Russian Navy gets new icebreaker for the first time in more than 40 years

It is 85 meters long and 20 meters wide and has a draught of 7 meters, speed of 15 knots and ability to break through one-meter thick ice.

ST. PETERSBURG, November 30. /TASS/. The icebreaker The Ilya Muromets (Project 21180) has joined the Russian Navy. The flag-hoisting ceremony was held on board the ship at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg on Thursday.

This is the first icebreaker to have been handed over to the Navy’s logistic fleet over more than forty years. Murmansk is its port of registration.

Taking part in the ceremony were the Navy’s deputy commander for armaments Viktor Bursuk, president of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Aleksey Rakhmanov and Admiralty Shipyards CEO Aleksandr Buzakov.

"We are getting a ship possessing far more functions than an ordinary icebreaker. It will be in service to the benefit of the Navy," Bursuk said.

The laying of the ice-breaker’s keel took place on April 23, 2015. The ship will be servicing Russia’s Arctic naval group. It is 85 meters long and 20 meters wide and has a draught of 7 meters, speed of 15 knots and ability to break through one-meter thick ice. It is the first ice-breaker to have been built especially for the Navy in 45 years.

Source: ITAR-TASS 30-11-2017

Russia says inadmissible to capture areas in Donbass ‘grey zone’ — envoy

Ukraine is still refusing to publish orders on punishment of ceasefire violators, the Russian Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative to the Contact Group Boris Gryzlov said.

MINSK, November 29. /TASS/. It is inadmissible that the Ukrainian Armed Forces capture areas in so-called ‘grey zone’ along the contact line in Donbass, said Boris Gryzlov, the Russian Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative to the Contact Group seeking a peace solution to the conflict in east Ukraine.

"The key issues of Contact Group’s meeting have been security measures and the ceasefire which the parties to the conflict have officially vowed to maintain," Gryzlov said on Wednesday after a regular meeting of the Contact Group in Minsk, Belarus.

"The Russian delegation has pointed out in a tough manner it is inadmissible that Ukraine’s Armed Forces are seizing areas and advancing to new positions in the ‘grey zone’ along the contact line as it runs counter to the ceasefire agreement," he said.

Ukraine is still refusing to publish orders on punishment of ceasefire violators, which the sides has earlier agreed, he added.

"Ukraine is refusing to publish the orders on punishment for the ceasefire breaches and on disciplinary measures for violations of the existing agreement," he added. "It should be done to prevent incidents resulting in human deaths."

The self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR) published relevant issues over two months ago, Gryzlov said.

Creeping offensive

Under the Minsk Agreements signed by the Contact Group in February 2015, the parties were to withdraw heavy weapons in order to set up a 50-kilometer-wide security zone. In September 2015, the Contact Group adopted an additional document which stipulated establishing a 30-kilometer buffer zone (or grey zone). For the purpose, the parties had to pull light weapons 15 kilometers away from the line of disengagement.

However, Kiev violated the Minsk Agreements launching a so-called creeping offensive aimed at seizing settlements located in the grey zone. According to the DPR and LPR, in 2015 and 2016 the Ukrainian military captured eight populated localities in the buffer zone. Now the Kiev authorities openly admit the ‘creeping de-occupation’ of Donbass.

Source: ITAR-TASS 29-11-2017

Russian fighter jet intercepts US spy plane over Black Sea

Russia’s Sukhoi-30 fighter jet on November 25 approached a US reconnaissance plane over an international area of the Black Sea.

ROSTOV-ON-DON, November 28. /TASS/. Russia’s Sukhoi-30 fighter jet last Saturday approached a US reconnaissance plane over an international area of the Black Sea, the press-service of the Southern Federal district has said.

"On November 25, Russian means of monitoring air space spotted an air target over an international area of the Black Sea that was approaching the state border at a high speed. A Sukhoi-30 jet of the Southern Military District’s air defense was ordered into the air for interception. The Russian fighter approached the air target and identified it as a US reconnaissance plane P-8A Poseidon," the press-service said.

"After being identified by a Russian fighter the US reconnaissance plane changed its route and set course away from Russia’s airspace," the Southern Military District said. "Upon completing its mission the Russian fighter safely returned to base."

Earlier, the CNN television network quoted Pentagon spokeswoman Michelle Baldanza as saying the US plane remained in international airspace and did nothing that might provoke the Russian plane’s crew into "unsafe intercept." The Pentagon claimed the Sukhoi-30 crossed the P-8A Poseidon’s path at a close range, which caused the later to perform a sharp turn that caused "violent turbulence." This may have resulted in "serious harm and injuries to all air crews involved."

Source: ITAR-TASS 28-11-2017

Putin urges countries to eliminate chemical weapons

The last batch of Russia’s chemical weapons was destroyed on September 27, the president said.

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin has called on all countries to destroy their chemical weapons stockpiles, following the example of Russia.

"We call on the countries, which have chemical weapons, to follow our example and make every effort to complete soon the elimination of their remaining stockpiles, and the countries, which are outside the international and legal framework of the Convention, to immediately join it," Putin said.

The Russian leader sent his greetings to the delegates of the 22nd Session of the Conference of the States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The text was published on the Kremlin’s website on Monday.

The last batch of Russia’s chemical weapons was destroyed on September 27, Putin said, calling this "an important step towards a more responsible and stable world."

"I’m sure that the manifestation of a firm political will should allow us to achieve our common goal of creating a world free from chemical weapons," Putin said.

The 22nd Session of the Conference of the States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is held on November 27-December 1 in The Hague.

Source: ITAR-TASS 27-11-2017

Ukrainian military violate ceasefire in Donetsk Republic

The republic’s representative said under fire were compounds near Donetsk.

DONETSK, November 26. /TASS/. The Ukrainian military over past 24 hours fired on districts of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) along the line of engagement more than 1,200 shells and mines, the republic’s representative at the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of Ceasefire in Donbass Ruslan Yakubov said on Sunday.

The republic’s representative said under fire were compounds near Donetsk. Within one day, the center registered 50 violations of ceasefire from positions of the Ukrainian military, the Donetsk news agency said.

Since the fall of 2014, participants in the Contact Group on East Ukrainian settlement have announced about a dozen of ceasefire deals. On June 24, the so-called "harvest ceasefire" came into effect - it was expected to hold until the end of August. However, shelling incidents continued to happen.

On August 23, the Contact Group members declared a "back-to-school" ceasefire in Donbass starting from August 25. However, on that very day, defense authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk Republics reported that their territories had come under shelling from positions of the Ukrainian troops. Kiev, in turn, has been accusing the republics of violating the ceasefire.

Source: ITAR-TASS 26-11-2017

Lugansk People’s Republic head resigns

Head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic Igor Plotnitsky has resigned due to health problems.

LUGANSK, November 24. /TASS/. Head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) Igor Plotnitsky has resigned due to health problems, LPR State Security Minister Leonid Pasechnik said in a statement published on the Lugansk Media Center website on Friday.

"Today, Igor Plotnitsky has resigned due to health problems, aggravated by numerous battle injuries and concussion consequences. In accordance with his decision, I come into office as the republic’s head until the coming election," the statement says.

Pasechnik thanked Plotnitsky for his decision and the credence given to him. "Igor Plotnitsky has made a great contribution to the peaceful settlement process. He is one of the Minsk accords signers.

He has been appointed plenipotentiary of the Lugansk People’s Republic for execution of the Minsk accords," he noted. Igor Plotnitsky has been appointed an envoy for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. "He is among the signatories to the Minsk agreements and was appointed today the Lugansk People’s Republic’s envoy for the implementation of the Minsk agreements," the statement said.

"I also state my adherence to the Minsk accords. The republic will be consistently executing the obligations taken under these agreements," Pasechnik pointed out.

In his statement, he also stressed that "the Board of Ministers, the LPR People’s Council and other power structures continue operating on a routine basis." "For my part, I want to assure the LPR residents that I will do everything possible for the Lugansk people’s welfare," Pasechnik concluded.

Leonid Pasechnik has been appointed acting head of the Lugansk People’s Republic until forthcoming elections.

The People’s Council, or legislature, of the LPR has received Igor Plotnitsky’s letter of resignation as head of the republic and appointment of Leonid Pasechnik as acting head, the Council’s speaker, Vladimir Degtyarenko, said in a statement posted by LuganskInformCenter on Friday.

"I have no doubts that the People’s Council will support the candidature of Leonid Pasechnik as acting head of the Lugansk People’s Republic. All necessary amendments will be done to the normative acts immediately," the statement said.

Igor Plotnitsky’s biography

Igor Plotnitsky was born on June 24, 1964, in the town of Kelmentsy, Chernovtsy Region. He graduated from the Penza High Artillery Engineering School and the Vladimir Dal Eastern Ukrainian National University.

Igor Plotnitsky served in the USSR Armed Forces. Since 1991, he has lived in Lugansk and worked in various commercial organizations and the Lugansk Regional Inspectorate for Customers Rights Protection. When "Euromaidan" supporters came to power in Ukraine, he became one of the opposition leaders in Lugansk.

He served as the Defense Minister of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic and then was appointed as the LPR Prime Minister by the LPR Supreme Council.

On November 2, 2014, Plotnitsky was elected the LPR head.

Source: ITAR-TASS 25-11-2017

Kremlin assures Minsk deal will remain in force despite events in Lugansk republic

Peskov stressed that Plotnitsky’s arrival in Moscow "is not a matter of the presidential administration".

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Moscow is committed to the Minsk peace deal on Ukraine despite the events in the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

"As for the Minsk agreements, the position, which has been stated many times by President (Vladimir) Putin, remains unchanged - there is no alternative to the Minsk agreements, and Russia is committed to the signature, which President Putin put on these agreements," Peskov said, commenting on the alleged arrival of LPR’s head Igor Plotnitsky in Moscow and its possible impact on the Minsk deal fulfillment.

Peskov stressed that Plotnitsky’s arrival in Moscow "is not a matter of the presidential administration."

The Minsk agreements reached on February 12, 2015 by the Normandy Four (Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine) leaders envisaged ceasefire and also laid out a roadmap for a lasting settlement in Ukraine, including local elections and constitutional reform to give more autonomy to the war-torn eastern regions.

The Ukrainian forces and militias of the self-proclaimed republics have repeatedly accused each other of violating ceasefire and other points of the Minsk agreements.

Source: ITAR-TASS 24-11-2017

Russia demands Ukrainian doxing site be closed down

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that "the operation of this so-called peacekeeping resource has harmed many journalists already".

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. Russia has lodged a note with the US Department of State to protest the migration of Ukraine’s Myrotvorets (Peacemaker) website, which discloses journalists’ personal information, to US servers. There has been no reply from the US to this day, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the media on Thursday.

"We have dispatched a note to the US Department of State with a description of the Myrotvorets portal. Also, we demanded it should be denied hosting services, because the operation of this so-called peacekeeping resource has harmed many journalists already," she said. "So far there has been no formal reply to our message. We keep this theme in focus."

"Feel the difference: close spying on any step Russian mass media may take and the information they spread, the maximum efforts to create a climate of intolerance towards Russian mass media, on the one hand, and utter indifference towards a website whose activity runs counter to all rules of corporate ethnics, on the other," she said.

Zakharova added that the Myrotvorets website undermined the status of journalists which was "so carefully protected by the entire international community" and endangered their security.

Myrotvorets website

The Myrotvorets website, linked with Ukrainian parliament member, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko, was created in the spring of 2014 for establishing the identities of Donbass militiamen and their supporters. The website blacklists all those suspected of what the editors regard as crimes against Ukraine’s national security. On its list of undesirable persons there are also such anti-Russia-minded politicians as the leader of the Batkivshchina party, Yulia Timoshenko, and former governor of the Odessa region, Mikhail Saakashvili.

Also, the Myrotvorets data base contains personal data of journalists on the staff of such mass media outlets as RT, TASS, and also the BBC, Reuters, AFP, CNN, Bloomberg, Al-Jazeera, Associated Press, the Independent, La Liberacion and others. This online resource provides the journalists’ names, the names of their outlets, positions held, mobile phone numbers, e-mail addresses and dates when they visited territories beyond the Ukrainian government’s control. Such mass media workers are accused of "acquiescence with terrorist organizations."

When at the beginning of 2016 a criminal case was opened against the Myrotvorets project’s staff at the request of a group of Ukrainian and foreign correspondents and demands by the EU the website should be blocked the project was closed down. After a short while, though, the project resumed in defiance of numerous protests.

Source: ITAR-TASS 23-11-2017

State Duma committee head not ruling out clampdown on ‘foreign agent’ mass media

On November 15, the State Duma unilaterally adopted a law that recognizes a media outlet as a foreign agent if it is financed from abroad.

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Development of the Civil Society and the Issues of Public and Religious Associations Sergey Gavrilov (the CPRF) believes it is necessary to get tough on mass media recognized as foreign agents if Washington continues to tighten the screws on Russian mass media in the US.

"The measures taken by Russia (in response to the actions by the US Department of Justice that demanded Russia’s RT television company register as a foreign agent - TASS) are rather soft and totally adequate, considering the rigidity of US legislation against the mass media that stipulates responsibility [of mass media - foreign agents] as far as criminal prosecution and total release of information on its sources of funding."

"If our relations [with the US] in this sphere remain stymied, we’ll need to get tough by raising accountability on the so-called foreign agents - mass media vis-a-vis the law and our country," the MP said on Wednesday. The lawmaker spoke at a "government hour" symposium in the lower house together with Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov.

Mass media norms and foreign agents

On November 15, the State Duma unilaterally adopted a law that recognizes a media outlet as a foreign agent if it is financed from abroad. After receiving the status of a foreign agent, those media outlets in question will be slapped with restrictions and liabilities that are currently stipulated for non-profit organizations - as foreign agents. They will also face responsibility for violating laws similar to those faced by such non-profit organizations. On November 22, the Federation Council approved the law.

The specified chamber’s decision came as a response to the demands placed by the US Department of Justice on RT America - the US branch of the Russian TV station - to be registered as a foreign agent in the United States.

Source: ITAR-TASS 22-11-2017

Russian troops receive over 3,000 advanced weapon systems

The Russian troops have received 3,400 latest weapon systems as part of the 2017 defense procurement program.

SOCHI, November 21. /TASS/. The Russian troops have received 3,400 latest weapon systems as part of the 2017 defense procurement program, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said while opening a meeting with the country’s top brass and defense industry executives on Tuesday.

"At a meeting with you here in Sochi in May, we discussed the basic parameters of the state defense order in detail," Putin said.

"As part of the assignments already fulfilled, the troops have received over 3,400 basic types of the most advanced and modernized armament," the Russian president said.

The new armaments include 16 combat ships and vessels, 190 advanced aircraft and helicopters, 800 tanks and armored fighting vehicles, 170 air defense missile systems and complexes and 1,950 multipurpose vehicles, Putin said.

Defense specialists also carried out planned maintenance of the basic armament and military hardware directly in the troops, the Russian president added.

These measures will help bring up the share of modern weapon systems and military equipment in constant alert forces to almost 60% by late 2017, Putin noted.

As the Russian president stressed, many weapon systems have proven their worth in Russia’s counter-terror operation in Syria.

"The work in a combat environment confirmed the high characteristics of Russian weapons and their traditional advantage - the simplicity of their operation and the reliability of their use," the head of state said, adding that some foreign partners had expressed their interest in acquiring Russia-made armament and military hardware and expanding military and technical cooperation with Russia.

"We need to thoroughly study and use the practical experience of using our weapon systems and, of course, to foster positive trends in state defense order planning, placement and fulfillment and to ensure that all the links in this interrelated system should work efficiently and coherently," the Russian president said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 21-11-2107

Putin praises Russia’s new armaments program

Vladimir Putin believes Russia’s new state armaments program can counter external threats.

SOCHI, November 20. /TASS/. Russia’s new state armaments program is called to ensure efficient neutralization of external threats, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday opening the tenth series of meetings with the Russian top brass and defense industry executives.

"Now, we are finishing to draft a new state program of arms procurements. Combat capabilities of the army will depend on its implementation in the coming decade and in a long-term perspective. Hence, it is necessary to analyze thoroughly all our plans," he said.

"If we want to lead the way, if we want to win, we must be the best," Putin stressed. "The program’s key provisions are called, first of all, to ensure guaranteed strategic deterrence, and in the event of an external threat - its efficient neutralization."

Source: ITAR-TASS 20-11-2017

Five villages in Donbass remain in blackout after shelling

Over past 24 hour, the Ukrainian Armed Forces 30 times violated ceasefire as they shelled 13 villages in the republic," the republic’s command told the Donetsk news agency.

DONETSK, November 19. /TASS/. The Ukrainian military over past 24 hour 30 times violated ceasefire in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), the republic’s command told the Donetsk news agency on Sunday.

"Over past 24 hour, the Ukrainian Armed Forces 30 times violated ceasefire as they shelled 13 villages in the republic," the source said, adding the pro-Kiev military used the artillery, mortars, grenade launchers and small arms.

Donbass’ five villages remain in blackout: Kominternovo, Dzerzhinskoye, Leninskoye, Novaya Tavriya, Zaichenko.

Since the fall of 2014, participants in the Contact Group on East Ukrainian settlement have announced about a dozen of ceasefire deals. On June 24, the so-called "harvest ceasefire" came into effect - it was expected to hold until the end of August. However, shelling incidents continued to happen.

On August 23, the Contact Group members declared a "back-to-school" ceasefire in Donbass starting from August 25. However, on that very day, defense authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk Republics reported that their territories had come under shelling from positions of the Ukrainian troops. Kiev, in turn, has been accusing the republics of violating the ceasefire.

Source: ITAR-TASS 19-11-2017

Russian embassy urges US authorities to stop restring free speech for Russian media

The embassy also warned the U.S. authorities against imposition of individual restriction Russian correspondents in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, November 18. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in Washington has dismissed coercion of the partner company of the Russian information agency Sputnik, Reston Translator, to register as a foreign agent, saying it continued the practice of restricting free speech as regards Russian media.

"These steps signal continuation of the policy of pressure on the Russian mass media,’ the statement said. "It is obvious that now attempts are made to intimidate the commercial companies cooperating with our media resources."

"We call on the U.S. authorities to stop the practice of restricting freedom of the press as regards the Russian media," the embassy said. "Also, we would like to warn against imposition of individual restriction our correspondents in the U.S."

The statement also indicated that intensification of struggle in the field of mass information did not meet the interests of Russian-American collaboration, and that is why Moscow would put maximum efforts into making it impossible for the enemies of better Russian-American relations to raise the upper hand.

"Russia is set to develop full-fledged mutually beneficial dialogue with U.S. counterparts and we will continue putting efforts in the prevention of victory of the enemies of better Russian-U.S. relations," the statement said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 18-11-2017

Russian embassy in UK accuses Times of distorting facts in Moscow's Brexit meddling survey

According to the embassy, Russian experts should look into all the allegations concerning Moscow’s interference in the British affairs, which may damage Russian-UK relations.

LONDON, November 17. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy in the UK has accused the Times newspaper of distorting the results of a survey conducted by the Swansea University, which concerns the alleged Russian interference in Brexit, an embassy source said.

According to the source, the embassy received the preliminary results of the survey, which prove that the Times had distorted the data. The embassy source pointed out that the Russian diplomats planned to request the Times to clarify this violation of journalistic standards.

On Thursday, the Times cited surveys conducted by Swansea University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Edinburgh, claiming that "more than 150,000 accounts based in Russia, which had previously confined their posts to subjects such as the Ukrainian conflict, switched attention to Brexit in the days leading up to last year’s vote." "Russian Twitter accounts posted more than 45,000 messages about Brexit in 48 hours during last year’s referendum in an apparently co-ordinated attempt to sow discord," the Times added.

Following the publication of this article, Russia’s embassy in the United Kingdom requested the three universities to provide the original data about Russia’s alleged interference in Brexit.

According to the embassy, Russian experts should look into all the allegations concerning Moscow’s interference in the British affairs, which may damage Russian-UK relations.

British PM’s banquet speech

On November 13, British Prime Minister Theresa May addressed a banquet hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, saying that Russia would not succeed in undermining the resilience of western democracies. According to her, NATO reform is aimed at deterring and countering hostile Russian activities. "It is why we have stepped up our military and economic support to Ukraine," she added. The British prime minister also said that Russia was "threatening the international order on which we all depend."

In the past months, Russia has been facing continuous allegations of interference in other countries’ electoral processes, particularly in the 2016 US presidential election. Moscow has been rejecting all allegations in meddling in the US and European elections, calling them groundless and pointing out that no evidence has been brought forward.

Source: ITAR-TASS 17-11-2017

Czech president slams EU’s double standards on Crimea as ‘bad practice’

Milos Zeman is due to pay an official visit to Russia on November 20-24.

PRAGUE, November 16. /TASS/. The European Union’s double standards on Crimea’s reunification with Russia are a bad practice, Czech President Milos Zeman said in an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Thursday.

"On the one hand, you have Kosovo, where there was the United Nations’ guarantee, but this guarantee was not secured, and on the other hand - Crimea, where the referendum was held," Zeman stressed. "These are double standards and this is bad."

Zeman earlier said many times that the UN had guaranteed Kosovo’s autonomy as part of Yugoslavia and then the international community allowed the bombing of Serbia to take place.

According to Zeman, the fact that he is the only European politician who has said so does not mean that the others don’t have similar views. He believes that "they lack courage to voice them (their opinion) in public."

The Czech president said at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on October 10 that Crimea’s reunification with Russia was already an "accomplished fact." He also suggested that Russia and Ukraine could come to terms on Crimea if Moscow paid compensation "in financial form or in oil and gas."

According to Zeman, in case of Ukraine’s refusal to accept the compensation "a European war" could begin. The Czech leader also said Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev’s decision on handing over Crimea to Ukraine in 1954 was a mistake.

Czech president’s visit to Russia

Czech President Milos Zeman is due to pay an official visit to Russia on November 20-24. Zeman plans to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 21. On November 22, the Czech leader will be in Moscow where he will meet with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. He is expected to address the Russian-Czech Business Forum in the Russian capital.

The Czech president who will be accompanied by a delegation made up of representatives of the country’s business circles will also visit Russia’s Urals city of Yekaterinburg, which will host a business forum bringing together Russian and Czech entrepreneurs on November 23.

Zeman’s visit to Russia will be one of his last foreign trips during his five-year presidential tenure, which expires next spring. The country will hold presidential election in January 2018, during which the incumbent leader will seek re-election for a second five-year term.

Source: ITAR-TASS 16-11-2017

Former German Chancellor accuses Kiev of war against Donbass

According to Schroeder, Western countries do not exert enough pressure on the Ukrainian authorities.

BERLIN, November 15. /TASS/. Ukraine’s government is waging war against Donbass, ex-German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said in an interview with Die Zeit weekly newspaper on Wednesday.

The politician, who was Germany’s Chancellor in 1998 -2005, also criticized the sanctions policy against Moscow.

"I’m against the sanctions policy. As when there is progress, for example, in withdrawing weapons from Donbass, it turns out that there are talks not on easing but on extending and even toughening the sanctions," Schroeder stressed.

According to Schroeder, Western countries do not exert enough pressure on the Ukrainian authorities.

"Who is putting pressure on Kiev? Kiev is doing too little," he said. "Kiev is waging war against Donbass and cutting people off electricity."

The former German Chancellor also said that the widespread opinion among Western politicians about Moscow’s aggressive foreign policy is a myth. "The idea that Russians have plans for the Baltic states or even Poland is absurd," he said.

"Russians are our neighbors. We are interested in their market and their energy resources. We need them in terms of politics, if we turn to the Middle East, Central Asia, the Iranian nuclear program and the Caucasus region," Schroeder said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 15-11-2017

Lawmaker blasts UK prime minister's Russia remark as double standards

The UK PM said "it is Russia's actions which threaten the international order on which we all depend".

MOSCOW, November 14. /TASS/. Senior Russian lawmaker Leonid Slutsky has castigated a statement by UK Prime Minister Theresa May who accused Russia of trying to undermine the global order.

"I strongly disagree with the statement that Russia allegedly tries to undermine the 'international order'. This is a display of double standards," Slutsky, who heads the Russian State Duma’s (lower house) International Affairs Committee, told reporters.

The MP stressed that Russia’s steps on the global arena are always measured and fully in line with all international rules. "I would not say this about some our 'strategic friends' who, when hiding behind the UN Security Council’s resolutions, carried out steps, which absolutely violate the spirit of these resolutions, solely to the benefit of their geopolitical interests."

Slutsky noted that "like the United Kingdom, Russia is not seeking to return to the Cold War." "We are ready to develop mutual dialogue and partnership relations. However, this process should be mutual and on equal and parity conditions."

In her speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London on Monday, the UK PM said Russia's actions "threaten the international order on which we all depend." The UK does not want "to return to the Cold War or to be in a state of perpetual confrontation," she stressed. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will visit Moscow in the coming months, she noted.

Source: ITAR-TASS 14-11-2017

Russian anti-submarine destroyer cruises through English Channel

The Russian Northern Fleet’s destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov is continuing along its long route in the Atlantic amid adverse weather conditions.

MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. The Russian Northern Fleet’s large anti-submarine destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov has passed through the English Channel and is continuing along its long route in the Atlantic amid adverse weather conditions, the Fleet’s press service said on Monday.

"Last night, the Russian vessel crossed the narrowest portion of the English Channel - the Strait of Dover. The voyage of the large antisubmarine warship Vice-Admiral Kulakov in Atlantic waters comes amid unfavorable hydrometeorological conditions with strong winds and sea waves," the statement said.

Vessels of this class can weather the severest of storms and thanks to the crew’s skills and professionalism, the ship is able to be operated under any conditions. Based on its updated schedule, the vessel is heading towards the designated area of the North Sea.

The ship has been proceeding on its long voyage for more than three months. The Vice-Admiral Kulakov earlier visited Limassol (Cyprus) and Salalu (Oman), Alexandria (Egypt) and Lisbon (Portugal).

Starting from late August until mid-October, the crew performed tasks in the southern part of the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden. Its key goal was to ensure Russia’s regular presence in the region and safeguard civilian navigation. In the second half of October, Russian sailors fulfilled tasks in the Mediterranean Sea, the Fleet’s press service reported.

Source: ITAR-TASS 13-11-2017

Russian Defense Ministry receives first batch of eight Mi-28UB combat training helicopters

The helicopter is designed to train military pilots that require flight practice on Night Hunter helicopters.

MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry has received the first batch of eight Mi-28UB tandem combat training helicopters, Russian Helicopters, a leader of the global helicopter industry, said on Friday.

According to the company, some of the rotorcraft will be deployed to the Army Aviation Centre of aircrews combat training and transition in the Tver Region, the rest will go to the army units.

"The first batch of eight helicopters has been received by the Defense Ministry’s officials. The company will continue to supply state-of-the-art rotorcraft to the Defense Ministry’s air fleet," Russian Helicopters sales director, Vladislav Savelyev, said.

The Mi-28UB is a new combat training helicopter designed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The helicopter is based on the Mi-28NE Night Hunter combat helicopter and is designed to train military pilots that require flight practice on Night Hunter helicopters.

Along with the main attack function the helicopter can be engaged in flight training of the personnel. Mi-28UB is distinguished from the basic model by a dual control system which allows piloting the helicopter both from the commander’s seat and the operator’s cockpit.

The Mi-28UB like its predecessor is maneuverable and can accomplish combat missions day and night. It can be engaged for fire support to advanced ground units and for antitank defense. The helicopter has enhanced armor protection, a broad set of armaments and is distinguished by a high survivability.

Source: ITAR-TASS 12-11-2017

Putin says unaware of US suggestions on peacekeepers in Donbass

The Wall Street Journal wrote on Thursday the U.S. was about to offer to Russia a plan of deploying in eastern Ukraine of an international contingent of 20,000 peacekeepers.

DA NANG /Vietnam/, November 11. /TASS/. The Russian side has not received suggestions from the U.S. about deployment in Donbass of the international contingent of 20,000 peacekeepers, President Vladimir Putin told a news conference at the APEC summit in response to a request to comment on an article in The Wall Street Journal.

"I have not heard anything about it, I know nothing about it, thus it is impossible to comment," he said, adding in practical life "suggestions are one thing, but as a suggestion appears on paper it may become different."

"Here is nothing to comment, as it does not exist," Putin said. "If any suggestions appear - we shall see."

The Wall Street Journal wrote the U.S. was about to offer to Russia a plan of deploying in eastern Ukraine of an international contingent of 20,000 peacekeepers. The mission could be under OSCE, not UN, the newspaper wrote.

Source: ITAR-TASS 11-11-2017

MP vows Russia’s foreign agent law will have ‘just as much bite’ on media as in US

The US Department of Justice earlier said that the US branch of Russia’s RT television channel should register as a foreign agent by November 13.

MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. The legal criteria for recognizing foreign mass media outlets as foreign agents in Russia will have ‘just as much teeth’ as those on the books in the US, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s State Duma (lower house) Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications Committee, Alexander Yushchenko, told TASS on Friday.

State Duma Vice Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy earlier said that Russian lawmakers are in the process of drafting bills on tit-for-tat restrictions against media outlets financed from abroad and circulating undesirable content throughout Russia. He stressed that these measures would be taken in response to the US Justice Department’s demand that Russia’s RT television channel should register as a foreign agent. According to Tolstoy, Russia could pass a foreign agent law for mass media outlets.

"I think some practical steps, such as amendments to the law on media will follow next week," Yushchenko noted. "I believe it is necessary to enshrine some specific provisions in the legislation, namely, which foreign media outlets should be considered foreign agents," he specified.

"Our (foreign agent law) will have just as much bite as in the US," the lawmaker promised.

The US Department of Justice earlier said that the US branch of Russia’s RT television channel, RT America, should register as a foreign agent by November 13. RT Managing Director Alexey Nikolov stated at a meeting of the Provisional Commission of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) on Information Policy and Media Interaction that the TV channel had not registered as a foreign agent.

Later on, RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan said the TV network had to agree to register as a foreign agent, otherwise the channel would not be able to work in the US, since its bank accounts can be frozen, and its head could face arrest.

Source: ITAR-TASS 10-11-2017

Moscow to take reciprocal measures against US media next week

Earlier, Washington demanded that the US branch of the Russian television broadcaster RT should have itself registered as a foreign agent before November 13.

MOSCOW, November 9. /TASS/. Russia will begin to take practical steps in respect of the US mass media in response to the harassment of Russian media in that country next week, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

"I think that our patience that is nearly run out will take some legal shape. I don’t rule out it will be done next week," she said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel. "As of today, there is understanding that a practical phase of these response measures (in respect of US media in Russia over demands the RT broadcaster register itself as a foreign agent in the US - TASS) will begin next week."

Earlier, the US Department of Justice demanded that the US branch of the Russian television broadcaster RT should have itself registered as a foreign agent before November 13. Otherwise the bank accounts of the RT’s branch in the United States may be frozen and its chief put under arrest.

Earlier on Thursday, RT Managing Director Alexey Nikolov said at a meeting of the Provisional Commission of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) on Information Policy and Media Interaction that he had not registered as a foreign agent in the US within the period of time set by the US authorities.

RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan said later that RT was forced to agree to be registered as a foreign agent as otherwise it would have no possibility to operate in the United States.

Source: ITAR-TASS 09-11-2017

Ukraine’s severing of diplomatic relations with Russia to harm both peoples — Kremlin

The Kremlin spokesman avoided answering the question who in that case might serve as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev.

MOSCOW, November 8. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that in case of Kiev’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Moscow the interests of people in both countries will be harmed.

"If such a decision (to sever diplomatic relations with Russia) is made (by Ukraine) this time, it will complicate the situation and, what is still more important, it will harm the interests of people in Ukraine and Russia," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Wednesday.

He acknowledged that such a decision was certainly "Ukraine’s sovereign affair," but at the same time recalled that Kiev in recent years "made quite a few steps that had the most negative effects on settling the conflict in the southeast of the country."

Peskov avoided answering the question who in that case might serve as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev, adding that it would be a "hypothetical discussion."

Earlier, some mass media said the bill on the reintegration of Donbass the Ukrainian parliament was considering had been complemented by an amendment on the severing of diplomatic relations with Russia. However, the chief of the parliamentary committee on security said that the Verkhovna Rada had no powers to terminate diplomatic relations with other countries and no such amendments to the bill on the reintegration of Donbass had been introduced. Parliament member Ivan Vinnik, the rumored author of the amendments, denied such claims in an interview to the television channel 112.Ukraine. Vinnik said that such an amendment could not have been made at least because the deadline for making such proposals had expired.

Source: ITAR-TASS 08-11-2017