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Military drills

Vladimir Putin at the site of Center-2015 strategic military drills

Russia's largest military drills of 2015 came to an end on September 20

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 16

On September 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Donguzsky military range, where he watched the course of the Center-2015 strategic military exercise

© Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, President Vladimir Putin and chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov at the Donguzsky firing range

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Center- 2015 strategic drills, this year’s largest, took place in Russia on September 14-20

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

The drills involved some 95,000 people, over 7,000 items of armaments and military hardware, up to 170 aircraft and 20 vessels

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

People watching the military exercises at the Donguzsky firing range

© Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Various stages of the manoeuvres took place on 20 land, sea, aviation ranges and terrain sectors on the territory of the Central and Southern military districts

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

In particular, up to 12,000 servicemen, some 90 tanks and up to 250 infantry combat vehicles, up to 30 armoured personnel carriers and up to 470 armoured combat vehicles, as well as some 220 artillery systems and multiple launch rocket systems were used at the Totsky and Donguzsky ranges in the Orenburg Region

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and President Vladimir Putin watching the Center-2015 military exercises

© Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Center-2015 military exercises

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Center-2015 military exercises

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

"The drills have showcased high tactical and technical characteristics of the most advanced systems of armament and proved again that enterprises of the Russian defence industry have a considerable potential," Russian president said later at the meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission

© Alexei Nikolsky/RIA-Novosti, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Center-2015 military exercises

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Center-2015 military exercises

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Donguzsky firing range

© Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Center-2015 military exercises

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Center-2015 military exercises

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

On September 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Donguzsky military range, where he watched the course of Center-2015 strategic military drills. The drills took place in Russia on September 14-20. Center-2015 military exercise involved some 95,000 people, over 7,000 items of armaments and military hardware, up to 170 aircraft and 20 vessels. Look through this gallery by TASS to see images of Russia's largest military drills of 2015

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Military drills

Moscow, Minsk in constant contact on potential threats to Belarus — Kremlin

"We have obligations to ensure the security of our ally Belarus within the framework of the Union State, and these obligations are enshrined in the recently published Basic Principles of the State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

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US admiral says Washington should be ready for talks with Russia, China

The Department of State and other US agencies "should continue to engage our competitors in real and substantive dialogue," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

Kiev has not accepted the legitimate results of the 2014 referendum, in which the people of Crimea and Sevastopol voted to become part of Russia, and is displeased by the operation of the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Kerch Strait with the Krasnodar Region

Ukraine conflict moves towards NATO-Russia direct clash — expert

Commenting on Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian territory, Elena Basile remarked, "US President Joe Biden has decided to make the task of resolving the Ukraine conflict even more difficult for his successor"

Allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with US weapons irresponsible — Slovak PM

Robert Fico noted that authorizing the use of long-range weapons for strikes against Russia would not alter the balance of power in the conflict zone

Ukraine creates 'sabotage manual' showing former citizens how to get Russia — lawmaker

"We must recognize that under martial law, when aggression threatens any part of our territories or the whole country, we need to create conditions for thwarting and repelling [sabotage], including in society," Andrey Kartapolov stressed

Trump may soon start talks with Russia following Biden’s decision on ATACMS — news agency

According to Andreas Kluth, the decision on ATACMS may have been another attempt by the current Washington administration to provide Ukraine with support until the president-elect comes to power

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

Gallup poll shows sharp decline in Ukrainian support for American policies

The number of people who oppose what the US authorities are doing has risen by 21% and now stands at 37%

Normal interaction between Russia and Sweden will not resume yet — Russian ambassador

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Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from half of positions in Kurakhovo in DPR

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Russian forces gain foothold in central Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

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Russia’s reaction to Austrian OMV’s failure to pay for gas justified — MFA

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Railroad development to strengthen ties with foreign partners — Russian PM

Mikhail Mishustin added that "it is necessary to modernize border crossings in coming years, including introduction of practice of electronic paperwork"

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert

In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Sweden detected ship movements when cable damage occurred, minister says

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Belarusian TV to air documentary film about foreign mlitary invasion plan

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Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

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Ukraine’s former top commander sought to blow up Turkish Stream pipeline, report says

According to the media, Valery Zaluzhny was so thrilled when he learned of plans to sabotage the submarine Nord Stream pipelines across the Baltic Sea that he sought to expand that operation

US decision on strikes inside Russia stems from malice rather than strategy — journalist

According to Sumantra Maitra, Washington’s move will not improve Kiev’s situation

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine makes defeat over its army impossible — SVR chief

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World Aquatics withdraws ban on participation of Russian athletes in relay races

Previously, Russian and Belarusian athletes were authorized to compete only in individual disciplines

Pentagon confirms that US authorized use of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine

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Press review: Uranium costs soar as Moscow updates nuclear doctrine and US OKs attacks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 20th

Xi Jinping calls for unification of more voices for peace in Ukraine

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US uses veto right to block new UN Security Council draft resolution on ceasefire in Gaza

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Belarusian security agency says Minsk aware of Poland’s efforts to prepare terrorist cells

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Russian stock indices falling on Wednesday — market data

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Russia to use revenues from frozen assets of Western investors — Finance Minister

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Biden’s decision to use ATACMS against Russia may 'blow up in America’s face' — US expert

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NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

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Training Ukrainian troops makes France direct participant in combat — top Russian diplomat

"The same goes for talk about using French-made SCALP missiles [in Ukraine] which are identical to the UK’s Storm Shadow," Sergey Lavrov noted

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Jeremy Corbyn called for de-escalation of the situationin Ukraine and the search for a diplomatic solution to achieve peace

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Bitcoin price exceeds $96,000, sets new historical record — Binance platform

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"The nuclear forces is ready on January 19, just like it will be ready on January, 20," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to sail out on auxiliary engines in November

The physical launch of the two nuclear reactors will take place after the return to Sevmash, the source said

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Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also declined a request to comment on the US permission to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes on Russia

Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the enemy equipment

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Iran claims to have disabled Israel’s Iron Dome air defense in past strikes

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Russian Navy’s conventional sub makes business call at Malaysian port

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Defeating Ukrainian forces near Olgovskaya wood, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian Armed Forces have completed the destruction of a Ukrainian battlegroup blocked in the area of the Olgovskaya wood

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The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Netanyahu arrives in Gaza, offers $5 mln for each released hostage

"The choice is in your hands, but the result will be the same," the prime minister said

Trump's new presidency will be fundamentally different from his first — expert in the US

"It is therefore reasonable to expect him to govern for the next four years in a more emboldened, assertive way, and many of his outsider cabinet picks are indicative of precisely that kind of approach," the analyst believes

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

Putin ready for talks on Ukraine, including with Trump — Kremlin

The Russian president has repeatedly affirmed Moscow's readiness for negotiations on Ukraine, however, such talks have been legally prohibited by the Kiev regime

UK police say no video evidence of Russians’ involvement in Salisbury case

According to the report, CCTV cams were not installed on Christie Miller road in Salisbury

US sees no preconditions for Russia to use nuclear weapons — news agency

According to the report, the updated nuclear doctrine did not come as a surprise for Washington

Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that there have been no contacts via this new channel lately

French Foreign Ministry refuses to disclose number of SCALP missiles shipped to Ukraine

Ministry Spokesman Christophe Lemoine also avoided answering if Paris supports strikes with these missiles on Russian territory, only saying that the missiles were shipped to Ukraine, and Ukraine

Putin confirms Russia’s readiness to assist CAR with security challenges

"Both leaders exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the fight against the terrorist threat and ensuring stability across the Central African Republic," the statement reads

Zelensky to have no input if Russia, US negotiate, ex-Prime Minister says

Previously, Elon Musk said on the X social platform, commenting on Zelensky’s supposition that the United States cannot force Ukraine to "sit and listen" at the negotiating table because Ukraine is an independent country, that Zelensky has an "amazing sense of humor"

Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 18th

More desperation in Zelensky's appeals, ex-NATO commander says

According to Stavridis, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing "mounting personnel losses," while Kiev is growing concerned about the possibility of the incoming US administration

Ukraine has around 50 ATACMS missiles — The Times

According to the report, the Ukrainian military has sufficient launchers that are capable of firing them

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Ex-German chancellor never expected Russia to tolerate Ukraine’s NATO membership — memoir

Angela Merkel added that another fallacy was the belief that the status "would act as a deterrent," and that Moscow "would accept these developments without taking action"

Russian troops raise flag in central Kurakhovo in Donetsk region — politician

Russian army units have advanced much farther into the city’s northern part, in particular, along the southern bank of the Kurakhovo reservoir, Vladimir Rogov specified

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

The journalist also criticized US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (a Republican representing the state of Louisiana) for "not even mentioning it in public or in leadership meetings" with factions in the lower house of Congress

US takes responsibility for Palestinian deaths by vetoing UNSC resolution — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that Russia has no doubt that "the Israelis themselves are also interested in ending the spiral of violence"

ATACMS missiles unlikely to keep Kiev from losing conflict — American expert

Daniel Davis also noted that "continuing to ignore reality" would only increase "the ultimate cost of losing" the conflict for Ukraine

Russian embassy warns UK about dangers of calling for Moscow’s ‘defeat’

According to th statement, London is promoting new rounds of escalation

Moscow won’t allow US to silence UNSC as Washington backs Israel — Russian UN envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, the Security Council should "bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Middle East"

Russian forces strike ammo plant in Ukraine’s Sumy Region in drone attack

The Impulse plant is Ukraine’s sole enterprise producing explosive devices: detonation primers, electric detonators, detonating cords, cartridges and ammunition for automatic and under-barrel grenade launchers

Official declines to say if US gives Ukraine targeting data for Storm Shadow missiles

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller also declined to discuss the presumed first strike on Russia with the missiles

Media from unfriendly states will be admitted to Putin's annual press conference — Kremlin

The last Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference was held on December 14, 2023

Biden’s actions increase likelihood of escalation in Ukraine — PM

Viktor Orban asserted that the government’s mission is to prevent Hungary from being dragged into the Ukrainian conflict

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

Zelensky admits Ukraine can't fight its way back to 1991 borders

Vladimir Zelensky also talked about the Crimean Peninsula, stating that Kiev is ready to "bring Crimea back diplomatically"

Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Canada neglects its sovereignty by approving transfer of land mines to Kiev — diplomat

According to Oleg Stepanov, since the authorities of the country have long acted, "especially in security matters, according to the rule 'what Uncle Sam says, so Ottawa will do' and don’t blush about this."

Washington refrains from naming those responsible for Baltic Sea cable rupture — DoS

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the special military operation is taking longer because it started against the Kiev regime and is continuing as a war between Russia and NATO

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

In this role, Indonesia "will actively contribute to and participate in any initiatives of BRICS," Jose Antonio Morato Tavares emphasized

FACTBOX: What is known about UAV attacks on Russian regions

During the night, air defenses intercepted and destroyed two Ukrainian UAVs in the skies over the Rostov and Volgograd regions

Russian forces push Ukrainian troops 10 km away from Lisichansk in LPR — expert

Russian troops have taken new lines and positions northwest of Zolotaryoka as a result of successful operations

At least 66 people killed in Gaza Strip by an Israeli strike — Al Jazeera

It was also reported that over 100 people were wounded

Avtovaz plans exporting about 20,000 cars by year-end

Main export destinations are non-CIS countries, Belarus in the first instance, Maxim Sokolov noted

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Six European countries accuse Russia of allegedly attacking security architecture

"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

Russia must be able to defend itself — Erdogan on revised nuclear doctrine

The Turkish leader reiterated that "both Russia and Ukraine are Turkey’s neighbors"

Putin’s Q&A session and press conference to be held on one of December Thursdays — Kremlin

"The direct line and press conference are being prepared," Dmitry Peskov said