Russia

Lavrov: Afghanistan Not Ready for NATO Forces Pullout

By RIA Novosti

The development of the situation in Afghanistan clearly shows that Afghan security forces will not be in position to take control of law and order in the war-torn country after the withdrawal of NATO-led forces, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Russia’s Military Is Back

By Nikolas K. Gvosdev, National Interest

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Vladimir Putin’s presidency has been his commitment to revitalizing Russia’s military.

Discussing Mutual Assured Stability

On October 3, 2013 the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security hosted an off-the-record workshop on the idea of “Mutual Assured Stability” with the leading experts in the field of US-Russia relations, hosted by Center Vice Chair Ellen Tauscher and former Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov.

Lithuania Warns Russia It Might Block Access to Kaliningrad

By Reuters and RT

From Luke Baker and Justyna Pawlak, Reuters:  Lithuania could block Russia’s road and rail access to its enclave of Kaliningrad if Moscow keeps pressuring its neighbors over their ties to the European Union

NATO Secretary General Objects to Russia Building Fences ‘Within Georgia’

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

I note with concern the Russian Federation’s continued activity in erecting fences and other obstacles along administrative boundary lines within Georgia.

Russian Armed Forces Will Have Over 80% New Weaponry by 2020

By ITAR-TASS

The Russian Armed Forces will have been armed with more than 80 percent of new weaponry by 2020, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in the Kremlin

Russian Policies towards Ukraine are Illogically Consistent

By Taras Kuzio

The European Parliament on September 12 called on Russia to respect the right of EU Eastern Partnership members such as Ukraine to enter Association Agreements. The resolution, which received overwhelming support across the parliament’s political groups, called on Russia to not use trade sanctions to force Ukraine to choose the Eurasian over the European Union.

Turkey Selects Chinese Missile Defense System Over US & European Options

By Anadolu Agency

Ankara has granted a long-awaited tender for long-range missile and air defense systems to Chinese contenders

Russian Ambassador: Some NATO Countries Ready to Assist Eliminating Chemical Weapons in Syria

By Alexander Grushko, Russian Embassy to the UK

Excerpt from ITAR-TASS interview with Alexander Grushko, Russia’s Permanent Representative to NATO.

Russia and Belarus Launch Strategic Military Exercise Zapad 2013

By ITAR-TASS and RIA Novosti

From ITAR-TASS:  The Zapad 2013 (West 2013) joint strategic exercise of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus will be launched in the two countries on Friday