Russia's Black Sea Fleet participates in Caucasus 2016 exercises

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on September 6 that warships from the Russian Black Sea Fleet were brought to the test ranges for the Caucasus 2016 drills. Frigates, small-size missile ships and missile boats were involved in the strategic command-staff drills, Krym.Realii reported.

“The knowledge and practical skills of the commanders of navigation combat units, as well as navigation and maneuvering skills of battle watch officers during fulfillment of dispersal tasks in marine areas …


Syrian opposition group would reject joint deal between Russia and US if it deviated from its own plan

Syria’s main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee, has said that it would reject any coordinated strategy by Russia and the US to bring peace to Syria if it were to deviate from the group’s proposed plan, Reuters reported, citing the committee’s general coordinator, Riyad Hijab.

The Saudi and Western-backed High Negotiations Committee’s proposed plan includes a six-month transition period during which a new administration would be created made up of opposition figures, civil …


Germany views a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine as an unlikely scenario

Germany believes a full-scale Russian offensive against Ukraine to be unlikely but it doesn’t exclude such a scenario, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk, stated in an interview with Apostrophe.

“Berlin doesn’t exclude that possibility but believes this scenario to be unlikely. If, God forbid, such an invasion occurs, I’m sure that Ukraine can expect serious strengthening of sanctions against the Kremlin. In addition, the provision of defensive weapons to us would become a …


Stoltenberg accuses Russia of fueling the next round of the conflict in eastern Ukraine

The intensification of separatist activity has been observed in eastern Ukraine again, Deutsche Welle reported. According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Moscow must stop providing them with political, military and financial support.

Stoltenberg expressed extreme concern about the continuing hostilities in the Donbas and criticized the actions of the Russian government. "Recently we have seen an increase in the number of attacks, mainly from the Russian-backed separatists", he said. …


Russia and Saudi Arabia to work together to counter low oil prices

The Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia intend to work together to counter a prolonged fall in oil prices. A joint working group will deal with the development of and agreement on a plan in that area, DPA (Germany Press Agency) reports.

Its establishment is envisaged in the bilateral agreement signed on September 5 at the G20 summit.

Relevant statements were made by the Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, Alexander Novak, and the Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of …