Ukrainian military shell LPR nearly 100 times since New Year ceasefire came in force

Ukrainian forces used 120mm and 82mm mortars, 122mm heavy guns, along with infantry fighting vehicles and grenade launchers.

LUGANSK, January 30. /TASS/. Ukraine’s Armed Forces have shelled the territory of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) 99 times since the so-called New Year and Christmas ceasefire came in force in Donbass, the LPR mission to the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC) said on Wednesday.

"Throughout the New Year and Christmas ceasefire, between December 29, 2018 and January 30, 2019, the LPR mission to the JCCC documented 99 ceasefire violations by Ukrainian military," the Lugansk news agency said citing the LPR mission.

According to the JCCC, the Ukrainian army used 120mm and 82mm mortars, 122mm heavy guns (banned by the Minsk Agreements) along with infantry fighting vehicles and grenade launchers. They targeted the towns of Donetskoye, Zolotoye-5 (Mikhailovka) and Pervomaysk. Two residential buildings were damaged shellings.

"These incidents have once again proved that Kiev officials’ assurances of their adherence to ceasefire and the Minsk accords are far from reality," the LPR representatives to the JCCC said.

On December 29, 2018, a new ceasefire came into force in Donbass on the eve of the New Year and Christmas period. The ceasefire had been negotiated by the Contact Group seeking a peace solution to the Donbass conflict a day before. Nevertheless, Ukraine’s Armed Forces has not stopped shelling the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.

Source: ITAR-TASS 31-01-2019

Russian military to get first upgraded Tupolev-160M bomber in 2021

The upgraded bomber Tupolev-160M will be equipped with the newest on-board defense system, up-to-date reliable jamming-resistant communication system and unique weapons.

KAZAN, January 30. /TASS/. The first fundamentally upgraded serially produced strategic bomber Tupolev-160M is to be provided for the Russian military in 2021, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.

"The work on producing the upgraded Tupolev-160M proceeds on time. The first serially made plane unparalleled in the world is to be provided for the military in 2021," Shoigu said at a conference in Kazan devoted to Russian Aerospace Force hardware maintenance.

Shoigu recalled that on instructions from the supreme commander-in-chief the Kazan aircraft building plant had resumed the production of a fundamentally upgraded Tupolev-160M.

"It will be equipped with the newest on-board defense system, up-to-date reliable jamming-resistant communication system and unique weapons, which will considerably enhance its combat capabilities in using conventional and nuclear weapons. The plane will be powered with NK-32 second series engines, which will considerably increase its range and duration of flight," Shoigu said.

He recalled that Tatarstan-based industries were working on dozens of major contracts for the armed forces.

"By investing considerable funds into the region’s economy the Defense Ministry promotes its development, creates new jobs and improves living standards. Tatarstan’s authorities take care of the military personnel’s housing problems. We hope that it will be so in the future," Shoigu said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 30-01-2019

Russian Baltic Fleet’s warplanes practice intercepting air targets

Pilots of the Baltic Fleet’s fighter aircraft regiment practiced intercepting air targets and delivering strikes against a notional enemy’s facilities.

KALININGRAD, January 28. /TASS/. Pilots of the Baltic Fleet’s fighter aircraft regiment stationed in Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad Region practiced intercepting air targets and delivering strikes against a notional enemy’s facilities, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.

"The crews of Su-27 fighter planes performed elements of aerobatic maneuvers and training missions to intercept high-speed targets in the sky over the Kaliningrad Region and practiced measures for the forceful landing of a notional enemy’s aircraft on an aerodrome," the Fleet’s press office said in a press release.

Meanwhile, the crews of Su-30SM multirole fighter jets of the Baltic Fleet’s naval aviation practiced delivering simulated air strikes against naval and ground targets at the Fleet’s sea and land ranges. The pilots practiced attacks against the targets simulating a notional enemy’s warships, the Fleet’s press office said.

Overall, the drills involved more than ten aircraft of the Baltic Fleet’s naval aviation.

The drills follow an incident over the Baltic Sea, in which a Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane, as was reported by Russia’s Defense Ministry on Monday.

The airspace control equipment registered a target over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea approaching the Russian state border, the ministry said.

"A quick reaction alert Su-27 fighter jet from the Air Defense Force was scrambled to intercept the target in the air. The Russian fighter’s crew approached the air object at a safe distance and identified it as a P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane of the US Air Force," the ministry noted.

The Russian plane subsequently returned to its home airbase, the ministry said.

The Defense Ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported on January 25 that fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Force were scrambled twice over the week to prevent violations of the country’s airspace. According to the paper, the fighter aircraft thwarted an attempt to breach Russia’s airspace.

Source: ITAR-TASS 29-01-2019

Russia test-fires weapons from strike drone — source

The attack drone is capable of operating under electronic counter-measures amid the full loss of satellite navigation signals.

MOSCOW, January 28. /TASS/. Russia has test-fired weapons from a small interceptor/attack drone, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday.

"During the continued flight trials of the Karnivora drone, the use of the ammunition load was tested: the attack weapons and nets for the interception of other drones," the source said.

As TASS reported earlier, in its attack configuration, the Karnivora will be capable of using, in particular, various high-explosive fragmentation grenades and small-caliber anti-tank air bombs.

As the source added, "after the factory trials are over, there are plans to test the operation of the Karnivora strike drone in combat conditions. The source declined to give the details of the drone’s tests in a combat environment.

TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet.

The Karnivora small strike drone (from the Latin Carnivora) has been developed by Micran research and production company.

The drone is designed to intercept other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using net guns (the net captures a hostile drone and lands it with a parachute), conduct reconnaissance and also strike ground targets. It can take off from rough sites and hover for 10-15 hours.

The drone has a wing span of 5 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 40 kg and a flight speed of up to 150 km/h.

The attack drone is capable of operating under electronic counter-measures amid the full loss of satellite navigation signals. The UAV has a large cargo hold (35 liters) and a sliding wing for balance control. The Karnivora is also capable of performing missions in an autonomous mode.

Source: ITAR-TASS 28-01-2019

Military parade marking 75th anniversary of Leningrad siege held on Palace Square

More than 2,500 troops, security forces and also nearly 80 pieces of special equipment are taking part in the event.

ST.PETERSBURG, January 27. /TASS/. A military parade marking the 75th anniversary since lifting of the Nazi-led siege of Leningrad is held on St. Petersburg’s Palace Square, a TASS correspondent reported on Sunday.

More than 2,500 troops, security forces and also nearly 80 pieces of special equipment are taking part in the event.

The parade began with a minute of silence in memory of citizens and troops, who died during the siege. Commander of the Western Military District’s forces, the Hero of Russia Col. Gen. Alexander Zhuravlev said: "We bow to the holy memory of those, who did not return from the war and died of wounds and diseases. The Russian Army will always keep memory about the exploits of our fathers and grandfathers."

The cadets of military academies, dressed in the uniform of the 1940s, started the parade carrying weapons from the time of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). The participants held the banners of the fronts and units that took part in the war battles, the Russian flag, the Victory Banner, the Russian Armed Forces’ Banner and St. Petersburg’s flag.

Despite bitter frost, many St. Petersburg citizens gathered on Palace Square to watch the parade and show respect to the war veterans. Russia’s Federation Council (upper house) Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, Acting St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov and Russian Navy Commander Vladimir Korolev are attending the parade.

The parade features legendary Soviet T-34 tank, artillery systems and Tornado multiple launch rocket systems, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, Tigr, UAZ, Taifun armored vehicles, T-72B3 tanks, BTR-82A armored fighting vehicles, S-400 air defense missile systems and Iskander-M missile systems.

The siege of Leningrad (currently St. Petersburg) started on September 8, 1941 and lasted 872 days. It was broken on January 18, 1943, in the course of the Iskra strategic military operation during the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany and was completely lifted on January 27, 1944. Leningrad is the only large city in the world’s history that withstood almost 900-day encirclement.

No more than 800,000 residents were remaining in the city by the end of the siege out of the 3 million people that had lived in Leningrad and its suburbs. According to various estimates, from 641,000 to 1 million Leningraders died as a result of hunger, bombings and artillery shelling. Almost 34,000 people were wounded, 716,000 residents were left without shelter and 1.7 million were evacuated across the Road of Life and by air in 1941-1942.

Source: ITAR-TASS 27-01-2019

Russia and Tunisia boost cooperation on anti-terrorism efforts, says Lavrov

Also Moscow is urging Tunisia to support the process of Syria’s returning to the League of Arab States.

TUNIS, January 26. /TASS/. Russia and Tunisia have agreed to bolster cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said following the talks with his Tunisian counterpart Khemaies Jhinaoui on Saturday.

The participants of the meeting particularly focused on the developments in Libya, "where many problems remain, including the terrorism concern that Tunisia is also struggling from," he said.

"Today we agreed to boost our anti-terrorism cooperation, both within the United Nations, and through bilateral ties," Lavrov emphasized.

Russia is urging Tunisia to support the process of Syria’s returning to the League of Arab States (LAS), added Lavrov.

"As we discussed both in Algeria, and in Morocco over the past few days, we would like Tunisia to support the process of Syria’s return to the Arab family, to the League of Arab States as well, all the more so as another Arab League summit will be held here in March," he said.

According to Lavrov, Moscow appreciates Tunisia’s support "regarding Russian efforts within the Astana format to promote the Syrian settlement." "I believe that Tunis is interested in a quick return of Syrian refugees sheltered in Tunisia. We will do everything to create proper conditions in Syria for that kind of return," the diplomat added.

The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership in November 2011 amid the civil war that had engulfed the country. Most of the Arab nations recalled their ambassadors from the capital and joined the economic boycott against Damascus.

Source: ITAR-TASS 26-01-2019

Civilian version of Udav handgun to compete with Colt, Glock

The new version will be adjusted to the requirements of professional athletes, the manufacturer stressed.

MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. Russian firearms manufacturer TsNIITochMash (an affiliate of the public corporation Rostec) will issue a civilian version of Russia’s newest handgun Udav for professional athletes.

The weapons’ parameters will be competitive with those of Colt, Glock and other foreign counterparts, Rostec’s press-service said on Thursday.

"The civil version will be adjusted to the requirements of professional athletes. Its parameters will be competitive to those of such renowned firearms brands as Colt, Walther, Heckler&Koch, Glock, Browning, CZ and others," Rostec said.

The corporation has plans for creating an export version of the civilian Udav. The press-service said "it will retain the firepower, accuracy, ergonomic design and small weight."

"Modern composite materials guarantee the weapon’s stable performance at air temperatures ranging from 50 degrees below freezing to 70 degrees above zero Celsius. It is equally convenient for left-handed an right-handed users. The design allows the shooter to actually see and feel the presence of cartridge in the chamber," the press-service quotes Rostec’s industrial director, Sergei Abramov, as saying.

The magazine’s capacity is 18 cartridges, ten more than that of the Makarov handgun.

Udav can fire 9 mm by 21 mm tracer, armor-piercing and expanding ammunition. Two special cartridges of sub-sonic and enhanced penetrability have been designed especially for it.

The self-loading handgun Udav from TsNIITochMash is an entirely Russian-designed and manufactured product. It has passed government certification tests and been authorized for official use. Three versions of it are being readied for mass production for the army, commando and crack forces and the civilian market.

Source: ITAR-TASS 25-01-2019

Russian Navy escorts US destroyers that entered Baltic Sea

The Russian Navy’s Boiky and Soobrazitelnyy corvettes are monitoring the US warships’ activity.

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet’s corvettes escorted the US Gravely and Porters destroyers, which have entered the Baltic Sea, the Russian National Defense Management Center told reporters on Monday.

"The Baltic Fleet’s forces escorted the US Navy’s guided missile destroyers Gravely and Porter, which have entered the southern part of the Baltic Sea’s waters," the center said.

The Russian Navy’s Boiky and Soobrazitelnyy corvettes are monitoring the US warships’ activity.

On Saturday, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet started monitoring movements of the US guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook, which had entered the Black Sea. The Black Sea Fleet guard ship Pytlivy is tracking the US vessel’s movements.

Source: ITAR-TASS 23-01-2019

Tupolev-22M3 bomber crashlands in Murmansk Region, says source

Two of four crew members have reportedly survived.

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. A Tupolev-22M3 bomber has crashlanded at a military airdrome in the Murmansk Region, a source in the law enforcement told TASS.

"A Tupolev-22M3 bomber crashlanded while trying to land at an airdrome of the long-range aviation in Olenegrosk, the Murmansk Region on Tuesday. The incident took place at about 13:40 Moscow time," the source said.

According to the source, the commander and navigator of the Tupolev-22M3 bomber have reportedly survived.

"According to preliminary information the commander and navigator are alive," the source said. The Tupolev-22M3 bomber has a crew of four: the commander, co-pilot, navigator and operator," he recalled.

Source: ITAR-TASS 22-01-2019

Autonomy helped Crimea fight against aggressive Ukrainian policy - republic’s leader

Sergey Aksyonov also emphasized that Crimean citizens had to live for a quarter of century in economic recession, being separated from Russia and experiencing constant interethnic tensions.

SIMFEROPOL, January 20. /TASS/. Autonomy that Crimea gained after a referendum held on January 20, 1991 helped the region combat Ukraine’s aggressive policy and contributed to its reunification with Russia, Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov said.

At Crimea’s first referendum in the history of the Soviet Union, more than 93% of its citizens approved of the creation of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. After the plebiscite, the peninsula gained autonomy as part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. However, the region regards this referendum as the first step towards reunification with Russia.

"This is a milestone date in Crimea’s modern history. On January 20, 1991 the peninsula’s peoples during the referendum on the state and legal status of Crimea unanimously voted for the restoration of Crimea’s autonomy as part of the renewed Soviet Union. To a large extent, this autonomous status helped us combat aggressive Ukrainization [policy of increasing the usage of the Ukrainian language and promoting Ukrainian culture] and remain part of the Russian world, preserve stability and accord. And ultimately, to return home leaving behind the Ice Age of Ukraine’s annexation," Aksyonov said in a statement on occasion of the Republic’s Day.

Aksyonov noted that despite the outcome of the referendum, Crimean citizens had to live for a quarter of century in economic recession, being separated from Russia and experiencing constant interethnic tensions.

The Day of the Crimean Republic became an official holiday in December 2014, when the local parliament passed a special bill.

Source: ITAR-TASS 20-01-2019

Russia to supply seven Mi-35, three Mi-17 helicopters to Serbia

BELGRADE, January 18. /TASS/. Russia will supply seven Mi-35 and three Mi-17 helicopters to Serbia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in his address to the nation following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Belgrade.

"Serbia is satisfied with its military-technical cooperation with Russia. We have agreed to purchase seven Mi-35 and three Mi-17 helicopters," he said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 19-01-2019

Putin thanks Belgrade residents for warm welcome

The Russian leader recalled that the two countries "have a deep-rooted relationship, and our people’s spiritual kinship is obvious".

BELGRADE, January 17. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked residents of Belgrade for their warm welcome in the Serbian capital.

"I want to thank residents of Belgrade and the entire fraternal Serbian people for such a warm welcome. This can be seen on people’s faces in the streets," he said at a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

"We have a deep-rooted relationship, and our people’s spiritual kinship is obvious," Putin stressed. "All that helps us build relations today."

On Thursday, people in the Serbian capital greeted the Russian leader who had visited the Belgrade Liberators Park with applause. Putin and Vucic who arrived in the memorial cemetery in the Russian leader’s Aurus car were met by Belgrade Mayor Zoran Radojicic and several hundred citizens. The Russian and Serbian national anthems were played, while people applauded vigorously and chanted greetings to the leaders.

Putin’s visit sparked huge interest in Serbia and is viewed as a historic event. More than 700 reporters from 160 media outlets from all over the world were accredited to cover the event. Belgrade is adorned with Russia’s flags, with many people hanging the tricolors or the Russian president’s portraits on their balconies.

Source: ITAR-TASS 18-01-2019

Contract for 13 Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to be signed in 2020 — source

The first contract envisages the delivery of two fifth-generation aircraft in 2019-2020.

MOSCOW, January 16. /TASS/. The second contract to manufacture 13 Su-57 fighter jets for the Russian Aerospace Forces is to be signed next year, a source in Russia’s aircraft-making industry told TASS on Wednesday.

"In 2020, we plan to sign the second contract to manufacture and deliver 13 Su-57 fighter jets, some of them equipped with the second-stage engines," he said. "The preliminary timeframe for the new contract is five years."

The first contract envisages the delivery of two fifth-generation aircraft in 2019-2020.

"In line with the contract signed in 2018, one serial Su-57 jet with first-stage engines will be delivered to the Aerospace Forces this year, the other aircraft featuring the same type of engine - in 2020."

The aircraft’s manufacturer, the United Aircraft Corporation, refrained from commenting on the report.

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air targets at long and short ranges 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 aircraft has been successfully tested in Syria.

Source: ITAR-TASS 17-01-2019

Lavrov vows proper response to NATO activity near Russia's borders

The top diplomat stresses Russia is interested in restoration of normal relations with the US and the European Union.

MOSCOW, January 16. /TASS/. Moscow will continue to adequately react to NATO’s enhanced activity and the approaching by the alliance’s military infrastructure of the Russian borders, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a large news conference on 2018 on Wednesday.

"We will definitely continue to duly react to NATO’s enhanced military activity and the approaching by the military infrastructure of the Russian border," he said.

"We are still interested in the restoration of normal relations with the US and the European Union based on the principles of equality of rights and mutual consideration of interests," the minister added.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to NATO

Russian cannot agree to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to NATO, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference on the results of 2018 on Wednesday.

"The rules that are being promoted in the Balkan region in general are dangerous enough and are reflective of the mania to push all Balkan states to NATO as quickly as possible," the Russian foreign minister noted.

So, Lavrov reiterated that the US has long had a rather critical discussion of Serbia’s destructive role and its slowdown of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to NATO. "Not Republika Srpska’s welfare but its accession to NATO is on stake," the minister noted. "That’s what we [Russia] cannot agree to, as it is mentality of the previous centuries."

"In a situation when we all proclaimed the intention to build common economic and humanitarian space and provide equal and indivisible security in the Euro-Atlantic region, it all is the substitution of international law with the rules that will be NATO-centric instead of universal. And there are a great number of such examples," Lavrov concluded.

Source: ITAR-TASS 16-01-2019

Frigate Admiral Gorshkov to carry out first long voyage this year

Admiral Gorshkov is the first surface ship in the Northern Fleet that has Kalibr cruise missiles.

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The lead frigate of Project 22350 Admiral Gorshkov will make its first long voyage this year, according to a statement released by the Northern Fleet's press service on Monday.

"This year the ship is facing important combat training tasks. The frigate will make its first long voyage. Before this event, the crew will have to undergo a combat training course at the home base and at sea," the fleet said.

The press service specified that since the moment it joined the Northern Fleet on September 8, 2018, the ship has carried out a number of live firing exercises in the Barents and White Seas with missile and artillery weapons, including the main missile strike systems - Kalibr cruise missiles and Poliment-Redut air defense systems.

The Admiral Gorshkov is the first surface ship in the Northern Fleet that has Kalibr cruise missiles. The frigate twice took part in the Main Naval Parade in 2017 and 2018. The ship’s commander is Captain 1st rank Igor Krokhmal.

Source: ITAR-TASS 14-01-2019

Russian Navy to put over 30 Poseidon strategic underwater drones on combat duty - source

According to the source in the domestic defense industry two Poseidon-carrying submarines are expected to enter service with the Northern Fleet and the other two will join the Pacific Fleet.

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. The Russian Navy plans to place more than 30 Poseidon strategic nuclear-capable underwater drones on combat duty, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Saturday.

"Two Poseidon-carrying submarines are expected to enter service with the Northern Fleet and the other two will join the Pacific Fleet. Each of the submarines will carry a maximum of eight drones and, therefore, the total number of Poseidons on combat duty may reach 32 vehicles," the source said.

The special-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk currently being built at the Sevmash Shipyard will become one of the organic carriers of the Poseidon nuclear-capable underwater drone. Also, special-purpose submarines and Project 949A nuclear-powered underwater cruisers operational in the Russian Navy may be used as the carriers "after their appropriate upgrade," the source noted.

TASS has no official confirmation of this information.

In his state-of-the-nation address to both houses of Russia’s parliament on March 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned for the first time the country’s efforts to develop a nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle that can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and is capable of destroying enemy infrastructural facilities, aircraft carrier groups and other targets.

Poseidon drones together with their carriers - nuclear-powered submarines - make part of the so-called oceanic multipurpose system. The drone got its name following the results of open voting on the website of Russia’s Defense Ministry.

A source in the defense industry earlier told TASS that the Poseidon drone being developed in Russia would be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 2 megatonnes to destroy enemy naval bases.

Source: ITAR-TASS 12-01-2019

Swapping Whelan for Russians in US custody out of the question, says Russian diplomat

Paul Whelan was detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage.

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Exchanging Paul Whelan who was detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage for Russian citizens jailed in the United States is out of the question right now, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Friday.

"I would like to emphasize that exchanging Paul Whelan for someone held in custody abroad is out of the question at the current stage," she said. "There are numerous reports on that score, there are outright speculations and fake news, but I have now voiced the official Russian stance."

The diplomat recalled that Whelan had been detained in Moscow on December 29, 2018, while on a spy mission and was currently at the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center.

"Paul Whelan entered Russia with a US passport. Due to that, US representative were granted consular access as early as January 2," the diplomat noted. "During the investigative activities, it turned out that the arrested individual has the citizenship of three more countries, that is, the UK, Ireland and Canada. The embassies of the aforementioned countries were immediately notified of that."

According to Zakharova, representatives of those countries got in touch with the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the possibility of visiting Whelan. "They will get such an opportunity by mutual agreement and at mutually convenient time," she concluded.

The embassies of the UK, Ireland and Canada will receive consular access to Paul Whelan detained in Moscow on espionage charges, she added.

She noted that employees of the US Embassy in Moscow had been promptly granted access to Whelan. "During the investigative activities, it turned out that the arrested individual holds citizenship of three other countries, that is, the UK, Ireland, and Canada," she pointed out. "The embassies of the aforementioned countries were immediately notified of that."

"For their part, they asked for a visit. They will get such an opportunity by mutual agreement and at mutually convenient time," Zakharova said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 11-01-2019

Russia’s FSB asks to prolong arrest of Ukrainian sailors detained in Kerch Strait

Moscow’s Lefortovo District Court will consider the motion to this effect on January 15.

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has asked to extend the arrest of the Ukrainian sailors detained in the Kerch Strait, one of the sailors’ Defense Attorney, Sergei Badamshin, informed TASS.

"The investigators have asked the court to extend the sailors’ arrest. Moscow’s Lefortovo District Court will consider the motion to this effect on January 15," he said.

On November 25, three Ukrainian warships violated the rules of passage from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The intruding Ukrainian vessels illegally crossed the Russian state border, trespassed into Russian territorial waters and conducted dangerous maneuvers. In defiance of repeated warnings and demands to halt, the Ukrainian ships carried on violating the law, which drove the Russian forces to use gunfire in order to compel them to stop. As a result, all three vessels were detained. The twenty-four Ukrainian nationals who were detained after the incident have been arrested till January 25. They face charges of illegal border crossing (Part 3, Section 322 of the Russian Criminal Code), which carry a punishment of up to six year in prison.

Moscow branded the incident as a provocation.

Source: ITAR-TASS 10-01-2019

Kremlin on Whelan case: Russia does not use people as pawns in diplomatic games

The Kremlin comments on the Paul Whelan spy case.

MOSCOW, January 9. /TASS/. Moscow never uses people as pawns in a diplomatic game, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday commenting on the detention of Paul Whelan in Russia on suspicion of espionage.

"In Russia people are never used as pawns in a diplomatic game," Peskov said. "Russia conducts counterintelligence activity against those who are suspected of espionage, this is done on a regular basis."

Peskov stressed that he is not aware of statements on a possible swap of Russian citizen Maria Butina arrested in the United States for American citizen Paul Whelan, declining to comment on the reasons for his detention in Russia. "I haven’t heard about these statements, so I have nothing to say here," Peskov said, commenting on the proposal to exchange Butina for Whelan.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) detained Paul Whelan on December 28, 2018, in Moscow while on a spy mission. A criminal investigation was opened against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years in jail. Whelan holds citizenship in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman visited Whelan at the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center on January 2.

Maria Butina, 30, was arrested in Washington DC on July 15, 2018 right before the Helsinki meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump. The US Department of Justice said that she was 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."

On December 13, Butina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the US law governing foreign agents operating in the country. The next court hearing has been scheduled for February 12.

Source: ITAR-TASS 09-01-2019

Kaliningrad region no longer dependent on gas transit - Putin

The difference in prices of pipe gas and liquefied natural gas should affect consumers in the Kaliningrad region, Russian President added.

KALININGRAD, January 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Kaliningrad region is no longer dependent on transit gas supplies. According to him, commissioning a gas receiving terminal into a storage facility with a floating regasification unit would nullify the transit risks for the Kaliningrad region.

"Of course, we all understand, we know well that the delivery of primary energy resources such as natural gas at such a distance using a pipe is a more economically expedient, cheaper way of delivery. But for us, for the Kaliningrad region, in particular, it is more a backup capacity, which significantly minimizes, and more precisely, negates all transit risks," he said.

The difference in prices of pipe gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) should affect consumers in the Kaliningrad region, Putin added. "I would like to remind you that we agreed with the government. The government has instructions to prepare a proposal to ensure that the difference in prices of pipe gas and liquefied natural gas supplied to Kaliningrad does not affect the end user," Putin said.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the gas receiving terminal and the floating regasification platform for pumping gas into the Kaliningrad underground storage facility (UGS), Putin noted the high importance of this project for the region. "The terminal’s capacity of 2.7 bln cubic meters of gas per year almost fully covers the needs of the region, guarantees a reliable alternative option for its gas supply, reduces the dependence of transit gas supplies, reduces them to zero," Putin said.

According to him, construction of an underground gas storage also deserves high praise. "This unique UGS facility will ensure reliable and stable gas supplies to consumers in the region, primarily in the autumn-winter period," the president said. He also recalled the plans of the European Union to withdraw the Baltic states from the Russian energy ring. "It is their business, the extra taxpayers' money will be invested in this," Putin said.

Kaliningrad underground gas storage (UGS) is the first in the country sealed natural reservoir created in deep sediments of rock salt. It is expected that the alternative variant of gas supply to the Kaliningrad region, launched with the participation of the president, using liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivered by sea, will increase the energy security of the region, taking into account its location.

Source: ITAR-TASS 08-01-2019

President Putin congratulates Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas

The President noted that "the Russian Orthodox Church, other Christian denominations play a large, positive role in the life of country.

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Christmas, the Kremlin press service reported on Monday.

"I cordially congratulate you on Christmas. This wonderful holiday gives people joy and hope, unites them around spiritual, moral values, traditions of charity. Folk and family customs passed from generation to generation are connected to it. Sincere faith in good changes and fulfillment of the most cherished desires," the President’s telegram reads.

The President noted that "the Russian Orthodox Church, other Christian denominations play a large, positive role in the life of our country, take care of social harmony, strengthen the institution of the family, educate the youth." They "do a lot to solve pressing social problems, harmonize interethnic and interreligious dialogue." Such fruitful and highly needed work deserves deep gratitude and respect, the President stated.

He wished Orthodox Christians, all citizens of Russia, celebrating Christmas, health, success and prosperity.

Putin attended an overnight Orthodox Christmas service on Monday at the Transfiguration Cathedral in Saint Petersburg.

The service was held by the Cathedral’s dean, Nikolai Bryndin. The Cathedral was full of believers including many children. The service was also attended by Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Gutsan and acting Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov. The president attended the service with other worshippers for half an hour, briefly spoke with Dean Nikolai Bryndin and presented him and the Cathedral with the icon of Christ Pantocrator as a Christmas gift. Bryndin in turn also presented the Russian president with a Christmas gift.

As a rule Putin leaves Moscow for Christmas, while on Easter he stays in the Russian capital for a night-time service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Last year Putin went to the Christmas service at the Church of Saints Simeon and Anna in Saint Petersburg. In 2017 he attended the Christmas service at the Spassky (St. Savior) Cathedral of the St. George’s Monastery in the city of Veliky Novgorod. In 2016 went for the service at a rural Church near Voronezh. Before that he twice attended Christmas services in Sochi.

Orthodox Christians in Russia and other countries around the world are celebrating Christmas on January 7, an event which 2018 years ago marked the beginning of the new history of mankind.

Source: ITAR-TASS 07-01-2019

Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas Eve on Sunday

The festive services will be conducted on the night of January 6-7 and in the morning of January 7 in more than 30,000 churches of the Russian Orthodox Church throughout the world.

MOSCOW, January 6. /TASS/. On Sunday, January 6, Orthodox believers mark Christmas Eve and prepare for Christmas, one of the main Christian holidays - Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7.

Christmas Eve also marks the end of the 40-day fast.

"On this day the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill will lead the Divine Liturgy at the Christ the Savior’s Cathedral. One hour before midnight the head of the Russian Orthodox Church is to start the Christmas service, which will be broadcast live by central TV channels," Alexander Volkov, spokesman for the Patriarch, told TASS.

As a rule, such ceremonies are attended by the country’s top officials. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev usually turns out at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. President Vladimir Putin has another tradition for Christmas: on this day he usually attends a service in one of the regions of Russia.

The festive services will be conducted on the night of January 6-7 and in the morning of January 7 in more than 30,000 churches of the Russian Orthodox Church throughout the world. Georgian, Serbian, Jerusalem and Polish Orthodox churches also celebrate Christmas on January 6-7.

Source: ITAR-TASS 06-01-2019

Kiev troops violate ceasefire two times in past 24 hours, say LPR militias

According to militias, Ukrainian troops have used grenade launchers and light weapons.

LUGANSK, January 5./TASS/. Ukrainian troops have shelled militia positions in the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic twice in the past 24 hours, republic’s defense ministry said on Saturday.

"The areas of Kalinovka and Zhelobok townships came under fire," the LuganskInformCenter news agency quoted the ministry as saying. According to militias, Ukrainian troops have used grenade launchers and light weapons.

Another ceasefire came into effect in Donbass on December 29 in the run-up to the New Year holidays. It was agreed on by members on the Contact Group on the settlement in eastern Ukraine on December 27, 2018. The parties have reached truce agreements more than 20 times since the beginning of the conflict in Donbass, but ceasefire violations have persisted.

Source: ITAR-TASS 05-01-2019

Nine new hydrographic vessels to be built for Russian Navy by 2021

The Navy will get the first of them in 2019.

MOSCOW, January 2. /TASS/. Two small Project 19910 vessels, two large Project 23040G hydrographic boats, two newest large Project 19920 hydrographic boats and three large Project 23370G large hydrographic boats will be built for the Russian Navy before 2021, the Russian Defense Ministry’s press service said on Wednesday.

"The construction of two small Project 19910 hydrographic vessels is currently underway," the ministry said, adding that they would become part of the Russian Navy in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

In addition, the Nizhegorodsky Teplokhod shipyard is working on two large Project 23040G hydrographic boats. The shipyard earlier completed the construction of two similar vessels for the Baltic Fleet. The Navy will get the new ships in 2019.

Meanwhile, two large Project 19920 hydrographic boats for the Northern and Pacific Fleets are now under construction. It is also planned to build three large Project 23370G hydrographic boats by 2021, the Defense Ministry said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 04-01-2019

Magnitogorsk building collapse rescue operation over

According to the latest data, the accident claimed the lives of 39 people.

MAGNITOGORSK, January 3. /TASS/. The rescue operation on the site of the residential building collapse in Magnitogorsk has finished, there are no bodies left in the rubble, first deputy head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry Alexander Chupriyan told reporters on Thursday.

"Half an hour ago, we have recovered the last body. The search and rescue operation is over," he said.

Chupriyan highlighted the difficulty of the search and rescue operation, which was carried out under threat of further collapse of the building, adding that no rescue workers received any injuries. "The wall’s fluctuations reached 3 centimeters," he said.

A section of a ten-story apartment block collapsed in Magnitogorsk on December 31. According to the latest data, the accident claimed the lives of 39 people. Six people were injured, five of them, including two children, are in hospitals. A woman was discharged from a hospital in Magnitogorsk on January 2.

The Russian Investigative Committee views a household gas explosion as the main cause of the accident. On Tuesday, a Russian Investigative Committee spokesperson stated that no traces of explosives had been discovered at the collapse site. On Thursday, Magnitogorsk Mayor Sergei Berdnikov stated that there is no connection between the December 31 gas explosion and the January 1 car blast in Magnitogorsk, despite several publications’ reports to the contrary.

Source: ITAR-TASS 03-01-2019

US citizen detained in Moscow on suspicion of espionage oversees security at BorgWarner

The company asked that any further inquiries regarding this issue be directed to the U.S. State Department.

NEW YORK, January 1. /TASS/. US citizen Paul Whelan detained in Moscow on suspicion of espionage works for BorgWarner, a company that is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and is the supplier of auto parts, the company announced on its website on Tuesday.

"BorgWarner Inc. learned of the arrest of our employee Paul Whelan by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) from news reports published Dec. 31, 2018. We can confirm that Mr. Whelan currently serves as the company’s director, global security. He is responsible for overseeing security at our facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan and at other company locations around the world," the statement says.

BorgWarner has been in contact with the relevant US federal authorities in the wake of this situation, the statement says.

"We ask that any further inquiries regarding this issue be directed to the U.S. State Department," the statement says.

Russia’s Federal Security Service reported on Monday that it had detained US citizen Paul Whelan in Moscow on suspicion of espionage.

"On December 28, 2018 staff members of the Russian Federal Security Service detained US citizen Paul Whelan in Moscow while on a spy mission," the FSB press office said.

A criminal investigation into espionage has been launched against the US citizen.

If found guilty, he faces between 10 and 20 years in jail.

Source: ITAR-TASS 02-01-2019

State trials of Russia’s Armata tank to begin in 2019

The T-14 is the world’s only post-war third-generation tank.

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. Russia’s T-14 tank based on the Armata platform will undergo state trials in the Defense Ministry’s scientific and research institutions next year, the ministry’s press service said on Monday.

"The T-14 tank, which has been created on the universal Armata platform and developed for the Ground Forces, is completing the manufacturer’s trials. The fighting vehicle in 2019 will start undergoing state trials in the Russian Defense Ministry’s scientific and research institutions," the ministry said.

The T-14 is the world’s only post-war third-generation tank. Armata is Russia’s development, which has no counterparts in the world.

Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said the Defense Ministry had signed a contract with Uralvagonzavod for the delivery of 132 T-14 tanks and T-15 infantry fighting vehicles based on the Armata combat platform. The supplies are due to be completed by 2021.

The T-14 tank based on the Armata platform was shown to the public for the first time at the Victory Day parade on Red Square on May 9, 2015. The new combat vehicle features fully digitized equipment, an unmanned turret and an isolated armored capsule for the crew.

Source: ITAR-TASS 01-01-2019