occupied Crimea as multinational military drills co-hosted by Ukraine and the United States were under way in the Black Sea.
Russia's Avangard & Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles Put On Combat Alert, S-500 About to Wrap Up Trials Sputnik 29 Jun 2021 -- Russia's cutting-edge Avangard and Kinzhal hypersonic weapons have been put on combat alert, while other state-of-the-art arms, including the new-generation S-500 Prometheus surface-to-air missile system, are completing trials, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday.
Russia Checking S-400 Systems in Crimea Amid NATO's Sea Breeze Drills Sputnik 29 Jun 2021 -- Russia has carried out target detection training to test the readiness of its S-400 air defence systems deployed in Crimea against the backdrop of NATO's Sea Breeze drills in the Black Sea, spokesman for the Black Sea Fleet Capt. 2nd Rank Alexei Rulyov said on Tuesday.
Putin Signs Law Criminalizing Links To 'Undesirable' Organizations RFE/RL 29 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill that criminalizes participation in the activities of foreign nongovernmental organizations recognized as "undesirable" in Russia.
Russia Adds Navalny Associate Zhdanov To International Wanted List RFE/RL 29 Jun 2021 -- Russia has placed Ivan Zhdanov, the director of jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), on an international wanted list and shared the details of his case with Interpol.
Xi, Putin announce extension of friendship treaty ahead of CPC centenary Global Times 29 Jun 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly announced the extension of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation on Monday, three days ahead of the centennial of the Communist Party of China (CPC), while Putin congratulated Xi on the CPC's centenary and expressed hopes for enhanced China-Russia inter-party exchanges.
Xi says China, Russia will firmly move ties forward People's Daily 29 Jun 2021 -- Under the guidance of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, the two countries will continue to make concerted efforts and firmly move forward despite difficulties and obstacles ahead, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.
Moscow, St. Petersburg Report Record COVID-19 Deaths As Infections Spike In Russia RFE/RL 28 Jun 2021 -- Moscow and St. Petersburg have reported record numbers of daily COVID-19 deaths as Russia battles a new deadly surge in infections.
Czech Republic Demands Compensation From Russia For 2014 Explosion RFE/RL 28 Jun 2021 -- The Czech Republic has demanded that Russia pay compensation for the 2014 explosion at an arms depot that Prague has blamed on Russian intelligence agents.
Putin, Xi Agree To Extend 20-Year-Old Friendship Treaty RFE/RL 28 Jun 2021 -- Russia and China extended a 20-year-old friendship treaty, the latest in a series of moves that have drawn Moscow and Beijing closer together.
Putin, Xi Officially Announce Extension of Chinese-Russian Friendship, Cooperation Deal Sputnik 28 Jun 2021 -- The 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship consists of 25 articles, encompassing various domains in Russian-Chinese relations. In March, Moscow and Beijing agreed to automatically extend it for another five-year term.
Article by Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, "The Law, the Rights and the Rules", Moscow, June 28, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Jun 2021
Myanmar Plans to Expand Military Cooperation With Russia, Commander-in-Chief Says Sputnik 28 Jun 2021 -- Myanmar intends to expand its military cooperation with Russia, Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the country's military and the chairman of the State Administration Council, has said in an interview with Sputnik.
Moscow's Daily Death Toll From COVID-19 Surpasses 100 For First Time Amid New Wave RFE/RL 27 Jun 2021 -- More than 100 people in Moscow have died from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, setting a new record, as Russia faces another wave of the pandemic.
Russian COVID Deaths Set New High For 2021, Again RFE/RL 26 Jun 2021 -- Russia on June 26 reported its deadliest day so far this year from COVID-19, with 619 patients succumbing over the previous 24 hours to top the previous day's high.
Communists Rally Against 'Mandatory' Vaccination In Hard-Hit Moscow RFE/RL 26 Jun 2021 -- Police in the Russian capital detained at least eight people on June 26 after a Communist-led rally opposing compulsory vaccination against COVID-19.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Says He Plans To Meet With U.S. Ambassador To 'Normalize' Diplomatic Work RFE/RL 26 Jun 2021 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said he plans to meet soon with U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan, who returned to Moscow this week after two months away from the post.
Russia Reports Daily Record For COVID Deaths As Surge Continues RFE/RL 25 Jun 2021 -- Russia has reported a record 601 deaths from COVID-19 in the past day as a surge in coronavirus cases attributed to the presence of the delta variant sweeps across the country.
Russia, A Vaccine Pioneer, Fights A Fresh COVID Wave Stoked By Public Distrust RFE/RL 25 Jun 2021 -- Of the 20 people employed at Oleg Lysenko's real estate agency in Russia's capital, only Lysenko himself has been vaccinated.
EU Leaders Reject Putin Summit; Defend LGBT Rights VOA 25 Jun 2021 -- On the first day of its summit in Brussels, the 27-member European Union failed to agree to terms for proposed an EU-Russia summit, and sharply debated Hungary's new LGBT legislation.
In Heated Clash, EU Leaders Tell Hungary To Respect LGBT Rights Or Leave RFE/RL 25 Jun 2021 -- European Union leaders say they have told Hungary to respect LGBT rights or leave the bloc, as tempers flared in a confrontation with Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his country's new law banning schools from using materials that could be seen as promoting homosexuality.
Kremlin 'Regrets' EU Rejection Of Proposed Summit With Putin RFE/RL 25 Jun 2021 -- The Kremlin has expressed disappointment over the failure of European Union leaders to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold an EU-Russia summit with President Vladimir Putin.
The Week In Russia: Insecurity, Insincerity, And Distrust RFE/RL 25 Jun 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin issued Moscow's latest plea for "cooperation and security from the Atlantic to the Pacific," but provocative pronouncements about Ukraine may undermine the message. Meanwhile, a COVID surge slammed Russia and the Kremlin's crackdown spread deeper into the educational sector.
Amid Outrage Abroad, Chechen Strongman Kadyrov Lays The Groundwork For A Fourth Term RFE/RL 25 Jun 2021 -- In February 2016, just weeks before the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya was to hold an election for executive-branch head, incumbent leader Ramzan Kadyrov announced on state television that he had had enough.
Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 24 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Meeting with Head of Rostec State Corporation Sergei Chemezov President of Russia 24 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Sergei Chemezov. The Rostec CEO reported to the President on the state corporation's performance in 2020 and informed him about its current projects.
Telephone conversation with Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 24 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 9th Moscow Conference on International Security, Moscow, June 24, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jun 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and reply to a media question at a joint news conference with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo following talks, Moscow, June 24, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Jun 2021
Russia's Buryatia Orders COVID-19 Restrictions RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- Buryatia in eastern Siberia has ordered a lockdown to help slow the spread of coronavirus, and France is adding Russia to its "red list" of countries from which travel is severely restricted because it is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.
British PM Defends Freedom Of Navigation After Black Sea Incident With Russia RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted the U.K. Navy was "entirely right" to defend freedom of navigation following an incident with Russia in the Black Sea, while Moscow warned it was prepared to fire on warships entering territorial waters it claims around Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.
U.S. Ambassador Returns To Russia After Two Months RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan has returned to Moscow, two months after leaving amid worsening relations between the United States and Russia.
Blinken Warns That Nord Stream 2 Could Be 'Coercivie Tool' Against Europe RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated warnings about the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline during meetings in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on June 23.
EU Summit To Discuss Strategy For Relations With Russia, Kyiv Warns On Meeting Proposal RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- European Union leaders are gathering in Brussels on June 24 for a two-day summit during which they will discuss a new strategy to manage relations with Russia amid signs of a split with some members pushing for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, and others opposed given their deep-seated distrust of Russia's head of state.
Engage or Disengage? EU leaders Divided on Russia VOA 24 Jun 2021 -- European Union leaders seeking a common stance toward Russia during talks in Brussels on Thursday and Friday are instead divided over a French-German proposal to reset relations with Moscow, including a possible EU-Russia summit.
Another Man Arrested In Crimea Accused Of Spying For Ukraine RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- Russian-imposed authorities in Ukraine's Crimea have arrested a man on charges of spying for Kyiv, the second person detained for alleged espionage on the peninsula since April.
Addressing the fragile security and political situation in the Central African Republic UK FCDO 23 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe, UK Acting Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on MINUSCA
UN Envoy Accuses Russian Mercenaries Of Human Rights Abuses In C.A.R. RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- The UN envoy to the Central African Republic (C.A.R.), as well as diplomats from the United States and France, has accused the national security forces and their Russian paramilitary allies of wide-ranging human rights abuses.
Russia Seeks Antidote To Black Market In Phony COVID Certificates RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- Living in Russia with the option of travel, restaurant dining, or even working in an office is increasingly requiring proof of inoculation against COVID-19.
US Scrambled Fighters Twice This Month Over Russian Military Drill Near Hawaii, Reports Suggest Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- The United States has launched fighter jets twice this month in Hawaii in response to Russia conducting a massive drill off the coast of the archipelago, ABC News reported on Wednesday, citing a defense official.
US Has Created 400,000 Troop-Strong Force in Asia-Pacific, Russian Military Intelligence Warns Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- The Biden administration dramatically increased so-called "freedom of navigation" operations in the East and South China Seas, and on the diplomatic front has worked to create a major new alliance to "contain" China. Beijing has blasted these efforts, accusing the US of trying to create global chaos.
Russian Defence Minister Believes Civil War in Afghanistan is Possible After NATO Withdrawal Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- In April, the NATO allies took the decision to start withdrawing their forces from Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, that has been in place since 2015.
Britain Denies Russia Fired Warning Shots At Warship In Black Sea RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- The United Kingdom has denied reports that a Russian vessel fired warning shots at a British Navy ship in the Black Sea, attributing the incident to a preannounced military exercise.
Warning Shots Fired at British Destroyer in Black Sea, Russia Says VOA 23 Jun 2021 -- Russian forces said they fired warning shots Wednesday at a British Royal Navy destroyer taking part in a U.S.-led naval exercise in the Black Sea near Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
Russia, China Question Need for Aid Operations from Turkey to Northwest Syria VOA 23 Jun 2021 -- The U.N. secretary-general personally appealed to the Security Council on Wednesday to extend vital cross-border aid from Turkey into northwest Syria for another year, saying not to do so "would have devastating consequences."
Meeting with Government members President of Russia 23 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the Russian Federation Government via videoconference.
Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 23 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin has a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, at the initiative of the Azerbaijani side.
Working meeting with Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov President of Russia 23 Jun 2021 -- The President held, via videoconference, a working meeting with Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov to discuss the social and economic situation in the republic.
Navalny Team Calls Russian 'Extremist' Ruling 'New Level' Of Lawlessness RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- The team for jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny says a court ruling labeling his political network as "extremist" fails to show any evidence of wrongdoing -- a sign of a "truly new level" of lawlessness in the country.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 23, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jun 2021
Russian Fighter Intercepts US Reconnaissance Plane Over Sea of Okhotsk, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- Russia's Su-30SM fighter intercepted on Wednesday a US reconnaissance aircraft over the Sea of Okhotsk, the Russian Defenсe Ministry said.
Putin Says NATO Keeps Building Up Military Near Russia's Borders and Continues to Reject Dialogue Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- In an interview to NBC last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin described NATO as a relic of the Cold War-era, adding that he was not sure why it still existed.
Russia Reserves Right to Use Nuclear Weapons in Response to Aggression, General Staff Says Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of weapons of mass destruction or regular weapons against it if the very existence of the country is threatened, Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov said on Wednesday.
Jailed Russian Activist Fined Over 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- The jailed former executive director of the pro-democracy Open Russia movement has been fined for failing to provide details of a group he established in 2017 that was added to the "foreign agents" registry.
'An Attack On Young People': Russia's Decision To Ban U.S. Bard College Baffles Observers RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- "This is very bad news," wrote historian and instructor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences Daniil Kotsyubinsky when he learned that the Russian Prosecutor-General's Office had moved to name his faculty's U.S. partner, Bard College, an "undesirable" foreign organization.
Nine Million Russians 'Deprived Of Right To Be Elected' RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- The independent monitoring group Golos says legal restrictions enacted by the government have deprived at least 9 million Russians, about 8 percent of the eligible population, of their right to be elected as September parliamentary elections near.
Greetings by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov to the participants of the Asia and Pacific High-level Conference on Belt and Road Cooperation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jun 2021
Statement by the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security, Director of the Department of International Information Security of the MFA of Russia, Ambassador Andrey Krutskikh, at the 3rd Inter-Regional Conference on Cyber/ICT-Security (VTC, 22-23 June 2021) Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jun 2021
Myanmar Junta Chief Visit to Moscow Seen as Shoring of Support Amid Condemnation For Coup Radio Free Asia 23 Jun 2021 -- A visit by Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to Russia this week is likely part of a bid to secure recognition and military equipment from Moscow amid widespread international condemnation of his overthrow of the democratically elected government, analysts said Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, Moscow, June 22, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jun 2021
Moscow Court Delays Hearing Navalny's 'Flight-Risk' Case RFE/RL 22 Jun 2021 -- A Moscow district court has postponed until June 25 the hearing of a suit by imprisoned opposition leader Aleksei Navalny asking the court to rescind a decision by prison officials designating him as a "flight risk."
On 80th Anniversary Of Nazi Invasion Of Soviet Union, Putin Claims He Wants 'Partnership' With Europe RFE/RL 22 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has marked the 80th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of the U.S.S.R. by hailing the sacrifices made by the Soviets during the war while claiming that European security has been "dramatically degraded" amid "escalating tensions."
European Court Orders Russia To Pay Almost $2.4 Million To Relatives Of People Missing In Chechnya RFE/RL 22 Jun 2021 -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered Russia to pay almost two million euros ($2.4 million) to the relatives of 11 people who went missing in Chechnya in 2005 during a special operation by the Vostok (East) military unit.
U.S. Ambassador To Russia To Return This Week RFE/RL 22 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan will return to Moscow "this week," two months after leaving the post amid worsening relations between the United States and Russia, Department of State spokesman Ned Price said on June 21.
Statement by Sergey Lavrov at the Opening Ceremony of the High-Level Policy Dialogue "ASEM at 25: Strengthening Asia-Europe Partnership in a Transforming World", Moscow, 22 June 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jun 2021
Five People, Including Russian National, Charged With Violation Of U.S. Arms Export Control Act RFE/RL 22 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. Justice Department has charged five individuals, including a Russian citizen, with conspiring to illegally export defense articles to Russia in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
Five Charged in Scheme to Export Thermal Imaging Scopes and Night Vision Goggles to Russia, in Violation of Arms Export Control Act US Dept. of Justice 22 Jun 2021 -- A federal grand jury in Los Angeles unsealed an indictment Thursday that accuses five defendants of conspiring to unlawfully export defense articles to Russia. Specifically, the defendants allegedly exported thermal imaging riflescopes and night-vision goggles without a license, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
Putin Says Coronavirus Situation In Some Regions 'Aggravated,' Authorities Rush To Cope RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- Russian officials, grappling to contain a deadly new third wave of coronavirus infections, have reopened a mobile hospital in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the situation in some regions has worsened.
British Embassy Denies Reported Agreement With Belgrade Against Russian Influence RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- The British Embassy in Belgrade has denied a report saying it had signed an agreement with the Serbian Defense Ministry on preventing Russia's influence in the Balkan country.
Russian Man Charged With Spying For Ukraine Transferred To Moscow RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- A Russian national detained in April in Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula on espionage charges has been transferred to Moscow.
Germany Arrests Russian University Researcher On Suspicion Of Espionage RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- Germany's authorities say they have arrested a Russian citizen accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash.
Russia Warns Of New Restrictions As It Reels From Surging Cases RFE/RL 20 Jun 2021 -- Russia's labor minister has said workers who fail to get the COVID-19 vaccine in regions where the shot has been made compulsory could be forced to take unpaid leave.
U.S. Preparing New Sanctions Against Russia Over Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 20 Jun 2021 -- The United States is preparing new sanctions against Russia over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has said.
Putin Says Russia Continues Working on New Vaccines, Medication for Treating COVID-19 Sputnik 19 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated medical workers and veterans of the Russian healthcare system on Medical Worker Day, thanking them for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and calling for a more active vaccination programme.
Sputnik Light Boosts Antibodies Against All COVID Strains During Revaccination, Developer Says Sputnik 19 Jun 2021 -- Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine can be used for revaccination, which will increase the level of antibodies against all circulating strains, Alexander Gintsburg, the chief of the Russian Gamaleya Research Centre, told Sputnik.
Poles Blame Kremlin For 'Unprecedented' Cyberattack On Senior Officials RFE/RL 19 Jun 2021 -- Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said that Poland's security services were scrambling to "secure the many inboxes" of ranking politicians victimized by an "external hack cooked up at the Kremlin."
'Case Closed': Serbian Officials Silent After Russia Blamed For 'Ecstasy' Attack On Teen In Belgrade RFE/RL 19 Jun 2021 -- The Serbian Interior Ministry has ignored an official request seeking documents to shed light on a politician's allegation that Russian diplomats attacked his teenage daughter at a Belgrade McDonald's two years ago before they were whisked away and the incident was swept under the carpet by police.
U.S. Says 'Contingency' Aid Ready If Russia Attacks Ukraine RFE/RL 19 Jun 2021 -- The United States has prepared contingency military aid in the event of further Russian military incursions into Ukraine, the White House has said.
Russia, China begin drawing up ambitious plans for space missions Press TV 19 Jun 2021 -- Russia and China have teamed up for ambitious space missions that would directly compete with those of the United States and its allies.
Putin Promises Billions In New Spending Ahead Of Russian Elections RFE/RL 19 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised billions of rubles in additional spending in the months remaining before legislative elections in September.
Russia to leave Open Skies Treaty on Dec. 18 People's Daily 19 Jun 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that the country will officially withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies on Dec. 18 this year.
Moscow says Russia will fully leave Treaty on Open Skies late this year after US exit Press TV 19 Jun 2021 -- Russia says late this year it will completely pull out of the Treaty on Open Skies, which allows reconnaissance flights over the entire territory of the parties to the treaty, months after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the key trust-building pact.
Scoop: Turkey Invites Russia to Take Part in Construction of Country's Spaceport Sputnik 18 Jun 2021 -- Earlier this year, media reported that Ankara was planning to build a spaceport in Somalia as part of a $1 billion investment in the nation's nascent space programme. Turkish authorities did not confirm this information, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did announce in February that Turkey would make a hard landing on the Moon by the year 2023.
Kremlin Blames COVID Surge On 'Nihilism' As Moscow Extends Restrictions RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- The Kremlin on June 18 blamed a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections on "overwhelming nihilism" among Russians.
Russia monitors talk of Turkish military base in Azerbaijan Press TV 18 Jun 2021 -- Russia says it was closely monitoring talks around a potential Turkish military base in Azerbaijan as the NATO member agreed to increase military cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Lavrov Dismisses Talk Of Possible Turkish Military Base In Azerbaijan As 'Rumors' RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed speculation that Turkey could build a military base in Azerbaijan as "rumors."
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the Treaty on Open Skies NATO 18 Jun 2021 -- "We deeply regret the notification by Russia of its decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, an important legally binding instrument which contributes to transparency, security and stability, and mutual confidence in the Euro-Atlantic area."
Foreign Ministry's statement following the Russian Federation's sending notifications to the states parties to the Treaty on Open Skies Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2021
Russia To Officially Exit Open Skies Arms Control Treaty In December RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- Russia says it has notified its partners under the Open Skies arms control treaty that it will leave the group in December, following the departure from the accord by the United States late last year.
Biden's Bargain: Possibilities, Pitfalls Await After Summit With Putin RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- When U.S. President Joe Biden invited Vladimir Putin to a summit against the wishes of those who cautioned he would be rewarding Moscow for "malign activities," it seemed to some like a long-shot bet to rein in the Russian leader by giving him the respect Kremlin-watchers say he craves.
'There will be no one-sided game': Lavrov on Putin-Biden summit Press TV 18 Jun 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the diplomatic crisis between Moscow and Washington can only be resolved through simultaneous steps, stressing that there will be no one-sided game.
Two Russian Opposition Lawmakers Detained Ahead Of Elections RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- Russian authorities have detained two opposition municipal lawmakers from Moscow and St. Petersburg, in a possible attempt to thwart them from running in September's elections.
The Week In Russia: The Geneva Contentions RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- Given the low expectations for their June 16 summit, U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin may have headed home from Geneva with the sense of a modest mission accomplished. It was an easier reach for Putin than for Biden, who may face pressure for results in the months ahead.
Belarus Foreign Minister Meets Lavrov On Case Of Pratasevich's Russian Girlfriend RFE/RL 18 Jun 2021 -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey has met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow to discuss the status of Russian citizen Sofia Sapega -- the girlfriend of the detained Belarusian opposition activist Raman Pratasevich.
Russia to Withdraw From Open Skies Treaty on 18 December Sputnik 18 Jun 2021 -- Russia will officially withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty on 18 December, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday, adding that Moscow has notified the signatories of the agreement about its withdrawal.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 17, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Jun 2021
Sputnik V Developers to Present Booster Shot Against Delta Variant of Coronavirus Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- The developers of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine will soon present a booster shot against the Delta variant of the coronavirus, which was first detected in India, according to the official Twitter account of the vaccine.
Post-Registration Trials of Second Russian COVID-19 Vaccine to Finish in Late July, Developer Says Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- The post-registration clinical trials of Russia's EpiVacCorona vaccine against COVID-19, developed by the Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology, will be completed by the end of July, Vector chief Rinat Maksyutov said on Thursday.
Takeaways From Biden-Putin 'Cyber Summit' VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- Cybersecurity experts have been poring over the transcripts from Wednesday's news conferences in Geneva to determine whether the U.S.-Russia summit will produce real progress in halting a wave of high-profile ransomware attacks. For most, the answer is: It's too soon to tell.
NATO Membership For Ukraine Would Be 'Red Line,' Kremlin Says RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Ukraine becoming a member of NATO would be a "red line" for Russia, the Kremlin has said after U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first summit in Geneva.
China, Russia invite international partners in lunar research station cooperation People's Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- China and Russia's aerospace authorities have jointly released a roadmap and a guide for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), inviting all interested countries, international organizations and partners to cooperate in the project.
Europe Questions Whether Biden-Putin Summit Will Stop Negative Spiral in Relations with Moscow VOA 17 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, remained tensely civil and cautiously polite before their much-anticipated summit in an eighteenth-century mansion on the shores of Lake Geneva. The press corps less so as American reporters and TV camerapersons were forced to jostle for space with obdurate Russian rivals.
Putin's Performance At Geneva Summit Seen As A Master Class In 'Whataboutism' RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Of all the memorable moments in Russian President Vladimir Putin's press conference after meeting with his US counterpart Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, one in particular stood out.
Russian Duma Gives Final Nod To Bill Compelling IT Giants To Establish Local Branches RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved in the third and final reading a bill that would require foreign information technology (IT) companies to set up local units or face penalties including a possible ban, as Moscow continues to tighten its control over the flow of information on the Internet.
Russia's Navalny Calls Putin 'Liar' Over Remarks After Biden Summit RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin's accusations against him following a June 16 summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, has called the Russian leader "a liar who can't stop lying."
Putin lashes out at U.S. after meeting with Biden People's Daily 17 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday lashed out at the United States on arms control, human rights, cyber-attacks, among other issues, after "constructive" talks with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden.
Despite Low Expectations, Kremlin Calls Outcomes of Putin-Biden Summit 'Rather Positive' Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- On 16 June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden met in Geneva to discuss a number of biletaral issues, including cybersecurity, Ukraine and arms control. The two evaluated the meeting as being "good".
Putin: Nuclear-armed Russia, US share responsibility for global strategic stability Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Following a meeting with his American counterpart, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the two countries shoulder "a special responsibility" for maintaining strategic stability in the world as nuclear powers, and that Washington and Moscow have agreed to start a round of talks on arms control soon.
Russia Expects to Start Talks With US on Arms Control Within Weeks, Deputy Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Earlier, on 16 June, Biden and Putin signed a joint statement vowing to launch a bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue to lay the foundation for arms control talks and avoid nuclear war.
Putin Announces Cybersecurity, Strategic Stability Talks After Meeting Biden Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Strategic Stability
Belarusian, Russian Envoys To Discuss Woman Detained On Diverted Flight RFE/RL 17 Jun 2021 -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey starts a two-day visit in Moscow on June 17 focusing on the status of Russian citizen Sofia Sapega, the girlfriend of the detained Belarusian opposition activist Raman Pratasevich.
Not-So-Great Expectations: At Putin-Biden Summit, Modest Outcomes RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- After all that, it came down to this: ambassadors and nuclear weapons. U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Geneva on June 16 for their first summit -- five months after Biden took office, and more than 21 years since Putin first did. With bilateral relations spiraling into potentially dangerous territory, both leaders, and their advisers, had telegraphed their goals ahead of time.
News conference following Russia-US talks President of Russia 16 Jun 2021
Moscow Makes COVID-19 Vaccination Compulsory For Many Service Employees RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- Moscow authorities have decided to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for 60 percent of employees in the service sector, as coronavirus cases continued to surge in the Russian capital.
U.S. Convicts Russian For Malware 'Crypting' Services RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- Russian national Oleg Koshkin has been found guilty by a U.S. jury in Connecticut of operating a "crypting" service that helped hackers infect computers around the world with malware, the U.S. Justice Department announced on July 16.
Russian National Convicted of Charges Relating to Kelihos Botnet US Dept. of Justice 16 Jun 2021 -- A federal jury in Connecticut convicted a Russian national on Tuesday for operating a "crypting" service used to conceal "Kelihos" malware from antivirus software, enabling hackers to systematically infect victim computers around the world with malicious software, including ransomware.
U.S.-Russia Presidential Joint Statement on Strategic Stability The White House 16 Jun 2021
Remarks by President Biden in Press Conference The White House 16 Jun 2021
Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure The White House 16 Jun 2021
U.S.-Russia Presidential Joint Statement on Strategic Stability The White House 16 Jun 2021
Putin Says Russia, US Bear Special Responsibility for Strategic Stability as Nuclear Powers Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- The Russian and US presidents held a marathon 4.5 hour summit meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday, discussing a broad range of issues.
Russian-US talks President of Russia 16 Jun 2021 -- Talks between Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Joseph Biden took place in Geneva.
Biden, Putin Summit Ends After More Than Three Hours Of Talks RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- The White House says a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has ended after about four hours of talks.
Biden, Putin meet amid US escalation of Russia tensions Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Joe Biden, sat down to have two rounds of meetings in a summit.
Biden Strikes Realistic Tone After Meeting With Putin VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have ended their summit in Geneva, with Biden describing it as "good" and "positive."
Putin Characterizes Summit with Biden as 'Constructive' VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have ended their summit in Geneva, chosen as a location for the talks for its history of political neutrality.
Biden, Putin Conclude Geneva Summit VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have ended their summit in Geneva, chosen as a location for the talks for its history of political neutrality.
Putin, Biden shake hands amid anticipation yet low expectation Global Times 17 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden finally shook hands at an 18th-century Swiss villa perched above Lake Geneva on Wednesday, but as the two sides and most observers worldwide have downplayed expectations ahead of the summit, the meeting is unlikely to mark an end to tensions between the two global powers, with Chinese analysts saying that Biden needs the summit more than Putin.
Putin: Jailed Opposition Leader Navalny Got What He Deserved VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny got what he deserved when he was sentenced to prison.
EU Foreign-Policy Chief Says It's Time To 'Push Back' Against Russia RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- European Union foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell says the EU needs to "push back, constrain, and engage" Moscow.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Bill Criminalizing Links To 'Undesirable' Organizations RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved the third and final reading of a bill that would criminalize participation in the activities of foreign or international NGOs declared "undesirable" in Russia.
Journalism Watchdog Warns That Russia Is 'Killing Off' Independent Media RFE/RL 16 Jun 2021 -- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has warned of the "gradual disappearance" of independent media in Russia, and urged President Vladimir Putin to repeal a "draconian 'foreign agents' law" that has been used to target RFE/RL and other news outlets.
Two Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets Perform Planned Flight Over Neutral Waters of Baltic Sea Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- Two Su-35 Russian Aerospace Forces multi-role fighter jets performed a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea on Tuesday; the aircraft did not deviate from their flight path, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
Lithuanian Foreign Ministry Lodges Complaint, Alleges Russia Violated its Airspace Sputnik 16 Jun 2021 -- The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had invited a representative of the Russian embassy to formally protest an alleged violation of its airspace by Russian military planes.
China, Russia jointly release road map on lunar station program, emphasizing openness to intl partners Global Times 16 Jun 2021 -- In the latest show of the determination and confidence of China-Russia cooperation in the field of lunar and deeper-space exploration, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and its Russian counterpart jointly released the International Lunar Research Station Roadmap (V1.0) and Guide for Partnership (V1.0), stressing once again their openness to all interested countries, international organizations and partners to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, Global Times learned from the China National Space Agency (CNSA) on Wednesday.
Iran's Interest in Russian Satellite 'Not Particularly Concerning' to US Security, CENTCOM Chief Tells VOA VOA 16 Jun 2021 -- Iran's reported desire to purchase a Russian advanced satellite system is not "particularly concerning" to U.S. security in the region, according to the commander who oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
Russia Reportedly Removes Belarusian Opposition Leader From Wanted List RFE/RL 15 Jun 2021 -- Russian police have removed Belarusian opposition politician Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya from their wanted list at the initiative of the Belarusian authorities, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reports.
Biden Says Relations With Russia Would Be 'Hurt' If Navalny Were To Die RFE/RL 15 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden says if jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny were to die, it would be a "tragedy" that would damage Russia's relationship with the United States and the rest of the world.
Both Sides Say Deals At Putin-Biden Talks Unlikely, But Meeting Useful RFE/RL 15 Jun 2021 -- Both sides have downplayed the chances of breakthroughs at a summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Switzerland, as the U.S. leader arrived in Geneva on the third leg of a major European trip.
U.S., EU Pledge To 'High-Level Dialogue On Russia' Going Forward RFE/RL 15 Jun 2021 -- The United States and European Union have announced an agreement to "establish an EU-U.S. high-level dialogue on Russia" to better coordinate policies and actions.
Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 36th Meeting of the Foreign Ministry's Council of the Heads of Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation, Moscow, June 15, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Jun 2021
Navalny's Lawyer Quits Parliamentary Elections Over Draconian Law RFE/RL 15 Jun 2021 -- Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), says she is quitting her bid to become a member of parliament in order to protect her campaign team from being prosecuted under a draconian law that targets Navalny's associates.
Interview to NBC President of Russia 14 Jun 2021 -- Vladimir Putin answered questions from NBC correspondent Keir Simmons. The interview was recorded on June 11 in the Kremlin.
Putin rejects 'farcical' US accusation of Russia cyberattacks, says open to prisoner swap Press TV 14 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed as "farcical" accusations that Moscow has been waging cyber warfare against the United States, stressing there is no proof for the claims put forward by Washington.
Putin Dismisses US Claims of Russian Cyberattacks VOA 14 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is sharply dismissing U.S. claims that Moscow and Russian hackers are carrying out debilitating cyberattacks on American companies and government agencies, including demands for millions of dollars in ransom to restore corporate computer operating systems.
Brussels Summit Communiqué NATO 14 Jun 2021 -- Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels 14 June 2021
NATO leaders agree NATO 2030 reform agenda, discuss Russia, China NATO 14 Jun 2021 -- NATO Heads of State and Government on Monday (14 June) agreed a set of proposals under the NATO 2030 banner, covering a range of issues, including the protection of critical infrastructure, promoting innovation, boosting partnerships, and making the fight against climate change an important task for NATO for the first time.
NATO Sees No Return To 'Business As Usual' With Russia RFE/RL 14 Jun 2021 -- Leaders of NATO member states have said there could be no return to normal relations between the Western military alliance and Russia until it complies with international law.
NATO Reaffirms Strength of Alliance, Calls Out Russia, China VOA 14 Jun 2021 -- The 30 member states of NATO ended their Monday summit in Brussels, reaffirming the military alliance with a strong statement against Russia and to a lesser degree, China.
Major breakthroughs unlikely, Biden-Putin summit still holds meaning, experts say People's Daily 14 Jun 2021 -- While the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is unlikely to lead to a significant detente in the two countries' strained relations, the resumption of dialogue between the two carries significance, analysts have said.
COVID-19 Cases Hit New Highs In Russia RFE/RL 13 Jun 2021 -- Russia reported another sharp rise in fresh COVID-19 cases on June 13, a day after the mayor of Moscow told residents of the Russian capital to say home from work next week to curb the spread of the virus.
Putin Says Russia Is Ready To Hand Over Cybercriminals, But Only If U.S. Does The Same RFE/RL 13 Jun 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has said Russia would be ready to hand over suspected cybercriminals to the United States but only if Washington did the same for Moscow and if the two powers reached an agreement on the matter.
US, Russia Spar on Cyberattacks Ahead of Biden-Putin Summit VOA 13 Jun 2021 -- The United States and Russia sparred Sunday about responsibility for debilitating cyberattacks as U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared for their summit in Geneva on Wednesday.
Iran, Russia Negotiators Play Down Chances For Quick Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 13 Jun 2021 -- The Iranian and Russian negotiators meeting in Vienna with global powers played down the hopes for a quick settlement in the talks to revive the 2015 landmark deal that curtailed Tehran's nuclear programs.
G7 Leaders Demand Action From Russia On Cyberattacks, Chemical Weapons Use RFE/RL 13 Jun 2021 -- The Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations has urged Russia take action against those conducting cyberattacks and using ransomware from within its borders, as it wrapped up a three-day summit in southwestern England.
Putin Says Russia Will Continue Developing World's Most Powerful Icebreaker Fleet Sputnik 13 Jun 2021 -- Russia has the most powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet in the world and will continue to develop it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a Kremlin Russia Day celebration.
Moscow Shuts Down Workweek Over Massive COVID-19 Spike RFE/RL 12 Jun 2021 -- Moscow's mayor has announced a non-working week on June 15-19 in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases, as both the Russian capital and the rest of the country reported the highest number of new coronavirus infections since winter.
US-Russia relationship 'deteriorated to its lowest point' in years: Putin Press TV 12 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Washington-Moscow relationship has "deteriorated to its lowest point" over the past years.
The Joe And Vova Show: Biden, Putin To Meet Face-To-Face In Geneva. Few Expect Breakthroughs. RFE/RL 12 Jun 2021 -- The last time Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden met was after Biden made a quick 10-minute drive across central Moscow from the Ritz-Carlton hotel to attend a group meeting at Russia's White House, overlooking a bend in the still icy Moskva River.
White House: Biden To Go 'Solo' For Post-Putin Press Conference RFE/RL 12 Jun 2021 -- The White House says U.S. President Joe Biden will hold a "solo press conference" after his summit in Geneva next week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the latest indicator of the tensions swirling between Moscow and Washington.
Putin Signs Law To Protect Personal Info Of Russian Security Officials RFE/RL 12 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill into law imposing penalties for disclosing the personal data of security officials or their relatives, a move that could further hamstring efforts to expose corruption or hold Russian officials accountable.
Putin Gives Thoughts On Biden, Evades Questions About Killed Kremlin Opponents RFE/RL 12 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said relations with the United States have plummeted to their lowest point in years, in a wide-ranging interview in which he also addressed allegations that he is "a killer."
Putin dismisses as 'fake' Washington Post report on Russia's plan to give Iran advanced satellite system Press TV 12 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed as "fake news" a report by the Washington Post that Moscow is preparing to supply Iran with an advanced satellite system that would enable Tehran to track potential military targets across the Middle East and beyond.
Russia kicks off huge naval drills in Pacific amid US plan of largest war games Press TV 11 Jun 2021 -- The Russian Pacific Fleet has begun massive naval maneuvers in the central part of the Pacific Ocean shortly after the US military announced plans to hold it largest war games in a generation in the same region this summer.
Moscow Mayor Sounds Alarm Over COVID-19 Surge RFE/RL 11 Jun 2021 -- Moscow's mayor has sounded the alarm over a spike in COVID-19 cases as both the Russian capital and the rest of the country reported the highest number of new coronavirus infections since winter.
The Week In Russia: Summit Signals And Election Extremes RFE/RL 11 Jun 2021 -- Ahead of a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in Geneva, Russian President Vladimir Putin advanced a narrative of blame for the bad state of the relationship. Ahead of elections at home, he turned the screws tighter still, barring anyone associated with groups branded "extremist" from seeking office.
Navalny Ally Says Jailed Kremlin Critic's Health Condition 'Significantly' Better RFE/RL 11 Jun 2021 -- The director of jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which was labeled as "extremist" and banned in Russia this week, says the Kremlin critic is in "significantly better" condition as he recovers from a hunger strike that raised fears he may die.
Russia Said Ready To Send Advanced Satellite System To Iran RFE/RL 11 Jun 2021 -- The Washington Post has quoted current and former U.S. and Middle Eastern officials as saying that Russia is preparing to supply Iran with an advanced satellite system that could greatly advance Tehran's surveillance in the region and beyond.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 10, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Jun 2021
China, Russia Military Budgets Combined Exceed US Spending, Top General Says VOA 10 Jun 2021 -- China and Russia's combined military spending exceeds that of the United States when adjusted for purchasing power, which has allowed China to shorten capability gaps in its quest to become the top superpower by midcentury, the top U.S. military officer said Thursday.
Russia Expels Macedonian Embassy Staff In Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 10 Jun 2021 -- Russia says it has declared an employee of North Macedonia's embassy in Moscow as persona non grata in response to a similar move by Skopje last month.
Shrinking space for civil society in Russia: UK statement UK FCDO 10 Jun 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush condemns the new deterioration in Russia's shrinking civil society space and the limitation of political freedoms.
Navalny-linked Groups Vow to Fight on After Russian Ban VOA 10 Jun 2021 -- The anti-corruption group of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is pledging to continue its work after a Russian court outlawed Navalny-affiliated organizations and labeled them "extremist."
'I Woke Up An Extremist': Navalny Team Vows To Challenge Putin, Despite Watershed Ruling RFE/RL 10 Jun 2021 -- in Russia have pledged to continue their efforts to campaign for change and expose corruption in the upper echelons of power after a Moscow court declared their movement "extremist."
Latvian Parliament Allows Arrest Of Lawmaker Reportedly Suspected Of Spying For Moscow RFE/RL 10 Jun 2021 -- Latvia's parliament has voted to allow investigators to arrest Janis Adamsons, a lawmaker from the Saskana (Harmony) faction who is suspected of spying for Russia.
Investigative Groups Link Poisoning Of Russian Writer Bykov With FSB Agents Suspected In Navalny Case RFE/RL 10 Jun 2021 -- Independent investigative groups Bellingcat and The Insider say a detailed investigation shows Russian writer and poet Dmitry Bykov, a critic of the government, suffered a poisoning attack two years ago at the hands of the same agents suspected of being involved in the poisoning of opposition figures Aleksei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza, Jr.
Poland Detains Man On Suspicion Of Spying For Russia RFE/RL 10 Jun 2021 -- Polish prosecutors have arrested a man they say was acting as a spy for Russia and placed him in pretrial detention for three months.
The Designation of Navalny-Affiliated Organizations as "Extremist" US Dept. of State 09 Jun 2021 -- "We condemn today's decision by a Moscow court to designate as "extremist" three organizations affiliated with imprisoned opposition figure Aleksey Navalny."
Paris holds back military aid to CAR over alleged anti-French campaign Press TV 09 Jun 2021 -- France says it will withhold its military cooperation and budgetary aid to the Central African Republic pending further assessments, alleging that the government in Bangui has been involved in a "massive disinformation campaign" with Russia.
Whereabouts Unknown: Tajik Government Critics Face Pressure, Forced Disappearances In Russia RFE/RL 09 Jun 2021 -- Relatives of Tajik blogger Ehson Odinaev haven't heard from him since May 2015, when Odinaev left his apartment in St. Petersburg to buy medicine from a nearby pharmacy. He never returned home.
Putin Says Ukrainians Opposing NATO Membership Are 'Smart People' Sputnik 09 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the intelligence of Ukrainians who oppose their country's NATO membership, noting that they do not want to become cannon fodder or political currency.
Navalny Political Organizations Declared Extremist RFE/RL 09 Jun 2021 -- A Russian court on June 9 approved a request by prosecutors to declare organizations linked to imprisoned opposition politician Aleksei Navalny as "extremist," the latest move in a campaign by authorities to bar the Kremlin critic's allies from running in parliamentary elections in September.
Russian Bill Approved Expanding 'Undesirable' Organizations Law RFE/RL 09 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved the third and final reading of a bill that widens the scope of a controversial existing law on "undesirable" organizations.
Russia: UK condemns ruling of Navalny foundation as extremist organisation UK FCDO 09 Jun 2021 -- The UK has condemned the judgment by a Russian court today that Alexey Navalny's anti-corruption foundation is an extremist organisation.
No exaggerated expectations ahead of Putin-Biden summit: Moscow Press TV 09 Jun 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has "no exaggerated expectations" about a potential breakthrough at an upcoming summit between President Vladimir Putin and President Joe Biden of the United States.
US Policy on Ukraine Creates Tensions, Negotiations Format Does Not Really Matter, Moscow Says Sputnik 08 Jun 2021 -- Washington's "irresponsible" policy on Ukraine continues to "create tensions", Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday, commenting on the recent conversation of the US and the Ukrainian leaders.
Russian Navy's First Full-Stealth Ship Reportedly Under Construction RFE/RL 08 Jun 2021 -- Russia is building its first naval ship to be fully equipped with stealth technology to make it very difficult to detect, the RIA Novosti state news agency reported, quoting two separate sources in the country's military shipbuilding sector.
'Provocative': Russia Blasts Arctic Challenge War Games Involving US Military Sputnik 08 Jun 2021 -- Air units from the United States, Norway, Sweden, and Finland kicked off the Arctic Challenge Exercise 2021 on Monday, with the manoeuvres, set to run until next Friday, among the largest tactical air exercises of their kind in Europe. The drills are being held at bases in northern Scandinavia as little as 150 km from the Russian border.
Blinken Say U.S. Working With Germany To Mitigate Adverse Impact Of Nord Stream 2 Pipeline RFE/RL 08 Jun 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Washington is working with Germany to try to mitigate any adverse effects of the completion of the Russian Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline.
A Year After His Death, Russia's 'Accidental Dissident' Still Fighting An Abusive Prison System RFE/RL 08 Jun 2021 -- Although the protagonist died one year ago, the strange saga of Russia's so-called accidental dissident continues to play out in a courtroom in the northern city of Arkhangelsk.
Navalny Ally Sobol's Appeal Of Suspended Sentence Denied RFE/RL 08 Jun 2021 -- A court in Moscow has upheld a one-year correctional-labor sentence for Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), on trespassing charges that she has described as a move to silence her.
Jailed Russian Activist Charged With Violating 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 08 Jun 2021 -- The jailed former executive director of the pro-democracy Open Russia movement, Andrei Pivovarov, has been charged with failure to provide authorities with details of his group, which had been added to "foreign agents" registry.
Russian Dissidents Urge 'More Decisive' Action Against Putin.htm VOA 08 Jun 2021 -- Russian dissidents are urging the West to take tougher action against President Vladimir Putin, saying it is in the West's own self-interest to adopt a more decisive strategy against the Kremlin or pay a higher price later.
Putin signs law on Russia's official withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty People's Daily 08 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law to officially quit the Treaty on Open Skies, the Kremlin said Monday.
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian and Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany Heiko Maas Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Jun 2021
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on retaliatory measures against Canadian officials and individuals involved in shaping and pursuing anti-Russian policy Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Jun 2021
Slovakia Becomes Second EU Member To Use Russia's Sputnik Vaccine RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- Slovakia has become the second European Union member state to start inoculating its citizens with the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, following months of controversy.
Blinken: Biden will warn Putin on future cyberattacks Press TV 07 Jun 2021 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has revealed that President Joe Biden's upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is about the recent devastating cyberattacks on US soil which Washington has compared the to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Court In Netherlands To Start Hearing Evidence In MH17 Case RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- The trial in absentia of four suspects -- three Russians and one Ukrainian -- in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 has entered a decisive new phase during which judges in the Netherlands will be presented with witness testimony and evidence.
Germany In Talks To Make Ukraine 'Whole' For Losses From Russian Pipeline, Blinken Says RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- Germany is discussing ways to compensate Ukraine for the financial loss it will suffer from the completion of a controversial Russian natural-gas pipeline backed by Berlin, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Congress.
Russia Officially Pulls Out Of Open Skies Treaty RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that formalizes Russia's withdrawal from an international treaty allowing nations to collect information on one another's military forces in order to increase transparency, following the departure from the accord by the United States late last year.
Putin signs Russian withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty after US exit Press TV 07 Jun 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed legislation to pull Russia out of the Open Skies arms control treaty following the US exit from the pact.
Putin Signs Bill Renouncing Open Skies Treaty Into Law Sputnik 07 Jun 2021 -- The treaty was signed in 1992 and became one of a number of post-Cold War confidence-building measures, as it allowed the participating nations to openly collect information about each other's military forces and activities via surveillance flights.
Russia threatens to exit space station unless US lifts sanctions on space sector Press TV 07 Jun 2021 -- Russia has threatened to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025 unless the United States removes sanctions against the country's space sector.
EU's Michel Urges Putin To Stop 'Disruptive Behavior' To Improve Relations RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- European Council President Charles Michel has spoken by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that relations between the bloc and Russia are "at a low" and that "this situation or its further deterioration is in neither side's interest."
Navalny Transferred From Prison Hospital Back To Penal Colony RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- Jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has been transferred from a prison hospital in the Correctional Colony No. 3 (IK-3) back to his court-mandated prison in the Vladimir region.
Opposition Politician Gudkov Vows To Continue Work Despite 'Forced Departure' From Russia RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- Russian opposition politician and former State Duma Deputy Dmitry Gudkov says that he decided to leave Russia after he was warned that his relatives and associates could face arrest if he remained.
Navalny Associate Sobol's Curfew Extended Through Parliamentary Campaign RFE/RL 07 Jun 2021 -- A Moscow court has prolonged the curfew for Lyubov Sobol, the lawyer for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), potentially undermining her campaign for parliament.
North Korea Taps Workers in Russia to Fund Pyongyang Construction Radio Free Asia 07 Jun 2021 -- North Korean workers dispatched to Russia must now pay their government an additional U.S. $100 in so-called "loyalty funds" to help cover the costs of a 10,000-home construction project in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, sources in Russia told RFA.
Ottawa Says Russia Countersanctions Against Top Canadian Officials Unacceptable, Unfounded Sputnik 07 Jun 2021 -- Russian countersanctions against top Canadian officials are unacceptable and baseless, Global Affairs Canada told Sputnik.
German Domestic Intelligence Chief Warns Of Increased Russian Activity RFE/RL 06 Jun 2021 -- Russian intelligence activity in Germany has significantly increased and now reached Cold War levels, Berlin's top domestic intelligence chief warned.
NATO Chief Says Belarus Becoming 'More And More Dependent' On Russia RFE/RL 06 Jun 2021 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Belarus is becoming "more and more dependent" on Russia following the nation's isolation by the West in the wake of its brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Russian envoy: Interference in JCPOA revival talks inadmissible Press TV 06 Jun 2021 -- The Russian ambassador to international organizations in Vienna says all the parties involved in the negotiations for the revival of Iran's landmark nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), understand that any external interference in the talks is "inadmissible."
Russian Opposition Politician Gudkov Says He Has Left Country Amid Fear Of Arrest RFE/RL 06 Jun 2021 -- Russian opposition politician and former lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov said he has fled the country amid concern he could be arrested on what he called trumped up charges.
Russian Minister Says More Food Export Restrictions Are Possible To Stem Inflation RFE/RL 06 Jun 2021 -- Russian Economy Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said his country could restrict more food exports in an attempt to stem domestic inflation.
Ahead Of Putin Summit, Biden Says U.S. Must Lead From 'Position Of Strength' RFE/RL 06 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden says there will be no doubt about the resolve of the United States to defend democratic values when he holds his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Foreign nationals can come to Russia for COVID-19 vaccination: Putin Press TV 05 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is ready to open borders to foreign nationals to get vaccinated in the Russian Federation against COVID-19 by domestically-made vaccines for an undisclosed fee.
US uses dollar to wage economic, political war, says Putin Press TV 05 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States is using the dollar as an instrument to wage economic and political war.
As Russia Touts Convict Labor To Offset An Exodus Of Migrants, Some Fear 'A Return To The Gulag' RFE/RL 05 Jun 2021 -- It was an undertaking that endured as a symbol of Soviet brutality and flawed planning. Prisoners of the gulag forced labor camp system would die in their thousands toiling on the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), a showpiece communist project that was never completed.
Kazakhstan Rejects Russian Proposal Of Joint Response To Western Sanctions RFE/RL 05 Jun 2021 -- Kazakhstan has rebuffed a proposal floated by a senior Russian official of a joint response to Western sanctions against Moscow and its allies such as Belarus by the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) trade bloc.
Serbia, Argentina Launch Production Of Russia's Sputnik Vaccine RFE/RL 04 Jun 2021 -- Serbia and Argentina have begun industrial production of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19.
Russia scrambles fighter jet to intercept US military plane Press TV 04 Jun 2021 -- Russia has reportedly scrambled a MiG-31 fighter jet to chase away a US military plane over the Barents Sea, amid escalating tensions between Moscow and the West over the recent military build-ups along its borders.
Putin hopes to 'regularize' damaged ties with US at summit with Biden Press TV 04 Jun 2021 -- Less than two weeks prior to his meeting with his American counterpart, Russian President Vladimir Putin says although the US is trying to hold back Russia's development, the Kremlin needs to find ways to "regularize" deeply damaged relations with the administration of President Joe Biden.
Russia warns against 'inflated expectations' from Putin-Biden meeting Press TV 04 Jun 2021 -- Moscow has warned against any exaggerated expectations from the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden, stressing that there is a lot of dispute between the two sides over a range of issues.
The Week In Russia: Two Countries, Two Crackdowns RFE/RL 04 Jun 2021 -- The Kremlin crackdown continued apace as State Duma elections expected at the end of summer draw closer, with the head of a civil society group that dissolved itself in a bid to spare members from possible prosecution being targeted anyway, among others. Meanwhile, Moscow dismissed Western criticism as Alyaksandr Lukashenka pursued his own harrowing clampdown in Belarus.
Putin announce completion of key section of Nord Stream 2 despite US opposition Press TV 04 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the completion of the first line of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany despite US attempts to prevent the project.
Putin Says First Line Of Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Complete RFE/RL 04 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that laying the pipes for the first of two lines of the prospective Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Germany has now been "successfully completed."
Moscow Court Upholds Justice Ministry's Decision To Label Meduza A 'Foreign Agent' RFE/RL 04 Jun 2021 -- A court in Moscow has upheld the Justice Ministry's move to designate the Latvia-based independent Meduza news outlet as a "foreign agent" -- a move that requires it to label itself as such and subjects the media outlet to increased government scrutiny and regulation.
On Navalny's Birthday, Putin Signs Law Effectively Banning His Associates From Running For Office RFE/RL 04 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill that would ban supporters and members of organizations deemed by authorities as "extremist" from being elected to any post -- a move making it virtually impossible for anyone connected to jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny from gaining public office.
Afreximbank in Talks With Russia on COVID-19 Vaccine Supplies, Manufacturing Options Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is interested in the acquisition of Russia's COVID-19 vaccines, and is also exploring options to begin producing them on the African continent, Amr Kamel, the bank's executive VP, told Sputnik, adding that both parties are currently holding talks on the matter.
FBI Blames Russian-Linked Hacker Group For Cyberattack On Meat Processing Company RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- U.S. authorities have attributed the attack on Brazil-based meat processor JBS to hackers believed to be tied to Russia and said U.S. investigators are working "diligently" to bring the group to justice.
Sudan Hasn't Made Decision on Naval Base Yet, Russian Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- Sudan has not yet made a decision to revise an agreement on a Russian naval base in the Red Sea, and the sides still have to negotiate, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Sputnik on Thursday.
Russian National Wealth Fund to Decrease Share of Dollar to Zero, Finance Minister Says Sputnik 03 Jun 2021 -- The Russian Ministry of Finance will introduce changes to the structure of the National Wealth Fund within a month, as the share of the US dollar will decrease to zero and the share of yuan will grow to 30 percent.
Interview: Senators Tell RFE/RL Putin Must Be Confronted About Efforts To 'Undermine American Democracy' RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- A group of U.S. senators says President Joe Biden should warn his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at a summit this month that he will be held accountable for his actions against the United States.
Russian Opposition Politician Gudkov Released From Custody RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- Russian opposition politician and former lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov was released from custody on June 3 without being formally charged.
Russian Spokeswoman Defends 'Foreign Agent' Law As 'An Eye-For-An-Eye' Reaction RFE/RL 03 Jun 2021 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has defended her country's controversial labeling of some foreign-funded media as "foreign agents" by saying Moscow was "forced" to adopt the measure in response to actions taken by the United States.
Calling on Russia to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and end its occupation of Crimea UK FCDO 02 Jun 2021 -- Joint Statement Following Russia's Informal Arria-formula Meeting on Ukraine
8th batch of Russian Corona vaccines delivered to Iran Embassy in Moscow IRNA 02 Jun 2021 -- The 8th batch of Russian Corona vaccine, Sputnik V, including 100,000 doses, was delivered to the Iranian Embassy in Moscow on Wednesday and will be forwarded to Tehran on Thursday.
Russian FM urges unity in fight against COVID-19, calls against politicization People's Daily 02 Jun 2021 -- Attempts have been made to "politicize" the COVID-19 situation, and global cooperation is needed to fight the pandemic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday during a press conference following the meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs held via video link.
White House: Biden to Discuss Cyberattack on Meat Producer With Russia's Putin VOA 02 Jun 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden will discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month the harboring of cyber attackers like those believed to have targeted meatpacking giant JBS, the White House said Wednesday.
Russia says NATO plans to transfer modern weapons to Ukraine Press TV 02 Jun 2021 -- As NATO and Russia continue a dispute over Ukraine's eastern region of the Donbass, a Russian military official has said modern weapons will be delivered to Ukraine under the guise of NATO's annual military drill in the strategic Black Sea.
Russia Takes Further Step Toward Exiting Open Skies Treaty RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's upper chamber, the Federation Council, has voted to withdraw the country from the Open Skies Treaty allowing surveillance flights over military facilities, following the departure from the accord by the United States late last year.
Russian Parliament Passes Bill Barring Navalny Associates from Running in Elections VOA 02 Jun 2021 -- Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has approved a bill that would ban supporters and members of organizations designated as "extremist" from being elected to any post -- a move making it virtually impossible for anyone connected to jailed opposition politician Alexey Navalny to gain public office.
Navalny's Request To Cancel His Status As 'Flight Risk' Rejected RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- A court in Russia's Vladimir region has rejected imprisoned opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's request to annul his designated status as a "flight risk," which subjects him to hourly nighttime checks while he is incarcerated at a penal colony.
Russian Bill Barring Navalny Associates From Running In Elections Passed RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has approved a bill that would ban supporters and members of organizations designated as "extremist" from being elected to any post - a move making it virtually impossible for anyone connected to jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny to gain public office.
'This Is A Purge': Russian Authorities Dig Up Old Incidents To Sideline Potential Opponents RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- In late April, a court in Arkhangelsk sentenced a former coordinator of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's local office in the northern city to 2 1/2 years in prison for sharing a music video in 2014 that the Russian government later deemed to be pornographic.
Pivovarov Calls Situation In Russia A 'Farce' After Court Detains Him For Two Months RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- A court has ordered the detention of the former executive director of Open Russia, a pro-democracy movement, for two months after he was removed from a Warsaw-bound plane in St. Petersburg just before departure.
Russia's State Duma OKs Controversial Bill Allowing Government To Standardize Indigenous Languages RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, has approved in its third and final reading a controversial bill that would allow the government to regulate the basic pillars of minority languages in the country, including indigenous ethnic groups from Siberia and the Far East.
Austrian Ex-Foreign Minister Kneissl Becomes Rosneft Board Member RFE/RL 02 Jun 2021 -- Russian state oil giant Rosneft has confirmed Austria's former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, whose wedding in 2018 was attended by President Vladimir Putin, to its board of directors.
Berlin Stresses Importance of Preservation of Ukrainian Transit Along With Nord Stream 2 Sputnik 02 Jun 2021 -- The German government considers the preservation of Ukrainian transit along with the operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project to be very important, the German Foreign Ministry said, commenting on Moscow's statement about interest in this route of Russian gas deliveries.
Russian Minister Says 'Easy' to Renounce Gas in Summer Amid EU Calls Against Arctic LNG 2 Sputnik 02 Jun 2021 -- It is easy to give up Russian gas in the summer when there is no need for heating, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov told Sputnik on Wednesday, commenting on recent calls in Europe against the Russian-led Arctic LNG 2 gas project.
Russia on Vienna talks: Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed Press TV 02 Jun 2021 -- Russia's representative to the international organizations in Vienna says talks underway in the Austrian capital on a potential revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal may need "additional time" to reach a breakthrough, emphasizing that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.
Cyberattack On World's Biggest Meat Company 'Likely Based In Russia' RFE/RL 01 Jun 2021 -- A ransomware attack on JBS, the world's largest meat processor, has forced some operations to stop production and is believed to have been carried out by cybercriminals based in Russia.
Pentagon Warns Middle East Countries Against Security Cooperation With Russia, China Sputnik 01 Jun 2021 -- A senior Pentagon official on Tuesday warned that Middle Eastern countries that test waters of deeper security cooperation with China or Russia put at risk their partnerships with the United States.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a stand-alone meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations, Moscow, June 1, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Jun 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of Mongolia Batmunkh Battsetseg, Moscow, June 1,2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Jun 2021
Russia to respond to EU hostility yet ready for dialogue: FM People's Daily 01 Jun 2021 -- Russia will retaliate for any "unfriendly" moves from the European Union (EU) but remains ready for open dialogue based on equality, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.
Russian Police Detain Opposition Politician Gudkov, Ratchet Up Pressure On Open Russia RFE/RL 01 Jun 2021 -- Russian opposition politician and former State Duma deputy Dmitry Gudkov has been detained by police, the state-run TASS news agency reported on June 1, after he said law enforcement searched his cottage and the homes of some of his close associates amid a broader Kremlin crackdown on opposition forces in the country.
Germany, U.S. Discuss Nord Stream 2 In Washington, Berlin Says RFE/RL 01 Jun 2021 -- Germany and the United States are holding talks in Washington to try to settle a dispute over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters on June 1.
Russia Announces Arctic Military Drills In Further Sign Of Increasing Presence RFE/RL 01 Jun 2021 -- Russia says it will conduct strategic military drills in the Arctic this autumn, in another sign of the Kremlin's drive to assert its presence in the region.
There is No Need for Increase in Non-Arctic States' Military Presence in Arctic, Moscow Says Sputnik 01 Jun 2021 -- Russia believes that there are no challenges in the Arctic that would require a build-up of the regional military presence of non-Arctic nations, Nikolai Korchunov, the ambassador-at-large of the Russian Foreign Ministry and a senior official of the Arctic Council, said.
Russia updates national security strategy to address new threats: official People's Daily 01 Jun 2021 -- Russia's Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said on Monday that the country's national security strategy is being renewed in light of the changing nature of security threats.
Russia to strengthen Western Military District amid NATO threat People's Daily 01 Jun 2021 -- Russia will create about 20 new units and formations in its Western Military District by the end of this year to counter threat of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.
Iran Showing Interest in 'Various' Russian Arms, Russian Defence Cooperation Agency Chief Says Sputnik 01 Jun 2021 -- Iran is interested in arms supplies from Russia and new contracts can be expected, Dmitry Shugaev, the director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said on Tuesday.
Lavrov: India Confirms Commitment to Buying S-400 Systems From Russia Sputnik 01 Jun 2021 -- India is firm in its commitment to buy S-400 air defence systems from Russia, and the contracts are being implemented, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

June 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News