According to the State Department, the treaty “is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants, regardless of size, a direct role in gathering information through aerial imaging on military forces and activities of concern to them.”
News
Reuters: Russian PM Mishustin diagnosed with the new coronavirus
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that he had been diagnosed with the new coronavirus.
AFP: For Russians, humble dacha provides refuge from coronavirus
With half the world on some form of lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, countless millions of city dwellers are stuck inside, with only the occasional trip out to relieve their isolation.
Joint Statement by President Donald J. Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Meeting on the Elbe
The “Spirit of the Elbe” is an example of how our countries can put aside differences, build trust, and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause…
AP: US-Russian space crew lands safely in Kazakhstan
A U.S.-Russian crew landed safely Friday in the steppes of Kazakhstan following a stint on the International Space Station and was greeted with extra precautions due to the coronavirus.
Reuters: France’s Macron says he hopes to secure Putin backing for UN truce plea
French President Emmanuel Macron said he has secured the agreement of three of the five permanent members of the United Nations’ Security Council to back a call by the UN for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on the coronavirus epidemic.
The Guardian: Trump offers to join French to resolve Russia-Ukraine crisis
US president hails Sunday’s Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap and pledges support for Normandy format talks.
AP: Russia Says It Will Accept Trump’s Offer Of Ventilators To Treat Coronavirus
The Kremlin says Russia will gratefully accept U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to provide ventilators for coronavirus patients.
Bloomberg: French Ministers Visit Moscow in First Such Meeting Since 2014
Defense, foreign ministers met annually until Crimea invasion.
Moscow Times: Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News
There have been 21,102 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 170 deaths.
Al Jazeera: Russia ready for hypersonic missile talks with US, says Lavrov
Both countries are developing hypersonic missiles, which fly several times speed of sound and can be steered in flight.
Middle East Eye: Russia and Saudi Arabia agree deal on oil output cuts: report
Russia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to cut oil production at a meeting of OPEC, ending a month-long price war.
WAPO: Justice Dept. finds material errors in two 2019 FISA applications in counterintelligence cases
In a 54-page submission to the court created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, better known as the FISA court, the Justice Department explained in detail how it was trying to correct problems in the FBI’s FISA process that came to light as a result of the 2016 investigation into advisers to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Fred Weir: Fury at elections snub brings Moscow’s professionals back to politics
As many as 60,000 people attend an authorized protest in Moscow on Aug. 10, 2019, to demand authorities allow opposition candidates to run in upcoming city council elections.
France 24: Keeping Russia out of Western fold a ‘strategic error’, Macron says in key speech
French President Emmanuel Macron says it’s time for Europe to reach out to Russia — to keep it in the Western fold, check its global ambitions and avoid being caught in the middle of a new Cold War.
The Guardian: G7: Trump’s demands for Russia’s readmission cause row in Biarritz
US president argues Putin should be included in discussions on Iran, Syria and North Korea.
Foreign Affairs: To Russia With Love
Surveys in 2014 and again in 2019 show that Crimeans were and remain mostly in favor of the Russian annexation. That popular sentiment complicates the West’s prevailing view of the seizure of Crimea as an aggressive land grab.
CBS News: Russia says nuclear accident released radioactive gas cloud
Russia’s state weather and environment monitoring agency on Monday released new details about a brief spike in radioactivity following a mysterious explosion at the navy’s testing range that has been surrounded by secrecy and fueled fears of increased radiation levels.
Reuters: Russian ventilators sent to U.S. said to be made by firm under U.S. sanctions
On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department said Washington agreed to purchase the medical supplies but made no mention of any company or sanctions. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow said it had nothing to add beyond that statement.
AP: Putin says US missile test raises new threats to Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the test of a new U.S. missile banned under a now-defunct arms treaty has raised new threats to Russia and will warrant a response.