Explosion rocks Russian defense plant leaving three dead, and three missing

The blast sparked a fire, engulfing an area of 100 square meters.

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. An explosion has hit the Sverdlov defense plant in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, killing three and leaving another three missing, a regional law enforcement source told TASS.

"According to preliminary reports, the explosion killed three and left another two injured. Besides, three people are missing," the source said.

He added that some ammonal explosive had gone off in one of the plant’s workshops. "A technological process disruption is believed to have caused the explosion," the source said, adding that "a fire broke out after the blast, engulfing an area of 100 square meters." Firefighters are working at the scene.

"The blaze has been categorized as a three-alarm fire," the source said.

The Sverdlov plant is the biggest producer of industrial explosives, detonators and booster leads for the mining industry.

Source: ITAR-TASS 31-08-2018

Russian servicemen repel simulated drone attack

In total, about 1,000 servicemen and about 300 pieces of military and special hardware, took part in the exercise.

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Russian servicemen used Pantsir-S1 and Tor-M2 air defense systems and firearms to repel a simulated drone attack at the Marinovka airfield in the Volga area region of Volgograd, Southern Military District spokesman Vadim Astafyev told reporters on Thursday.

According to the statement, obtained by TASS, electronic warfare specialists trained to detect, disrupt communications and seize control of simulated enemy’s drones.

"Crews of Pantsir-S1 self-propelled missile systems and Tor-M2 air defense systems practiced simulated destruction of the targets with guided surface-to-air missiles at the distance of up to 10 kilometers. Besides, one UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] was destroyed by gunfire at the altitude of 150 meters," the source said.

In total, about 1,000 servicemen and about 300 pieces of military and special hardware, took part in the exercise.

Astafyev said that mobile anti-UAV groups have been set up at all units of the Southern Military District.

Source: ITAR-TASS 30-8-2018

Ceasefire declared in Donbass in run-up to new school year

OSCE Special Representative Martin Sajdik has addressed the sides of the conflict urging them to support the decision on the top political level

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. A new ceasefire has come into force in Donbass at 00:01 a.m. on Wednesday as agreed on August 22 in Minsk by the Contact Group participants who issued an official statement on ceasefire on the contact line ahead of the new school year. OSCE Special Representative Martin Sajdik has addressed the sides of the conflict urging them to support the decision on the top political level.

A harvest ceasefire had been in force in Donbass starting July 1. That agreement improved security in the region. Sajdik has noted that the summer of 2018 has been the calmest one since the beginning of the conflict. Russian envoy to the Contact Group Boris Gryzlov has also mentioned that this summer has seen the fewest number of victims among civilians in all four years of the conflict in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Gryzlov stressed that the Contact Group had pointed to the need to implement the earlier reached agreements on disengagement of military equipment and personnel to the coordinated upon sections. He also said that no shelling had been reported in the area of Stanitsa Luganskaya since July 24, though the Ukrainian side has failed to take any action to disengage forces. According to Gryzlov, due to the activity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the disengagement areas Zolotoye and Petrovskoye, combat positions of the sides in the conflict are now closer to each other than before the disengagement.

The ceasefire declared by the Contact Group is the 21st attempt to stop hostilities in the region since the beginning of the Donbass conflict.

Source: ITAR-TASS 29-08-2018

PM praises Russia-Israel dialogue on Middle East

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel and Russia maintain an active dialogue on the Middle Eastern problems.

VILNIUS, August 27. /TASS/. Israel and Russia are conducting an active dialogue on the Middle Eastern problems in an atmosphere of sincerity, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is staying in Lithuania on August 23-26.

"We are colleagues with Russia that respect each other and conduct a sincere dialogue," Lithuanian National Radio and Television quoted Netanyahu as saying on Monday. The interview with the Israeli prime minister to Lithuania’s national broadcasting company will be aired this evening.

According to the prime minister, business contacts with Russia are primarily carried out "on problems which are important to us." "We are discussing with Russia issues of our inner circle which are important to Israel."

He stressed at a joint press conference with Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis earlier that the development of relations between Israel and the Russian Federation is characterized by a search for common points, which are growing in number. "It can’t be said that we agree with each other on all issues, but there are more and more aspects on which our positions coincide," the prime minister noted.

Source: ITAR-TASS 28-08-2018

Russia to maintain assistance to South Ossetia as part of national security, says Putin

The Russian president indicated that recognition of the republic’s sovereignty by Russia opened up broad prospects for its independent development.

TSKHINVAL, August 26. /TASS/. Moscow will continue rendering assistance to South Ossetia, including aid in the sphere of national security, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message of greetings to the leadership and people of the fledgling South Caucasian nation on the tenth anniversary of Russia recognizing the republic as an independent state.

Russia’s Ambassador to South Ossetia, Marat Kulakhmetov read the message out in the course of celebrations of independence in Tskhinval.

"Russia notes with pleasure the achievements South Ossetia has accomplished in building the institutes of its statehood and in various branches of national development," Putin said. "We plan to continue assistance in resolving the national security issue your country is faced with."

He indicated that recognition of the republic’s sovereignty by Russia opened up broad prospects for its independent development. The Russian president also wished South Ossetians peace and prosperity.

Overnight to August 8, 2008, Georgia’s government forces launched a massive armed attack on South Ossetia, a former region of Georgia that had been pressing for independence since the early 1990’s. Russia rose to defend the residents of the region, many of whom had received Russian citizenship by then, as well as its peacekeepers stationed there.

The five days of hostilities claimed more than a thousand lives, including those of 72 Russian military service members. Moscow recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another former autonomous region of Georgia, on August 26, 2008.

Source: ITAR-TASS 27-08-2018

Donetsk, Lugansk autonomy remains only way for compromise in East Ukraine — politician

According to surveys, about 43% of DPR and LPR residents favor an autonomy within Ukraine, while nearly the same number of respondents want full independence.

KIEV, August 26. /TASS/. Vesting the self-proclaimed people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR) with broad autonomy within Ukraine can be a possible compromise for settling the Ukrainian crisis, said Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the public movement "Ukrainian Choice - People’s Right."

"We should take the path of finding a compromise, and I see this compromise in granting them autonomy," he said.

Medvedchuk said that according to surveys, about 43% of DPR and LPR residents favor an autonomy within Ukraine, while nearly the same number of respondents want the region to become fully independent from Kiev.

"Where there is 43%, there can be 51 or 52%, and we should work in this direction," he said, urging the Ukrainian government to engage in direct talks with the leadership of the self-proclaimed republics.

In this context, he said he disagreed with Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov’s statement that the Minsk agreements on Ukrainian reconciliation were "dead, and we should deal with it."

The politician added that although the Minsk agreements are far from being implemented, there is no alternative to them so far.

Prisoner swap

Medvedchuk said the prisoner swap between the Kiev government and the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine should be held only under the all-for-all formula.

"My stance - and not only mine - is that Minsk agreement stipulate the all-for-all swap. Although the Minsk agreements were [signed] long ago, Normandy Four leaders have signed an agreement on March 29, 2018, intended to optimize and boost the implementation of the Minsk deal. The last provision of this document calls on to continue successful exchanges that took place on December 27, 2017, under the all-for-all principle," he said.

He stressed that the document was signed by all leaders of the Normandy Four nations, including Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko.

"We need to take the path of compromise, the path of direct dialogue. We must bring those people back home, at all costs. But the cost is known - mutual release [of prisoners]," the Ukrainian politician added.

Source: ITAR-TASS 26-08-2018

Black Sea Fleet missile frigates to join Russia’s Mediterranean task force

Those are the Admiral Grigorovich and the Admiral Essen armed with Kalibr cruise missiles.

MOSCOW, August 25. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s frigates Admiral Grigorovich and Admiral Essen armed with Kalibr cruise missiles will join the Russian Navy’s Mediterranean task force, the Fleet’s press office reported on Saturday.

"The Black Sea Fleet’s frigates Admiral Grigorovich and Admiral Essen are making a planned passage from Sevastopol to the Mediterranean Sea. Currently, the warships’ crews are passing through the Black Sea’s Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits," the press office said.

The warships will "augment the Navy’s task force in the Mediterranean Sea," the press office added.

"According to the plan, the warships will join the Navy’s permanent blue-water task force already by the end of the day," the Black Sea Fleet’s press office said.

During their voyage, the warships held several drills at the Fleet’s combat training ranges in the Black Sea. In particular, the crews of Kamov Ka-27PL helicopters practiced take-offs and landings on the warships’ decks and held training to search for and track a submarine.

The Grigorovich and the Essen are armed with Kalibr-NK missile systems. Earlier, the warships delivered several strikes with Kalibr cruise missiles against terrorists’ positions as part of Russia’s counter-terror operation in Syria.

Source: ITAR-TASS 25-08-2018

Putin appoints new ambassador to Belarus

Presidential Envoy to the Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich will become Russia’s new ambassador to Belarus.

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree, appointing Presidential Envoy to the Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich as Russia’s Ambassador to Belarus and Special Presidential Envoy for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Belarus. The decree has been published on the official website containing legal information.

"Mikhail Babich is hereby appointed as Russia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus," the document reads.

Another presidential decree relieved Babich from his responsibilities as presidential envoy to the Volga Federal District.

Babich, 49, was born in the city of Ryazan. He graduated from the Ryazan Higher Military Command College of Communication in 1990, from the law faculty of the Moscow Institute of Economy, Management and Law in 1998, from the State Academy of Management in 2000 and from the Advanced Training Faculty of the Russian General Staff Academy in 2005.

In 1986-1995, he occupied commanding positions in Russia’s Aerospace Force and Border Troops, taking part in military activities.

In 2002-2003, Babich served as Chechnya’s prime minister. He was a member of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) for ten years before being appointed as presidential envoy to the Volga Federal District in 2011.

Source: ITAR-TASS 24-08-2018

New ceasefire declared in Donbass ahead of new school year start

The Russian envoy stressed that this summer sees "the fewest number of victims among the civilians in all four years of the conflict in Ukraine".

MINSK, August 22. /TASS/. The Contact Group for the settlement in the east of Ukraine has agreed on a new ceasefire, Russian envoy to the Contact Group Boris Gryzlov said after a session in Minsk, adding that it is "declared from August 29 in connection with the start of a new schoolyear".

Earlier in the day, the subgroup for security agreed on declaring a ceasefire from August 29.

The Russian envoy stressed that this summer sees "the fewest number of victims among the civilians in all four years of the conflict in Ukraine".

He said the Contact Group "pointed to a need to implement the earlier agreements on the disengagement of military equipment and personnel to the coordinated upon sections and on the withdrawal of units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from these sections". "Due to the activity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the disengagement areas Zolotoye and Petrovskoye, combat positions of the sides in the conflict are now closer to each other than before the disengagement. We once again stated the importance of releasing and making public the orders ensuring the ceasefire," Gryzlov said.

He also said that no shelling has been reported in the area of Stanitsa Luganskaya since July 24. "Despite this, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are still taking no action to disengage forces,’ he stressed.

After a session in Minsk on Wednesday, the Contact Group issued an official statement on the ceasefire in Donbass from August 29. "The Trilateral Contact Group, with the participation of representatives from certain areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, confirms its full commitment to an indefinite ceasefire in connection with the start of a new school year, from 00:01 on August 29," the document said.

The sides in the conflict "commit themselves to taking all necessary action to ensure stability of the ceasefire". As for the monitoring, they commit themselves to "ensuring a safe access for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to the whole territory of Ukraine, in line with its mandate".

The Wednesday’s ceasefire declared by the Contact Group will be the 21st attempt to stop hostilities in the region.

Source: ITAR-TASS 23-08-2018

Russia’s upgraded T-90 tank excels its predecessor by combat efficiency in drills

This year, the Russian troops are expected to receive a battalion set of T-90M tanks.

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 22. /TASS/. Russia’s upgraded T-90M main battle tank considerably surpassed its T-90A predecessor by its combat efficiency at the Zapad-2017 strategic drills, the press office of Uralvagonzavod defense contractor told TASS at the Army-2018 forum on Wednesday.

"By its combat efficiency, the T-90M tank considerably excels its predecessor, the T-90A. The participation of T-90M tanks in the Zapad-2017 drills fully confirmed the armored vehicle’s performance characteristics required by the Defense Ministry of Russia," the press office said, replying to the corresponding question.

A contract on the delivery of the T-90M heavily modernized tank to the troops was signed between the Defense Ministry and Uralvagonzavod at the Army-2017 international military and technical forum.

The T-90M tank was furnished with the new engine and equipment and with the latest version of the Relikt explosive reactive armor. As was reported earlier, this year, the Russian troops are expected to receive a battalion set of T-90M tanks.

Source: ITAR-TASS 22-08-2018

Russian ombudsperson concerned over ‘inhumane treatment’ of alleged agent Butina

Russian citizen Maria Butina, 29, was arrested in Washington DC on July 15

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Russian ombudsperson Tatiana Moskalkova stated that treatment of Russian citizen Maria Butina, arrested in the US, is "inhumane and degrading", the ombudsperson’s website informed on Monday.

"I would like to express my utmost concern at the actions of US prison authorities during the transfer of Russian citizen Maria Butina from Washington to Alexandria (Virginia State) prison. <…> There are clear signs of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, punishment by the US government and violation of the rules of international law," the message states.

According to Moskalkova, Maria Butina "was subjected to a degrading inspection, made to undress, transferred in chains without warning or explanation, placed into quarantine, where she spent 12 hours with no food or light, and now she is in solitary confinement." Moreover, the authorities confiscated Butina’s personal belongings, books and personal hygiene products.

"In this regard, I ask the global human rights community to evaluate the treatment of convicts in the USA and urge the US government to humanize the conditions of imprisonment for Russian citizen Maria Butina," Moskalkova stated.

Butina case

Russian citizen Maria Butina, 29, was arrested in Washington DC on July 15.

According to the US Department of Justice, she is suspected of acting "as an agent of Russia inside the United States by developing relationships with US persons and infiltrating organizations having influence in American politics, for the purpose of advancing the interests of the Russian Federation." The next court hearing in Butina’s case is scheduled for September 10.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow considered Washington’s charges against Butina to be groundless and politically motivated. According to her, Russia has been doing everything possible to protect the woman’s legitimate rights and interests.

Source: ITAR-TASS 21-08-2018

Troops in central, eastern Russia go on high alert in snap combat readiness check

On the eve of large-scale Vostok-2018 maneuvers in the eastern theater of operations, a set of 16 special drills is underway, the defense minister said.

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. A sudden combat readiness check has kicked off in Russia’s Central and Eastern Military Districts, long-range and military transport aviation on order by Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on Monday.

On the eve of large-scale Vostok-2018 (East-2018) maneuvers in the eastern theater of operations, a set of 16 special drills is underway, Shoigu said.

"Today, at 5:00 a.m. Moscow time, in accordance with the decision by Russia’s supreme commander-in-chief, the military command and the units and formations of the Eastern and Central Military Districts, the Airborne Force, long-range and military transport aviation have switched to implementing measures for going on high alert," the defense minister said.

The basic efforts are focused on preparing units and formations for accomplishing the tasks for the military command and troops to timely arrive at the assembly areas for maneuvers, the defense minsiter said.

"In order to check the issues of the aviation’s readiness and the accomplishment of territorial defense assignments, some military enlistment offices are planned to be involved," the defense minister said.

The snap combat readiness check will run on August 20-25, Shoigu said.

"I order to hold the check on August 20-25. Special attention should be paid to organizing and maintaining troops’ continued and stable command and control," the defense minister stressed.

Source: ITAR-TASS 20-08-2018 

Energy is one of the priorities of Russian-German cooperation — Putin

Germany is the largest buyer of Russian energy resources.

BERLIN, August 18. /TASS/. Russia attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Germany and energy is one its priorities, President Vladimir Putin told reporters before the talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"Russia attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Germany in the political, economic and other areas. One of the priority areas is energy," Putin said.

The President recalled that "Germany is the largest buyer of Russian energy resources."

"In 2017, we delivered 53.8 bln cubic meters of gas, which covers more than 30% of the German market, while the consumption of Russian gas is constantly growing and this year it increased by 13%," he said.

Putin noted that Germany is not only a market for the supply of hydrocarbons from Russia, but also an important link in their transit to other European countries.

He recalled that this June marked 50 years since the beginning of gas supplies from the Soviet Union to Western Europe.

"Throughout this period, our country reliably provided uninterrupted power supply, made and still makes a significant contribution to the energy security of the entire European continent," the Russian leader said.

Nord Stream-2 issue

Russia's Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project will be among major energy issues up for discussion by the two leaders.

Merkel told reporters ahead of the meeting that Ukraine must maintain its role as a country of transit of Russian gas to Europe, despite the implementation of the Nord Stream-2.

"As for Ukraine, we will also discuss the transit of gas. I believe that Ukraine should maintain its role in the transit of gas to Europe also in the presence of the Nord Stream 2," she said.

"I am very glad that it became possible to start interim talks between Russia and Ukraine with the participation of the EU," Merkel added.

Putin, in his turn, replied that the Nord Stream-2 pipeline project would enable Europe to meet its growing demand for energy resources and it does not close off the possibility of gas transit through Ukraine.

"Together with the German partners we are working on the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project. Its implementation will make it possible to improve the European gas transportation system, diversify supply routes and minimize transit risks, and, most importantly, to meet Europe's growing demand for energy," he said.

Putin stressed that Nord Stream-2 is "an exclusively economic project, and it does not close off the possibility of continuing transit supplies of Russian gas through the territory of Ukraine."

"I know the position of the Federal Chancellor on this issue, she raises this issue constantly," Putin said adding that for Russia it is important to ensure that the Ukrainian transit meets economic requirements and is "economic in all senses of the word."

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is expected to come into service at the end of 2019. The pipeline is set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore. Each of the pipeline’s two stretches will have a capacity of 27.5 bln cubic meters. The new pipeline will double the capacity of the first stretch and will basically follow its route. The total cost of the pipeline is estimates at 9.5 bln euros.

Source: ITAR-TASS 19-08-2018

Fund to support Russian citizen Butina jailed in US opens on Internet - lawyer

The website, which calls on people to make donations to support efforts of Butina’s defense to secure her release, is both in Russian and English languages.

WASHINGTON, August 18. /TASS/. A fund in support of Russian citizen Maria Butina, currently in custody in the United States, was opened on the Internet, her lawyer Robert Driscoll told TASS on Friday.

The website, which calls on people to make donations to support efforts of Butina’s defense to secure her release, is in Russian and English languages and holds pictures of the detained Russian national as well as her short biography.

"Your donations will help Maria and her lawyers to provide the best possible defense in court for her," a statement from the authors of the website says. "We will be very grateful for donations from friends and supporters. Information about sponsors will be strictly confidential."

Butina’s lawyer Driscoll told TASS that "The fund was established to allow friends and supporters to help pay for her legal defense."

"Donations of large or small sums are welcome as easily made via the website," he said. "We have not fixed a particular amount, but her defense will be expensive."

"For example, the government will produce over 10 Terabytes of data for the defense to review - the equivalent of millions of pages," Butina’s lawyer stated. "Fortunately, a generous American supporter paid her legal fees up until her arrest (i.e., for the Senate testimony and documents production) but now the costs have escalated and she needs financial support."

Driscoll thanked TASS for highlighting this issue saying "I appreciate that you will write a story on this. I think strong donations (both in terms of dollars and numbers of small donations) will let her know how much people in Russia, America, and around the world support her."

Maria Butina, 29, was arrested in Washington on July 15, on the eve of the Helsinki summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump. The Russian gun rights activist is facing charges of conspiracy for conducting activities in the interests of a foreign state. Investigators claim that she was engaged in these activities without registering as a foreign agent at the US Department of Justice.

The FBI said Butina arrived in the United States in August 2016 on a student entry visa and took up studies at the American University. She received the master’s degree in international relations in May 2018, according to her lawyer.

Butina is a member of the board of the Russian public associations ‘The Right to Guns’. In this capacity, she attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February 2017 where President Donald Trump took part.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier that Moscow considered Washington’s allegations against Butina to be groundless and politically motivated. According to her, Russia has been doing everything possible to protect the woman’s legitimate rights and interests.

Source: ITAR-TASS 18-08-2018

Russian human rights official slams detention of vessel in Ukraine

On August 10, the Ukrainian Security Service blocked the Russian vessel at the port of Kherson, saying that its owner had been blacklisted by Kiev

NOVOSIBIRSK, August 17. /TASS/. Head of the Russian Presidential Human Rights Council Mikhail Fedotov believes that the situation surrounding the detention of Russia’s Mekhanik Pogodin tanker in the Ukrainian port of Kherson is nothing but madness, as he himself told TASS.

"We haven’t received any requests in this regard yet but such actions are outrageous," he said in response to a question about the tanker. "I am not surprised because this is not the first example of madness," Fedotov added.

On August 10, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) blocked the Russian vessel at the port of Kherson, saying that its owner had been blacklisted by Kiev. The vessel’s captain said that the tanker was shipping diesel fuel from Turkmenistan to Ukraine under a freightage contract in the interests of Canada’s Oil Marine Shipping and Chartering, while Unicredit Bank Austria was the cargo manager at the Kherson port.

The vessel’s operating company V.F.Tanker said on Friday that the crew members had prevented an illegal entry attempt by the Ukrainian authorities. The company pointed out in an earlier statement that "the port authorities and customs service have been notified that the vessel’s detention was groundless and illegal and could entail liability for damages," as they were violating the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to the Arrest of Sea-going Ships.

Source: ITAR-TASS 17-08-2018

New bomber Tupolev-22M3M presented in Kazan

The Tupolev-22M3M was equipped with the newest on-board digital radio-electronic equipment.

KAZAN, August 16. /TASS/. An upgraded long-range missile-carrying bomer Tupolev 22M3M was rolled out on the premises of the S.P. Gorbunov Aircraft Building Plant in Kazan on Thursday, a TASS correspondent reports from the scene.

"The first experimental Tupolev-22M3M was created under a large-scale program for upgrading strategic and long-range aircraft PAO Tupolev is working on at the moment. In the next phase the first batch of Tupolev-22M3 planes currently in service will be upgraded," Tupolev CEO Alexander Konyukhov said at the ceremony.

After the presentation the Tupolev-22M3M will enter the stage of ground and flight tests.

"The Defense Ministry will make a decision to upgrade operational planes on the basis of results of joint government certification tests. By and large the upgrade program will ensure the operation of strategic and long-range planes in the long term and effective performance of their tasks," Konyukhov said.

Upgraded plane

"In the process of profound upgrade the Tupolev-22M3M was equipped with the newest on-board digital radio-electronic equipment made of domestically manufactured components. In particular, the plane boasts new navigation, communication and targeting equipment, new engine and fuel consumption control systems and radio-electronic warfare means," the Tupolev company said.

The replacement of 80% of radio-electronics has improved the accuracy of navigation and automation of the plane’s control and made its maintenance simpler and easier. The on-board radio-electronic equipment of Tupolev-22M3M and Tupolev-160M are similar and compatible.

"The upgraded plane was also equipped with a new information and control system with digital indicators in the cockpit and the function of intellectual support for the crew," PAO Tupolev said.

The plane’s potential has been enhanced considerably. Its combat effectiveness and combat radius is far greater.

Tupolev-22M3M is a multi-role missile-carrying bomber with a variable sweep wing.

The first upgraded bombers Tupolev-22M3M will begin to be provided for the armed forces as of 2021, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 16-08-2018

Russia to complete investigation into Salisbury, Amesbury incidents — Foreign Ministry

Former Russian military intelligence Colonel Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia suffered the effects of an alleged nerve agent in the British city of Salisbury on March 4

SVETLOGORSK /Kaliningrad region/, August 15. /TASS/. Moscow will continue demanding that facts concerning the poisonings in Salisbury and Amesbury be presented until London and Washington admit that both the incidents are just a huge provocation, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told participants in the Balartek international educational youth forum taking place in Russia’s Kaliningrad region.

"We will give clear and professional responses to provocations such as those that took place in Salisbury and Amesbury, we will present facts demanding information in return," Zakharova stressed. "We will work to bring these things to a conclusion until the United States and Great Britain admit that it is a huge provocation," she added.

According to Zakharova, it was not the first time that Washington and London staged such a provocation together. "This story mostly consists of provocative steps," she said, adding that "we don’t know what was the reason behind this chain of events because it all has been classified."

"However, the fact that the blame is being put on Russia leaves no room for doubt," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman noted. "Great Britain and the United States have been using scam techniques to carry out a large-scale disinformation campaign. It is unacceptable and I would like to hope that our country will never stoop so low as to start inventing provocations," Zakharova concluded.

British poisonings

According to London, former Russian military intelligence (GRU) Colonel Sergei Skripal, who had been convicted in Russia of spying for Great Britain and later swapped for Russian intelligence officers, and his daughter Yulia suffered the effects of an alleged nerve agent in the British city of Salisbury on March 4. Claiming that the substance used in the attack had been a Novichok-class nerve agent developed in the Soviet Union, London rushed to accuse Russia of being involved in the incident. Moscow rejected all of the United Kingdom’s accusations. Chief Executive of the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) at Porton Down Gary Aitkenhead said later that British experts had been unable to identify the origin of the nerve agent used in the attack on the Skripals.

Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case over the incident on March 16.

On June 30, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess and 45-year-old Charles Rowley were hospitalized in critical condition in the British town of Amesbury. The Metropolitan Police went on to claim that the two had been exposed to Novichok, the same nerve agent that was allegedly used in the Skripal poisoning. After being mysteriously exposed to a nerve agent and falling into a coma, Sturgess died on July 8 while Rowley managed to recover.

Bron: ITAR-TASS 15-08-2018

Troops in Russia’s Central Military District receive new weapon systems

Over 350 pieces of military and special hardware have arrived under the defense procurement plan for the military units

YEKATERINBURG, August 14. /TASS/. Troops of Russia’s Central Military District have received over 350 weapon systems since the beginning of this year, District Commander Lieutenant-General Alexander Lapin said on Tuesday.

"Over 350 pieces of military and special hardware have arrived under the defense procurement plan for military units of the Central Military District since the beginning of 2018, including about 149 items in July," the commander said.

"The latest deliveries to the military district’s units include Mi-24P helicopters, BMP-2M armored personnel carriers, the newest Garmon communications stations and Borisoglebsk electronic warfare systems, TOS-1 Solntsepyok heavy flamethrowers and Su-34 bombers. Also, more than 100 items of modern special and automobile vehicles were delivered for the separate railway mechanization battalion set up in July in the Republic of Udmurtia," the general said.

According to the commander, there are plans to raise the level of the military district’s provision with modern armament and hardware to no less than 54% in 2018 and increase this figure to 70% by 2020.

Russia’s Central Military District is stationed on the territory of three integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant air base in Kyrgyzstan and units on the territory of Kazakhstan.

Source: ITAR-TASS 14-08-2018

Two militants’ drones downed near Russian airbase in Syria

The Russian reconciliation center has called on commanders of illegal armed groups to stop armed provocations.

MOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. Two drones launched by militants have been downed by the Russian military near the Hmeymim airbase in Syria, chief of the Russia Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties Alexei Tsygankov said on Sunday.

"During the past day, radars of the Russian airbase at Hmeymim spotted two unmanned aerial vehicles launched from the Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by illegal armed groups. The airbase’s missile defense systems downed these air targets at a safe distance from the base. No one was hurt, no material damage was done. The Russian airbase is operating routinely," he said.

The Russian reconciliation center has called on commanders of illegal armed groups to stop armed provocations and embark on a path of peaceful settlement of the situation in the areas under their control.

Source: ITAR-TASS 13-08-2018

Air Force Day marked across Russia as Air Force turns 106

Air Force Commander Andrei Yudin said ahead of the holiday that today Russia invests major resources in the Air Force, which helps it perform any missions set by the Fatherland

MOSCOW, August 12./TASS/. Russian military pilots mark on Sunday their professional holiday, Russian Air Force Day. The Russian Air Force was formed 106 years ago, on August 12, 1912.

Air Force Commander and Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Andrei Yudin said ahead of the holiday that today Russia invests major resources in the Air Force, which helps it perform any missions set by the Fatherland.

"The state is doing very much for the Aerospace Forces, in particular for the Air Force. We are getting new aircraft, high-precision weapons that help us successfully perform all the missions set by the state, including in fight against terrorism," Yudin said.

He said every year the Air Force receives over a hundred new aircraft and helicopters. Next year, it will get the Su-57 fifth generation fighter jet, with the first aircraft going to the Lipetsk Air Base. He also emphasized the growing infrastructure of the airfields and engineering facilities, without which the flights would be simply impossible.

Yudin specifically mentioned world-renowned the Russian aerobatic teams Strizhi and Russian Knights with their unbeatable style and skills. Strizhi (or Swifts) fly MiG-29 fighter jets, while the Russian Knights (Russkiye Vityazi) - Su-30SM fighter jets. The two aerobatic teams are based at the Kubinka Air Base, some 60 kilometers south-west of Moscow.

There are also two ‘unofficial’ aerobatic teams - Sokoly Rossii (Russian Falcons), using Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets flown by best aces of the Lipetsk Air Base, and the only in Russia team Berkuty (Golden Eagles) flying Mi-28N (Night Hunter) helicopters. The aircraft of Strizhi and the Russian Knights have easily recognizable paint schemes.

The Russian military aviation was founded on August 12, 1912. The Russian Air Force has been engaged in all wars and conflicts in which the Soviet Union and then Russia have taken part. Military pilots were the first to get the title of Hero of the Soviet Union - the highest award of the former Soviet Union.

The decision to celebrate Russian Air Force Day was taken by the Russian president on August 29, 1997.

Source: ITAR-TASS 12-08-2018

Russian Northern Fleet warships enter Mediterranean Sea in Atlantic voyage

The warships accomplished their passage through the strait’s narrowest 14km section at night amid intensive shipping.

MURMANSK, August 11. /TASS/. A group of the Russian Northern Fleet’s warships has entered the Mediterranean Sea on a long-distance Atlantic voyage, the Fleet’s press office reported on Saturday.

"The group of warships comprising the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and the large anti-submarine warfare ship Severomorsk, performing long-distance voyage tasks, completed its passage through the narrowest part of the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday," the press office said.

The Russian Northern Fleet’s warships accomplished their passage through the strait’s narrowest 14km section at night amid intensive shipping.

During their voyage, the warships’ crews continued planned combat training. In the Atlantic, the crew of the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov practiced air defense to check the teams’ readiness to employ weapons and technical capabilities while the crew of the large anti-submarine warfare ship Severomorsk practiced anti-submarine warfare tasks with the use of a Kamov Ka-27 helicopter.

The Northern Fleet warships have covered a distance of over 6,000 nautical miles since they left the Fleet’s main naval base of Severomorsk on July 5.

Source: ITAR-TASS 11-08-2018

Russian premier compares new sanctions to declaration of economic war

Medvedev was asked what sanctions could be imposed on Russia in the future and how they can affect the country’s economy.

KRONOTSKY NATURE RESERVE /Kamchatka/, August 10. /TASS/. The possible tightening up of economic sanctions against Russia may be treated as a declaration of economic war, which must be responded by all economic, political and other means possible, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said during his visit to the Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.

During his visit to the Kronotsky State Nature Reserve, Medvedev was asked what sanctions could be imposed on Russia in the future and how they can affect the country’s economy.

"I would like not to comment on the talks about future sanctions, but there is one thing I can say: if measures like a ban on banking activities or the use of this or that currency follows, this can be clearly be described as a declaration of an economic war. And this war will have to be responded - by economic, political and, if necessary, other means. And our American partners should realize this," the prime minister said.

Speaking about sanctions currently in place and those recently announced, Medvedev said that despite the declared political reasons behind them, those measures are intended mostly "to limit our economic power."

"In the past hundred of years, our country existed in the conditions of the constant pressure of sanctions. Why is this being done? In order to eliminate Russia from the list of powerful rivals on the international arena," he said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 10-08-2018

NATO fails to inform Russia’s top brass on accidental missile launch over Estonia

NATO has not informed Russia on the incident with the unauthorized launch of an air-to-air missile by a Spanish fighter jet over Estonia

BRUSSELS, August 8. /TASS/. NATO has not informed Russia’s top brass via the existing military channels on the incident with the unauthorized launch of an air-to-air missile by a Spanish fighter jet over Estonia, an official in the alliance’s military structure told TASS on condition of anonymity on Wednesday.

"At the present moment, we cannot confirm the existence of any contacts between the NATO Operations Command and the Russian military on this incident. However, after saying this, I will add that many civilian and military organizations play their role in ensuring international air security. We cannot say anything more on this incident as long as the investigation is going on," the official said.

Regret and assistance

NATO Acting Spokesperson Piers Cazalet told TASS earlier on Wednesday that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had expressed his regret and readiness to provide assistance to Estonia in probing the incident.

The acting spokesperson confirmed that according to NATO’s official information, "On 7 August 2018, a Spanish Eurofighter on NATO Baltic Air Policing duty accidentally fired an air-to-air missile in Estonian airspace. No damage has been reported."

Since 2004, when the Baltic states were admitted to NATO, the alliance has launched the Baltic Air Policing Mission and intends to continue patrol flights in that region, the acting spokesperson said.

The missile could have reached Russia

According to the Estonian Defense Forces, the incident with the accidental launch of an AMRAAM-type air-to-air missile occurred at 3:44 p.m. Moscow time on August 7 in a practice area over the community of Pangodi.

As the Estonian Defense Forces said, the missile’s self-destruct mode was activated to destroy it while it was still in the air. However, despite this, the missile could have still fallen on the ground 40 km north of Tartu.

According to Estonian Air Force Commander Riivo Valge, the missile’s flight radius is 100 km. Upon its deviation towards the eastern border, the missile could have theoretically fallen "on the other side of Lake Chudskoye on the territory of the Russian Federation," he said.

The Latvian national armed forces stated on Wednesday they had no grounds to believe that the missile could have fallen on the territory of Latvia.

The missile is 3.7 meters long and has a diameter of 18 cm. It is armed with a warhead.

The incident is being probed by the Estonian Air Force, the Spanish Air Force and NATO experts. Three light Robinson helicopters of the Estonian Air Force are combing the area to find the missile and an An-2 plane is ready to join the operation. Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas has warned the country’s population against attempts to find the missile independently.

Source: ITAR-TASS 09-08-2018

Russian fighter jet armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to hold demonstration flights

A MiG-31K fighter jet armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and a fifth-generation Su-57 plane will demonstrate their capabilities at the Army-2018 forum

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. A MiG-31K fighter jet armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and a fifth-generation Su-57 plane will demonstrate their capabilities in the air for the first time at the Army-2018 forum, according to the program of events posted on the forum’s website on Tuesday.

The flights will be performed both on the days of limited attendance and on the days open for the public. Demonstration flights on limited attendance days will be held from 12:45 to 12:55 p.m. Moscow time on August 21-23. On the days open for the public, the planes will take to the skies at 13:49 p.m. Moscow time also for ten minutes. The demonstration flights will take place at the Kubinka airfield outside Moscow.

Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile system

The Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile system was unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 1. The Russian leader said the Kinzhal had an operating range of over 2,000 km. The MiG-31K fighter jet is the basic carrier of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles today.

During its use, the missile is accelerated by the aircraft to its maximum possible speed and after its release it switches on its solid-propellant engine and gains a hypersonic speed of 10 times the speed of the sound. The Kinzhal missile is capable of maneuvering at this speed and remaining actually invulnerable to the air defense and anti-ballistic missile systems existing today.

According to open sources, the Kinzhal was developed using the aero-ballistic missile of the ground-based Iskander tactical missile system with an operating range of 500km.

From December 1, 2017, Kinzhal hypersonic missile systems went on experimental combat duty at airfields of Russia’s Southern Military District.

Su-57 fifth-generation fighter

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air targets at long and short distances and hit enemy ground and naval targets, overcoming its air defense capabilities.

The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature.

The Army-2018 international military and technical forum will run on August 21-26 at the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Park outside Moscow.

Source: ITAR-TASS 08-08-2018

Crimea issue closed for Russia, says envoy to UN

On Wednesday, the US administration issued a document signed by Michael Pompeo, which reaffirms Washington’s rejection of Crimea’s reunification with Russia.

GURZUF /Crimea/, July 26. /TASS/. The Crimean Peninsula is an integral part of the Russian Federation and the issue of its status is closed, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya told reporters on Thursday, commenting on the United States’ Crimea Declaration.

"The Russian president has already answered this question," he said "Crimea is a part of the Russian Federation. The matter is closed for us. We know that we have different views on it but the matter is closed once and for all as far as we are concerned," he added.

On Wednesday, the US administration issued a document signed by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, which reaffirms Washington’s rejection of Crimea’s reunification with Russia.

Crimean reunification

After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted in a coup in February 2014, mass protests erupted in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. On March 11, 2014, Crimea’s Supreme Council and Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence.

On March 16, 2014, Crimean authorities held a referendum on reuniting with Russia. Over 80% of voters participated in the plebiscite, most of them supporting the idea (96.7% in Crimea and 95.6% in the city of Sevastopol).

On March 18, President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty on Crimea’s reunification with Russia and the Federal Assembly (parliament) approved the document on March 21.

However, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union refused to acknowledge Crimea as part of Russia.

Source: ITAR-TASS 07-08-2018