October 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News

Putin Calls On G20 To Address Vaccine Recognition RFE/RL 31 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that the health ministries of the Group of 20 (G20) countries promptly address the issue of mutual recognition of national COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
Russia fully supports resumption of JCPOA in its original form: FM Lavrov Press TV 31 Oct 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow fully supports the idea of resuming the implementation of the landmark Iran nuclear agreement, which was abandoned by the US in 2018, in the form it was signed and later approved by the United Nations, without "any additions or exemptions."
Belarus Blocks Pro-Kremlin Russian News Agency Regnum RFE/RL 31 Oct 2021 -- The authorities in Belarus have blocked access to the website of the pro-Kremlin Russian news agency Regnum.
Russia tracks US missile destroyer in Black Sea amid rising tensions with NATO Press TV 31 Oct 2021 -- Russia says its navy has been tracking the movement of a US guided-missile destroyer that entered the Black Sea as tensions escalate between Moscow and NATO.
Biden Seeks Continued Work On Implementation Of U.S.-German Energy Agreement RFE/RL 31 Oct 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has stressed the importance of implementing a U.S.-German agreement on the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline to ensure that Russia "cannot manipulate natural gas flows for harmful political purposes," the White House said in a statement.
Russia's Daily COVID-19 Cases Hit New Record, U.S. Greenlights Jab For Kids Of 5-11 Years RFE/RL 30 Oct 2021 -- Russia on October 30 reported 40,251 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, its highest single-day case tally since the start of the pandemic.
Putin censures G20 leaders for COVID vaccine inequality Press TV 30 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has censured the Group of 20 leaders over their failure to meet a promise of equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines, urging them to fast-track mutual recognition of vaccine certificates.
Macron says 'no evidence' to blame Russia for energy crisis Press TV 30 Oct 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed allegations that Russia contributed to Europe's current energy crisis.
Statement of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations during the consideration of agenda item 69, entitled "Report of the Human Rights Council", New York, 29 October 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Oct 2021
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a media question about the functioning of Russian and US diplomatic missions Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Oct 2021
Russia's Statistics Agency Says COVID-19 Deaths In September Nearly Double Official Numbers RFE/RL 29 Oct 2021 -- At least 44,265 people died of COVID-19 and related causes in Russia in September, the country's statistics agency, Rosstat, said.
Ukraine's Zelenskiy Defends Drone Strike On Russia-Backed Separatists RFE/RL 29 Oct 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has defended the use of a Turkish-supplied armed drone to strike Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, saying the military acted in self-defense and did not violate any agreements.
Moldova, Russia's Gazprom Extend Gas Contract After Dispute RFE/RL 29 Oct 2021 -- The Moldovan government and Russia's state-controlled Gazprom say they have agreed to extend a contract for Russian natural gas supplies from November 1, for a period of five years.
EU Says Russia 'Weaponizing' Gas Against Moldova RFE/RL 29 Oct 2021 -- The European Union's top diplomat has said that Russia is weaponizing its natural-gas supply to bully Moldova, one of Europe's poorest nations, as a gas dispute between Moscow and Chisinau continues.
The Week In Russia: 'Values' And The Virus RFE/RL 29 Oct 2021 -- As Russia's COVID crisis raged on, prompting lockdowns, paid holidays, and a mix of pleas and pressure for the populace to get vaccinated, President Vladimir Putin took aim at the West again. Meanwhile, the clampdown on Kremlin opponents, independent media, and civil society continued.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov' video address to participants of the XVI Union of the Baltic Cities General Conference, Moscow, October 29, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Oct 2021
Moscow: US Demands That 55 More Russian Diplomats, Workers Leave Country Sputnik 29 Oct 2021 -- Washington demands that 55 more Russian diplomats and administrative and technical workers of the Russian embassy and consulates leave the United States in the coming months, the situation on the diplomatic "front" will worsen as a result, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
China-Russia joint naval drill enhances capability to counter threats, securing regional peace: spokesperson People's Daily 29 Oct 2021 -- The joint Chinese-Russian naval drill has enhanced the ability of both sides to counter security threats at sea and maintain regional security and peace, a Chinese military spokesperson told a press conference on Thursday.
Chinese Military on Target to Surpass US, Russia VOA 28 Oct 2021 -- It is only a matter of time before China's plan to replace the United States as the world's preeminent military becomes reality, a top U.S. general warned, calling on the Washington and its allies to speed efforts to counter Beijing's bid for dominance.
As COVID-19 Rages In Russia, Kaliningrad Buckles Under 'Catastrophic' Shortage Of Ambulance Staff RFE/RL 28 Oct 2021 -- Earlier this month, a woman in the town of Mamonovo, about 50 kilometers southwest of the Russian Baltic Sea port city of Kaliningrad, fell ill with COVID-like symptoms, including a fever that reached 39.7 degrees Celsius.
Eastern Europe Wrestles With Virus Spike As Russia, Ukraine Report Record Deaths, Infections RFE/RL 28 Oct 2021 -- Coronvirus cases and deaths continue to spike across Eastern Europe where authorities have blamed the situation in large part on slow vaccination rates.
China-Russia border city in lockdown after new COVID-19 reports Global Times 28 Oct 2021 -- Another major port city in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Heihe, bordering Russia in the north, was urgently put under a citywide lockdown on Thursday after one confirmed COVID-19 case was found. It is the third city that has imposed such rules in the latest rebound of the epidemic in China, following China-Mongolia border city Ejin Banner and Northwest China's transport hub Lanzhou.
Russian National Extradited to United States to Face Charges for Alleged Role in Cybercriminal Organization US Dept. of Justice 28 Oct 2021 -- A Russian national, residing in the Yakutsk region of Russia and in Southeast Asia, had his initial appearance in federal court today after his extradition from the Republic of Korea to the Northern District of Ohio to face charges for his alleged role in a transnational, cybercriminal organization.
Russian National Extradited By S. Korea Faces U.S. Court On Cybercrime Charges RFE/RL 28 Oct 2021 -- A Russian national wanted on cybercrime charges has made his first appearance in a U.S. federal court after being extradited hours earlier by South Korea to the United States.
The Kremlin Is Threatening To Turn Off Moldova's Gas. Pro-Russia Separatists Are Blamed For Running Up The Energy Bill. RFE/RL 28 Oct 2021 -- As winter approaches, people in Talmaza, a village in the southeast corner of Moldova, Europe's poorest country, are scrambling to secure fuel to heat their homes.
Russia Extends Detention Of Crimean Tatar Leader Another 2 1/2 Months RFE/RL 28 Oct 2021 -- A court in Russia-annexed Crimea has extended the detention of Crimean Tatar leader Nariman Dzhelyal until January 23, his lawyer Mykola Polozova said.
Russia Warns Turkey After Ukraine Drone Strike VOA 28 Oct 2021 -- Russia is warning Turkey over arms sales to Ukraine after a Turkish-made drone attacked Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine.
Joint Statement on Media Freedom Coalition on Media Freedom in Russia US Dept. of State 28 Oct 2021 -- The following is the text of a joint statement signed by the governments of Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
14th batch of Sputnik V vaccines delivered to Iran Embassy in Moscow IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- The 14th batch of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, including 800,000 doses, was delivered to the Iranian Embassy in Moscow on Wednesday and will be forwarded to Tehran on Thursday.
Russia Posts Another Record Daily COVID-19 Death Toll Ahead Of Measures To Tame Surge RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Russia has posted another record coronavirus daily death toll as the country heads toward a new round of measures aimed at suppressing a surge in the pandemic.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a ministerial meeting with Afghanistan's neighbouring countries (Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), Tehran, October 27, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Oct 2021
Russia says will support establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow favors the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
China, Russia Working Together on Security Threats in Central Asia VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Eyes in Beijing and Moscow are trained on Central Asia, prompted by the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
Russia To Increase Gas Supplies To Europe Starting Next Month RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told state-controlled energy giant Gazprom to start pumping natural gas into European gas storage facilities once Russia finishes filling its own stocks, which could happen by November 8.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Chung Eui-yong following their talks, Moscow, October 27, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Oct 2021
Press release on the 18th Ministerial Meeting of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Oct 2021
Russia, Ukraine Report New Record Daily Numbers Of COVID-Related Deaths RFE/RL 26 Oct 2021 -- Russia and Ukraine reported record-high coronavirus-related deaths on October 26 amid a surge in infections.
Highlights of the China-Russia Joint Sea-2021 Military Exercise and Joint Cruise PLA Daily 26 Oct 2021 -- The guided-missile destroyer Nanchang (Hull 101) of the Chinese PLA Navy successfully completed the China-Russia joint naval exercise Joint Sea-2021 and the first joint maritime cruise, returning to a military port in Qingdao on the afternoon of October 24.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following talks with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt, Tromso, October 25, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's intervention at the opening session of the 18th Ministerial Meeting of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, Tromso, Norway, October 26, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the Barents Youth Summit, Tromsø, Norway, October 26, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's media statement following the plenary session of the 18th Ministerial Meeting of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, Tromso, October 26, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Oct 2021
Parts of Russia's Space Agency Off Limits in New Security Order VOA 25 Oct 2021 -- Journalists who cover Russia's space program say they may adopt a more cautious approach to their reporting after several aspects of Roscosmos were effectively declared off limits.
Microsoft Says Russia-Backed Group Behind SolarWinds Hack Targets Technology Supply Chain RFE/RL 25 Oct 2021 -- Microsoft says the Russia-backed hacking group behind last year's massive SolarWinds cyberattacks on U.S. government agencies and other institutions continues to target the global technology supply chain.
Microsoft Discloses New Russian Hacking Effort VOA 25 Oct 2021 -- The U.S. technology giant Microsoft says that the same Russia-backed hackers responsible for the 2020 SolarWinds breach of corporate computer systems is continuing to attack global technology systems, this time targeting cloud service resellers.
U.S. Official Tells Europe Not To Waive Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Approval Process RFE/RL 25 Oct 2021 -- A senior U.S. state department official has warned Europe against bowing to Russian pressure and waiving the lengthy process needed to approve Nord Stream 2, a controversial Baltic Sea natural gas pipeline to Germany.
Chinese, Russian warships tackle Japanese close-in recon, 'display confidence' in 1st joint sea patrol Global Times 25 Oct 2021 -- A Chinese-Russian naval flotilla tackled external challenges, including close-in reconnaissance by Japanese forces, during the fleets' first joint sea patrol over the past week.
Moscow Says It Can't Prevent Ukraine From Joining NATO But Can Minimise Its Consequences Sputnik 24 Oct 2021 -- Russia cannot prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, but it is possible to minimise the consequences of such steps, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.
Russia, China conduct first-ever joint naval patrols in Pacific Ocean Press TV 24 Oct 2021 -- Russian and Chinese warships have, for the first time, conducted joint patrols in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, the Russian defense ministry said.
Moscow Slams Washington's Decision To Add Russians Seeking U.S. Visas To 'Homeless Nationals' List RFE/RL 24 Oct 2021 -- Moscow has criticized the United States after Washington added Russians seeking U.S. visas to a list of "homeless nationals" who can apply for visas in third countries.
Russian Military Base in Tajikistan to Add 30 New Tanks to Fleet Before End of Year Sputnik 24 Oct 2021 -- The Russian 201st Military Base in Tajikistan will replace its old combat vehicles with 30 upgraded T-72B3M tanks before the end of this year, the head of the unit's staff, Col. Evgeny Okhrimenko, said on Sunday.
Russia Reports Record Number of COVID Deaths for 5th Straight Day VOA 23 Oct 2021 -- Russia reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths Saturday for the fifth straight day as the country prepares for a week-long workplace shutdown and the reimposition of a partial lockdown in next week.
Russia's Daily COVID Deaths Hit Record For Fifth Straight Day As Lockdown Looms RFE/RL 23 Oct 2021 -- Russia on October 23 reported 1,075 COVID-19 deaths during the previous 24 hours, its fifth straight daily record, as authorities prepare to shut workplaces across the country and impose a lockdown in the capital.
Ukraine accuses Russia of 'gas aggression', calls for EU action Press TV 23 Oct 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of orchestrating an energy crisis in Europe by raising gas prices, calling on Brussels to work with Kiev against what he characterized as Russian "gas aggression."
Russian-Led CSTO Stages More Counterterrorism Drills On Tajik-Afghan Border RFE/RL Gandhara 23 Oct 2021 -- Members of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have completed another joint counterterrorism training exercise in Tajikistan near the border with Afghanistan.
Russia, China Conduct First Joint Naval Patrol in Pacific Ocean Sputnik 23 Oct 2021 -- Russian and Chinese warships conducted the first joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Ministry of Defenсe said on Saturday.
First joint naval patrol by China, Russia in West Pacific is 'of vital significance': military experts Global Times 23 Oct 2021 -- Chinese and Russian naval forces have carried out their first joint sea patrol in waters in the West Pacific between October 17 to 23, Chinese Ministry of Defense said on Saturday, which experts said is of vital significance in sending a clear signal and practicing real world drills.
China-Russia Joint Sea 2021 military exercise concludes PLA Daily 23 Oct 2021 -- At noon on October 23, local time, the China-Russia joint naval exercise Joint Sea 2021 and joint maritime cruise concluded successfully. The two sides' ship formations held a farewell ceremony in the eastern waters of the East China Sea.
Chinese and Russian navies conduct joint cruise in the Western Pacific PLA Daily 23 Oct 2021 -- The navies of China and Russia organized joint maritime cruise in waters of the Western Pacific Ocean for the first time from October 17 to 23, according to a written statement released by the Ministry of National Defense of China on Saturday.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Rogelio Mayta, Moscow, October 22, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Oct 2021
As Russia Reimposes Lockdowns, Critics Cite The Measures Not Taken RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- "You deal with your lockdowns first, then we can shake hands." Those were the words with which Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament, greeted a group of European delegates last June at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event hailed as a grand ceremony to signal Russia's emergence from the pandemic.
Russia Hits Another COVID Death Record As Ukraine Shuts Schools RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- Russia has notched yet another daily record for coronavirus infections and deaths as authorities prepare to reintroduce lockdown restrictions.
Russia Confirms New Single-Day Record of 37,141 COVID-19 Cases Sputnik 22 Oct 2021 -- Russia registered a new single-day record of 37,141 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, up from the previous record of 36,339 cases confirmed the day before, bringing the cumulative total to 8,168,305, the federal response centre said on Friday.
Reports: 16 Dead After Explosion At Russian Gunpowder Facility RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- A fire caused by an explosion at a gunpowder workshop has killed at least 16 people in Russia's Ryazan region.
Moscow says NATO's anti-Russia strategy proved decision to cut ties was right Press TV 22 Oct 2021 -- The Russian government says NATO's recent adoption of a new anti-Russia strategy proved that Moscow made the right decision in cutting ties with the military alliance.
NATO New Defenсe Plan Shows Russia's Decision to Stop Dialogue Was Correct, Kremlin Says Sputnik 22 Oct 2021 -- NATO's new defence plan shows that Russia's decision to stop official dialogue with the alliance was correct, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
Normal Diplomatic Discussions With NATO Impossible in Light of Bloc's Moves, Russia Says Sputnik 22 Oct 2021 -- On Monday, Russia suspended the operation of NATO's information office in Moscow, and its own permanent mission to the alliance, over the bloc's move to revoke the accreditation of employees of the Russian mission to NATO. From now on, the alliance is instructed to turn to Russia's ambassador to Belgium if it has "any urgent matters" to discuss.
Putin: Ukraine's Western-Backed Military Development A Threat To Russia RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Ukraine's military development with Western support represents a genuine threat to Moscow.
The Week In Russia: The COVID Surge And The Sakharov Prize RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- Coronavirus cases and deaths hit new highs, prompting lockdowns and changing the Kremlin's tone as President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to get vaccinated. Putin's imprisoned foe Aleksei Navalny won the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought and Moscow's relations with the West got a little bit colder.
Steam Leak Forces Russian Nuclear Reactor Offline RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- A reactor at a nuclear power plant in Russia's southwestern Rostov region was taken offline after the detection of a steam leak, but the operator said radiation levels were normal.
'Sword Of Damocles': With First Legal Charges, Russia's 'Foreign Agent' Law Bares Its Teeth RFE/RL 22 Oct 2021 -- Pyotr Manyakhin, a Novosibirsk-based journalist with the investigative-journalism outlet Proyekt, was designated a "foreign agent" by the Russian government in July. He recently filed his first obligatory financial accounting, a 45-page report that he says cost him considerable time and aggravation.
Chinese, Russian warships circle around Japan; base of US provocations within reach Global Times 22 Oct 2021 -- The Chinese-Russian joint naval flotilla that transited the Tsugaru Strait days ago has since sailed along the east side of Japan's main island to its south, almost making a circle around the island country, in a move Chinese experts said on Friday can bring balance to regional stability at a time when the US, Japan and other Western forces have been colluding to destabilize the Asia-Pacific region.
Valdai Discussion Club meeting Kremlin 21 Oct 2021 -- Vladimir Putin took part in a plenary session of the 18th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 21, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Oct 2021
Russia Identifies New Coronavirus Variant As Moscow Tightens Restrictions Amid Record Cases, Deaths RFE/RL 21 Oct 2021 -- Russia has reported some COVID-19 infections with a new coronavirus variant believed to be even more contagious than the Delta one amid a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths that has pushed Moscow's authorities to reimpose lockdown measures.
New Coronavirus Variant AY.4.2 Found in Russia, It May Spread, Rospotrebnadzor Watchdog Says Sputnik 21 Oct 2021 -- The new coronavirus Delta strain variant, AY.4.2, has been found in isolated cases in Russia, Kamil Khafizov, the head of the scientific group for the development of new methods for diagnosing human diseases at Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor's Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, said.
Moscow to React to Ukraine's Possible NATO Entry, Sees It as Dangerous Step, Deputy FM Says Sputnik 21 Oct 2021 -- Ukraine's possible NATO entry would be an extremely dangerous step, which would force Moscow to react, the alliance was warned about the possible consequences, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said on Thursday.
Russia warns against Ukraine's accession to NATO Press TV 21 Oct 2021 -- Russia has warned that any move towards the accession of Ukraine to the NATO would have consequences as it test-fired a submarine-launched Bulava ballistic missile.
NATO Chief Says Relations With Russia at Their Lowest Since Cold War VOA 21 Oct 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday relations between the alliance and Russia are at their lowest point since the Cold War ended.
Europe's Energy Crunch Set to Worsen as Russia Refrains From Boosting Gas Exports VOA 21 Oct 2021 -- A week ago, President Vladimir Putin said Russia would be prepared to increase natural gas exports to help Europe with an energy crunch that has triggered soaring prices. But there are no signs he will make good on promise of relief, say energy experts.
Kremlin Says It Doesn't 'Respect' EU Decision To Award Navalny Its Top Rights Prize RFE/RL 21 Oct 2021 -- The Kremlin says is has no "respect" for the decision by European lawmakers to award jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny with the Sakharov Prize, the European Union's highest human rights honor.
Navalny Associate Sobol Added To Russia's Wanted List RFE/RL 21 Oct 2021 -- Russian opposition politician Lyubov Sobol, a close associate of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, has been added to Russia's wanted list after she fled the country days after being found guilty of breaking coronavirus measures.
Kremlin Slams European Parliament's Decision to Award Sakharov Prize to Navalny Sputnik 21 Oct 2021 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed the belief that the European Parliament that awarded the 2021 Sakharov Prize to jailed opposition figure Alexey Navalny depreciates the name of the prize.
Turkey Apprehends Six Men Suspected Of Planning Attacks Against Kadyrov's Critics RFE/RL 21 Oct 2021 -- Turkish authorities have arrested four Russian citizens, one Ukrainian citizen, and one Uzbek national on charges of "military and political espionage" linked to alleged plans to attack Chechen opposition activists residing in Turkey.
Putin Says Russia Mulling Removing Taliban From Terrorist List RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is considering removing the Taliban from its list of extremist organizations as it expands engagement with the new rulers in Kabul.
Moscow conference on Afghanistan urges invaders to take responsibility Press TV 21 Oct 2021 -- Russia hosts a third conference involving Afghanistan's neighbors and new interim rulers, urging that the country's decades-long invaders take responsibility towards its betterment.
A Get-Out-Of-Jail-Alive Certificate? Sakharov Prize Gives Navalny Global Recognition, Protection RFE/RL 20 Oct 2021 -- For months, the Kremlin has been trying to convince its citizens and others that opposition leader Aleksei Navalny is just a criminal who ran an extremist organization.
Executive Order on non-working days in October and November 2021 President of Russia 20 Oct 2021 -- The President signed Executive Order On Non-Working Days in the Russian Federation in October and November 2021.
Putin Imposes Week-Long Workplace Shutdown to Combat COVID-19 VOA 20 Oct 2021 -- Soaring cases of COVID-19 and related deaths have prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to approve a Cabinet proposal for a week-long workplace shutdown.
Russia's Daily COVID Deaths Set New Record, Again RFE/RL 20 Oct 2021 -- Russia's coronavirus deaths have surged to another daily record as soaring infections prompted the government to suggest introducing nationwide restrictions at the end of the month to stem the spread of the disease.
Swedish Submarine Loaded Live Torpedoes Amid Major Russian Drill – Report Sputnik 20 Oct 2021 -- The Zapad-21 drills, featuring some 200,000 personnel, were held in western Russia and Belarus in September and were labelled a "demonstration of strength" showing Moscow's "extensive military capability" by Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist.
Joint Statement of the Participants in the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, Moscow, 20 October 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the third meeting of the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan, Moscow, October 20, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Oct 2021
Moscow Hosts Taliban For International Talks On Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 20 Oct 2021 -- Russia hosted a high-level Taliban delegation for talks attended by officials from China, Pakistan, and eight other countries, as Moscow seeks to assert its influence on Central Asia amid worries about instability or violence spilling from Afghanistan into the region.
Regional Powers Back Aid for Afghanistan, Press Taliban on Inclusivity VOA 20 Oct 2021 -- An international Russia-hosted meeting Wednesday pressed the Taliban to form a "truly inclusive" government in Afghanistan and called for the United Nations to convene a donor conference as soon as possible to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe facing the war-torn country.
Moscow Hosts International Talks With Taliban to Discuss Afghan Crisis VOA 20 Oct 2021 -- Russia has lauded the efforts of Afghanistan's Taliban government to improve the national security and political situation but stressed the need for the Islamist group to ensure inclusivity in its governance to achieve a stable peace in the war-torn country.
Two Russian Jets Intercept American Bombers Over Black Sea Sputnik 20 Oct 2021 -- Two SU-30 warplanes escorted two US B-1B strategic bombers over the Black Sea in order to prevent the American planes from violating Russia's borders, the Defence Ministry stated on Wednesday.
In Aftermath Of Navalny Poisoning, Chemical-Weapons Group Tiptoes Toward Unprecedented Step RFE/RL 20 Oct 2021 -- The finding, by a German military laboratory, set off alarm bells across Western capitals 13 months ago: A powerful Soviet-era nerve agent was found in the tissue of Russian anti-corruption crusader Aleksei Navalny, lying comatose in a Berlin hospital.
Russia's Navalny Wins Sakharov Prize, EU's Top Human Rights Award RFE/RL 20 Oct 2021 -- Jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has been chosen as the winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the European Parliament's annual human rights prize, for his work to expose corruption and efforts to restrict freedoms in Russia.
Jailed Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Wins Top EU Human Rights Prize VOA 20 Oct 2021 -- The European Parliament has awarded the European Union's highest human rights prize to imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny for challenging President Vladimir Putin's rule over the country.
Russia Sets Another Daily COVID Death Record VOA 19 Oct 2021 -- Russian government officials Tuesday recommended closing workplaces after the nation again set a daily record for COVID-19 deaths and nearly 34,000 new infections.
Russia, Ukraine, Romania Post Record Daily COVID-19 Death Tolls As Delta Variant Wreaks Havoc RFE/RL 19 Oct 2021 -- Russia, Ukraine, and Romania have reported their highest daily COVID-19 death tolls during the coronavirus pandemic as the Delta variant wreaks havoc.
Austin Works With Allies, Partners to Deter Russian Malign Activities DoD News 19 Oct 2021 -- In 2014, Russia occupied and illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine and then fomented a war in Eastern Ukraine that has so far killed 14,000 Ukrainians.
FBI Raids Washington, New York Properties Linked To Russian Oligarch Deripaska RFE/RL 19 Oct 2021 -- FBI agents have been conducting "court-authorized law enforcement activity" at properties in Washington and New York linked to Oleg Deripaska, a U.S.-blacklisted Russian oligarch with ties to the Kremlin, news agencies reported on October 19, citing a spokesperson for the law enforcement agency.
Russia halts mission to NATO, alliance's bodies in Moscow People's Daily 19 Oct 2021 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry announced Monday that Moscow has decided to suspend the operation of the Russian Permanent Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in retaliation for the alliance's "unfriendly actions."
Iran's military chief urges development of defense ties with Russia Press TV 19 Oct 2021 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri urges development of the country's defense ties with the Russian Federation.
Chinese, Russian warships' 1st joint patrol sails through Tsugaru Strait in line with intl law, 'could feature encirclement of Japan or approach US' Global Times 19 Oct 2021 -- Right after China and Russia wrapped up a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, 10 powerful warships from the two countries switched to the next mission and sailed through the Tsugaru Strait into the Pacific Ocean on Monday in their first joint maritime patrol, which experts said on Tuesday could see the joint task force encircle Japan or approach the US.
China, Russia vessels sail through Tsugaru Strait for first time, Japan claims Press TV 19 Oct 2021 -- A group of Russian and Chinese naval vessels have for the first time on record sailed through a strait separating the Sea of Japan from the Pacific, Japan has claimed.
Putin's Power Play? Tatarstan Activists Say Loss Of 'President' Title Would Be An Existential Blow RFE/RL 19 Oct 2021 -- One of the first bills to be submitted to Russia's newly elected State Duma, even before the lower house of parliament convened for its first session on October 12, is a measure that would unify the titles of the executive-branch heads of all Russia's regions.
OSCE Says Separatists In Eastern Ukraine Preventing Monitors From Leaving Base RFE/RL 18 Oct 2021 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says a group of its monitors overseeing a fragile cease-fire in eastern Ukraine have been barred from leaving their base by Kremlin-backed separatists who are seeking the release of an officer held by Ukrainian government forces.
Foreign Ministry statement on response measures to NATO decisions regarding the Russian Permanent Mission to NATO in Brussels Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2021 -- On October 6, 2021, the NATO Secretariat officially announced NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's decision to withdraw the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Permanent Mission to NATO on November 1, 2021, as well as to reduce the overall number of mission personnel to 10. No reason for this decision has been provided.
Russia Announces Closure of NATO Mission VOA 18 Oct 2021 -- Russia is retaliating for the recent expulsion of its diplomats from its NATO mission in Brussels, saying Monday it will suspend its mission to the alliance and ordered NATO's office in Moscow shuddered.
NATO Regrets Russia's Decision to Suspend Work of Missions Sputnik 18 Oct 2021 -- NATO regrets the decision of Russia to suspend the work of the missions of the alliance and Russia, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told Sputnik.
Russia Suspends Its Permanent Rep to NATO, Alliance's Information Office in Moscow Sputnik 18 Oct 2021 -- NATO previously confirmed that it had revoked the accreditation of eight employees of the Russian mission to the alliance and reduced the number of accreditations for the Russian Federation to 10.
Russia Suspends Operations Of Its Mission At NATO As Relations With West Deteriorate Further RFE/RL 18 Oct 2021 -- Russia says it will suspend the operations of its mission at NATO headquarters in Brussels in response to the Western security alliance's move to expel eight members of Russia's mission earlier this month.
Russia shuts mission to NATO amid escalating tensions Press TV 18 Oct 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says his country is suspending its mission to NATO as tensions deepen between Moscow and the Western military alliance.
Press release on Russian representatives' conversation with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2021 -- On October 17, Special Presidential Representative for the Syrian Settlement Alexander Lavrentyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin were received by President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad together with members of a Russian interdepartmental delegation including representatives of the Russian Defence Ministry.
Russia's Nord Stream 2 ready for export after filling first string with gas Press TV 18 Oct 2021 -- The gas-in procedure for the first string of the Russia-led Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been completed, the operator of the project said.
Putin's Dominance Risks Destabilization: Fiona Hill's Insights On Russia, the U.S., And Their 'Unfortunate Parallels' RFE/RL 18 Oct 2021 -- Russia is entering a period of instability as the Kremlin moves toward 2024 with deep uncertainty about whether Vladimir Putin plans to stay on as president now that he has that option, Fiona Hill, a former senior Russia adviser to the White House, has told RFE/RL.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communities of Guinea-Bissau Suzi Carla Barbosa following their talks, Moscow, October 18, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2021
Top commander says Iran firm to boost military cooperation with Russia Press TV 17 Oct 2021 -- Iran's top commander says the Islamic Republic is resolute on the improvement of military cooperation with Russia in line with the administration of President Ebrahim Raeisi's "Look to the East" policy.
Russia Faces Sustained Rise In COVID-19 Cases RFE/RL 17 Oct 2021 -- Russian authorities said on October 17 that 34,303 new COVID-19 infections and 999 deaths were recorded on the previous day, as the country faces a sustained rise in coronavirus cases.
Russia Sees New High of 34,303 Daily COVID-19 Cases Sputnik 17 Oct 2021 -- Russia's coronavirus response centre recorded a record 34,303 COVID-19 cases in the past day, with a further 997 patients dying from the disease.
Russian Spacecraft Carrying Actress, Director Returns To Earth After Filming On ISS RFE/RL 17 Oct 2021 -- A space capsule carrying a cosmonaut and two Russian filmmakers has landed in Kazakhstan, ending their 12-day trip to the International Space Station (ISS), according to the Russian space agency Roskosmos.
Russia scrambles fighter jet to escort US military plane Press TV 17 Oct 2021 -- Russia has ordered one of its fighter planes to escort a US B-1B Lancer that was crossing over the Sea of Japan.
Only German Permit Needed to Turn On Nord Stream 2 Gas Flow, Russian Envoy Says Sputnik 17 Oct 2021 -- Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas link with Germany is only a permit away from supplying extra gas to fuel-strapped Europe, the Russian ambassador to the UK said in an interview with the BBC.
Russia Scrambles Fighter Jet to Intercept US Bomber Over Sea of Japan Sputnik 17 Oct 2021 -- A Russian fighter jet was scrambled on Sunday to chase a US B-1B Lancer bomber away after radars picked it up close to the nation's airspace over the Sea of Japan, the Defenсe Ministry said.
Russia's Daily COVID-19 Deaths Pass 1,000 For First Time RFE/RL 16 Oct 2021 -- Russia on October 16 reported 1,002 deaths linked to COVID-19, the highest such figure since the pandemic began.
Share of Russians With COVID-19 Immunity Up to 45% Sputnik 16 Oct 2021 -- Some 45% of Russian adults have COVID-19 antibodies after being vaccinated against or exposed to the viral disease, the national coronavirus response centre said Saturday.
Russia Reports Record Domestic Gas Consumption Amid Europe's Supply Shortages Sputnik 16 Oct 2021 -- Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas link with Germany is only a permit away from supplying extra gas to fuel-strapped Europe, the Russian ambassador to the UK said in an interview with the BBC.
Russia Again Reports New Record Number Of COVID-19 Deaths, Infections RFE/RL 15 Oct 2021 -- Russia has again reported new record figures related to COVID-19.
China welcomes 'positive' remarks as Putin speaks on South China Sea Radio Free Asia 15 Oct 2021 -- China has welcomed what it called Russia's "deep friendship" after President Vladimir Putin called for disputes in the South China Sea to be resolved by countries in the region without interference from "non-regional powers."
Ahead Of Talks, Putin Claims IS Has 2,000 Fighters In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 15 said the Islamic State (IS) militant group has thousands of fighters in northern Afghanistan, as Moscow prepares to host international talks next week on the situation in the country.
Kremlin Says Taliban Confirmed Attendance At Moscow Talks Next Week RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Oct 2021 -- Taliban representatives have confirmed they will attend next week's talks on Afghanistan due to be held in Moscow next week, a senior Russian official said October 15.
Putin says Daesh terrorists amassing in Afghanistan Press TV 15 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says hundreds of Daesh terrorists are amassing in northern Afghanistan and plan to infiltrate into ex-Soviet Central Asian countries.
Taliban Confirms Participation in Moscow-Format Meeting on Afghanistan Sputnik 15 Oct 2021 -- A delegation of the Taliban movement (banned as a terrorist organisation in Russia) will take part in the Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan, which the Russian capital hosts on 20 October, the Afghan Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said on Friday.
US Military: Claim That American Destroyer Threatened to Violate Russia's Maritime Border 'False Sputnik 15 Oct 2021 -- The Pentagon has rejected claims by the Russian Defense Ministry that a US warship was approaching Russian territorial waters on Friday when a Russian warship intercepted it
US military accuses Russia of lying on naval interaction Press TV 15 Oct 2021 -- The US military has accused Moscow of lying about a recent naval interaction, saying the claim that one of Russia's military vessels chased away an American naval destroyer that violated Russian territorial waters in the Sea of Japan is "false."
Russia chases away US warship during joint drills with China Press TV 15 Oct 2021 -- Russia says its naval forces have chased away a US Navy destroyer that attempted to cross the Russian sea border in the Sea of Japan.
Neither Russia Nor US Satisfied With Current State of Relations - Russian Ministry Sputnik 15 Oct 2021 -- Russia and the United States are not satisfied with the current state of relations between the two countries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk told reporters on Friday after meetings with US officials.
Russia Tries to Boost Asia Ties to Counter Indo-Pacific Alliances VOA 15 Oct 2021 -- Russia is attempting to expand its influence in Southeast Asia through meetings and plans with Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, say analysts, but appears not to have the military or financial power to become a larger player in the region.
China-Russia joint naval exercise kicks off PLA Daily 15 Oct 2021 -- The China-Russia joint naval exercise, Joint Sea-2021, kicked off with a ceremony on the afternoon of October 14 in waters near Russia's Peter the Great Bay.
Russia: Syria held back fire as Israel used civilian aircraft as cover in Homs raid Press TV 15 Oct 2021 -- Israel has one again used civilian aircraft as a shield against Syrian air defense systems during its attacks on the Arab country, says a Russian general.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the sidelines of the third Eurasian Women's Forum, St Petersburg, October 14, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers, Minsk, October 14, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Oct 2021
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk US Dept. of State 14 Oct 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Oct 2021
Russia Reports More Record Coronavirus-Linked Deaths, Cases RFE/RL 14 Oct 2021 -- Russia has again reported new record daily figures related to COVID-19.
Russia's Sputnik Backer Pushes For Its Use In UN's Global Vaccine-Distribution Program RFE/RL 14 Oct 2021 -- The head of the Russian sovereign fund that has backed development of Sputnik V says Russia is ready to provide up to 300 million doses of the vaccine to the COVAX initiative, the UN-backed program designed to share vaccines more evenly around the world.
Russia Sets COVID-19 Death Record for 3rd Straight Day VOA 14 Oct 2021 -- Russian health officials Thursday reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths - 986 – for the third consecutive day, while also reporting a record 31,299 new confirmed infections.
Russia expects Taliban govt. to deal with Daesh in Afghanistan on its own Press TV 14 Oct 2021 -- Russia has expressed concern about the activities of Daesh in Afghanistan and says it expects the Taliban to deal with the Takfiri terrorist group without external support.
Lavrov: Russia's allies against stationing of US forces in Central Asia Press TV 14 Oct 2021 -- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says all of Russia's Central Asian allies and neighbors are opposed to the deployment of US or NATO troops on their soil against the backdrop of the Taliban takeover of neighboring Afghanistan.
Moscow: Nuland Informed AUKUS Threatens to Undermine Security Architecture in Asia-Pacific Sputnik 14 Oct 2021 -- US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland was informed that the AUKUS alliance treaty threatens to undermine security architecture in Asia-Pacific, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Thursday.
Russia criticizes EU pessimism over talks in Vienna to remove anti-Iran sanctions Press TV 14 Oct 2021 -- The Russian ambassador to international organizations in Vienna says his country believes, unlike the European Union, there are no reasons to be pessimistic about the fate of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, whose revival depends on a removal of all anti-Iran sanctions.
China, Russia hold joint naval drill in Sea of Japan, display 'higher level of trust, capability' Global Times 14 Oct 2021 -- With China's advanced Type 055, a 10,000 ton-class large destroyer, for the first time joining an exercise with a foreign navy, China and Russia on Thursday kicked off a joint naval drill in the Sea of Japan, in a move that Chinese experts said not only displays the two sides' high level of strategic mutual trust, but also will enhance their capability to jointly deal with maritime security threats and safeguard regional peace and stability, at a time when Western countries are building antagonistic regional security organizations like the Quad and AUKUS.
Russia, China kick off joint naval drills in Sea of Japan Press TV 14 Oct 2021 -- Russia and China have commenced four-day joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan with the participation of several warships and at least a dozen military aircraft, the Russian military says.
Navalny Urges Associates Who Have Fled Russia To Continue Anti-Corruption Work From Abroad RFE/RL 14 Oct 2021 -- Imprisoned Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny says his supporters who have left Russia in the face of growing repression can continue their efforts to oppose the Russian government from abroad.
Russian Energy Week International Forum plenary session President of Russia 13 Oct 2021 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week International Forum. The panel discussion topic is Global Energy: Transformation for Development.
Russia Reports Record Number Of Virus Fatalities For Second Day In A Row RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- Russia saw a record daily rise in COVID-19 deaths for the second day in a row on October 13, amid a spike in infections and fatalities that has prompted the Kremlin to urge health authorities to speed up the pace of vaccinations.
Russia Approves Trials of Sputnik V Vaccine in Form of Nasal Spray Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- The Russian Ministry of Health has approved trials of a nasal spray form of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, the state registry said on Wednesday.
Putin Says U.S. Involvement In Afghanistan Led To Tragedy RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted the United States ignored Afghanistan's history and culture when it invaded, as he lamented what he said was a tragedy in the country.
Russia-Led CSTO To Hold Military Exercises Near Afghan Border On October 22-23 RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Oct 2021 -- The Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will hold joint military drills near the Afghan border in Tajikistan between October 22 and 23, the Kremlin said on October 13.
Ukraine Ready for Normandy Format Talks, 'Waiting for Signal' From Russia, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Wednesday he is ready for a Normandy-format meeting and expects that Russia will confirm its participation.
'Arms race underway' since US pullout from ABM Treaty two decades ago: Putin Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States triggered an arms race after its unilateral withdrawal from the landmark Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty almost two decades ago.
Putin Says US Has Triggered Global Arms Race by Withdrawing From ABM Treaty Sputnik 13 Oct 2021 -- The United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia in 2002, prompting Moscow to dust off Soviet-era plans on the creation of hypersonic weapons technology. Russia unveiled several new hypersonic technologies in 2017 and said it expects these weapons to help guarantee global strategic stability.
Putin blames Europe's 'systematic flaws' for energy crisis Press TV 13 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has brushed off allegations that Moscow is using energy as a "weapon," saying Europe's gas shortage is largely caused by "systematic flaws" in the continent's energy market.
Putin Rejects Suggestions Russia Using Gas As Political Tool RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- President Vladimir Putin has defended the reliability of Russia's natural-gas exports to Europe, saying Moscow was ready to supply even more gas and rejecting accusations that it was using energy exports as a political tool.
As The Kremlin Cracks Down, Its Opponents Find Refuge -- And A Wary Welcome -- In Georgia RFE/RL 13 Oct 2021 -- On a recent Sunday, two dozen political activists, lawyers, and investigative journalists gathered beside Lake Bateti, a beautiful expanse of turquoise water in the heart of the mountainous nation of Georgia.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at a joint news conference following talks with Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola Tete Antonio, Moscow, October 13, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Oct 2021
Reply by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to a media question on the mention of PMC Wagner in the report of the Fact-Finding Mission on Libya Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Oct 2021
Russia Sets Daily Record for COVID Deaths VOA 12 Oct 2021 -- Russia's coronavirus task force Tuesday reported a record 973 coronavirus-related deaths in one day as the surge in new infections continues.
Russia rejects British tabloid's report about 'stolen design' of Sputnik V Press TV 12 Oct 2021 -- Russia has angrily rejected a recent allegation in a British tabloid that it has stolen and used the design for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine to develop its Sputnik V shot.
Russia Again Hits New Record Daily COVID Death Toll RFE/RL 12 Oct 2021 -- Russia has suffered its highest COVID-19 death toll since the pandemic began as total infections and hospitalizations persist amid low vaccination rates.
Russia rejects Japan's claim of sovereignty over disputed islands Press TV 12 Oct 2021 -- The Kremlin has rejected a recent claim made by new Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that Japan's sovereignty extends to a chain of islands disputed with Moscow.
Russians Signal 'Little Progress' In Talks With Top U.S. Official RFE/RL 12 Oct 2021 -- Russian officials have signaled little progress in high-level talks with a senior visiting U.S. State Department official, saying a dispute over embassy staffing and other matters remains unresolved.
Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov's meeting with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions following his visit to Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, October 12, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2021
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Nur-Sultan, October 12, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2021
Targeted Twice, Russian Media Lawyer Is A 'Foreign Agent' Standing Up For 'Foreign Agents' RFE/RL 12 Oct 2021 -- During the long years of his dotage, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev was often ridiculed for the endlessly growing row of Hero of the Soviet Union stars blossoming across his chest. By the time he died in 1982, he had accumulated four of the medals.
Russian, Serbian warplanes commence joint military drills in Serbia Press TV 11 Oct 2021 -- Russian and Serbian military aircraft have commenced week-long joint exercises in Serbia, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
Ukraine, Russia Return To Arbitration Court Over Black Sea Ship Seizures RFE/RL 11 Oct 2021 -- Oral arguments begin in the international Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on October 11 in the latest round of a long-running dispute over Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian Navy vessels in the Kerch Strait in 2018.
Berlin Says Leaders Of Germany, France, Ukraine, Russia Agree To Ministerial-Level Meeting RFE/RL 11 Oct 2021 -- Germany says Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine with the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, and agreed their foreign ministers should meet.
EU Adds Eight People To Sanctions List Over Russian Actions In Crimea RFE/RL 11 Oct 2021 -- The European Council has announced sanctions against eight individuals who are "responsible for enforcing Russian law" in occupied Crimea in a move that comes as senior EU officials travel to Kyiv for a major EU-Ukraine summit.
U.S. Diplomat Nuland To Hold Moscow Talks After Reciprocal Sanctions Moves RFE/RL 11 Oct 2021 -- U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland arrived in Moscow on October 11 for two days of talks with senior Russian officials on bilateral and international issues after the two countries negotiated a sanctions deal to facilitate the visit.
Russian Prison Officials Designate Oppositionist Navalny A 'Terrorist' RFE/RL 11 Oct 2021 -- Imprisoned opposition leader Aleksei Navalny says prison officials in Russia have declared him a person "who espouses an extremist and terrorist ideology," but officially no longer regard him as an escape risk.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Belgrade, October 10, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 10 Oct 2021
U.S. Delegation Meeting with Senior Taliban Representatives in Doha US Dept. of State 10 Oct 2021
Russian Rocket Facility Suspends Tests To Save Oxygen For COVID Patients RFE/RL 10 Oct 2021 -- Russia will suspend test-firing rocket engines at one of its design bureaus in the city of Voronezh until the end of the month to save oxygen supplies for COVID-19 patients, the head of the Russian space agency, Roskosmos, said on October 10.
Russia's Lavrov Urges EU to Act Reasonably on Mutual Recognition of Vaccine Certificates Sputnik 10 Oct 2021 -- The Russian foreign minister urged the European Union on Sunday to act reasonably as talks on the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccine certificates showed no signs of progress.
Syria's FM hails military co-op with Russia, demands end to illegal US, Turkish presence Press TV 10 Oct 2021 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad says his country does not disagree with Russia over the priorities in the fight against terrorism, while demanding that Turkey and the United States immediately end their illegal occupation of the Arab country.
Russia to Complete Over Dozen Angara-A5 Rocket Launches By 2027 - Reports Sputnik 10 Oct 2021 -- The Russian Defence Ministry plans to carry out 17 launches of the new Angara-A5 heavy-lift rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome before the end of 2027, Russian media report.
US Lifts Sanctions on Several Russians Ahead of Nuland's Moscow Trip Sputnik 10 Oct 2021 -- The United States has lifted sanctions on several Russian officials ahead of Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland's trip to Moscow, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on 10 October.
Russia Coronavirus Daily Death Toll Hits New Record High RFE/RL 09 Oct 2021 -- Russia recorded a new record-high daily death toll from COVID-19, as daily deaths exceed 900 for the fourth day in a row.
WADA Revokes Approval Of Russian Anti-Doping Laboratory RFE/RL 09 Oct 2021 -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has revoked the right of a Russian laboratory to carry out blood sample analysis after it failed to comply with laboratory standards and ethics.
Russian Agency: More than 49,000 Died From COVID-19 in August VOA 08 Oct 2021 -- Russia's state statistics service reported nearly 50,000 coronavirus deaths in the country in August, taking the toll since the beginning of the pandemic to over 400,000, nearly double the official government figure.
Microsoft: Russia Responsible For Majority Of State-Backed Cyberattacks Last Year RFE/RL 08 Oct 2021 -- Microsoft said Russia accounted for most state-sponsored hacking that the software giant has detected over the past year, with hackers mostly targeting U.S. government agencies and think tanks.
The Week In Russia: COVID, A Killing, And A Crisis Of Confidence RFE/RL 08 Oct 2021 -- The coronavirus toll rose fast, trust in the president fell, the prospect of justice in pathbreaking journalist Anna Politkovskaya's killing receded further still after 15 years, and harrowing footage emerged with a claim of widespread prison torture.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with the university graduates just employed with the diplomatic service, Moscow, October 8, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Oct 2021
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 7, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2021
WHO Says Process of Sputnik V's Approval About to Be Sorted Out Sputnik 07 Oct 2021 -- The process of approval of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V at the World Health Organization (WHO) is about to be sorted out after negotiations with Moscow, Mariangela Simao, the assistant director-general of the WHO, said on Thursday.
Hackers Behind SolarWinds Tried to Breach US, European Government Networks - Reports Sputnik 07 Oct 2021 -- The hackers behind the SolarWinds infiltration attempted to again breach US government networks including European government networks this year, CNN reported citing cybersecurity analysts monitoring the group.
Microsoft: Russia Cyberattacks Targeting More Governments, Agencies VOA 07 Oct 2021 -- Russia appears to be getting more aggressive and more successful as the nation's hackers launch a growing number of cyberattacks against the United States and other nations, according to a new report by Microsoft.
Reports: Russia Invites Taliban To Moscow For Afghanistan Talks RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Oct 2021 -- Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan said that Taliban representatives have been invited to Moscow for talks later this month on the country's future.
Stoltenberg Says No Agreement Reached With Lavrov to Convene NATO-Russia Council Sputnik 07 Oct 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that he discussed the possibility to convene the NATO-Russia Council with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov but no agreement was reached.
U.S., EU Call For Justice 15 Years After Russian Journalist Politkovskaya's Murder RFE/RL 07 Oct 2021 -- The United States and the European Union have marked the 15th anniversary of the murder of prominent investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya in central Moscow by renewing their calls for all those responsible to be brought to justice, amid an intensifying crackdown on independent media and the opposition.
15-Year Anniversary of the Murder of Anna Politkovskaya US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2021 -- Today marks 15 years since journalist and human rights defender Anna Politkovskaya was killed in Moscow for her brave work bringing to light human rights abuses in the conflict in Chechnya and giving voice to its victims.
Statement by Vladimir Ermakov, Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation and Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the General Debate in the First Committee of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, New York, 6 October 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2021
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China on Strengthening the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Oct 2021
Bulgaria Detains One Russian, Two Lithuanians Over Alleged Espionage At Arms Maker RFE/RL 07 Oct 2021 -- Three foreign employees of Bulgaria's biggest weapons maker, Arsenal, have been detained on suspicion of exporting "sensitive information" about the company's manufacturing plant.
NATO Chief Says Expulsions of Russian Diplomats Not Linked to Particular Event VOA 07 Oct 2021 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday the expulsion of eight members of the Russian Mission to the alliance was not the result of any one particular event, but due to an "increase in malign activity for some time."
NATO Expulsions of Russian Diplomats Will Likely Trigger Moscow Response VOA 07 Oct 2021 -- NATO is expelling eight Russian diplomats and plans to halve the size of Russia's observer mission to the Western alliance in response to alleged malign Russian espionage activities in Europe, which have included killings, attempted assassinations and explosions, say European officials.
NATO Chief Says Russian Expulsions Prompted By Moscow's 'Malign Activity' RFE/RL 07 Oct 2021 -- Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on October 7 that NATO decided to expel eight Russians accredited to the alliance in response to a surge in Moscow's "malign activities," as the Kremlin warned the decision undermined "almost completely" any hope for improving relations.
NATO expels 8 Russian diplomats over 'spying'; Moscow slams decision Press TV 07 Oct 2021 -- NATO has expelled eight Russian diplomats over espionage allegations, with Moscow lambasting the extraordinary decision for undermining efforts to normalize ties between the US-led military alliance and the Kremlin.
Russia's COVID-19 Deaths Surpass 900 A Day For First Time RFE/RL 06 Oct 2021 -- Russia reported 929 new COVID-19 deaths on October 6 -- the highest single-day death toll since the pandemic began -- amid the country's low vaccination rate and the authorities' reluctance to impose tough restrictions to control the spread of the disease.
WHO Still Reviewing Data On Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine RFE/RL 06 Oct 2021 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is still reviewing data about Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine before approving it for emergency use.
Return to talks on JCPOA revival 'not in a distant future': Russia envoy Press TV 06 Oct 2021 -- The Russian ambassador to international organizations in Vienna says the resumption of talks on the revival of Iran's nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is only a matter of time and will take place "not in a distant future."
Blinken, Lavrov Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal As Tehran Signals Talks 'Days' Away RFE/RL 06 Oct 2021 -- The top U.S. and Russian diplomats have discussed their shared interest in the restoration of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
Blinken Speaks With Russia's Lavrov About Restoring Iran Nuclear Deal VOA 06 Oct 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that he had spoken with his Russian counterpart about restoring Iran's nuclear deal and that the issue is of mutual concern to the United States and Russia.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Moscow, October 6, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Oct 2021
NATO to Expel Eight Russian Diplomats Over Alleged Malign Activities Sputnik 06 Oct 2021 -- The decision comes just a day after NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged the alliance to maintain relations with Russia to avoid another cold war or a new arms race.
NATO Expels Eight Members of Russia's Mission VOA 06 Oct 2021 -- NATO said Wednesday it expelled eight members of Russia's mission to the military alliance for allegedly working in secret as intelligence officers.
Pentagon Warns Against Deal Bringing Russian Mercenaries to Mali VOA 05 Oct 2021 -- Add U.S. military officials to the crescendo of voices warning Mali's interim government against brokering any deal to use mercenaries from Russia's Wagner Group to help with security and counterterrorism.
Syria, Russia slam politicization of Syrian chemical file Press TV 05 Oct 2021 -- Syria and Russia have slammed continued politicization of the Arab country's chemical file by certain countries, maintaining that the Damascus government has honored its commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention, contrary to the claims made by Western states and their allies.
EU Looking Into Complaints That Russia Is Pushing Up Gas Prices RFE/RL 05 Oct 2021 -- The European Commission is looking into complaints that Gazprom is using its position as a major supplier to propel gas prices, the European Union's energy policy chief said.
U.S. Senators Urge Biden To Boost Staffing At Embassy In Moscow To Reach Diplomatic 'Parity' RFE/RL 05 Oct 2021 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has urged President Joe Biden to increase staffing at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and to expel Russian diplomats from Washington if Moscow doesn't cooperate.
Russian Envoy to Vienna Says No Reason to Think Tehran Unwilling to Continue JCPOA Talks Sputnik 05 Oct 2021 -- Russia has no reason to think that Iran does not want to continue negotiations on reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and believes Tehran will return to the negotiating table in due course, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said on Tuesday.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the terrorist attack in Kabul Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2021
Russia test-fires new hypersonic missile from nuclear submarine Press TV 04 Oct 2021 -- Russia says it has successfully test-fired two Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic cruise missiles from a nuclear submarine.
Kremlin dismisses 'unsubstantiated claims' in Pandora Papers Press TV 04 Oct 2021 -- Russia has rejected as “unfounded” leaked info in the Pandora Papers accusing President Vladimir Putin’s associates of amassing secret wealth, saying Moscow has no plans to conduct an investigation into the publication.
Pandora Leak Again Brings Up A Familiar Russian Name: Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov RFE/RL 04 Oct 2021 -- His face can be seen in grainy photos of Russian President Vladimir Putin in his Dresden days as a Soviet KGB officer, and his name - Sergei Chemezov - has featured prominently in a growing number of far more recent reports pointing to potential corruption.
Russian Gas Begins Filling Nord Stream 2 Pipeline To Germany RFE/RL 04 Oct 2021 -- The operator of Russia's Nord Stream 2 has begun filling the controversial Baltic Sea pipeline to Germany with gas.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Moscow, October 4, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2021
Russia Reports Record One-Day COVID Death Toll RFE/RL 03 Oct 2021 -- The Russian government has said it recorded 890 deaths owing to the coronavirus from October 2-3, the highest single-day death toll since the pandemic began.
Erdogan, Putin discuss setting up more nuclear power plants in Turkey Press TV 02 Oct 2021 -- The Turkish and Russian heads of state have discussed establishment of two more nuclear power plants in Turkey in addition to one that is already being built in the country's south.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 29th Assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy (CFDP), Moscow, October 2, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Oct 2021
Russia renews warning against providing Australia with US nuclear submarines Press TV 01 Oct 2021 -- Russia has once against warned against Australia's attempts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under a new alliance with the US and Britain, describing it as a serious threat to global non-proliferation system.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answers to questions from Agence France-Presse on the repatriation of foreign terrorist fighters and their family members from Syria and Iraq Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Oct 2021
Russian Official Urges Tajikistan, Taliban To Avoid Confrontation RFE/RL Gandhara 01 Oct 2021 -- Russia has urged Tajikistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to take "mutually acceptable measures" to resolve tensions along the Tajik-Afghan border amid reports of an increased military build-up on both sides.
Russian Official Urges Tajikistan, Taliban To Avoid Confrontation RFE/RL Gandhara 01 Oct 2021 -- Russia has urged Tajikistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to take "mutually acceptable measures" to resolve tensions along the Tajik-Afghan border amid reports of an increased military build-up on both sides.
The Week In Russia: (Still) Working For The Clampdown RFE/RL 01 Oct 2021 -- The elections are over, but the state keeps piling pressure on Kremlin opponents, independent media, and civil society. Aleksei Navalny and his associates are targeted again, along with several outlets and organizations that have chronicled the persistent clampdown. Meanwhile, the government warns of a "difficult period" ahead as COVID-19 cases rise and deaths from the virus hit record levels.
Natural Gas Prices Hit Record Highs In Europe, Amid Drop In Russian Supplies RFE/RL 01 Oct 2021 -- Natural gas prices hit new records in Europe, adding yet more worries for consumers ahead of the winter heating season and putting new scrutiny on the continent's biggest supplier, Russia.
Russia's FSB Unveils Broad List Of Topics That Could Result In 'Foreign Agent' Label RFE/RL 01 Oct 2021 -- Russia's main domestic security service has published a 60-point list of non-secret topics that could result in people or organizations being designated as "foreign agents" if they cover or write about them.
Ukraine Says Russia Halts Gas Flows To Hungary, Adding To Jitters In European Gas Markets RFE/RL 01 Oct 2021 -- Ukraine said that Gazprom had suspended the transit of natural gas to Hungary, days after the Russian state-controlled gas giant signed a long-term contract with Budapest.

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October 2021 - Russia Special Weapons News