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Russian Defense Chief Calls for ‘Next-Gen’ Weapons Use in Ukraine

The Russian military should deploy next-generation weapons in its campaign in Ukraine, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday. “We need to...

Russian Defense Minister Announces End of Mobilization

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced that on Friday that the partial mobilization campaign declared to boost the Russian military campaign...

unsubstantiated claim

Russia Tells China, India That Ukraine Planning 'Dirty Bomb' Attack

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday reiterated claims that Ukraine is preparing a provocation using a "dirty bomb" in a video call with...

playing down fears

Russia Says No ‘Military Need’ to Use Nuclear Arms in Ukraine

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu slammed speculation that Russia could use nuclear or chemical weapons to compensate for slow progress in Ukraine.

taking out capacity

Russia Orders Attacks on Ukraine’s Long-Range Weapons

Western-supplied weapons have allowed Kyiv to target Russian logistics and ammunitions hubs far from the frontlines in recent weeks.

almost occupied

Russia Says 'Nearing' Full Control of Ukraine's Luhansk

Russia recognized the independence of the separatist republics shortly before launching the military action.

Putin Says Mariupol ‘Liberated,’ Calls Off Azovstal Plant Assault

The last remaining Ukrainian defenders as well as some 2,000 civilians are currently holed up in Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant.

Russian Defense Minister Reappears After 2-Week Absence

Shoigu's absence from view had prompted questions from journalists.

Kremlin Rebuffs Speculation as Defense Minister Unseen for Days

Sergei Shoigu reportedly last appeared in public on March 11 despite his leading role in Russia's military operation in Ukraine.

defense or offense

Russia’s Ukraine Offensive Aims to Defend from ‘Western Threat,’ Defense Minister Says

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces over the border in a “special military operation” to “de-Nazify and demilitarize” Ukraine.

Russian Minister Says UK-Russia Ties ‘Close to Zero'

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace for rare talks amid soaring tensions over Ukraine.

U.S. Mercenaries Preparing Donbass 'Provocation' — Russian Defense Chief

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed on Tuesday that U.S. private military companies have stationed troops in the Donetsk region.

Humanity ‘Hurtling Toward Destruction’ With Out-of-Control Consumerism, Russian Defense Chief Says

“I dream that one day everyone will understand that it’s time to stop this crazy race of consumerism,” lamented Shoigu.

Putin Pilots Bumpy All-Terrain Rig on Siberian Holiday

Putin routinely appears on state television participating in outdoor pursuits to project the image of a healthy and robust leader.

'merit to the fatherland'

Putin Bestows Birthday Medal on Loyal Defense Chief

Shoigu, one of Russia's most popular officials, already has a chestful of medals.

threat from the west

‘Pro-Western’ Activists Posing as Journalists Are Infiltrating Russia’s Military, Defense Minister Claims

The defense minister didn’t specify which journalists or news organizations he was referring to.

Russia Will Send a Further 276 Military Staff and 33 Units of Military Hardware to Syria

Russian military police started deploying on Syria's northeast border under a deal with Turkey to drive Kurdish fighters from the region.

opinion Mark Galeotti

Is This Russia's Next Leader?

For the first time in his seven years as Defense Minister, Shoigu gave a lengthy interview to a mainstream Russian newspaper. We should pay attention.

Convenient contracts

Russian Defense Chief’s Reported Ex Made $100M From Ministry Deals, Media Reports

“Shoigu’s beloved woman broke the record held by [former Defense Minister Anatoly] Serdyukov’s mistress,” a new investigation said.

Russia’s Fast-Growing ‘Youth Army’ Aims to Breed Loyalty to the Fatherland

The military-patriotic youth movement has almost half a million members.

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