Sergei Shoigu

Defense minister Sergei Shoigu said thousands would get the jab by the end of the year, following an order from President Vladimir Putin.

Sergei Shoigu said that the U.S. had planned its surprise withdrawal from the intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty long in advance, to counter Russia's and China's growing military clout.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said it was "necessary to increase the firing range of ground-based missile systems being developed today."

Putin has also threatened to target European nations if they allow the U.S. to deploy new intermediate-range missiles.

"Strengthening Russia as an independent international player does not give rest to our NATO colleagues," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

"This trend clearly indicates that NATO countries are trying in every possible way to prevent Russia from emerging as a geopolitical competitor."

Russia's defense minister said the U.S. wants "to avoid the stabilization of the country, to prolong the conflict and to undermine Syrian territorial integrity."

"[The strategy] boils down to supporting any, even the wildest ideologies to weaken legitimate governments."

"It is a pleasure to see that the scope of competitions expand geographically and the list of participants grow," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

The S-500 struck a target 299 miles away.

Top U.S. military rivals Russia and China have pledged to deepen military ties and create a united front against the U.S. in its Syria and Iran policies.

People spotted a problem with Sergei Shoigu's claim about Russia's role in taking back territory from Islamist groups.

A Russian jet tried to intimidate a NATO jet while attempting to escort the Russian defense minister's plane in international airspace, state news agencies claim.

Starting May 25, airstrikes would target Syrian rebels including Nusra Front who are not observing the ceasefire.

French officials did not comment on the reason for the incursion.

As NATO accuses Russia of sending more troops into Ukraine, Russia beefs up air patrols in America's backyard.