• Russia: Deployment of Patriot anti-missile systems in Lithuania will destabilize the region

    The words of Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite about the appropriateness of deploying American Patriot missile systems in the Baltic can lead to an escalation of tension in the region, as relayed to RIA Novosti by Mikhail Ulyanov, Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    On Thursday, Grybauskaite attended Tobruq Legacy 2017, a NATO Air Force exercise in Siauliai. In her speech, the Lithuanian President stated the need …

  • Media: Siemens to reshuffle staff following Crimea turbines scandal

    Siemens management is discussing personnel changes in the company after the scandal resulting from power plant turbines being shipped to the annexed Crimea in circumvention of the sanctions, Handelsblatt reported with reference to sources in the German concern. The company considers itself the “victim” of the events.

    According to the newspaper’s sources, several top managers are accusing the head of the Russian division, Dietrich Möller. They believe that he delayed the inspection of …

  • Russian soldiers start to arrive in Belarus to participate in Zapad 2017 exercises

    Personnel from the Russian Armed Forces have begun to arrive in Belarus in order to participate in special exercises in anticipation of the Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2017 maneuvers, the Belarusian Defense Ministry reported.

    “Since July 23, logistic support divisions from the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces have been arriving to participate in special joint exercises,” the Belarusian Defense Ministry noted.

    The Belarusian and Russian soldiers will have to jointly prepare …

  • Pentagon demands explanation from Turkey over plans to buy S-400 missile systems from Russia

    Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis stated at a briefing that Turkey needs to explain its intention to acquire Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.

    "Turkey is a NATO ally, and one of the cornerstone things we like to have with any of our allies…. is the ability to have equipment that interoperates," said Davis. "The reports of the S-400, and Turkey's purchase of that…Turkey would need to explain that for itself," he added.

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in turn, said that he sees …

  • President of Poland vetoes controversial Supreme Court bill

    The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, vetoed a controversial bill concerning the Supreme Court and the National Judiciary Council, reports Polskie Radio.

    Duda stressed that changes in the judicial system of Poland are needed, but he is against the idea of strengthening the power of the Prosecutor General over the Supreme Court. He also called upon the protesters, who were opposed to the new laws, to keep the peace.

    Duda noted that he had held numerous consultations with lawyers and …