September 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News

U.S., Russia To Push Ahead With Arms Control Talks After 'Substantive' Meeting RFE/RL 30 Sep 2021 -- The United States and Russia have agreed to press ahead with arms control and related strategic security talks aimed at easing tensions between the world's largest nuclear weapons powers.
Briefing by Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department Alexey Zaytsev, Moscow, September 30, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Sep 2021
Russia Blocks Work Of UN Committees Monitoring Sanctions On African Countries RFE/RL 30 Sep 2021 -- Russia is delaying the appointment of panels of independent experts to monitor violations of UN sanctions on several African countries, diplomats say.
Russia urges Afghanistan, ally Tajikistan to calm, end war of words, saber-rattling Press TV 30 Sep 2021 -- Russia has urged Afghanistan and ally Tajikistan to calm, as the two neighbors are embroiled in an open battle of words and saber-rattling, weeks after the Taliban militant group overthrew the Afghan government after seizing the capital Kabul.
Joint Statement on the Outcomes of the U.S. – Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue in Geneva on September 30 US Dept. of State 30 Sep 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Russian Federation at the conclusion of the U.S.-Russia bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue:
Erdogan Reveals Why Turkey Bought Russia's S-400 Missile Systems Instead of American Patriots Sputnik 30 Sep 2021 -- Ankara's 2017 decision to pen a $2.5 billion contract with Moscow on the purchase of Russia's most advanced road-mobile missile-based air defense system sparked the ire of its allies in NATO, and eventually prompted Washington to boot Turkey out of the F-35 fighter programme and slap sanctions on the country's military industry.
Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 systems worth tensions with US: Erdogan Press TV 30 Sep 2021 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has defended Turkey's right to strengthen its defense capabilities, saying the decision to purchase the Russian S-400 missile defense systems was worth the tensions with Washington.
Russian Security Agents Raid Moscow Offices Of Major Cybersecurity Company RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian security agents raided the Moscow offices of Group-IB, a leading Russian cybersecurity company known for its work in tracking down hackers and fighting theft and cyberfraud.
Russia Posts Record Daily COVID-19 Death Toll For Second Day In A Row RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russia has reported 857 new coronavirus-related deaths, a single-day record since the pandemic began, as the country continues to see a surge in infections linked to the Delta variant and a lackluster vaccination campaign.
Malian government and the Wagner Group: Minister for Africa's statement UK FCDO 29 Sep 2021 -- The UK is deeply concerned by the Malian government's discussions with Russian private military company Wagner Group.
Putin hosts Turkey's President Erdogan in Sochi Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where the two leaders discussed regional issues as well as Ankara's acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
Putin Hails 'Compromises' With Erdogan At Sochi Talks RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for what was considered the most consequential meeting between the two leaders in years.
Iraq may buy S-300 air defense systems from Russia, senior MP says Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- A senior Iraqi legislator says Baghdad intends to purchase Russian-built S-300 missile defense systems from Moscow to enhance capabilities of the armed forces and protect its territory against any act of aggression.
Lavrov, Shoigu Among Dozens Of Ruling United Russia Party Members To Refuse Mandates RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu are among dozens of members of the ruling United Russia party who will not take up the mandates they won during recent parliamentary elections.
Russia Designates Mediazona, OVD-Info, And Others As 'Foreign Agents' RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- The Russian government has designated three prominent information outlets and 22 individuals as "foreign agents," continuing what critics say is a broad crackdown on independent media and civic organizations.
Russia Reports Record Daily Number Of COVID Deaths RFE/RL 28 Sep 2021 -- Russia has recorded 852 fatalities over the past 24 hours - its highest daily coronavirus death toll since the start of the pandemic - following a surge in infections linked to the Delta variant and a lackluster vaccination campaign.
Report: U.S. Extradites Convicted Russian Hacker Back Home RFE/RL 28 Sep 2021 -- A Russian national sentenced to nine years in a U.S. prison for cybercrimes in a case that closely attracted Moscow's attention has reportedly been sent back home in what experts said is a rare move by the Justice Department.
Russia's Su-27 Escorts US Spy Plane Over Black Sea Sputnik 28 Sep 2021 -- Russian fighter Su-27 escorted the US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defense Control Centre (NDCC) said.
On Russia's Obstructionism at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2021 -- "Yesterday, the premier human rights conference of the Europe-Eurasia region should have opened in Warsaw, Poland."
Kremlin Critic Navalny Hit With New Probe, Could Face 10 More Years in Prison VOA 28 Sep 2021 -- Jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny is facing a new criminal probe by Russian investigators that could lead to 10 more years in prison.
Navalny Targeted In New 'Extremism' Investigation As Postelection Clampdown Continues RFE/RL 28 Sep 2021 -- Russian investigators have launched a new criminal case against leading Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny and his top allies, accusing them of launching and participating in an extremist group, as the state extends its clampdown on the opposition following parliamentary elections.
Police Raid Communist Party Building In Moscow As Lawyers Prepare To File A Lawsuit Against Electronic Voting Results RFE/RL 28 Sep 2021 -- Moscow police have blocked the entrance into the building hosting the Communist Party's legal service, where lawyers were preparing to file a lawsuit against the results of remote electronic voting in general elections held earlier this month, which were won with almost 50 percent of the vote by the Kremlin-backed ruling United Russia party, Russian media reported.
Hungary Summons Ukrainian Envoy Over Criticism Of Russian Gas Supply Deal RFE/RL 28 Sep 2021 -- Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has summoned Ukraine's ambassador over what he said was Kyiv's attempts to block Budapest's new long-term gas supply deal with Russia, which was signed on September 27.
Kremlin Sees No Reason for Ukraine to Be Hysterical About Russian-Hungarian Gas Contract Sputnik 28 Sep 2021 -- Moscow does not see any reasons for Ukraine to be hysterical about the Russian-Hungarian gas supplies contract, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting of the Business Council under the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, September 28, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answer to a media question during a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, Moscow, September 28, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Sep 2021
Hungary Signs New Long-Term Gas Supply Deal With Russia RFE/RL 27 Sep 2021 -- Hungary has signed a new 15-year natural-gas supply deal with Russia's state-controlled energy giant Gazprom in a move sharply criticized by Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's news conference to sum up the high-level meetings week at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, New York, September 25, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Sep 2021
Russia Calls For Mutual Recognition Of COVID Vaccines RFE/RL 26 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow supports mutual recognition by countries of COVID-19 vaccines approved by other states.
Executive Of Russian Gas Company Arrested In U.S. Says He Will 'Vigorously' Fight Charges RFE/RL 26 Sep 2021 -- A top official at Russian natural gas producer Novatek who was arrested in the United States last week on tax charges says he is innocent and will "vigorously" fight the case.
Washington should be "more active" in restoring Iran nuclear deal: Russian FM People's Daily 26 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday called on Washington to play a "more active role" in helping resume the stalled talks aimed at reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Russian fighter jets intercept US bomber over Pacific Press TV 26 Sep 2021 -- Three Russian SU-35S fighter jets have intercepted a US B-52H strategic bomber which was approaching Russia's border in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
Stop imposing 'development model' on other countries: Russia raps US Press TV 26 Sep 2021 -- Russia has called on the United States to stop imposing its so-called "development model" on other countries, taking a swipe at President Joe Biden for claiming Washington was ending the two-decade war in Afghanistan to "remake" other nations.
Mali reaches out to private Russian security firms in snub to France Press TV 26 Sep 2021 -- Mali has approached private Russian security companies for help in its fight against terrorism following the French government's "unilateral" decision to "abandon" the West African country.
Kremlin Says It Will Respond To Any New U.S. Sanctions As Congress Debates Draft Bills RFE/RL 26 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin has said it would respond if the United States imposes new sanctions against Russia.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali Abdoulaye Diop's answers to media questions following their talks, New York, September 24, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali Abdoulaye Diop Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohamed Yunus al-Menfi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's address at the General Debate of the 76th session of the General Assembly, New York, September 25, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Sep 2021
Lavrov Says Mali Asked Private Russian Military Firm For Help RFE/RL 25 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the military junta in Mali has turned to "private Russian companies" for help in its fight against Islamist insurgents in the Western African country.
World Recognition of Taliban 'Not on Table,' Russia Says at UN VOA 25 Sep 2021 -- International recognition of the Taliban "at the present juncture is not on the table," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Saturday at the United Nations.
Russian Communists Protest Online Vote Results As Putin Declares State Duma Elections 'Free And Fair' RFE/RL 25 Sep 2021 -- More than 1,000 Russian demonstrators, angered by the official tally from online voting during last week's parliamentary elections, defied warnings from authorities on September 25 to protest in central Moscow.
View From The Ground: Russia's Ulyanovsk Region Highlights Limits Of China-Russia Ties RFE/RL 25 Sep 2021 -- From big gas projects to closer military cooperation and improved bilateral trade that reached a record of more than $110 billion in 2019, the China-Russia relationship has reached new heights.
Russia calls for 'concerted efforts' to follow purposes and principles of UN Charter UN News 25 Sep 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Minister addressed the UN General Assembly on Saturday, calling for a new consensus to uphold the "purposes and principles" of the UN's founding document, the UN Charter, and a rejection of the Western-backed "Rules Based Order" concept.
Russia FM slams unilateral sanctions on Iran, urges 'more active' US role to revive JCPOA Press TV 25 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized the unilateral sanctions imposed against Iran after the United States' withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear agreement, urging Washington to take a "more active" approach to help resume stalled talks aimed at reviving the deal.
Russia Records New Daily Record For Coronavirus Deaths RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- Russian health authorities say 828 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, a record daily total during the pandemic.
EU Denounces Russian-Linked Cyberattack Campaign As 'Unacceptable' RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- The European Union is urging Russia to adhere to the norms of "responsible state behavior" after a cyberattack campaign targeted a number of member states.
US Cautions Mali About Using Russian Mercenaries VOA 24 Sep 2021 -- A potential deal to bring as many as 1,000 Russian mercenaries to Mali is likely to further destabilize the country, according to senior U.S. officials who are urging the interim government to instead focus on elections.
U.S., Russia Should Explore Ways To Increase Military Contacts, Top U.S. General Says RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- The top U.S. military officer says the United States should explore ways to expand its military contacts with Russia as a way to increase trust and avoid a miscalculation.
Pentagon on Milley Proposal: US-Russia Military Contacts Limited to Syria Deconfliction Sputnik 24 Sep 2021 -- Coordination between US and Russian troops is limited to deconfliction in Syria as "a matter of policy and law" due to the situation in Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday in response to a question about US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley's comments.
The Week In Russia: A Dangerous Game Changer RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- Amid mounting oppression, the Kremlin walks away with an election - and heads toward the next one with a new tool that critics contend is being used to fix voting results in its favor. Meanwhile, analysts warn, the problems that have fueled disaffection and prompted protests are going unaddressed as the state resorts to force to maintain control, leaving the future uncertain.
Communists Warned Against Planned Moscow Protest Over Elections RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- Moscow police and city officials have warned the Communist Party against following through with calls for a gathering in the Russian capital on September 25 to protest the results of last weekend's elections.
Russian Election Commission Validates Ruling Party Victory Despite Opposition Cries Of Foul RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- Russia's Central Election Commission has validated the results of last week's State Duma elections in the face of opposition allegations of irregularities in favor of the Kremlin-backed ruling United Russia party.
Top Official Of Russian Gas Company Novatek Arrested In U.S. On Tax Charges RFE/RL 24 Sep 2021 -- A top manager of Russian natural-gas producer Novatek has been arrested in the United States on tax-evasion charges related to offshore bank accounts allegedly holding tens of millions of dollars.
EU Ministers Unveil Plan to Weaken Russian Grip on Gas Supply Sputnik 24 Sep 2021 -- Europe's energy ministers have joined forces to establish a plan that will reduce their dependence on foreign gas and purchase supplies as a bloc as part of a larger effort to combat Russia's stake in the highly-coveted resource.
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria Ramtane Lamamra Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
On the Outcome of the First Meeting of the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue on ICT Security-related Issues Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to the UN Food Systems Summit, September 24, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
Russia Steps Up Charges Against Jailed Crimean Tatar Leader RFE/RL 23 Sep 2021 -- Russia's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB), has ratcheted up the charges against jailed Crimean Tatar politician Nariman Dzhelyal over the alleged sabotage of a pipeline last month.
Ukraine's President Pleads With UN To 'Wake Up,' Help Resolve War RFE/RL 23 Sep 2021 -- Ukraine's president has called on the United Nations to do more to respond to the ongoing war in Ukraine's east, where government forces continue to face off against Kremlin-backed separatists in a seven-year-war that has killed more than 13,200 people.
Russia says will not join NATO as two sides hold rival drills Press TV 23 Sep 2021 -- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia does not intend to become a NATO member, as the Russian navy conducts military drills in the Black Sea off the shores of Crimea, and the US-led alliance holds military exercises in Ukraine.
UK responds at OSCE to Russian State Duma elections UK FCDO 23 Sep 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush tells OSCE that recent State Duma elections represented a serious decline in democratic freedoms and fundamental rights in Russia.
U.S. OSCE Mission Decries 'Repressive' Conditions For Russian Duma Vote RFE/RL 23 Sep 2021 -- The United States' mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has criticized Russia's recent national elections as taking place under conditions "not conducive to free or fair" voting and called Moscow's claims of outside interference as "baseless allegations" to distract from a fl
Navalny's Appeal Of 'Flight-Risk' Designation Denied RFE/RL 23 Sep 2021 -- A Russian court has rejected jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's appeal to annul his designation as a "flight risk," which subjects him to hourly nighttime checks while he is incarcerated.
U.S. House Passes Measure Targeting Sales Of Russian Debt In Retaliation For Election Interference RFE/RL 23 Sep 2021 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved an amendment that would ban U.S. citizens from buying or selling newly issued Russian sovereign debt on both primary and secondary markets.
U.S. House Votes For Sanctions In 11th-Hour Attempt To Undermine Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 23 Sep 2021 -- The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives has agreed to add legislation to the annual defense-spending bill that would place sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 project, potentially putting into jeopardy an agreement reached between the Biden administration and Germany in July.
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Shoukry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Poland Zbigniew Rau, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Elizabeth Truss Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in a meeting of foreign ministers of the UN Security Council's permanent members Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Luis Arce Catacora Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sep 2021
Russia intel chief slams Britain for baseless accusations in Skripal case Press TV 23 Sep 2021 -- Russia's intelligence chief says Britain's new accusations against Moscow in the so-called Skripal case are mere lies devised to cover up London's other lies or support previous ones.
At UN, Moldovan President Reiterates Call For Russian Troop Withdrawal RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- In a speech before the UN General Assembly in New York, President Maia Sandu again called or the departure of Russian troops from Moldova's breakaway Transdniester region.
Sudanese Authorities Lack Mandate to Sign Naval Base Agreement With Russia, Minister Says Sputnik 22 Sep 2021 -- Sudan does not yet have the full authority to sign an agreement with Russia on a military base, since the country's legislative institutions remain in the making, Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Sharif said on Wednesday.
Russia, China, Pakistan Push Taliban Toward Inclusivity VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- Envoys of Pakistan, Russia, and China pushed for an inclusive government in their meeting with the Taliban acting prime minister in Kabul on Tuesday.
U.K. To Call On China, Russia To Coordinate In International Engagement On Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Sep 2021 -- Britain's foreign secretary will call on China and Russia to agree on a coordinated international approach to prevent Afghanistan becoming a haven for militants during a meeting on September 22 of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Chinese, Russian & Pakistani special envoys to Afghanistan visited Kabul: Chinese FM Global Times 22 Sep 2021 -- Chinese, Russian, and Pakistani special envoys to Afghanistan visited Kabul on Tue and Wed, meeting Afghan interim govt officials, Chinese FM spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during a routine press conference on Wed.
China, Russia, Pakistan envoys hold talks with top Taliban officials Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- Special envoys of China, Russia and Pakistan have met top officials of the interim administration and other senior Afghan leaders to discuss the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
U.S., Russian Military Officials Meet As Washington Seeks Central Asian Presence RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- Top U.S. and Russian military officials have held a "constructive" meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest and how to lower the risk of incidents during military exercises.
Russia says NATO 'totally shocked' by Australia-UK-US alliance Press TV 22 Sep 2021 -- A top Russian diplomat says a newly formed military alliance among the United States, Britain and Australia has totally surprised NATO itself, rather than the opponents.
Researcher Says Raw Voting Data Points To Massive Fraud In United Russia's Duma Victory RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- A Russian researcher known for detailed analyses of past elections says fraud was a major factor in the State Duma election victory of the ruling United Russia party.
Group Of Independent Russian Deputies Launches Petition To Invalidate Elections RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- A group of independent municipal and regional deputies has launched a petition demanding all results from September 17-19 elections across Russia be invalidated due to numerous violations and irregularities in the voting.
Report: Navalny Associate Sobol In Estonia After Fleeing Russia RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- An Estonian newspaper is reporting that Russian opposition politician Lyubov Sobol has settled in Estonia with her young daughter after fleeing her homeland this summer following her conviction and sentencing at a Moscow court on charges widely seen as politically motivated.
Navalny App Disappearance Shows Russia's Strength In The Battle Against Big Tech RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- When Apple and Google removed an election app created by jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny from their online stores just as the nation's three-day parliamentary vote got under way, his associates were dismayed - and criticized the U.S. tech giants for giving in to the Kremlin's demands.
Seeing Red: Russia's Communist Party Makes Gains In New Duma, But Does It Matter? RFE/RL 22 Sep 2021 -- Moscow polling station No. 151 was set up on the premises of the state Gulag History Museum, just a short stroll away from blood-curdling testimony of the crimes of Communist Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 21, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Sep 2021
Treasury Takes Robust Actions to Counter Ransomware US Treasury 21 Sep 2021 -- As part of the whole-of-government effort to counter ransomware, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced a set of actions focused on disrupting criminal networks and virtual currency exchanges responsible for laundering ransoms, encouraging improved cyber security across the private sector, and increasing incident and ransomware payment reporting to U.S. government agencies, including both Treasury and law enforcement.
US Slaps Sanctions on Crypto Exchange in Effort to Curb Ransomware Attacks VOA 21 Sep 2021 -- The U.S. Treasury Department says it is sanctioning a cryptocurrency exchange for its alleged role in processing illicit proceeds from ransomware attacks.
U.S. Sanctions Russian-Based Cryptocurrency Exchange For Laundering Ransomware Money RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on a Russian-based cryptocurrency exchange over its alleged role in facilitating illegal payments from ransomware attacks.
French Defense Minister Warns Mali Against Hiring Russian Security Firm Vagner RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- France's defense minister has warned her Malian counterpart against hiring Russian private security firm Vagner to fight Islamic militants in the Sahel.
Russia demands US explanation on cyberattacks targeting online voting platform Press TV 21 Sep 2021 -- Fresh tensions have erupted between Moscow and Washington after Russia accused the United States of being behind cyberattacks during last week's parliamentary elections.
Preliminary Results Give Kremlin-Backed United Russia Constitutional Majority In Elections Seen As Tainted RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- Full preliminary results show the Kremlin-backed United Russia party maintained its constitutional majority in the lower house of parliament in elections denounced by the West and described by an independent monitoring agency as "one of the dirtiest" in Russian history.
For Russia's Opposition, 'The Least-Worst Option' Was Key In the Duma Vote. Did It Work? RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- Earlier this year, Sergei Rimsky resigned as a police officer in the city of Ivanovo, a depressed former industrial textile town of 400,000 northeast of Moscow.
Political Operatives Indicted for Alleged Scheme Involving Illegal Campaign Contribution to 2016 Presidential Campaign US Dept. of Justice 20 Sep 2021 -- An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Columbia charging a Kentucky man and a Florida man both with conspiracy to solicit and cause an illegal campaign contribution by a foreign national, effect a conduit contribution and cause false records to be filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and related substantive offenses.
Europe Rights Court Rules Russia Responsible For Litvinenko Death RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Russia was responsible for the "assassination" of former Russian security officer Aleksandr Litvinenko in London in 2006.
Russia says Europe's court claim on Litvinenko poisoning 'unfounded' Press TV 21 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin has categorically rejected a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Russia was responsible for the 2006 killing of former agent Alexander Litvinenko.
3rd Russian in Skripal Poisoning Could Be Charged VOA 21 Sep 2021 -- Police in Britain said Tuesday they have enough evidence to charge a third Russian in the 2018 nerve agent attack against a former Russian spy in the city of Salisbury, England.
Britain Authorizes Charges Against Third Russian In Connection With Skripal Poisoning RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- British police have confirmed that charges have been authorized against a third person in relation to the ongoing investigation into the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal, the former Russian double agent who was poisoned in 2018.
Ukraine holds joint war games with US, NATO amid tensions with Russia Press TV 20 Sep 2021 -- Ukraine has begun joint military exercises with the United States and other NATO countries amid increased activity of the Western military alliance near Russia's borders.
The Russian Federation's Duma Elections US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2021 -- The September 17-19 Duma elections in the Russian Federation took place under conditions not conducive to free and fair proceedings.
US, EU Denounce Parliamentary Elections in Russia VOA 20 Sep 2021 -- The United States said Monday that laws against "extremism" in Russia prevented opposition parties from a fair shot in parliamentary elections.
Putin's United Russia Claims Victory amid Allegations of Vote-Rigging VOA 20 Sep 2021 -- Russia's Sunday election results came as no surprise to opponents of President Vladimir Putin — it was a foregone conclusion, they have been warning for months.
Putin extends countersanctions against Western countries until end of 2022 Press TV 20 Sep 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending countersanctions against a number of Western countries that had imposed embargoes against Moscow over a conflict in Ukraine and in the aftermath of Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Kremlin hails 'open, honest' vote as United Russia wins majority in parliamentary polls Press TV 20 Sep 2021 -- Russia's ruling United Russia party has won about 50 percent of the ballots in the State Duma elections, retaining its parliamentary majority, after more than 80 percent of the results were processed, the Central Election Commission (CEC) data shows.
'A Dress Rehearsal': Russia's Marred Duma Elections Could Point The Way For 2024 Presidential Ballot RFE/RL 20 Sep 2021 -- Late on September 19, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin headlined an election victory rally for the ruling United Russia party, which was poised to maintain its two-thirds constitutional majority in the State Duma following elections marred by unprecedented repressions and stunning accusations of fraud.
Fake About Fakes: Russian Election Commission Airs Apparently Falsified Video Sullying Its Critics RFE/RL 20 Sep 2021 -- The video appears to show a major police operation to expose a troll farm churning out fake reports of violations in Russia's three-day legislative elections, which concluded on September 19 with a resounding victory for ruling party United Russia amid mounting claims of fraud.
Russian Candidate Targeted By Doppelganger Contenders Defeated In Local Duma Election RFE/RL 20 Sep 2021 -- A candidate running in a local election in St. Petersburg who faced two challengers with the same name in what was an apparent attempt to confuse voters and siphon off support has lost as have the other two.
Kremlin-Backed Governor Of Khabarovsk Wins Election After Protests Against His Appointment RFE/RL 20 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin-appointed governor of Khabarovsk won the election to head the Far Eastern region, more than a year after the arrest of his popular predecessor triggered protests.
6TH EDITION OF SCO EXERCISE "PEACEFUL MISSION - 2021" COMMENCES AT ORENBURG, RUSSIA India PIB 20 Sep 2021 -- The 6th Edition of SCO Exercise Peaceful Mission : 2021 hosted by Russia started at Orenburg Region of South West Russia today.
Poland Claims Mounting Evidence Minsk, Moscow Orchestrating Migrant Flow Across Border RFE/RL 20 Sep 2021 -- Poland says it has mounting evidence that Belarus, backed by Russia, is orchestrating the wave of illegal immigrants pouring across its borders and into the European Union.
A Win For United Russia? A Loss For Navalny's Smart Voting? Five Takeaways From Russia's Elections RFE/RL 19 Sep 2021 -- Here's the first thing you need to know about the now-concluded election campaign for Russia's State Duma: It's been carefully managed from the start, with the opposition largely barred from running and a crackdown on government opponents that shows no sign of abating.
Kremlin-Backed United Russia Takes Early Lead In Duma Vote Amid Tampering Allegations RFE/RL 19 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin-backed ruling United Russia party was on track to a comfortable victory in Russia's lower house of parliament, after a three-day voting process that was marred by irregularities and allegations of ballot tampering.
At-Home Voting In Russia Opens Another Door To Fraud, Evidence Suggests RFE/RL 19 Sep 2021 -- In addition to the mass mobilization of state-sector workers, as well as strong indications of ballot-box stuffing and so-called carousel voting -- when a single person cast ballots at several stations -- Russian monitors say that home voting is also likely being used to skew the results of the voting for the State Duma, Russia's lower parliament house, and local legislatures and posts.
Voter Turnout in Russian Parliamentary Elections Exceeds 45% Sputnik 19 Sep 2021 -- The voter turnout in the Russian lower house elections reached 45.15% as of 6 p.m. local time (15:00 GMT) on Sunday, Russian Central Election Commission chairwoman Ella Pamfilova said.
Russian Social Media Swamped With Video Evidence Of Ballot-Box Stuffing RFE/RL 18 Sep 2021 -- Even though the Russian authorities no longer allow the public to see the live video feeds from polling stations as the country votes, many videos from polling stations across the country have emerged that seem to show flagrant ballot-box stuffing.
Fraud Allegations Mar Second Day Of Russian Elections, As Opposition Smart Voting App Suffers New Blow RFE/RL 18 Sep 2021 -- Allegations of widespread election fraud marred the second of three days of Russia's polls on September 18 as jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Smart Voting bot disappeared from the popular messaging app Telegram following similar moves by Apple and Google.
When It Comes To Election Fraud, Not All Russian Regions Are Created Equal RFE/RL 18 Sep 2021 -- Russia has never held a post-Soviet election that met recognized democratic standards. But that does not mean that the fraud has been evenly spread across the country.
Telegram Messenger Blocks Navalny's Bot During Vote RFE/RL 18 Sep 2021 -- Popular messaging app Telegram has suspended all chat bots used in the Russian elections campaign, in another blow to jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Smart Voting initiative after Apple and Google removed the election-guide app from their stores.
Russian Oligarch Vows To Appeal Swiss Prosecutor's Decision To Drop Case Against Art Dealer RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- Lawyers for Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev say he will appeal a decision by Swiss prosecutors to close his case against a top art dealer he accused of swindling him out of more than $1 billion.
Russia Launching Trials of Simultaneous Vaccination Against Flu, COVID-19 Sputnik 17 Sep 2021 -- Russia is launching pre-clinical trials of simultaneous administration of vaccines against flu and the coronavirus, based on study results, a decision on further steps will be made, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday.
Regional Summit Vows to Work With Taliban, Urging That Pledges Be Upheld VOA 17 Sep 2021 -- Leaders at a meeting of the China- and Russia-dominated Shanghai Cooperation Organization emphasized Friday the need for engaging with Taliban-led Afghanistan to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis and an economic collapse in the war-torn country.
SCO Leaders Call For Increased Afghan Aid, Unfreezing Of Assets RFE/RL Gandhara 17 Sep 2021 -- Leaders of the Russia- and China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have urged the world to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets and boost assistance to the war-torn nation as it teeters on the brink of crisis following the Taliban's return to power last month.
Russia Possesses 'Unbelievable Military Power' After Transforming Forces, US General Says Sputnik 17 Sep 2021 -- Russia now has "unbelievable military power" after transforming its armed forces over the past 20 years, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.John Hyten said on Friday.
The Week In Russia: The Vote And The Virus RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- Russians go to the polls - and Putin goes into self-isolation. Amid a clampdown that has further narrowed the field and limited the right to representation, voters cast ballots in parliamentary and local elections, while the president retreats after an extensive outbreak of COVID-19 in his administration.
State-Sector Workers Vote En Masse On The First Of Three Voting Days RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- Budget-sector workers in Russia were pictured flocking to polling stations across the country as voting in nationwide legislative elections began.
Russians Voting In Parliamentary Elections, With Coronavirus, Corruption, (And Putin) On Their Minds RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- Russians began heading to polling stations across the country in the first of three days of voting expected to be dominated by the Kremlin-backed ruling United Russia party after a clampdown by authorities on dissent that almost completely ruled out opposition candidates.
Donbas Vote Seen As Key Element In The Kremlin's Election Effort RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- There are few indications on the streets of Russian cities that the country is holding parliamentary elections.
Key Supporter Breaks Ties With Navalny Associates RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- One of the most outspoken supporters of jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says she is "disappointed" with the Kremlin-critic's exiled associates and has broken ties with them as the country heads to polling stations for elections.
Navalny's 'Smart Voting' App Disappears From Apple, Google Stores In Russia RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- An election-guide app created by opposition activist Aleksei Navalny to erode the dominance of the ruling United Russia party disappeared from Apple and Google stores on the same day that Russians began voting in national parliamentary elections.
Angry Khabarovsk Votes On Replacement For Arrested Popular Governor RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin set off a revolt of sorts in July 2020 when law enforcement arrested the popular governor of the Khabarovsk region, Sergei Furgal, and replaced him with a temporary appointee from Moscow, Mikhail Degtyaryov.
Siberian Election Official Says At-Home Voting Being Misused To Falsify Elections RFE/RL 17 Sep 2021 -- Andrei Biryukov, a member of the regional election commission of Siberia's Kemerovo region, says he has discovered procedural violations in all 12 polling stations around the town of Guryevsk (population 24,000). Moreover, he believes the irregularities were intentional, aimed at facilitating falsification of the ongoing elections in Russia.
Will Russia's Young People Vote in Parliamentary Elections? VOA 17 Sep 2021 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin provoked chuckles earlier this month from school kids in the Russian city of Vladivostok when a 10-year-old asked him to subscribe to his YouTube channel. "Sign up please. I'd be very glad," the kid said.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2021
Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan urge formation of inclusive Afghan govt. Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, China, and Pakistan urge the formation of an inclusive government in the now-Taliban-ruled Afghanistan that serves to represent all Afghan ethnicities.
Putin, Who Is Self-Isolating, Says 'Dozens' In His Inner Circle Diagnosed With COVID-19 RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he expects to remain in self-isolation for several days after dozens of members of his inner circle tested positive for COVID-19.
Putin Says He'll Self-Isolate for Several Days as 'Several Dozen' Around Him Have Contracted COVID Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier confirmed to the national cabinet that he is self-isolating after coming into contact with several coronavirus-positive people, adding that one of them was inoculated against the coronavirus but did not manage to get a booster shot on time.
Leaders Of Russia, China-Led Security Blocs Meet To Discuss Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Sep 2021 -- Russia and its Central Asian allies have launched two days of talks in the Tajik capital to discuss the situation in Afghanistan a month after Taliban militants entered Kabul and seized power in the war-torn country.
Russia decision to close OSCE Observer Mission at 2 Russian border checkpoints: UK statement UK FCDO 16 Sep 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush says that the UK deplores Russia's decision to unilaterally close the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk.
Russian Gov't Allocates $60Mln to Produce Soyuz Spacecraft for Tourist Flights Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The Russian government has allocated more than 4.4 billion rubles ($60.6 million) to space company Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Roscosmos state corporation, for the production of a rocket and spaceship for tourist flights by 2024.
Russia-led alliance to hold massive military exercises on Afghan border Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- A Russia-led military alliance plans to hold large army drills in October in Tajikistan, near the border of Taliban-held Afghanistan, where the humanitarian situation has been described by the United Nations as alarming.
Russia completes tests of S-500 air defense system, starts supplying equipment to forces Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- Russia has successfully completed tests of its new S-500 air defense missile systems and started supplying the advanced antiaircraft equipment to the country's armed forces, according to Russian media.
A 'Single Voting Day' In Russia...Held Over Three Days RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- As the old joke goes, the Soviet Union was heralded for producing the world's largest microchips and the fastest watches. But Russia alone can lay claim to having a "single voting day" over a span of three days.
Watchdogs Say Google Docs Temporarily Blocked In Russia After Navalny Releases Smart Voting List RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- Independent Internet monitors say access to Google Docs has been restored after a temporary outage that coincided with the publication by associates of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny of a list of election candidates voters should cast ballots for to topple ruling party incumbents in elections later this week.
Russia Needs Strong, Influential Parliament - Putin Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Russia needs a strong authoritative parliament so that new State Duma members act in the interests of the country and its people, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Russia Threatens to Take Measures Against US Over Interference in Elections, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Moscow has repeatedly voiced concerns regarding what it sees as interference by western nations in its upcoming parliamentary elections.
Kremlin Regrets European Parliament's Russia Report Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin regrets the European Parliament's report on Russia which contains no plans for a dialogue with Moscow, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on 16 September, mentioning that the document is only a recommendation.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the four-party meeting with the ministers of foreign affairs of the People's Republic of China, Pakistan, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Dushanbe, September 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Dushanbe on September 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2021
Russia Uses 'Best Suited' Internet Regulation, Kremlin Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- As a sovereign country, Russia uses the kind of internet regulation that suits it best, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on 16 September, commenting on China's internet regulation practices.
Russia: IAEA board calls for resumption of Vienna talks, Iran's increased cooperation with agency Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The Russian ambassador to international organizations in Vienna says during its latest session in the Austrian capital, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for the resumption of talks on the revival of Iran's nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran's embassy in Moscow receives 300,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines IRNA 15 Sep 2021 -- The 11th batch of Russian Sputnik V Coronavirus vaccines, comprising 300,000 doses, was delivered to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Moscow and will be forwarded to Tehran on Thursday.
Iran Approves Russia's Sputnik Light Single-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine, RDIF Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- Iran authorized Russia's Sputnik Light single-component vaccine against the coronavirus, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced on Wednesday.
U.S. Lawmakers Make Last-Ditch Effort To Reverse Biden's Waiver Of Nord Stream 2 Sanctions RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- A group of bipartisan lawmakers is seeking to undo U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to waive sanctions on the Russian-owned operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in a last-ditch effort to stop it from pumping gas to Europe.
Nord Stream 2 Launch Will Balance Gas Price Parameters on European Market, Kremlin Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- The launch of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will balance the price parameters on the European gas market, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, as gas futures prices keep surging to record highs.
Russia: US seeking 'de facto partition' of Syria through occupation Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has denounced the illegal US military presence in Syria, warning that Washington is actually seeking to disintegrate the Arab country.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following the joint meeting of CSTO Foreign Ministers Council, Defence Ministers Council and Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils, Dushanbe, September 15, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Sep 2021
Moscow Awaiting US Response Regarding Interference in Russia's Domestic Affairs, Lavrov Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- Moscow is awaiting a response from Washington regarding its interference in Russia's domestic affairs, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on 15 September, noting that the facts to substantiate the claims, which were recently communicated to the US ambassador, were quite serious.
Russia demands answers from US over election interference Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has demanded answers from the US ambassador over 'election interference,' as Moscow says it has proof of 'serious' sabotage efforts.
Navalny's 'Smart Voting' Backs Communist Candidates In Bid To Loosen Grip Of Ruling United Russia RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- The Smart Voting system created by jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has heavily backed Communist Party candidates to oust their Kremlin-backed opponents as Russians prepare to vote for a new lower house of parliament.
Investigative Group OCCRP Leaves Russia To Protect Journalists RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- The investigative journalism group Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) says it has halted its operations in Russia to shield its journalists from an ongoing government crackdown on independent media in the country.
'From Restraint To Destruction': Russian Vote Overshadowed By 'Foreign Agent' Repressions RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- "The funny thing is that I have never traveled abroad, and I don't have a passport," said Tatyana Rumyantseva, a paramedic, a council member in the Novgorod region town of Okulovka, and a candidate from the liberal Yabloko party for the regional legislature in elections on September 17-19. "I don't know any foreigners."
EXERCISE ZAPAD-2021 CULMINATES AT NOVGOROD, RUSSIA India PIB 15 Sep 2021 -- Exercise ZAPAD-2021, a seven day long Multilateral 'Joint Strategic Exercise' which saw participation from seven countries culminated today at Mulino in the Novgorod Region of Russia.
Putin to self-isolate in connection with COVID-19 cases People's Daily 15 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that he will observe self-isolation for a certain period of time in connection with the COVID-19 cases detected in his entourage.
Putin Plans To Self-Isolate As Coronavirus Cases Detected Among His Acquaintances, Kremlin Says Sputnik 14 Sep 2021 -- On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the high number of people infected with COVID-19 among those he has recently come into contact with might make it necessary for him to quarantine himself soon.
Putin Calls Self-Isolation Following Possible Coronavirus Exposure A 'Test' Of Sputnik V RFE/RL 14 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has described his self-quarantine due to "all-day" exposure to a close contact who tested positive for the coronavirus as a "test" for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.
US Accuses Russia of Stonewalling on Cybercrime VOA 14 Sep 2021 -- U.S. warnings to Russian President Vladimir Putin over shielding cybercriminals holed up in Russia appear to have made little impact, according to top U.S. law enforcement and cyber officials.
Prague Court Sends Russian Citizen Wanted By Ukraine To Detention Pending Extradition Decision RFE/RL 14 Sep 2021 -- The Prague City Court has remanded Russian citizen Aleksandr Franchetti, who is wanted by Ukraine on an international arrest warrant, in custody until a decision is made on his possible extradition to Kyiv.
Who Is Aleskandr Franchetti, The Russian Arrested In Prague And Wanted By Kyiv For His Actions In Crimea? RFE/RL 14 Sep 2021 -- For years, Aleksandr Franchetti lived a double life. In Prague, his home off and on since the 1990s, information about the middle-aged Russian man arrested over the weekend for his alleged actions during Moscow's seizure of Crimea in 2014 is hard to come by.
Putin criticizes foreign forces in Syria at Kremlin meet with Assad Press TV 14 Sep 2021 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has paid a surprise visit to Moscow where Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that the presence of foreign forces without a UN mandate is hindering the Arab country's recovery.
Meeting with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad President of Russia 14 Sep 2021 -- Yesterday Vladimir Putin had a meeting at the Kremlin with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad, who is currently in Russia on a visit.
Putin, Assad Meet For First Time In Over A Year RFE/RL 14 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in Moscow to discuss military cooperation against the remaining rebel-held areas in Syria, state media in Damascus reported on September 14.
Presence of US Troops in Eastern Syria is 'De Facto Partition', Russian Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 14 Sep 2021 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Tuesday that the continued presence of American troops in eastern Syria amounts to a de facto partition of the country.
More Preelection Censorship: Internet Regulator Shuts Down Website Focused On Putin's Future RFE/RL 14 Sep 2021 -- In the latest example of the Russian authorities' widening censorship campaign ahead of State Duma elections, the country's Internet regulator has ordered the shutdown of an independent website aimed at helping voters learn about candidates.
Russian Media Outlets, NGOs Launch Petition Demanding Cancellation Of 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 14 Sep 2021 -- More than 150 media and nongovernmental organizations in Russia have launched a petition urging the authorities to cancel the controversial "foreign agent" law, which is widely seen as a tool used by the Kremlin to stifle civil society and independent media.
Russia Fines Social Media Giants for Not Deleting Banned Content VOA 14 Sep 2021 -- A Russian court has fined Facebook, Twitter and Telegram, saying the companies failed to delete content that Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor said violates Russian law.
Tabloids Raise Row Over Russian 'Spy Ship' With Undersea Cable-Cutting Capability Near UK Waters Sputnik 14 Sep 2021 -- At least one British warship is thought to have been assigned to escort the Russian vessels as it crossed the Channel, which serves as a major transit artery for the nations of northern and eastern Europe.
Zapad 2021 military exercises President of Russia 13 Sep 2021 -- Vladimir Putin visited the Mulino training ground in the Nizhny Novgorod Region to watch the main stage of the Zapad 2021 joint strategic exercises of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
Sudanese Embassy Dismisses Report That Khartoum Has Asked Moscow for Aid in Exchange for Naval Base Sputnik 13 Sep 2021 -- Khartoum and Moscow began talks on the creation of a Russian naval facility at Port Sudan in 2017. In late 2020, Russian officials announced that a logistics facility capable of hosting up to 300 personnel and four warships on Sudan's Red Sea coast would be built. In June 2021, media reported that Sudan's lawmakers have yet to ratify the agreement.
Poland, Baltic States Discuss Security Against Backdrop Of Russian-Belarusian Military Drills RFE/RL 13 Sep 2021 -- The foreign and defense ministers of the Baltic states and Poland have gathered to discuss a joint response to conventional and hybrid threats as Russia and Belarus staged large-scale military exercises.
Russia Calls for Int'l Mechanism to Prevent Deployment of Weapons in Space Sputnik 13 Sep 2021 -- Russia calls on the international community to start negotiation on the development of a global mechanism banning the deployment of arms in space, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Monday.
Russia's T-62 Tank Reportedly to Remain in Service With Russian Army Until 2030 Sputnik 13 Sep 2021 -- The T-62 tank, originally manufactured in the Soviet Union from 1961 to 1975, will remain a part of the Russian Army, in a limited capacity, until 2030, according to reports.
More Dirty Tricks? Article On Obscure News Site Muddies The Election Waters For Communist Party RFE/RL 13 Sep 2021 -- If you're paying close attention to the run-up to the Russian State Duma elections this week, you're already familiar with the weapons of dirty tricks, "black PR," and info warfare being brandished to try to guide Russian voters to the outcome desired by the Kremlin.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint news conference with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Telecommunications of San Marino Luca Beccari, Moscow, September 13, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Sep 2021
Japan alleges Russian aircraft violated its airspace Press TV 13 Sep 2021 -- Japan's Defense Ministry has alleged that a Russian An-26 aircraft violated the country's airspace in the northeastern Shiretoko Peninsula on the island of Hokkaido, adding that Japanese fighter jets scrambled to escort the plane out of the area.
Belarus set to buy $1 billion worth of weapons from Russia Press TV 13 Sep 2021 -- Belarus plans to purchase more than $1 billion worth of Russian weaponry, including the potential supplies of S-400 missile systems, said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Elections In A Vacuum: Russians Prepare For Duma Vote With Dearth Of Independent Information RFE/RL 12 Sep 2021 -- Russia's electoral authorities have provided a live-streamed air of transparency during elections for nearly a decade, broadcasting video feeds from polling stations accessible to anyone who cared to tune in.
Japanese Defence Ministry Claims Russian Plane Violated Country's Airspace Sputnik 12 Sep 2021 -- A Russian An-26 plane entered Japan's airspace without authorisation in the area of the Shiretoko Peninsula on the island of Hokkaido, the Japanese Defence Ministry said on Sunday.
Lukashenko: Belarus is in Talks With Russia on S-400 Air Defence Systems Sputnik 12 Sep 2021 -- Earlier this week, Lukashenko met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for talks in Moscow. During the negotiations, the sides agreed on twenty-eight programmes for cooperation as part of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.
Ukraine's Zelensky says all-out war with Russia is possible Press TV 11 Sep 2021 -- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says an all-out war with neighboring Russia is a "possibility" as he complained about Kiev not being allowed to join the US-led NATO military alliance.
Russia sends military equipment to Tajikistan citing 'growing instability' in region Press TV 11 Sep 2021 -- Russia has sent armored vehicles and military equipment to Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbor, against the backdrop of "growing instability" near the southern border, says the defense ministry.
Russia Ratchets Up Preelection Pressure Against Western Tech Giants RFE/RL 11 Sep 2021 -- In the run-up to the September 17-19 national legislative elections, Russia has purged the field of almost all genuine opposition politicians and implemented multiple legal amendments that critics say could facilitate fraud.
Russian MiG-31 Scrambled to Escort Norwegian Air Force Plane Over Barents Sea Sputnik 11 Sep 2021 -- On 11 September, Russian airspace control over the Barents Sea discoverd an air target approaching the Russian state border.
Naftogaz Ukraine CEO Believes US Sanctions Can Still Block Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline Sputnik 11 Sep 2021 -- The United States can still block the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline should Washington impose sanctions against the firms involved in the Russian gas project, Yuriy Vitrenko, CEO of the state-owned energy company Naftogaz Ukraine, said on Saturday.
Russian Tech Giant Yandex Says It Was Targeted In Biggest Attack Ever RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- Russian tech company Yandex said a cyberattack on its servers this summer was the largest known distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack in the history of the Internet.
Russia 'Keeps Powder Dry' in Connection With Situation in Afghanistan, Lavrov Says Sputnik 10 Sep 2021 -- Russia now sees no reason to believe that the situation in Afghanistan will "spill over" to neighboring countries, but "keeps the powder dry," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Zelenskiy Says A Full-Scale War With Russia A Worst-Case 'Possibility' RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a conference he could not exclude the possibility of a full-scale war with Russia even as he said he continues to seek a peace agreement with the Kremlin to end fighting in two eastern regions.
Ukrainian President Says Possibility of Full-On War With Russia Exists Sputnik 10 Sep 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 10 September that there was a possibility of a war with Russia, but that would be "the biggest mistake" on Russia's part.
Russia, Belarus Kick Off Massive Military Exercises Amid Tensions With West RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- Russia and Belarus have launched massive joint military drills near NATO's borders as Moscow and Minsk vowed to deepen their military ties amid persistent tensions with the West.
Russian-Belarus Zapad Drills Begin Friday as NATO Watches Closely Sputnik 10 Sep 2021 -- The large-scale Russia-Belarus Zapad-2021 drills, which will involve about 200,000 personnel, over 80 aircraft and up to 760 pieces of military equipment, are starting on 10 September, with NATO and neighboring nations observing closely from the sidelines.
Russia, Belarus kick off massive joint drills, worrying NATO Press TV 10 Sep 2021 -- The army forces of Russia and Belarus have started joint military drills in the Baltic Sea and across the territory of their countries, causing alarm in some European Union states and NATO countries.
Russian Military Base in Tajikistan to Receive 30 Modern Tanks by Year-End Sputnik 10 Sep 2021 -- The Russian military base in Tajikistan will be provided with 30 modernised tanks by the end of 2021, Russia's Central Military District said on 10 September.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 9, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Sep 2021
Putin Says He, Lukashenka Agreed On Unified Gas Market RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says that he and his Belarusian counterpart, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, have agreed on a new unified gas market, and he praised Belarus, saying the situation there was "stabilized" after months of turmoil.
Russia summons US ambassador over election interference Press TV 10 Sep 2021 -- Russia has summoned the US ambassador to Moscow over alleged interference by Washington in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled to be held later this month.
Moscow Summons U.S. Ambassador Over Alleged Election Interference By Tech Firms RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says U.S. Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan has been summoned over alleged election interference by U.S. tech giants.
Russia Summons US Ambassador Over America's Election Meddling Sputnik 10 Sep 2021 -- Russia plans to hold parliamentary elections on 17-19 September, and invited observers from various countries, while the US State Department claimed that "credible independent observation is impossible".
State Pollster Predicts Five Parties To Enter Duma, Headed By United Russia RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- State polling agency VTsIOM has published survey results suggesting the ruling United Russia party would receive 35.3 percent of the ballots cast by voters who say they are likely to go to the polls in the September 17-19 State Duma elections.
Russia's Gazprom Announces Completion Of Controversial Nord Stream 2 Pipeline RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- Russia said it has completed the construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline after the Biden administration agreed in May to waive congressionally mandated sanctions against the Kremlin-backed project.
The Week In Russia: The 9/11 Factor RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there were signs that a bright new era could be dawning in the long-troubled relationship between Moscow and Washington a decade after the Soviet collapse. The clouds gathered quickly.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Union State, Minsk, September 10, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Sep 2021
Fifth Meeting, Five Takeaways: What Did Putin And Lukashenka Achieve in Their Integration Talks? RFE/RL 10 Sep 2021 -- More questions were raised than answered after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka met in Moscow on September 9.
Russia To Show Off Military Might, Grip On Belarus During Zapad-2021 Exercises RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- Russia and Belarus will be the site of what could be the biggest military exercises in Europe in decades, which comes as Alyaksandr Lukashenka moves to integrate Belarus even closer not only militarily but politically with Russia, triggering fears he is bargaining away the country's sovereignty to its much bigger neighbor.
Russia Heading for 'Least Free Elections' in 20 Years, Say Opposition Leaders VOA 09 Sep 2021 -- Russia's parliamentary elections in less than two weeks' time are shaping up to be the least free since Vladimir Putin came to power 21 years ago, warn opposition leaders and independent election observers.
Russia's E-Voting Getting Off The Ground, Literally RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- The countdown is under way for Russia's controversial e-voting platform, which will be debuted in the upcoming State Duma elections by some very remote voters, including a cosmonaut and a polar explorer.
Three Of A Kind: Another Set Of Russian 'Clone' Candidates Makes Headlines RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- If you're following Russia's current political campaign, you've probably heard of the "clone" candidates competing for votes in a single district of St. Petersburg, provoking a lively discussion about Russian elections and the dirty tricks often deployed to bolster candidates backed by the state at the expense of politicians who oppose it.
Leaked Recording Sheds Light On Widespread Russian Practice Of Party-Led Election Monitors RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- The buildup to Russia's legislative elections has been filled with intrigue and accompanied by some downright absurd headlines.
OPENING CEREMONY EXERCISE ZAPAD 2021 India PIB 09 Sep 2021 -- The Exercise ZAPAD 2021 commenced on 04th September 2021 at Nizhniy in Russia with an aim to train troops to undertake joint operations in conventional battlefield scenario. The exercise aims at strengthening long standing strategic partnership between India and Russia and also enhance better understanding, cooperation with all other participating Nations.
Lukashenka Heads To Moscow For 'Union State' Integration Talks With Putin RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- Authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka travels to Moscow on September 9 for his fifth face-to-face meeting this year with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid speculation that the two leaders could sign a deal that could radically undercut Belarus's sovereignty.
Putin Offers Lukashenka More Loans, Unified Gas Market, But 'Union State' Status Unclear RFE/RL 09 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would give hundreds of millions of dollars in additional loans to Minsk, and that he and his visiting Belarusian counterpart had agreed on a new unified natural-gas market.
Another Crimean Tatar Detained In Russian-Occupied Crimea RFE/RL 08 Sep 2021 -- Moscow-imposed authorities in Ukraine's Crimea region have detained another Crimean Tatar after his home was searched.
Ukraine Dismisses CNN Report On 'Elaborate Plot' To Detain Russian Mercenaries In Belarus RFE/RL 08 Sep 2021 -- Top Ukrainian officials have dismissed an explosive CNN report that said Ukraine's main intelligence agency orchestrated a sting operation in neighboring Belarus in 2020 to arrest Russian mercenaries wanted for crimes in Ukraine.
Russia begins military drills on Kuril Islands Press TV 08 Sep 2021 -- Russia has begun military maneuvers on its eastern territory of Kuril Islands that will include live firing drills and involve more than 500 military personnel, the defense ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Doppelganger Dirty Trick In Russian Election Spawns Online Mockery RFE/RL 08 Sep 2021 -- Now trending on Russian Twitter: the surname of the liberal St. Petersburg city lawmaker seeking reelection to the municipal legislature, Boris Vishnevsky.
Soldiers Voted Early In Secret, Opposition Candidate Claims RFE/RL 08 Sep 2021 -- Russian military personnel in three settlements of the northwestern Murmansk region were gathered on September 7 to cast ballots early in Russia's September 17-19 legislative elections, according to a report in Novaya gazeta the same day.
Over 6,000 People In Moscow Sentenced For Violating Law On Public Gatherings RFE/RL 08 Sep 2021 -- Regional authorities say more than 6,000 people were convicted and sentenced in the first half of the year for violations of the law on public gatherings in the Russian capital, Moscow.
Russia-Led CSTO Starts Military Drills In Kyrgyzstan Due To Situation In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Sep 2021 -- The Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has started three days of military exercises in Kyrgyzstan it says are needed in response to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
Russia says Ukrainian intelligence, outlawed group behind recent Crimea gas pipeline blast Press TV 07 Sep 2021 -- Russia's security service says Ukrainian military intelligence and an outlawed representative body of the Crimean Tatars orchestrated an attack on a gas pipeline in Crimea last month.
Russian Intelligence Accuses Crimean Tatars Of Pipeline Sabotage After Kyiv Riposte RFE/RL 07 Sep 2021 -- Russia's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Bureau (FSB), has accused five detained Crimean Tatar activists of sabotaging a gas pipeline one day after Ukraine dismissed the charges as fabricated.
Russian, Syrian helicopter pilots hold first-ever joint drills in Syrian Desert Press TV 07 Sep 2021 -- Russian and Syrian helicopter pilots have been holding their first-ever joint drills in Syria's southeastern desert.
Russian Authorities Block Final Access Point To Navalny's 'Smart Voting' Website RFE/RL 07 Sep 2021 -- Russia's media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the last remaining portal open to the Smart Voting website developed by jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's team to support candidates in the upcoming elections to defeat Kremlin-linked figures and candidates for the ruling United Russia party.
Russian Elections Snapshot: Navalny's 'Smart Voting' Project Is Being Cloned RFE/RL 07 Sep 2021 -- In September 2019, with a slew of opposition politicians barred from elections to the Moscow city council, Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny and his supporters mounted a campaign to break the monopoly of ruling party United Russia.
New FBI Documents Shed Light On Probe Into Russian Activist's Near-Fatal Illnesses RFE/RL 07 Sep 2021 -- Newly released, previously classified documents from the U.S. Justice Department shed further light on how FBI agents and U.S. government scientists rushed, and struggled, to pinpoint the cause of the two mysterious illnesses that nearly killed Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza.
As Elections Loom, Russia's Beleaguered Opposition Banks On Little More Than A Chance To Air Its Grievances RFE/RL 07 Sep 2021 -- Politician Andrei Pivovarov stands for hours on end inside his campaign headquarters, hands on hips and one eyebrow raised as if in a perpetual state of surprise at the authorities' decision to register his candidacy in an election he considers rigged.
Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following a visit to Leningrad region, St Petersburg, September 6, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Sep 2021
Families Of MH17 Crash Victims Put Blame Squarely On Russia In Trial RFE/RL 06 Sep 2021 -- Families of victims from Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 that was shot down over Ukraine in 2014 have demanded justice from Russia in testimony against four suspects - three Russians and one Ukrainian - being tried in absentia over the crash.
British Researchers Say Pro-Russian Influence Operation Targets Western News Websites RFE/RL 06 Sep 2021 -- The websites of several prominent Western news outlets have been targeted by a pro-Russian influence operation that uses the websites' comment sections to distort public opinion, research conducted in Britain shows.
Works on new Russian gas pipeline to Europe to end next week: Contractor Press TV 06 Sep 2021 -- Russia's new gas pipeline to Europe, known as Nord Stream 2, will be fully ready next week, says an Austrian contractor, despite repeated objections raised by the United States about the key project and its impacts on the energy security in Europe.
Nord Stream 2's Final Section Welded Into Place RFE/RL 06 Sep 2021 -- The operator of the controversial $12 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline says the final section of the link has been welded into place.
Russian Elections Snapshot: Using Doppelgangers To Confuse Voters RFE/RL 06 Sep 2021 -- There are three Boris Vishnevskys running for seats on the St. Petersburg municipal legislature, called the Legislative Assembly. One is lawmaker Boris Vishnevsky, leader of the Yabloko party's local branch and an assembly member since 2016. The other two are an official tied to the ruling United Russia party and a salesman for a car-repair company, both of whom changed their names ahead of the September 17-19 vote.
More Than 50 Crimean Tatars Detained In Russia-Annexed Crimea RFE/RL 05 Sep 2021 -- More than 50 Crimean Tatars have been detained by the Russian intelligence service in Ukraine's Russia-controlled Crimea region, Ukrainian officials said on September 4.
Hacking Servers. Online Blocking. Police Raids. Information Attacks. What Won't The Kremlin Do To Stop 'Smart Voting'? RFE/RL 05 Sep 2021 -- Here's the main reason why Aleksei Navalny has become such a potent political force and a threat to the Kremlin: his splashy exposés documenting corruption and ostentatious spending by government officials, usually accompanied by his acerbic wit.
Russia's Gazprom Neft abandons dollar in favor of yuan in fueling planes in China Press TV 04 Sep 2021 -- The oil arm of Russia's major gas corporation Gazprom – Gazprom Neft – has begun to abandon the US dollar in favor of the Chinese yuan in settling payments for fueling planes throughout China, the company's CEO says.
Four More Media Organizations Added To Russia's 'Foreign Agent' List RFE/RL 04 Sep 2021 -- Russia has branded four more media outlets as "foreign agents," adding to the growing list of news organizations and individual journalists caught up in what critics say is an accelerated Kremlin campaign against independent media ahead of nationwide legislative elections later this month.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the termination of OSCE Observer Mission's activities at the Gukovo and Donetsk checkpoints on the Russia-Ukraine border Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 03 Sep 2021 -- During a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe on September 2, the Russian Federation announced its decision not to renew the mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at the international automobile checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk on the Russia-Ukraine border after its expiration on September 30, 2021.
Crying Foul: Leaked Audio Suggests United Russia Readying Election Fraud RFE/RL 03 Sep 2021 -- At a recent meeting of polling station heads in a Moscow suburb, a woman who has been identified as a local administration official is heard explaining how the upcoming elections for the State Duma should be conducted.
Russia Blocks Access To Four VPN Providers Ahead Of Elections RFE/RL 03 Sep 2021 -- Russia's media watchdog has blocked six providers of virtual proxy networks (VPNs), which people can use to circumvent government restrictions on the Internet.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to questions at a meeting with heads of large industrial enterprises of the Sverdlovsk Region, Yekaterinburg, September 2, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following a visit to the Sverdlovsk Region, Yekaterinburg, September 2, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following a visit to the Sverdlovsk Region, Yekaterinburg, September 2, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks during a meeting with Sima Land employees, Yekaterinburg, September 2, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Sep 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to questions at a meeting with representatives of the Sverdlovsk Region sports community, Yekaterinburg, September 2, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Sep 2021
Lavrov: Russia has no plans to be mediator between Taliban, other Afghan forces Press TV 02 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has no intention to mediate negotiations between the Taliban and other political forces in Afghanistan.
Kremlin Refuses To Extend OSCE Mission On Ukraine-Russia Border Crossing, U.S. Says RFE/RL 02 Sep 2021 -- Russia has refused to extend the mandate of international observers to monitor two border crossing points with Ukraine, a U.S. official said.
Kremlin: US-Ukrainian 'friendship' motivated by opposition to Russia Press TV 02 Sep 2021 -- Russia has denounced the US military assistance to Ukraine, saying such American actions could make Kyiv behave unpredictably and dangerously and "can only be a cause for regret."
Intensifying repression in Russia ahead of elections: UK statement UK FCDO 02 Sep 2021 -- Ambassador Bush voices UK concern over the intensifying repression in Russia ahead of the September Duma elections.
Lukashenka Says Belarus To Receive Huge Military Consignment From Russia RFE/RL 01 Sep 2021 -- Belarus's authoritarian leader, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, says his country will soon receive a huge military hardware consignment from Russia, a sign of Moscow's continued support for the strongman amid an international outcry over his sometimes violent crackdown on dissent.
Russia to send huge military hardware consignment to Belarus: Lukashenko Press TV 01 Sep 2021 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says Russia will soon deliver a huge consignment of military hardware to the country, including aircraft, helicopters and air defense systems.
Russian-Led Military Group Struggles To Find Its Role - And Relevance - Amid Taliban Takeover RFE/RL Gandhara 01 Sep 2021 -- In early July, with the United States on the verge of moving up the deadline to quit Afghanistan and end its longest war, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was asked if Moscow might one day have to send its own troops back. He pointed to a Central Asian state that shares a lengthy, and very porous border, with Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's article titled "Russia-Uzbekistan relations in the modern period" for a special issue of the Budget magazine dedicated to the 30th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, September 1, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Sep 2021
German Security-Company Employee Goes On Trial For Allegedly Spying On Bundestag For Russia RFE/RL 01 Sep 2021 -- An employee of a German security company contracted by the Bundestag has gone on trial on espionage charges after being accused of passing floor plans of buildings used by the German parliament to the Russian secret services.

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September 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News