The deployment of Bal and Bastion missiles to the Kuril Islands was carried out under the framework of scheduled work for national security, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said.

“With regard to the placing of missile systems on the Southern Kurils: the Russian Federation is carrying out scheduled activities in the framework of defense construction. The goal is the consistent strengthening of national security,” she answered, in response to a question about …

Member of European Parliament Marietje Schaake demanded an investigation into the supply of jet fuel to Syria by Russian tankers through EU waters. The politician addressed this request to the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union, Federica Mogherini, after this information was circulated by media, Reuters reports.

At least two ships under the Russian flag were delivering fuel to Syria via Cyprus. It was reported that they stopped in Cypriot ports …

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is “premature” to talk about cooperation with US President-elect Donald Trump in Syria, though Moscow continues to express its willingness to maintain an open dialogue on the issue, TASS reported.

"It is premature to say what stance will be taken by the new US administration. We need to be patient and understand what the shape of the new US administration will be like," Peskov stated.

"President Putin continues to hold the view that it is impossible to …