Kremlin: Russia considers Ukraine's decision not to renew the Friendship Treaty a ‘destructive step’

In a statement issued in response to Ukraine's withdrawal from the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty with Russia, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of striving to "serve foreign geopolitical interests and their political ambitions."

"The destructive steps taken by Ukraine’s current leadership cause deep regret," the statement reads.

The document also notes that "historically people of Russia and Ukraine are destined to live in as good neighbors", and "the current crisis" between the countries "will …


Russia conducts snap readiness inspection of its Caspian Flotilla

Snap readiness inspection has started in the Caspian flotilla of the Russian Southern Military district as part of the combat readiness drills ordered by Russian Ground Forces Colonel General Aleksandr Dvornikov, the press secretary of the Southern military district, Vadim Astafiev told journalists.

100% of the Caspian Flotilla personnel have taken part in the combat readiness inspection. Ship crews and marines carried out drills, preparing to go out to sea to test the ships and service boats. …


US strategic drone conducts reconnaissance flight over Donbas

An American RQ-4A Global Hawk strategic drone conducted reconnaissance flight along the demarcation line in the Donbas, Interfax Ukraine reports with the reference to the data published by aviation sources.  

After taking off at the Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy, the American drone spent 10 hours flying along the demarcation line between Ukraine and the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), remaining in Ukraine-controlled airspace.

On several occasions …


Kyiv and London discuss military cooperation

On Monday, September 17th, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with the Secretary of State for Defense of Great Britain Gavin Williamson. The two sides positively noted the continuous Ukrainian-British dialogue on security and defense, reports the presidential press service.

In part, the President praised the contribution of Great Britain in strengthening defense potential and training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and expressed hope that this cooperation would continue.

Also, according …


Putin calls downing of Russian reconnaissance plane off Syrian coast a 'chain of tragic circumstances'

At the press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban , Russian President Vladimir Putin called the downing of the IL-20 aircraft of the Russian Air Force in Syria "a chain of tragic circumstances"  

Putin asked not to compare the incident with the destruction Russian Su-24 fighter in 2015 by the Turkish military.

"When people die, especially in such tragic circumstances, it is always a disaster, a disaster for us all, for the country and for our close comrades who are dead. In …