Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a statement in 2019 that the status of the Hagia Sophia could be changed from a museum in to a mosque. According to him, this would be in response to the United States’ recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan heights.
Tag: Russia
D-Day for Ukraine in Normandy Talks?
Russia participated in the “Normandy format” talks that were hosted by Germany on Friday. The negotiations lasted the whole day. Representatives from France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine participated at the summit, which was held in Berlin. The Normandy Format Talks were created in 2014, after Crimea’s annexation by Russia.
Locals Build Monument on Kunashir Island After Amendments
Russia voted July 1st on the constitutional amendments that were proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the beginning of the year. Over 70% of Russian citizens voted in favor of the changes. However, ballot tampering was observed in certain areas. of Russia.
India Buys 33 Fighters from Russia
According to reports received from New Delhi on Thursday, India’s Ministry of Defense agreed to purchase 33 new Russian fighter jets and upgrade 59 others. The military pact between New Delhi and Moscow is worth $2.45 billion, according to the Defense Ministry. India is facing security challenges due to its borders with China and Pakistan.
New Information on Find in Tavrida Caves
A group of Russian scientists from the Crimean Federal University, together with experts from Moscow and Yekaterinburg, found some 661 lbs of bones of ancient animals. The remains found in June 2018 were located in one cave, which, according to scientists, was a haven for predators, where they dragged their prey.
Putin “Wins” Extension on Rule Until 2036
Wednesday produced a big victory for Vladimir Putin. After counting more than 98 percent of the vote, a majority of Russians voted in favor of the proposed changes to the country’s constitution. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has said he does not recognize the results of the referendum and will protest.
Russia’s Referendum: Tampering With Ballots and Borders?
On July 1, Russian citizens voted for amendments to the Constitution. More than 70% of voters supported the proposed amendments, while more than 20% opposed them. Voting was held remotely from June 25 until Wednesday. Physical voting also took place on Wednesday.
Russians “Approve” Putin’s Constitutional Changes
Russian voters have approved, by a large majority, the constitutional amendments that allow President Vladimir Putin to run for two additional terms, according to the first results of the referendum. This package of constitutional amendments allows, among other measures, Putin to extend his presence in the Kremlin until 2036.
Russia Develops New Patent for Moon Colony
Russia announced a new patent pertaining the autonomous system that is capable of converting thermal energy in to electrical energy, including in the conditions of a lunar base. It was obtained by specialists of the Kurchatov Institute, Russia’s leading research and development institution in the field of nuclear energy.
Russia Develops New Patent on Rocket Launcher
Russia posted a new patent pertaining to defense technology and the vertical launch of a rocket. In may 2020, the US Navy tested the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), designed to destroy enemy missile defense systems.
Trump Says Russia Bounty Payment News is a Hoax
News of the Russian military offering bounties to Afghan militant forces to take out American soldiers has caused a stir. It has pushed Congress to seek details on the matter. US President Donald Trump has, however, tweeted that it was a hoax aimed at discrediting his party.
Russia’s New SU-57 Fighter a $7 Billion Liability
Russia announced a 5th generation prototype of the SU-57 fighter jet. The new model, Metropolis, is expected to be completed by 2022. The tests of the Metropolis are scheduled to start in two years. Currently, tests of pre-production samples of the SU-57 are being completed.
Russia Waits as Turkey to Resume Operations in Idlib
According to Russian news outlet avia.pro, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that it is time for Turkey to actively continue its military operations in Syria’s Idlib province. The publication quoted him as saying that the Turkish military will continue to fight all “terrorist organizations” that pose a threat to Turkey’s security, whether inside its borders or outside them.
Is Trump Pushing Germany Away from NATO?
On Wednesday, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, spoke at a joint press conference with President of Poland, Andrzej Duda. During a press conference, President Trump said that the United States plans to reduce American military personnel stationed in Germany.
NYT: Russia Offered Taliban Bounties for American Soldiers
The Russian intelligence service offered bounties to Taliban fighters to kill coalition forces, including US soldiers, in Afghanistan. The information is courtesy of U.S. officials who sought anonymity, as reported by the New York Times. The information has not been confirmed from an official team.
War on Statues Extends to Alaska
In Alaska, a group of local residents demanded that a monument to the chief ruler of the Russian colonies in North America, Alexander Baranov, be demolished. There have been localized protests in Alaska pertaining the monument. One has to ask what this movement, in Alaska and on the mainland, is really about.
Russia Explores Kuril Islands, Angering Japan
Japan staged a protest against a Russian plan to conduct geological exploration in the Sea of Okhotsk for the next three months. The area covers the four disputed Kuril Islands of Shikotan, Iturup, Habomai and Kunashir. In Japan, they are referred to as the “Northern Territories” or “or Southern Chishima.”
Russia Opposes Changes to Vienna Document
On June 26, the head of the Russian delegation in Vienna stated that there are no prerequisites for the modernization of the Vienna Document, which was initiated by 34 states. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) held its annual conference in Vienna from June 23-25. The statement came post-OSCE Conference.
Donbass, Economy Weigh Heavy in Ukraine’s Elections
Ukraine is going to hold local elections in October 2020. Due to the Coronavirus, campaigns for the autumn elections must be adapted to the new norm, with coronavirus restrictions and social distancing. Therefore, it is difficult to hold a rally or a large gathering of people to convey your platform message.
U.S. Blacklists Four Iranian Metal Companies
The US Treasury Department on Thursday issued a statement announcing its decision to blacklist major Iranian metal production companies and their affiliates. The US Treasury Department has emphasized the importance of the Mobarakeh Steel Company in particular.
Russia Developing Medical Military Robots
Russia announced the development of medical robots that can be used in a variety of applications. One of the main utilizations of such robots will be to evacuate wounded and stricken soldiers from the battlefield. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Ancient Scythian Warrior Found to be a Girl
In 1988, a wooden sarcophagus was found in Siberia. It was discovered to be a mummy of a young warrior that was buried with high honors. However, only recently, the confirmation came that the body belonged to a female. There have been debates for centuries pertaining to the importance of women in combat.
Russia, China Go After TikTok
China conducted inspections of the video streaming services TikTok in June. It was based on a formal complaint by Russia. In 2019, Roskomnadzor conducted a compliance check pertaining to TikTok operating in Russia. To note, Russia tightened its legislation in 2018.
New Anti-Putin Trolls Spring Up in Russia
On July 1st, Russian citizens will go to vote on the amendments to the Russian Constitution proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ballot will include only yes or no questions. However, the details of the changes are not provided for the voters on the day of the vote.
Moscow Holds Victory Day Parade Amid Coronavirus
Russia celebrated Victory Day, the country’s biggest national holiday, on Wednesday with a military parade. President Vladimir Putin had postponed the major holiday due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seventy-five years have passed since the defeat of Nazi Germany by the former USSR.
Russia’s Arktika Icebreaker Ready for Trial Runs
The lead icebreaker Arktika (project 22220), which is being built by the Baltic Shipyard, has reached the final stage of the sea trials. The announcement came via a BZ press conference on June 23. Within the next three weeks, the operation team will check the operation of the icebreaker in the Gulf of Finland.
Indian, Russian Defense Ministers Meet Amid Ladakh
The Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh came to Moscow to participate in the 75th Victory Day Parade commemorating the end of World War II. It is expected to be the largest parade in Russian history. To note, Syrian military personnel are also involved in the parade, and completed a practice run on June 23.
New Details Emerging on Russia’s “Orel” Spacecraft
Russia has been developing new spacecraft, “Orel” (Eagle). It has been in the design phase since 2009. However, the new details pertaining the spacecraft emerged this week. The New Chief Designer, Igor Khamits, gave an interview about the ship via a Roscosmos press release.
US Calls for Permanent Iran Arms Embargo
News reports quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the United States had submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for a continued unrestricted arms embargo on Iran. Iran’s arms embargo, under the IAEA Board, continues until October of this year.
Batman & Robin: Is Medvedev Staging a Comeback?
Dmitry Medvedev penned a new article recently titled “On the Mountain.” The article is the view of Russian future. Medvedev openly warns readers not to think that he left politics, and took the new post, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, quietly. He says he doesn’t belong in the circle of those who determine policy.
New Russian “Documentary” Explores “Hollywood Propaganda Factory”
A new Russian documentary about Hollywood aired on Monday, called the “Hollywood Propaganda Factory.” Ironically, Russia has one of the largest troll factories located in St. Petersburg. There are real ads for hiring full-time trolls with bonuses, including free pizza every shift, and beer.
Russia Charges Police Chief With “High Treason”
Russia’s Federal Security Bureau (FSB) announced the arrest of the head of the district Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kursk region, Police Lieutenant Colonel Dmitry Borzenkov, on Monday. He is charged with high treason pertaining the transmission of information constituting Russian State secrets to the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine).
Russian Resurrection of Hitler-Stalin Pact Alarms Baltics
Lithuania is concerned about the resurrection of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The Pact was deemed in invalid in 1989, under Mikhail Gorbachev. However, recently, the Russian State Duma began contemplating a bill that will overturn the invalidation of the Pact.
“Russia, Kremlin, Putin” Gives Hints, Warnings to Neighbors
A new documentary called “Russia, Kremlin, Putin” aired on Russia-1 TV channel on Sunday, mostly about Russian President Vladimir Putin. The documentary was a compilation of Putin’s interviews from the past to the present, including statements and artifacts that have never been seen before.
Ukraine — Zelensky Wants In, Pushilin Wants Out
The campaign #НашВыборРоссия (“Our Choice — Russia”), which started in Donetsk on June 1, in honor of Russia Day, is declared indefinite. This was reported on the official site of the self-proclaimed republic. The press service of the organization recalled statements made by the head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin.
Dijon Dustup Drug Related or Provoked?
France has been shaken by violent clashes in Dijon between Chechens and Arabs. The Chechens who came to France and were involved in protests are mostly former soldiers, who lost the war in Chechnya. They also brought their families to France. In fact, many were and still are supporters of terrorists.
North Korea Threatens to Destroy the U.S. (Again)
North Korea has threatened to destroy the United States in the event of renewed war on the Korean Peninsula. This statement came via North Korean Embassy in Moscow. “A new round of the Korean War will add a particularly sensational event to the history of mankind, which will put an end to another empire, whose name is the United States,” said representatives of Pyongyang.
Lukashenko Detains Opposition Ahead of Belarus’ Election
Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Belarus in August of this year. Alexander Lukashenko has been the nation’s only President since the office was established in 1994. Currently, there are 15 registered candidates scheduled to run in the election.
Russia Testing Hypersonic, Counter-Hypersonic Weapons
On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared in the Russian news program Vesti Nedelya on the channel Russia-1. The term “hypersonic weapons” has been a very popular topic. In March 2018, President Putin unveiled one of the six new Russian strategic weapons, the Avangard.
Adieu, Turkey? Ankara Angers France Over Libya
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Turkey’s actions in Libya by the hands of militants transferred to the region threaten the European Union. Furthermore, France will not allow anyone to annex the Mediterranean Sea. The Head of the French Foreign Ministry said this in an interview with the French newspaper, La Croix.
Lavrov Pledges to Stand by Iran, Save Nuclear Deal
Russia announced its intent in ensuring a comprehensive plan for Iran’s nuclear program. According to the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, the plan will be implanted with the cooperation of the EU. The talks pertaining to Iran nuclear program took place on Tuesday between Lavrov and the EU representative, Josep Borrell.
Whom Will Russia Swap for Paul Whelan?
A former US Navy officer, Paul Whelan, has been convicted in Russia for spying. The prosecutor asked for an 18-year sentence at the end of May. However, on June 15th, Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Russian authorities detained Whelan at the end of 2018 on suspicion of espionage.
TsNIITochMash Develops New Pistol Line
Russia announced a new pistol for defense personnel. The pistol is 9x19mm, which is being developed by the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering. The need of such weapon arose for the plain clothing officers needs and special forces. Furthermore, the new weapon will come in multiple versions, including a special edition for the concealed carry purpose.
Valery Mitko, Academy President, Accused of “Treason”
The President of the Russian Arctic Academy of Sciences, Valery Mitko, has been charged with high treason. Currently, Mitko is represented by a defender from the Team 29. Therefore, this is why this information has become available to the public. There was no such information before the lawyer was retained this month.
Russia Conducts Naval Exercise Amid BALTOPS 2020
The Russian military conducted exercises against the backdrop of NATO’s Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 2020) exercise in the Baltic Sea. Russia conducted a training session on conventional missile strikes with Iskander complexes. The NATO BALTOPS naval exercise will wrap up this week.
Russia Sentences Whelan, Expels Czech Diplomats
A Moscow court today sentenced Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, to 16 years in prison on allegations of spying in Russia. The case has since caused tension in as far as Russia and American relations are concerned. Judge Andrei Suvorov, in his ruling, stated that the 50-year-old former military man will serve his sentence in a maximum-security prison.
New Submarine Now Part of Russian Navy
The main nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine of the project 955A (code “Borey-a”), Prince Vladimir, became part of the Russian Navy on Russia Day, the Russian Federation’s national holiday, on June 12, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. An official note from the Ministry reads as follows:
Russia, Turkey, and Libya – What is their Strategy?
On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu flew to Turkey, and are holding meetings pertaining the situation in Libya. Since the overthrow and killing of the Libyan leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi, in 2011, Libya became a divided state.
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