August 11, 2015 By Citizen M

RA’s Daily Russia News Blast – Aug 11, 2015

5670-02-zakharova-scTODAY: Economy takes turn for the worse as second quarter data shows dramatic decline; Putin attempts to stave off ruble worries; Maria Zakharova becomes first female Foreign Ministry spokesman; Moscow asserts Washington must abandon military defence plans in Europe; Duma mulling bill to reduce penalties for corruption in military; translators concerned by dearth of patriotism in comics.