Russia

Russia to propose 18-month reform in Syria

Russia wants Syrian government and opposition to agree to constitutional reform followed by presidential elections, draft document reveals.

Putin: We have new weapons to penetrate US missile defense

Putin reveals he started deploying new weapons to beat 'any missile defenses,' says he is building strategic nuclear threat against US.

Russian PM admits terrorist attack may be reason for plane crash

Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev says passenger plane that crashed in Sinai may have been downed by terrorist bomb.

Russia says it signed S-300 missile contract with Iran

Russian official reveals contract signed on supplying advanced missile system possibly capable of thwarting strike on nuclear facilities.

Israeli intelligence showed that ISIS destroyed Russian jet

Israel reportedly provided the intercepted phone calls in which ISIS brag about taking down plane in Sinai.

Report: Russian airliner downed by British jihadis

Intelligence sources have reason to believe British nationals who joined ISIS were responsible for bombing plane in Sinai.

Russia angered by Charlie Hebdo cartoons on plane crash

Kremlin condemns satirical magazine for publishing political cartoons on the Metrojet plane crash.

Suspected Russian strikes kill 23 Syrian civilians

Suspected Russian airstrikes against Syrian rebels kill 23 civilians.

ISIS frees 37 kidnapped Syrian Christians

ISIS released 37, mostly elderly, from the over 200 kidnapped in February.

Russia again carries out airstrikes near ancient Syrian city

Russia's air force says it carried out strikes near the ISIS-held city of Palmyra for the second time this week.

Russia sent anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria

Russian air force chief says 50 aircraft deployed, along with anti-aircraft batteries; 'We took into account every possible threat.'

US accuses Russia of making Syria worse

Russian airstrikes in Syria have displaced at least 120,000 people, senior US official Anne Patterson tells House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Why are Russians flocking to join Syria mission?

Sources say veterans of covert Soviet op. to prop up Damascus after Israeli invasion of Lebanon among those drafted to save Assad.

Russia says Syria 'opposition' guided airstrikes

For the first time Moscow says it worked with unspecified 'opposition groups' to target ISIS in Syria.

US intelligence: Terror likely not what brought down Russian jet

Intelligence officials veer away from terrorism in investigation of Metrojet crash; black boxes slated to reveal more.

Russian airstrikes hit Syria's Palmyra region

Russia's air force strikes the area around the ancient city of Palmyra, where ISIS has destroyed ancient artifacts.

Russian airliner 'exploded in mid-air'

Russia’s top aviation official says Metrojet plane that crashed over the Sinai broke up at high altitude.

ISIS claims downing of Russian airliner, no survivors

All 224 passengers and crew killed in Metrojet crash over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

US Intelligence Chief says Russia 'winging it' in Syria

US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper says 'impulsive' Putin doesn't really have a long-term plan for intervention.

Monitor confirms Russian airstrikes near Israeli border

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights notes this is first time Russian planes have carried out strikes in southern Daraa province.

Sources: Russia helping Iran deliver weapons to Syria

Western sources say Russia has been helping Iran deliver weapons into Syria twice a day over the past 10 days.

Russian student arrested over attempt to join Syria terrorists

Russia places 19-year-old female student behind bars on suspicion of attempting to join a terrorist group in Syria.

Russia rejects UN resolution on Syrian barrel bombs

Russia says it will not back a proposed draft UN Security Council resolution aimed at stopping barrel bomb attacks in Syria.

Are Russia and Iran serious about Syria talks?

Saudi FM says if Assad allies are serious 'we will know, and if they aren't we'll stop wasting time with them.'

Russia launches record 24-hour bombing blitz in Syria

Russian jets hit 118 targets in a day, beating Monday's previous record, as Moscow escalates airstrike campaign.

Family buries Russian soldier dead in Syria, doubts suicide

Family and friends insist foul play involved in death of 19-year-old soldier Vadim Kostenko, but authorities claim it was suicide.

Russia blames 'information war' for hospital bombing reports

Deputy defense minister demands Western military attaches confirm or refute reports of mass civilian casualties and hospital bombings.

Report: Russian jets strike rebel positions near Israeli border

Iranian news agency claims Russian air force hits jihadist targets close to the Golan Heights, in what would be closest strikes to Israel.

First Russian serviceman dies in Syria

As military intervention continues, Russia's military claims 19-year-old recruit committed suicide - but others cast doubt on that claim.

Russia: Assad willing to hold new elections

According to Russian legislator Alexnader Yushchenko, Syria's president is ready to take part in polls 'if the people are not against it.'

Russia and Iran to strengthen cooperation in Middle East

Russia and Iran agree to strengthen their cooperation in order to bring stability and security to the Middle East.

Playing both sides? Russia offers air cover for Syrian rebels

Syrian rebels incredulous at Russian offer, as Russian air force still pounding their positions; but analysts say it could signal a shift.

Syrian doctors: Russia bombed nine hospitals

Syrian-American Medical Society reveals Russia is hitting medical facilities and killing staff; latest strike kills 10, wounds 28.

Russian Airstrike Hits Syrian Field Hospital, Kills 13

At least 127 of the 370 killed in Russia's aerial war over Syria were civilians, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.

Russia Proposes Meeting of Middle East Peace Quartet

Given the 'extremely tense situation' in Israel, Moscow calls for Mideast peace mediators - Russia, US, EU and UN - to gather.

Assad Makes Secretive Surprise Visit to Moscow

Assad makes secretive first foreign visit abroad since war started in 2011; in Moscow, hints of a new diplomatic front are raised.

US, Russia Sign Memorandum to Avoid Syria Dogfights

In order to avoid 'incidents' between US and Russian jets conducting Syria airstrikes, two sides seal safety measure memorandum.

Syria: Russian Airstrikes Kill 370 in 20 Days

At least a third of casualties are civilians, including dozens of women and children - only 52 ISIS.

Battle-Weary Syrian Army Struggles Despite Russian Air War

Much-vaunted Russian airstrikes have 'restored morale' to fatigued regime forces - but achieved little else so far.

Watch: US Army Chief Inspects IDF Guard of Honor

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford in Israel for his first official overseas trip to discuss Iran, Syria and Russia.

Hamas Appeals to Russia to 'Stop Israeli Aggression'

According to Hamas statement, Khaled Mashaal spoke with Russia's Deputy FM who promised to take action against Israel.

Moscow: Hundreds Protest Russian Intervention in Syria

One arrest made at rally demanding an end to Russian airstrikes. Police block route to prevent more protesters joining.

UN: Airstrikes Leaving Many Without Aid in Syria

Both Russian and US-led airstrikes making it difficult to get aid convoys to those in need, UN warns.

Turkey Downs Drone Near Syrian Border

Accusations remain airborne between Ankara, Moscow after Russia denies violating Turkish airspace.

Russia Announces Syria 'Hotline' with Israel

Russian defense ministry says a special 'hotline' establish to avoid fighter jet dogfights in Syria, where it is propping up Assad.

Airlines Stop Flying Over Iran Over Missile Concerns

Some airlines stop flying over the region amid concerns over Russian airstrikes in Syria. At least one has missed and hit Iran.

Putin Blasts US as Having 'Mush for Brains'

Russian President slams Washington for refusing to share intelligence with Moscow on Syria conflict.

Two Rockets Hit Russian Embassy in Damascus

After 300 people gather to support Russian airstrikes, rockets slam into embassy sowing panic; casualty counts still unknown.

Russia Foils Major ISIS Attack in Moscow

Islamist terrorist cell broken up by FSB security services, planned to attack capital's public transit system.

'Fiercest Clashes' as Damascus Advances with Russian Support

Clashes intensify both without and within Syria, as Russian-backed troops advance - and the EU talks tough on Syria.

EU: Russian Troops in Syria Are a 'Game-Changer'

EU foreign chief Mogherini warns Russian intervention 'very worrying' at meeting on political talks divided over Assad's future.

Putin Rules Out Russian Ground Operations in Syria

Air campaign will continue at full force, but Russia not sending any more ground troops, Vladimir Putin insists.

Did Russia Use Cluster Bombs in Syria?

Human Rights Watch accuses Moscow of fighting dirty in anti-rebel bombings, providing dangerous cluster munitions to Damascus.

US, Russia Make 'Progress' in Talks About Syrian Airspace

Washington and Moscow look for ways to avoid encroaching on each other during airstrikes in Syria.

ISIS at Outskirts of Syria's Aleppo Despite Russian Raids

Though Russia claims it killed hundreds of ISIS fighters, terrorist organization continues to expand its control in Syria.

Russia Hits 60 Terror Targets in 24 Hours in Syria

Russian defense officials claim to have completed another bombardment against Islamist terrorists in Syria, amid doubts over accuracy.

France Reveals 90% of Russian Strikes Not on ISIS

French Defense Minister reveals nearly all Russia airstrikes are hitting rebels to prop up Assad, announces second French airstrikes.

NATO Chief Warns of Russian 'Escalation' in Syria

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says there is a "troubling escalation" in Russian military activity in Syria.

Russia Denies Claims that Syria-Bound Missiles Landed in Iran

Russia's defense ministry denies American claim that Syria-bound Russian cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea had crashed in Iran.

Russian Cruise Missiles Fall Short of Syria, Hit Iran

Four cruise missiles aimed at Syria crash in Iran instead, according to US official who wouldn't detail regarding casualties.