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As Zelenskyy visits for D-Day, Macron promises Ukraine Mirage aircraft to fend off Russian attacks
Read full article: As Zelenskyy visits for D-Day, Macron promises Ukraine Mirage aircraft to fend off Russian attacksFrench President Emmanuel Macron says France will provide Ukraine with its Mirage combat aircraft to be able to defend their country against Russian aggression.
In the aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack, is a harsher era under Putin in the works?
Read full article: In the aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack, is a harsher era under Putin in the works?The attack on a Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on the Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin after his tightly orchestrated electoral landslide last month.
Moscow theater shooting fans flames of a disinformation war
Read full article: Moscow theater shooting fans flames of a disinformation warImmediately after the Friday evening attack in Moscow that killed at least 137 people, Russian officials were suggesting, without presenting evidence, that Ukraine was responsible.
Putin says Islamic extremists raided concert hall but attack masterminds are yet to be found
Read full article: Putin says Islamic extremists raided concert hall but attack masterminds are yet to be foundRussian President Vladimir Putin has said that the gunmen who raided a suburban Moscow concert hall and killed 139 people were “radical Islamists.”.
Russia's ruling party backs Putin's reelection bid while a pro-peace candidate clears first hurdle
Read full article: Russia's ruling party backs Putin's reelection bid while a pro-peace candidate clears first hurdleRussian state new agencies have reported that delegates from Russia's ruling party have unanimously backed President Vladimir Putin's bid for reelection at a party conference in Moscow.
Sirens blare across Russia as it holds nationwide emergency drills
Read full article: Sirens blare across Russia as it holds nationwide emergency drillsSirens wailed across Russia and TV stations interrupted regular programming to broadcast warnings as part of sweeping drills intended to test the readiness of the emergency services amid the fighting in Ukraine.
EU's top diplomat urges US to reconsider dropping Ukrainian aid from stop-gap budget bill
Read full article: EU's top diplomat urges US to reconsider dropping Ukrainian aid from stop-gap budget billThe European Union’s foreign policy chief has called on U.S. lawmakers to reconsider their decision to omit financial support for Ukraine from a stop-gap budget created to halt a federal government shutdown.
Russia is turning to old ally North Korea to resupply its arsenal for the war in Ukraine
Read full article: Russia is turning to old ally North Korea to resupply its arsenal for the war in UkraineRussia needs to replenish its supplies of ammunition for what could be a long war of attrition after a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine.
Bluffing or not, Putin’s declared deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus raises tensions
Read full article: Bluffing or not, Putin’s declared deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus raises tensionsSometime this summer, if President Vladimir Putin can be believed, Russia moved some of its short-range nuclear weapons into Belarus, closer to Ukraine and onto the doorstep of NATO’s members in Central and Eastern Europe.
Poland summons Russian ambassador over assassination comment
Read full article: Poland summons Russian ambassador over assassination commentPoland's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador in protest after a former Russian official suggested that it would be acceptable to assassinate Poland’s ambassador to Russia.
Russia's security chief blasts West, dangles nuclear threats
Read full article: Russia's security chief blasts West, dangles nuclear threatsA top Russian security official has declared that the risk of a nuclear war has risen and blasted a German minister for threatening Russian President Vladimir Putin with arrest.
Russian lawmakers endorse suspension of nuclear pact with US
Read full article: Russian lawmakers endorse suspension of nuclear pact with USBoth houses of Russia's parliament have quickly endorsed President Vladimir Putin’s move to suspend the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with the United States.
Russia says nuclear talks with US delayed amid differences
Read full article: Russia says nuclear talks with US delayed amid differencesA senior Russian diplomat says Moscow has postponed a round of nuclear arms control talks with the United States set for this week because of stark differences in approach and tensions over Ukraine.
EXPLAINER: How real are Putin's nuclear threats in Ukraine?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: How real are Putin's nuclear threats in Ukraine?Russian President Vladimir Putin warns that he won’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons to ward off Ukraine’s attempt to reclaim control of Moscow-occupied areas that the Kremlin is about to annex.
EXPLAINER: What's behind referendums in occupied Ukraine?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: What's behind referendums in occupied Ukraine?Four occupied regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are set to start voting Friday in Kremlin-engineered referendums on whether to become part of Russia, setting the stage for Moscow to annex the areas in a sharp escalation of the nearly seven-month war.
4 Ukrainian regions schedule votes this week to join Russia
Read full article: 4 Ukrainian regions schedule votes this week to join RussiaThe separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched.
Italy enters into political uncertainty after 5-Stars balk
Read full article: Italy enters into political uncertainty after 5-Stars balkItaly is entering five days of political and financial uncertainty after the 5-Star Movement sparked a government crisis by withholding support on a government-sponsored bill.
Putin's aide warns US against pressing for war crimes court
Read full article: Putin's aide warns US against pressing for war crimes courtA top Russian official has warned the U.S. that it could face the “wrath of God” if it pursues efforts to help establish an international tribunal to investigate Russia’s action in Ukraine.
Russia takes losses in failed river crossing, officials say
Read full article: Russia takes losses in failed river crossing, officials sayUkrainian and British officials say Russia suffered heavy losses when Ukrainian forces destroyed the pontoon bridge enemy troops were using to try to cross a river.
Ukraine's detention of oligarch close to Putin angers Moscow
Read full article: Ukraine's detention of oligarch close to Putin angers MoscowThe detention of fugitive Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, the former leader of a pro-Russian opposition party and a close associate of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has been met with enthusiasm in Kyiv and irritation in Moscow.
Russia holds drills with nuclear subs, land-based missiles
Read full article: Russia holds drills with nuclear subs, land-based missilesRussian nuclear submarines have sailed off for drills in the Barents Sea and mobile missile launchers are roaming snow forests in Siberia after President Vladimir Putin ordered his nation’s nuclear forces put on high alert.
Anti-war sentiment grows in Russia despite govt crackdown
Read full article: Anti-war sentiment grows in Russia despite govt crackdownAs Russian troops were closing in on the Ukrainian capital, more and more Russians at home were speaking out against the invasion even as the government's official rhetoric grew increasingly harsher.
Biden says Russian invasion in Feb. 'distinct possibility'
Read full article: Biden says Russian invasion in Feb. 'distinct possibility'The White House says President Joe Biden warned Ukraine's president on Thursday that there is a “distinct possibility” Russia could take military action against Ukraine in February.
Putin names Lavrov, Shoigu to United Russia elections list
Read full article: Putin names Lavrov, Shoigu to United Russia elections listRussian President Vladimir Putin says his foreign minister and his defense minister will head the candidates' list for the dominant United Russia party in September's parliamentary election.
Biden's virtual climate summit: Diplomacy sans human touch
Read full article: Biden's virtual climate summit: Diplomacy sans human touchPresident Joe Biden is being forced to go virtual for many of his leader-to-leader talks during the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting Zoom meetings just aren't a natural fit for the back-slapping politician.
US extends sole remaining nuclear arms treaty with Russia
Read full article: US extends sole remaining nuclear arms treaty with RussiaRussia and the United States exchanged documents Tuesday Jan. 26, 2021, to extend the New START nuclear treaty, their last remaining arms control pact, the Kremlin said. The Kremlin readout of a phone call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin said they voiced satisfaction with the move. “An unconstrained nuclear competition would endanger us all.”AdThe treaty, signed in 2010 by President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, limits the number of U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons. “It’s a first step of reinvigorating ... the nuclear arms control regime.”The outgoing Trump administration made a late bid to extend the treaty, but Russia rejected its conditions. The Biden administration will also work on control measures for China's smaller but growing arsenal of nuclear warheads, Blinken said.
Putin signs extension of last Russia-US nuclear arms treaty
Read full article: Putin signs extension of last Russia-US nuclear arms treatyRussia and the United States exchanged documents Tuesday Jan. 26, 2021, to extend the New START nuclear treaty, their last remaining arms control pact, the Kremlin said. The Kremlin readout of a phone call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin said they voiced satisfaction with the move. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a bill extending the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States a week before the pact was due to expire. Both houses of the Russian parliament voted unanimously Wednesday to extend the New START treaty for five years. After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, New START is the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries.
Turkmen ruler establishes holiday to honor local dog breed
Read full article: Turkmen ruler establishes holiday to honor local dog breedThe statue of the Alabai, the Central Asian shepherd dog is seen in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Turkmenistan's autocratic leader has established a national holiday to honor the local dog breed, media reports said Tuesday. All rights reservedASHGABAT – Turkmenistan's autocratic leader has established a national holiday to honor the local dog breed, media reports said Tuesday. The Central Asian nation of 6 million prides itself in horses and dogs, honoring its centuries-old herding traditions. Last year, Berdymukhamedov inaugurated a 15-meter (nearly 50-feet) gilded statue honoring the dog in the Turkmen capital.
Russia, US exchange documents to extend nuclear pact
Read full article: Russia, US exchange documents to extend nuclear pactRussia and the United States exchanged documents Tuesday Jan 26, 2021, to extend the New START nuclear treaty, their last remaining arms control pact, the Kremlin said. The Kremlin readout of a phone call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin said they voiced satisfaction with the move. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)MOSCOW – Russia and the United States traded documents Tuesday to extend their last remaining nuclear arms control treaty days before it is due to expire, the Kremlin said. “In the nearest days, the parties will complete the necessary procedures that will ensure further functioning of this important international legal nuclear arms control tool," the Kremlin said. After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, New START is the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries.
Russia welcomes US proposal to extend nuclear treaty
Read full article: Russia welcomes US proposal to extend nuclear treaty(Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)MOSCOW – The Kremlin on Friday welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposal to extend the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the two countries, which is set to expire in less than two weeks. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that Russia stands for extending the pact and is waiting to see the details of the U.S. proposal. The White House said Thursday that Biden has proposed to Russia a five-year extension of the New START treaty. After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, New START is the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries. Arms control advocates have strongly called for New START’s preservation, warning that its lapse would remove any checks on U.S. and Russian nuclear forces.
Russia ready for quick extension of last arms pact with US
Read full article: Russia ready for quick extension of last arms pact with USIn this handout photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. Months of talks between Russia and President Donald Trump's administration on the possible extension of the New START treaty have failed to narrow their differences. Biden has spoken in favor of the preservation of the New START treaty, which was negotiated during his tenure as U.S. vice president, and Russia has said it’s open for its quick and unconditional extension. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference Monday that Moscow is ready to move quickly to keep the pact alive. New START was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Russian nuclear submarine test-fires 4 missiles
Read full article: Russian nuclear submarine test-fires 4 missilesIn this photo taken from video distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, Intercontinental ballistic missiles are launched by the Vladimir Monomakh nuclear submarine of the Russian navy from the Sera of Okhotsk, Russia, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. The submarine successfully test-fired four intercontinental ballistic missiles in a show of readiness of the nation's nuclear deterrent. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)MOSCOW – A Russian nuclear submarine on Saturday successfully test-fired four intercontinental ballistic missiles in a show of readiness of Moscow's nuclear forces amid tension with the U.S. Saturday's launch followed sweeping drills of Russia's strategic nuclear forces on Wednesday. Arms control advocates have warned that its expiration would remove any checks on U.S. and Russian nuclear forces, in a blow to global stability.
US, Russia appear set to extend last remaining nuclear pact
Read full article: US, Russia appear set to extend last remaining nuclear pactMOSCOW – The United States and Russia inched closer Tuesday to a deal to extend their last remaining arms control pact, after U.S. threats to allow the deal to expire early next year. “We appreciate the Russian Federation’s willingness to make progress on the issue of nuclear arms control,” department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. The pact limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, and envisages sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance. After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty last year, New START was the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov argued that Russia couldn't agree to the U.S. proposal to limit tactical nuclear weapons alongside nuclear warheads that arm strategic missiles and bombers until Washington agreed to withdraw its nuclear warheads from Europe.
White House rejects Putin response to US arms control offer
Read full article: White House rejects Putin response to US arms control offerThe cap would cover warheads not limited by the New START treaty. Trump's lead arms control negotiator, Marshall Billingslea, blamed the Russians for missing what he called an historic opportunity. "I can’t see any rationale for it.”The arms control effort is hampered in part by deteriorating trust between Washington and Moscow. "The United States is serious about arms control that will keep the entire world safe. Russia previously offered the pact’s extension for five years without any conditions, while the U.S. administration pushed for a new arms control agreement that would also include China.
Top Russian diplomat skeptical about nuclear pact extension
Read full article: Top Russian diplomat skeptical about nuclear pact extensionIn this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a joint news conference with his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. (Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP)MOSCOW – Russia's top diplomat voiced doubt Wednesday that Moscow and Washington could negotiate an extension of their last arms control pact still standing, even as the United States offered a more optimistic view. “I personally don't see the prospect,” Lavrov snapped when asked if the extension is possible before the pact expires in February. The New START treaty was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Lavrov specified Wednesday that Russia can’t accept the U.S. proposal to limit battlefield nuclear weapons alongside nuclear warheads that arm strategic missiles and bombers until the U.S. agrees to withdraw its tactical nuclear weapons from Europe.
Russia warns Belarus will pay price for contractors' arrests
Read full article: Russia warns Belarus will pay price for contractors' arrestsThe Defenders of the Fatherland Day, celebrated in Russia on Feb. 23, honors the nation's military and is a nationwide holiday. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)MOSCOW Russia's security chief described the arrest of 33 Russian security contractors in Belarus as a presidential campaign stunt and warned Wednesday that it would have grave consequences for the ties between two neighbors and allies. Russia has demanded the release of the contractors for a private firm, saying they only were in Belarus because they missed a connecting flight to another country. Lukashenko denounced Moscow's position as part of Russia's alleged efforts to deprive Belarus of its independence. He warned Moscow against trying to fuel tensions in his country, saying that the instability could spread to Russia.
Russia skeptical about nuclear pact extension prospects
Read full article: Russia skeptical about nuclear pact extension prospectsIf they categorically refuse, we will not try to persuade them.The New START treaty was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty last year, the New START is the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries. Russia has offered its extension without any conditions, while the Trump administration has pushed for a new arms control agreement that would also include China. Lavrov dismissed the U.S. suggestions that Russia help convince Beijing to join nuclear arms cuts, saying that Moscow respects the Chinese position and considers it undiplomatic" to push it on the issue. He reaffirmed that Russia would welcome other nuclear powers, including Britain, France and China to join nuclear arms cuts, but emphasized that it should be their own decision.
Paris trial of Diacks exposes dark backdrop of golden era
Read full article: Paris trial of Diacks exposes dark backdrop of golden eraFormer president of the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) Lamine Diack, center, arrives at the Paris courthouse, Monday, June 8, 2020. Lamine Diack jetted the world and rubbed shoulders with VIPs. The most conspicuous absentee was his son, Papa Massata Diack, who lives in Senegal and didn't travel to Paris for the trial. He conducted himself like a thug," Lamine Diack said in court. Prosecutors asked the court for a 4-year prison term and a fine of 500,000 euros ($562,000 ) for Lamine Diack.
Putin signs Russia's nuclear deterrent policy
Read full article: Putin signs Russia's nuclear deterrent policyRussian President Vladimir Putin speaks on the phone during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin via teleconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)MOSCOW President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday endorsed Russia's nuclear deterrent policy which allows him to use atomic weapons in response to a conventional strike targeting the nation's critical government and military infrastructure. By including a non-nuclear attack as a possible trigger for Russian nuclear retaliation, the document appears to send a warning signal to the U.S. In line with Russian military doctrine, the new document reaffirms that the country could use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or an aggression involving conventional weapons that threatens the very existence of the state.But the policy document now also offers a detailed description of situations that could trigger the use of nuclear weapons. They include the use of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies and an enemy attack with conventional weapons that threatens the country's existence.