• Russia transfers S400 air defense system to the Crimea

    The anti-aircraft missile defense regiment of the Russian army in the Crimea has received S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft systems, the Russian BBC service reported, citing the Russian Southern Military District press service.

    “After the completion of preparations and redeployment, the newly equipped regiment will take part in the Kavkaz 2016 strategic command and staff military exercises,” the statement reads.

    Before redeployment, the S-400 air defense missile system was tested on the Kaban …

  • Mogherini calls on Ukraine and Russia to avoid escalation of the conflict in Crimea

    High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called on Ukraine and Russia to avoid a further escalation of the conflict in Crimea, according to a statement posted on the EU’s website.

     “Any actions that could lead to a further escalation of the conflict must be avoided by all sides; a peaceful resolution of the conflict is the only possible solution. This includes eastern Ukraine, where we urge all parties to fully engage in the complete …

  • Russia to conduct naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea

    On August 15, a Russian surface action group will hold tactical exercises in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. As reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense's press service, the agency is planning to test the ability of their fleet to counter terrorist threats.

    Russian Naval ships based in the Mediterranean Sea will take part in the tactical exercises. Serpukhov and Zeleny Dol small missile ships, which are already en route from the stationing port in Sevastopol in the Black Sea to …

  • Steinmeir: It is too early to lift sanctions on Russia

    German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in an interview with Stuttgarter Nachrichten that it is too early to cancel the EU sanctions against Russia.

    "Sanctions are not our final purpose. Our aim is not to maintain sanctions but to resolve the conflict in Ukraine," he stressed.

    We consciously connect them with progress towards the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. If there is tangible progress, we will be able to think about easing the sanctions," the German Minister said.

    " …

  • Russia's Black Sea Fleet began large-scale exercises

    The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have begun large-scale exercises. As the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry reports, the exercise will take place in the ranges, airfields and training facilities of the Southern Military District and in the Black Sea.

    "Logistical support, engineering, moral and psychological security, communications security, radio-electronic warfare and nuclear, chemical and biological (NBC) protection issues will be worked out in practice. The plan …