European Command News Archive | EUCOM Or USEUCOM Alerts Europe
News Flashes
Privacy Is Important! Defcon Level Warning System currently highly recommends Express VPN to browse privately & securely. Use This Link to get 30 free days.
Want To Support What We Do? Keeping alerts, intel and news as informative and timely as possible takes a lot of research, time, effort and financial investment for required tools and services. There are many ways you can Contribute or Subscribe to Defcon Level Warning System today, for live email updates, early access for and exclusive news and alerts while supporting our work in the process. No contribution is too small. Thank you!
May 31st, 2023 - Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration's thirty-ninth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. Read more
May 30th, 2023 - NATO-led KFOR: 30 KFOR peace-keepers wounded during yesterday's attack in the municipality of Zvecan. Read more
May 28th, 2023 - Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has called Poland "hostile" and addressed claims by Polish media, Russian and Belarusian officials that Poland is planning a coup in Belarus, and says that if this happens, Russia will step in and intervene. We have found that Russian state-run media has taken Polish media out of context. Read more
May 25th, 2023 - President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has said that Russia has begun its movement of tactical nuclear warheads into Belarus. Read more
May 23rd, 2023 - The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that it intercepted two United States B-1B strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea approaching the Russian border. Read more
May 17th, 2023 - The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked a Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Read more
May 15th, 2023 - The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that it detected and intercepted two aircraft approaching the Russian border over the Baltic Sea and turned the military aircraft "away to its home airfield". Read more
May 14th, 2023 - The Alaskan Region of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, positively identified and intercepted six Russian aircraft operating in and near the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on May 11, 2023. Read more
May 3rd, 2023 - The Energotom National Nuclear Power Company State Enterprise claims that Russia has "placed another batch of military equipment, weapons, and explosives in the premises of the turbine department of the 4th power unit of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant". Read more
April 2nd, 2023 - A newly declassified report on Havana Syndrome by the director of national intelligence has been released that contradicts another recent report saying that it was very unlikely that the illness was caused by an energy weapon. Read more
March 17, 2023 - The International Criminal Court (ICC) released a statement on Friday that it has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes, including the abduction of children from Ukraine during Russia's war on the country. Read more
March 15, 2023 - The Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said that Russia views the U.S. drone flight in the Black Sea as a "real provocation" and said that it was flying with its "transponders off" and "entered into the zone of the special military operation" which is the term Russia uses for its war in Ukraine. Read more
March 14, 2023 - Two Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted an unsafe and unprofessional intercept with a U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace over the Black Sea today. Read more
March 09, 2023 - DOD: Russia Reportedly Supplying Enriched Plutonium to China: Various open-source outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors. Read more
March 09, 2023 - There was a fake nuclear alert that went out alerting Russians about a nuclear strike. The Russian Emergencies Ministry said that the message was due to a false alarm as a result of a cyberattack. Read more
March 06, 2023 - BLACK SEA - Ukrainian Defense Forces have reported that there are currently 16 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including four missile carriers. Read more
February 26, 2023 - The death toll as a result of the earthquakes that shook Turkey and Syria has now exceeded 50,000, with 44,218 deaths in Turkey alone, and Syria: 5,914 deaths. Read more
February 22, 2023 - Russia suspends the New START nuclear treaty, which is the only nuclear treaty in effect between the US and Russia, saying that the U.S. is "weakening" the security of the Russian Federation. Read more
February 20, 2023 - Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Putin will be reading out a message to the Russian Federal Assembly on February 21st in Gostiny Dvor that will focus on "the current situation" - the "special operation" and the "economy", as well as "the social sphere". Read more
February 10, 2023 - Romania releases a statement regarding the Missile Launched By Russia, Crossing Into Moldova. Read more
February 10, 2023 - The Moldovan Ministry of Defense released the following statement on their official Facebook account regarding the "rocket" that flew over its territory and "strongly condemned" the "violation" of its airspace. Read more
February 10, 2023 - General Valery Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine put out a statement claiming that Russian missiles flew over Romania and Moldova during a missile strike on Ukraine, crossing into NATO-allied airspace. Read more
February 06, 2023 - There has been another 7.5 magnitude earthquake, this time in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Many aftershocks also reported, along with internet outages in the country. Read more
February 06, 2023 - 7.8 and a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, the 6.7 magnitude earthquake looks to be an aftershock of the first 7.8 magnitude quake. Read more
February 01, 2023 - The United States is preparing a $2.2 billion package worth of military aid to Ukraine, and is expected to contain longer-range rockets than the United States has previously been willing to give to Ukraine, as well as other weapons and ammunition. Read more
January 29, 2023 - Israel reported to be behind the attack on the Iranian weapons factory. The Pentagon has stated that no U.S. military forces were involved in strikes, despite claims by Saudi media that the United States Air Force was involved. Read more
January 28, 2023 - An Admiral serving as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee says that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is ready for a direct confrontation with Russia. Read more
January 27, 2023 - U.S. and Albanian defense leaders met today at the Pentagon to make a strong bilateral alliance even stronger. Department of Defense: "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Defense Minister Niko Peleshi met as the two nations marked the 30th year of their nations' defense relationship. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Russian Foreign Minister has put out a warning and sent a note to members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that any shipments that contain military equipment will become a legitimate target for Russian Aerospace Forces. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Russia’s Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechayev released a statement after the United States and Germany announced sending tanks to Ukraine that called the decision an "extremely dangerous decision" that "takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation". Read more
January 27, 2023 - The delivery of Western-made uranium shells to Ukraine will be regarded by Russia as "the use of dirty nuclear bombs" and said that the depleted uranium shells used for the Leopard 2 tanks lead to "contamination of the area" and outbreaks of cancer. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Department of Defense: "The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the procurement of Abrams tanks for Ukraine via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Read more
January 27, 2023 - Russian Ministry of Defense: "The crew of Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov's frigate, operating in areas of the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, conducted computer simulation exercises with hypersonic missile weapons. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, and former president Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia may be nationalizing the property of people who are registered in the United States, European Union, and other "unfriendly" jurisdictions in the midst of new "anti-Russian" sanctions. Read more
January 26, 2023 - US Military: "CAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo — Kosovo Force, Regional Command-East recently conducted exercise Cavalry Guardian, an emergency response training exercise, geared toward testing team cohesion, resilience under stress and job proficiency Read more
January 26, 2023 - The Department of the Army announced the preparation of Army units for potential deployment to back-fill units currently in Europe. This potential deployment would not constitute a change to current force posture levels. Read more
January 26, 2023 - Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged With Violating U.S. Sanctions On Russia. A Russian Court and Government Interpreter Is Also Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions on Russia. Read more
January 26, 2023 - The Norwegian Defense Chief Eirik Kristoffersen said in an interview with Norwegian channel TV2 that Russia has approached nearly 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers in Ukraine since the start of the war, to date. Read more
January 25, 2023 - Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that The United States is attempting to destroy Russia and that a new global military alliance may be emerging. Read more
January 25, 2023 - The United States says that they will be making an announcement to send around 30 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as soon as Wednesday, but it could tank a few months to deliver the tanks. Read more
January 23, 2023 - The Russian Bologoye strategic missile division in Tver dispatched the Yars mobile surface-to-surface nuclear missile systems to "combat patrol missions," according to the Russian MOD, which says that it is scheduled training. Read more
January 23, 2023 - U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter said that he expects broad support in the United States to for the Netherlands to transfer allied F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, in an interview with Lithuanian news agency Delfi. Read more
January 23, 2023 - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". Read more
January 23, 2023 - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said on Friday that the statements about supplying Ukraine with any weapons, including those that are able to hit Crimea will "inevitably" lead to "an escalation". Read more
January 21, 2023 - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". Read more
January 20, 2023 - Pentagon's spokeswoman Sabrina Singh just said if Ukraine decides to carry out a military operation in Crimea, the United States would "be with Ukraine for as long as it takes". Read more
January 19, 2023 - While speaking of Russia's war in Ukraine, Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the "defeat of a nuclear power in a conventional war may trigger a nuclear war". Read more
January 19, 2023 - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Ryan: "If the Ukrainian military was having great success in the spring, and was chopping up the Russian military and was threatening to take back Crimea, then I think that the Russian military and leadership would use a nuclear weapon". Read more
January 19, 2023 - A report released by the New York Times claims that "several anonymous US officials" spoke to the paper and told them that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Ukraine. Read more
January 19, 2023 - Germany says that they will be allowing the export of its tanks to Ukraine on the condition that the United States also sends tanks to the country. If Germany decides to do so, other NATO-allied countries say they will follow suit. Read more
January 16, 2023 - GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - NATO prepares a deployment Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance planes to Bucharest, Romania. Read more
January 16, 2023 - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has put out a statement calling on the United States and Japan to "Abandon" their "Cold War" mentality and "ideological bias" against China. Read more
January 16, 2023 - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to disembowel himself after Kishida warned Russia any use of nuclear weapons would be an act of "hostility against humanity". Read more
January 16, 2023 - IAEA - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a Statement saying it will be boosting its presence within Ukraine in order to aid in preventing a nuclear accident from occurring during ongoing battles between Russia and Ukraine. Read more
January 14, 2023 - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems to Ukraine. These are obviously "offensive" weapons now being supplied to Ukraine by NATO-allied countries. Read more
January 14, 2023 - The United States has begun sending a "large number" of tanks and other military vehicles to the port of Vlissingen in the Netherlands. on Wednesday, according to a report by Reuters, which has alarmed Russia. Read more
January 14, 2023 - The pipeline connecting Lithuania to Latvia has exploded. Although sabotage is not being ruled out, the pipeline operator said that he does not "see any malign cause" or any "potential impact from outside". Read more
January 11, 2023 - UK MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - "HMS Portland is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama as they sail in international waters close to the UK. Read more
January 11, 2023 - The British postal service company Royal mail says that it's facing a major disruption in international export services after a "cyber incident" occurred. Read more
January 09, 2023 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) declined its request to send up to 1,000 police and military personnel into Kosovo in response to rising tensions between the Serbians and Kosovo authorities. Read more
January 09, 2023 - Two men, one of which is Iranian were arrested in Germany on suspicion of planning to carry out a terrorist attack with a bio-weapon. Read more
January 09, 2023 - Poland and Finland voiced support for supplying Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks after the two countries agreed to start sending heavy weaponry to the country to fight against the ongoing Russian war. Read more
January 08, 2023 - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Russia is planning to mobilize up to 500,000 more conscripts into its military in the middle of January, a larger mobilization than the previous 300,000 Russia called up in October, 2022. Read more
January 08, 2023 - General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated that around 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have either died or been injured in the start of the fighting in Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. Read more
January 08, 2023 - The Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is calling for the rebuilding of a "world order" in order to counter the rise of "authoritarian regimes". Read more
January 07, 2023 - A Russian hacker group called Cold River targeted three different nuclear research labs in the United States between the months of August and September of 2022. Read more
January 07, 2023 - The Norwegian Armed Forces has posted a statement saying that the Russian hypersonic missile boat, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov is sailing south, along the coast of Norway, in international waters. Read more
January 07, 2023 - Former Russian President Medvedev posted a message on the Twitter account to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that Russia should send its Zircon hypersonic missiles close to the Potomac River, which flows through Washington D.C. Read more
January 05, 2023 - Russian state media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "Christmas truce" ceasefire for 36 hours from 12:00 on January 6th to 24:00 on January 7th. The offer was rejected by Ukraine, which said that it "should not be taken seriously". Read more
January 05, 2023 - China is running secret overseas police stations around the world, including unauthorized stations in the US, in order to surveil Chinese nationals in countries across the globe. Read more
January 05, 2023 - The British MI5 Security Service addressed threats to the UK posed by Iran, Russia, and China and is expected to declare the Iranian IRGC a terrorist organization in the coming weeks. Read more
January 01, 2023 - The Japanese embassy released a statement expressing "outrage" after Russia's New Year's Eve attack on Ukraine that it says resulted in the death and injuries of civilians, which included a Japanese journalist. Read more
December 29, 2022 - The Belarusian Ministry of Defense say they intercepted and destroyed a Ukrainian S-300 anti-air missile on Thursday. Read more
December 28, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Ministry reportedly put out a statement to Russian State news agency TASS that Moscow hopes that Washington will show enough prudence and is wise enough to prevent the situation from escalating to the point of a direct confrontation. Read more
December 28, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has put out a warning to the United States against carrying out a decapitation strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more
December 26, 2022 - The Serbian armed forces were put on the highest combat alert due to an order from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, according to Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic who spoke to the Serbian news agency Tanjug. Read more
December 26, 2022 - Ukraine called on the UN members states on Monday to remove Russia from the United Nations and to exclude it "as a whole" so that it no longer has the power veto UN Security Council resolutions. Read more
December 26, 2022 - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia is ready to resume the gas flow to Europe through the Yamal-Europe pipeline. Read more
December 26, 2022 - The Russian military says that it shot down a Ukrainian drone that it detected was on approach to the Engels Air Base located deep within Russian territory, and reported that three servicemen were killed due to the resulting falling debris from the wreckage. Read more
December 15, 2022 - The Russian Embassy to the United States has condemned the possible shipment of long-range Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by the US, saying that the move would be a provocative step. Read more
December 15, 2022 - Russia has loaded its RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into a missile silo in the Kaluga Region in central Russia at the Kozelsk missile formation according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Read more
December 14, 2022 - The US is currently deciding on whether to send a Patriot long-range missile system to Ukraine, after receiving a request from Ukraine for more powerful and longer-range missile systems. Read more
December 14, 2022 - Poland To Deploy German Patriot Missile Systems On Border With Ukraine - Polish President Andrzej Duda announced on Monday that Poland will be working with Germany to deploy German Patriot missile systems on its border with Ukraine in the coming days. Read more
December 14, 2022 - Ukraine has requested cluster bombs from the United States. Both Russia and Ukraine have used cluster munitions in the war, mostly in populated areas. Read more
December 13, 2022 - According the the Russian Ministry of Defense, a Norwegian P-3C Orion "Spy Plane" was intercepted by Russia over the Barents Sea. Read more
December 13, 2022 - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has threatened Greece with a missile strike on Athens. Both countries are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. Read more
December 12, 2022 - Belarusian army says that they have deployed tactical battalion groups on the borders between Belarus and the countries where NATO had deployed forces. Skies above Belarus Empty. Read more
December 12, 2022 - Shots were fired, and explosions were heard on the border between Serbia and Kosovo after a stun grenade was thrown. Serbia has asked NATO to deploy the Serbian army and police force. Read more
December 10, 2022 - Turkey has carried out airstrikes in the Duhok province in northern Iraq, according Lebanese news agency Al-Mayadeen, targeting Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) elements in the region. Read more
December 09, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has put out a statement saying that any country that dares attack Russia with nuclear weapons will be wiped from the face of the earth, considers adding Russia to nuclear first strike strategy. Read more
December 08, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said the special military operation in Ukraine is taking longer than expected and addressed the usage of nuclear weapons. Read more
December 06, 2022 - Russia claims that Ukraine hit two of its air bases located on Russian soil before Russia carried out a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine. Read more
December 05, 2022 - RAYTHEON - The United States is currently working with countries in the Middle East to move some of the U.S. air defense systems to Ukraine. Read more
December 01, 2022 - Top officials within the European Union are reportedly accusing the United States of making a fortune from the war in Ukraine, while EU countries suffer from the consequences of the ongoing war. Read more
November 25, 2022 - Turkey has told Russia that it will be continuing to respond to attacks coming from northern Syria, after Russia requested that Turkey not upgrade the conflict in Syria into a full-scale offensive. Read more
November 25, 2022 - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Yerevan, Armenia and announced priorities for 2023. Read more
November 24, 2022 - WHITE HOUSE: "As Russia struggles on the battlefield, it is increasingly turning to horrific attacks against the Ukrainian people with punishing strikes damaging energy grid infrastructure, and deliberately doing so as winter approaches". Read more
November 23, 2022 - US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: "The United States continues to support Ukraine with additional military assistance to help defend itself, including from the Kremlin’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. Read more
November 23, 2022 - Ukraine: Russia fired 70 cruise missiles into Ukraine on November 23rd, killing six people and injuring 36. The head of the Ukrainian police Ihor Klymenko said rockets hit 16 'objects' within Ukraine. Read more
November 23, 2022 - The Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine has reported that Russia has hit the capital's infrastructure facilities. He later reported that there were explosions in various districts in Kyiv, hitting the "residential sector" and "critical facilities". Read more
November 20, 2022 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a new report that the shelling has now stopped, and there are no radiation leaks detected as a result of the explosions. power plant. Read more
November 20, 2022 - The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control has taken fire, causing explosions. Russia has blamed Ukrainian attacks for the explosions, claiming that Ukraine has carried out 12 strikes against the nuclear power plant. Read more
November 20, 2022 - Turkish air raids targeted 89 locations in Iraq and Syria, including the Iraqi locations of: Asos, Qandil, Hakurk, and Northern Syria locations of: Cizire, Tal Rifat, Kobani and Derik, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Read more
November 19, 2022 - The Swedish Security Service Reported on November 18th that gross sabotage on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have been confirmed. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said that traces of explosives have been found at the sites of the Nord Stream pipeline ruptures. Read more
November 19, 2022 - A gas pipeline explosion occurred in Saint Petersburg, Russia (formerly known as Leningrad). Saint Petersburg Governor (Leningrad Oblast) Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported the explosion on his Telegram channel. Read more
November 19, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has Reported that two Russian fighter aircraft made an "unsafe and unprofessional" approach toward the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG1) that was carrying out "routine operations" in the Baltic Sea. Read more
November 16, 2022 - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the missile strike in Poland only proves that the West is "approaching a world war," and that the West wants to "wage war on Russia by all means against Russia", and that talking about Russian missiles falling into Poland is a "provocation" with the intent on escalating the conflict. Read more
November 16, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that although the missile that landed in Poland and killed two people was "likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile" that it was "not Ukraine's fault". Read more
November 16, 2022 - Reuters reported that U.S. President Joe Biden told the G7 and NATO partners that "a missile blast in Poland was caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile", according to a NATO source who reportedly spoke to Reuters. Read more
November 16, 2022 - Article 5 is not automatic, it needs to be agreed upon. It is unlikely alliance members will agree on article 5 if it was accidental, which thus far it looks to be. If it is found that it was intentional, however, the likelihood of article 5 will increase tremendously. Read more
November 16, 2022 - *Ongoing Report* POLAND - The Associated Press reported that a Russian-made missile crossed into the eastern part of Poland on Wednesday, striking a grain facility near the Ukrainian border on the Polish side and killing two people. Poland is a member of the NATO alliance. Investigations have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile. Read more
November 14, 2022 - 11 countries have been placed on the travel advisory page in the last 30 days, including Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Ecuador, Moldova, Nigeria, China, Taiwan, Samoa, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Read more
November 12, 2022 - British Ministry of Defense: "Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson. Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves "What was it all for?". Read more
November 08, 2022 - Russia has been lamenting the sale of Alaska to the United States 155 years ago. Russian State Duma said that Russia could reclaim Alaska. Read more
November 07, 2022 - Ties between North Korea and both Russia and China have been deepening as Russia and China stand in the way of holding North Korea responsible for continued provocations at the U.N. Security Council. Read more
November 06, 2022 - DoD authorizes the Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $600 million to Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first drawdown since August 2021. Read more
November 06, 2022 - Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin spoke to Sky News and told them that Russia has "evidence" that the special forces in the UK was involved in the attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, and claimed that he has proof, although as of yet no proof has surfaced. Read more
November 06, 2022 - Both Finland and Sweden say they will be deciding issues on nuclear weapons only after they are officially accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but that they do not seek any opt-outs or preconditions for joining the alliance, they said at a press briefing in Helsinki. Read more
November 06, 2022 - The US military carried out onsite weapons inspections in Ukraine in order to make sure that weapons provided to Ukraine by the United States are not being diverted. Finnish news is reporting the weapons are ending up in the hands of criminals in European countries. Read more
November 03, 2022 - Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin spoke to Sky News and told them that Russia has "evidence" that the special forces in the UK was involved in the attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, and claimed that he has proof. Read more
November 02, 2022 - Norway has reportedly raised its military alert level after unmanned aerial (UAV) drones were sighted over the last few weeks around Norway's oil and gas fields and airports, which has led to at least seven arrests of Russian citizens. Read more
November 02, 2022 - Nord Stream AG has completed "initial data gathering" on the section of the Nord Stream pipeline that was damaged and concluded that there are 'technogenic craters' with a depth of 3 to 5 meters on the seabed located under the damaged section of the pipeline. Read more
October 31, 2022 - Both Poland and Finland may be interested in participating in NATO's nuclear sharing program, which would give both countries access to deploying nuclear weapons in their territory, and allow NATO to establish bases within their borders. Poland interested, Finland more reserved on the matter. Read more
October 30, 2022 - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read more
October 29, 2022 - KYIV - The Russian Defense Ministry put out a statement on Saturday saying that they are suspending the grain deal brokered by the United Nations allowing grain to be exported out of Ukraine after accusing Britain of aiding Ukraine in attacking its vessels in the Black Sea with drones. Read more
October 29, 2022 - The United States said during a closed meeting with NATO that it will be accelerating the deployment of an upgraded version of the B61-12 air-dropped thermonuclear "gravity bomb" to European bases in December, which is a few months earlier than was originally planned. Read more
October 29, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russia is claiming that the British Navy was involved in what the country calls a "terrorist attack" on the Nord Stream pipeline. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on Saturday that the British Navy had a part in orchestrating and staging a sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The British Ministry of Defense released a statement saying that Russia is "resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale". Read more
October 28, 2022 - The International Space Station was forced to ignite a thruster in order to move the space station away from debris created from a Russian anti-missile test in 2021. Read more
October 26, 2022 - Intelligence update from the British Ministry of Defense for October 26th, 2022: "On 24 October 2022, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region announced that an explosive device had damaged the railway near the village of Novozybkovo, approximately 15km from the Russia-Belarus border. The line is the main rail link between Russia and southern Belarus. Read more
October 26, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the launches of ballistic and cruise missiles on Wednesday as part of Russia's yearly "Grom" nuclear exercises, as NATO holds simultaneous nuclear exercises. Read more
October 25, 2022 - Norwegian Police Security Service arrested a scientist in Tromsoe, Norway suspected of being a spy for a Russian intelligence service. The suspect was researching "hybrid threats" tied to "Arctic Norway", according to Deputy PST chief Hedvig Moe. Read more
October 25, 2022 - Iran claims that it has arrested 10 agents allegedly working for Israel in West Azerbaijan province as part of an espionage network, according to Iranian state news agency Fars. Israeli officials claim to have struck 90% of Iran's military operations in Syria, targeting a drone assembly factory near Damascus. Read more
October 25, 2022 - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the US and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read more
October 22, 2022 - The US Army's 101st Airborne Division which consists of about 4,700 soldiers has been deployed to Europe, on the border of Romania and Ukraine, for the first time since World War 2 (80 years ago). Read more
October 22, 2022 - The Ukrainian National Resistance Center has claimed that three Russian aircraft capable of equipping and launching hypersonic missiles were spotted over Minsk, Belarus on Sunday. Read more
October 22, 2022 - Iran has released an advisory to all of its citizens strongly advising them not to travel to Ukraine, and told Iranians currently living in the country to leave the country "for their own safety". Read more
October 21, 2022 - UKRAINE - Russia has declared martial law in the four regions that it has annexed in Ukraine, which include: Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Read more
October 21, 2022 - According to the White House, Iranian troops were sent to Ukraine to help assist Russia in operating Iranian-made drones that Russia had reportedly purchased from the country. Read more
October 20, 2022 - Russia has declared martial law in the four regions that it has annexed in Ukraine, which include: Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Read more
October 20, 2022 - EUROPE - Expressen has used an underwater drone to film the damage to the ruptured Nordstream pipeline 262 feet below the ocean's surface. The following report is based on a translation of Expressen's findings. Read more
October 18, 2022 - NORAD - Russian Tu-95 bombers capable of being equipped with nuclear weapons were intercepted on October 18th (local time) after "entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone". Read more
October 16, 2022 - The following countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately: China, Egypt, Kazakhstan. There are alerts for other countries embassy's floating around social media, but many of those look to be older, previously issued embassy alerts. Read more
October 16, 2022 - Russia is transferring dual-equipped Iskander-M missile systems with conventional missiles to Belarus, and converting Belarusian SU-25 jets with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, but it is 'not planned' to equip Belarus with actual nuclear warheads. Read more
October 16, 2022 - On Thursday NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance will be giving Ukraine "hundreds of drone jammers" to counter the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones that Russia is using. Read more
October 15, 2022 - EUROPE - NATO put out a statement on Friday saying that it would be launching its annual nuclear exercises "Steadfast Noon". NATO also said that it will be monitoring Russia's own upcoming nuclear exercise very closely. Read more
October 15, 2022 - Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden, Antti Kaikkonen and Peter Hultqvist. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout.. Read more
October 14, 2022 - UK Government: British Air Strikes Against Daesh: "The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria." Read more
October 14, 2022 - FRANCE - During a live interview on France 2 Wednesday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that if Russia chooses to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, France would not be responding with nuclear weapons. Read more
October 12, 2022 - The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning Russia's annexation of the territories of Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, as well as the DPR and LPR regions. Read more
October 12, 2022 - The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Ukraine's military spy Chief of being a part of carrying out the attack on the Crimean Bridge. Russia has taken eight out of twelve suspects of the bombing into custody according to the FSB. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Department of Defense: "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with allies at NATO headquarters in Belgium this week to discuss the continued support for the defense of Ukraine, amid Russia's unprovoked invasion and recent attacks against civilian targets and infrastructure, according to a defense official. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Russia has ordered 2,400 Iranian-made Shahed drones from the Islamic Republic, and asked leaders of the G7 countries to give medium and long-range missile defense systems to protect against the them. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Statement by Ukrainian intelligence regarding the current situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (translated). "All six units are disconnected at the ZNPP, the occupiers are forcing employees to sign contracts with Rosatom. Read more
October 12, 2022 - Ukraine claims that Russia has been transferring Shahed-136 kamikaze drones to Belarus territory Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported. Read more
October 11, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: "Stoltenberg: "hybrid and cyber attacks can trigger Article 5," and, "We are closely monitoring every incident that may constitute a hybrid or cyber attack against the NATO Allies and we are ready to take the necessary measures if needed." Read more
October 11, 2022 - Official spokesman for the Russian energy giant Gazprom Sergey Kupriyanov said Monday that a NATO mine destroyer, which is an explosive device was discovered near the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in 2015, according to the official Nord Stream company. Read more
October 11, 2022 - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has ordered Belarusian soldiers to deploy along with Russian forces near Ukraine as a response to what he called a clear threat from Ukraine and the West. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Germany's Foreign Ministry has reported that the German visa office located in Ukraine was damaged by rocket fire during Russia's attack on Kyiv in the morning. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Poland has put out an advisory recommending its citizens to leave Belarus territory as tensions increase between the two countries due to the conflict in Ukraine. Read more
October 11, 2022 - Poland is now checking the condition of its bomb shelters and taking inventory in light of recent developments, according to a Polish deputy minister Reuters reports. Read more
October 10, 2022 - U.S. Embassy In Ukraine: Security Alert. Event: Russia has launched attacks against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure as well as government facilities in Kyiv and elsewhere. Russia’s continued strikes in Ukraine pose a direct threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. Read more
October 10, 2022 - White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed U.S. President Joe Biden's comments regarding the "prospect of Armageddon" on Sunday, saying that the President's statement reflects "the very high stakes that are in play”, in relation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats. Read more
October 10, 2022 - The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has claimed that Russia has lost 62,500 Russian soldiers from the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 to October 9th, 2022. Read more
October 10, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin regarding the explosion on the Crimean bridge and said stated that the bombing, which he called a "terrorist attack" was staged by Ukrainian special services and that both the Ukrainian special services and citizens of Russia and foreign countries participated in the bombing. Read more
October 09, 2022 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a statement saying that although recent shelling took out the power at Zaporizhzhya , Ukrainian engineers have restored the external power supply to the currently Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Armenia and Azerbaijan Trade Accusations Regarding Being Fired Upon By The Other Statements from the Armenia and Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense pages (statements translated from original languages). Read more
October 09, 2022 - Ukrainian intelligence claims that Russia is attempting to draw Belarus into an open war with Ukraine. Read more
October 09, 2022 - British Ministry of Defense Intelligence update for Ukraine, October 9th, 2022: "Early on 08 October 2022, an explosion damaged the Kerch Strait Bridge, the road and rail crossing which links Russian-occupied Crimea and the Krasnodar region of Russia. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding alleged provocation by Belarus (accusations by Belarus that Ukraine was planning an attack on Belarus territory) Read more
October 09, 2022 - NORD STREAM PIPELINE - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Sergei Sorobikin, former commander of Russia in Syria has reportedly been appointed the new senior commander of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. Read more
October 09, 2022 - There have been unverified rumors floating around Twitter stating that a Nord Stream sabotage investigator was found dead. We have not seen any evidence supporting these claims. If this can be verified, we'll post any information that we find on the matter. Read more
October 09, 2022 - According to the ASPR government website, The U.S. Government has purchased $290 million worth of Nplate, from Amgen USA Inc. "as part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies." Read more
October 09, 2022 - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022. Read more
October 09, 2022 - Translated statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding alleged provocation by Belarus (accusations by Belarus that Ukraine was planning an attack on Belarus territory). Read more
October 08, 2022 - RIA Novosti has reported that three people died in the bridge explosion, according to Russia's investigative committee. Read more
October 08, 2022 - A 12 mile long bridge linking Russia-annexed Crimea with Russia across the Kerch Strait has been severely damaged by a bomb. Read more
October 07, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put out a video address on Friday announcing that Ukraine has liberated 2,434 square kilometers (940 square miles), as well as 96 settlements in Ukraine's east in their recent offensive against Russian positions. Read more
October 07, 2022 - Posted by official International Atomic Energy Agency account (IAEA): "Yesterday, an industrial zone outside the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was shelled, damaging the power transmission line that supplies power to the No. 6 reactor unit, which had to temporarily rely on emergency diesel generators for power." Read more
October 07, 2022 - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko: Moscow and Minsk will think about the response to the nuclear threat in Poland. Read more
October 07, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Read more
October 6, 2022 - Swedish security service concluded its investigation on the four Nordstream pipeline leaks and stated: "There have been detonations at Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Swedish economic zone, which have caused extensive damage to the gas pipelines." Read more
October 3, 2022 - If Russian President Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons, the US and its allies "would destroy Russia’s troops and equipment in Ukraine and will sink its Black Sea fleet," former CIA director and retired four-star general for the United States Army David Petraeus stated in an interview Sunday. Read more
October 3, 2022 - EUROPE - The Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea is no longer leaking, according to a Nord Stream 2 spokesman. Read more
September 30, 2022 - White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the US military in Europe is ready for "any contingency" and says that multiple reinforcements have been sent to bolster US forces in Europe. Read more
September 30, 2022 - The Israeli intelligence firm called ImageSat International (ISI) has spotted an "irregular presence" of Russian TU-160 and TU-95 strategic bomber aircraft at the Olenya Airbase, which is located close to Finland on the Kola Peninsula near Murmansk. Read more
September 30, 2022 - Ukraine has said that they are officially submitting an application for membership to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read more
September 29, 2022 - Multiple reports that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant was on fire and that power unit Number 6 was damaged. Energodar's official channel, and Russian state media says that these reports are false. Read more
September 27, 2022 - Poland has issued a new travel alert advising against any travel to the Russian Federation in connection with the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland by the authorities of the Russian Federation as an "unfriendly state". Read more
September 27, 2022 - German authorities say that a pressure drop of both the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines look to be a "targeted attack". Explosions have been recorded in the area before the leaks were detected. Read more
September 27, 2022 - Russian official Medvedev said that the United States would not intervene even if Russia uses the "most formidable weapon," and said the country has the right to use nuclear weapons "if necessary," and said that it is "certainly not a bluff". Read more
September 25, 2022 - Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read more
September 21, 2022 - North Korean state media has reported that the country is not exporting weapons to Russia, and does not have any plans at all to do so. Read more
September 21, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that Russia will be drafting 300,000 reservists, and says that mobilization is necessary in order to "consolidate" Ukrainian territory that the country has occupied. Read more
September 20, 2022 - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says that President Putin appears to be on the brink of proceeding with plans to hold "sham referenda" in areas of Ukraine and potentially preparing for potential mobilization measures. Russia says, "there will be no general mobilization" but may be martial law. Read more
September 19, 2022 - The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has accused Russia of attempting to shell a second nuclear power plant in the Mykolaiv region. The defense ministry posted a video allegedly showing the shelling taking place. Read more
September 17, 2022 - After a ceasefire agreement was reached between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the countries Ministry of Defense is reporting no new activity, indicating that the ceasefire between the two countries is holding up thus far. Read more
September 17, 2022 - Germany has taken control of three Russian oil refineries, it said on Friday, September 16th. Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH, it announced will be placed under Germany's Federal Network Agency. Read more
September 17, 2022 - CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that although we should not underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine, the CIA has no concrete evidence that Russia is planning to use "weapons of mass destruction". Read more
September 16, 2022 - Fighting has been reported between Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, in which both countries have blamed each other for violating the ceasefire agreement. Read more
September 16, 2022 - DoD authorizes the Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $600 million to Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first drawdown since August 2021. Read more
September 14, 2022 - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read more
September 14, 2022 - Ongoing Report: Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire, with each side's Ministry of Defense putting out a version of events that conflicts with the other's. The below statements from each respective Ministry of Defense has been translated to English. Updated September 14th, 2022. Read more
September 13, 2022 - EUROPE - Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire, with each side's Ministry of Defense putting out a version of events that conflicts with the other's. The below statements from each respective Ministry of Defense has been translated to English. Read more
September 12, 2022 - Greece has fired on a Turkish vessel and said that it entered territorial waters. Turkey, on the other hand, says that the incident happened in international waters, and that Greece shot at it with 'harassment fire'. Read more
September 12, 2022 - UKRAINE - After the six-reactor Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor, the largest nuclear reactor in Europe, and one of the top 10 largest in the world had been disconnected from power for around a weeks time, it has now had its connection to Ukraine's power grid reestablished. Read more
September 08, 2022 - DOD - The Defense Department has put out a statement saying that the Biden administration has approved another assistance package valued at $675 million in "U.S. assistance to Ukraine", along with another $2 Billion in long-term military financing to "European countries threatened by Russia". Read more
September 08, 2022 - Gas supplies to Europe won't be resumed until the West lifts sanctions against Moscow, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who said that Western sanctions against Russia are to blame for the Nord Stream pipeline being taken offline. Read more
September 08, 2022 - Queen Elizabeth II Has Now Passed On. The official Royal Family Twitter account has released a statement saying that the Queen Elizabeth II has now passed on. The statement said, "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow." Read more
September 08, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is "confident" that Russia hasn't lost a thing during Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Brief overview on what started the conflict in 2014. Brief conflict overview.. Read more
September 08, 2022 - Russian energy giant Gazprom has said that it has signed a deal with China to pay for Russian gas in the Chinese yuan and Russian ruble, rather than paying with the U.S. dollar. Read more
September 07, 2022 - According to a newly declassified U.S. Intelligence, Russia could be purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. The White House has indicated that Moscow looking to purchase arms from North Korea and claims that it is further evidence that Russia is desperate, and that its ammunition supplies are running low as its "special operation" on Ukraine passes its six and a half month mark. Read more
September 04, 2022 - ZAPORIZHZHIA - One day after a visit by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) team, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was forced offline after an artillery shell fell between two reactors, damaging the main power line on Saturday morning, September 3rd. Read more
September 04, 2022 - RUSSIA - Siemens Energy corporation has put out a statement saying that an engine oil leak is no reason to stop the Nord Stream gas pipeline, and said that the leak should have been able to be sealed on site. Read more
September 02, 2022 - ENERHODAR - The UN IAEA Team, led by Director-General Rafael Grossi, has arrived, conducted their intended safeguarding mission, and left the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Read more
September 01, 2022 - KREMLIN - On Thursday, September 1st, Russia initiated the Vostok 2022 exercise. Being held in the far east of Russia and the Sea of Japan, The wargames are intended to demonstrate to western countries that Russia still has enough military to hold these massive exercises while it is still engaged in Ukraine. Read more
August 31, 2022 - KYIV - On Wednesday, August 31st, The United Nations International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) dispatched its team to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), amid rising tensions between The Russian Federation and the sovereign state of Ukraine. Read more
August 29, 2022 - Amid renewed shelling at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the UN's IAEA has decided to go ahead and visit the plant and has dispatched a team of nuclear specialists. The facility, which has a total of six nuclear reactors, has already been taken completely offline during shelling the previous week, according to the IAEA website. Read more
August 29, 2022 - A security alert has been released by the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, which is located near Kosovo. Event: A persistent and ongoing cyber-attack is in process in Montenegro. Read more
August 28, 2022 - The president of the BRICS International Forum, Purnima Anand told reporters on Thursday that both Russia and India no longer need the U.S. dollar, as they have turned to national currencies to conduct mutual settlements. Read more
August 28, 2022 - Final review and agreement of the U.N. Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which is its foundation for nuclear disarmament, was blocked by Russia due to its critical statements regarding Russia's invasion in nation of Ukraine. Read more
August 26, 2022 - The United States Treasury Department has issued a letter that contains a threat of possible sanctions for Turkey's leading business organization on the grounds of Russian Collaboration. Read more
August 25, 2022 - On Ukraine's Independence Day, Wednesday, August 24th, A Russian missile strike hit a civilian train station in the small town of Chaplyne, which is in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Originally it was reported that 15 were deceased and 50 were wounded. The death toll has risen to 22. Read more
August 23, 2022 - Gas flow from Nord Stream will be stopped for three days, from August 31st to September 2nd, according to Russian state news agency TASS, who says that the downtime is needed in order to repair the only fuel compressor unit that currently remains in operation. Read more
August 23, 2022 - Three foreign citizens, 2 from Russia and 1 from Ukraine, have been arrested while trying to enter an Albanian Military Plant, with 2 Albanian soldiers injured in the event. Read more
August 23, 2022 - KYIV - Wednesday, August 24th, will mark 31 years free from Soviet rule in Ukraine, but the date will come and go, without celebration, in fears of safety concerns, due to Russia's "special military operation." Read more
August 22, 2022 - The US Embassy in North Macedonia put out a message saying, "Look up! Today at 2:30 pm there will be a low-altitude flyover of two B-52s in Skopje". Read more
August 22, 2022 - The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that they are deeply concerned about increasing tensions in Northeastern Syria regarding a suspected Turkish drone attack that killed four teenage girls and injured 11 other people who were playing volleyball at a girl's center in Hasakah, Syria. Read more
August 21, 2022 - The daughter of famous Russian public figure and political scientist Alexander Dugin was killed in a vehicle explosion near on a highway near Moscow according to authorities and Russian state media. Read more
August 21, 2022 - On August 18th US military B-52 nuclear-capable bombers returned to the 'RAF' Fairford US Air Force base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom from the Minot Air Base in North Dakota. Read more
August 20, 2022 - *Update* Ukraine's Mykolaiv Regional State Administration has put out a radiation exposure notice on its official Facebook page for the Ukrainian population outside of the NPP surveillance zone. Read more
August 20, 2022 - The United States Department of Defense has released a statement regarding another major security assistance package to be sent to Ukraine valued at $775 million. Read more
August 20, 2022 - Ukraine's Mykolaiv Regional State Administration has put out a radiation exposure notice on its official Facebook page. Mykolaiv is located near the Black Sea in southern Ukraine. Read more
August 18, 2022 - The Chinese Ministry of Defense has reported that their military is carrying out joint military exercises that are co-hosted by 12 countries, with 37 countries in total participating. Read more
August 17, 2022 - Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy corporation says that gas prices in Europe could go over $4,000 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time in history on Tuesday. Read more
August 14, 2022 - UNITED KINGDOM - There are major elections being held this fall around the world. In countries such as Australia, Israel, the UK, the United States, and Estonia, political campaigns are ongoing. Due to current price hikes on staple products and commodities, terms like recession and inflation are going around, but a new trend in UK campaigns has been mentioning The China Threat. Read more
August 14, 2022 - Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, in an analytical statement of world events, states that the U.S. is "Teetering on the brink of war" with China and Russia and owns some responsibility for its manifestation. Read more
August 14, 2022 - ARMENIA - A series of explosions hit the Surmalu shopping center in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on August 14th, leaving 20 people injured and 1 person dead. Fires have now broken out and an unknown number of people are reportedly trapped under debris, according to the Yerevan Mayor's office. Read more
August 14, 2022 - CRIMEA - Approximately 24 Su-35 aircraft have been lost during the special military operation in Ukraine, resulting in the Russian Federation resurrecting old and outdated fighter jets, according to a social media post from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Read more
August 11, 2022 - From the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), For the last two days, there have been two known incursions into the Alaskan Air Defense Zone, a buffer zone that sits between the airspace of Alaska and international air space, by Russian surveillance aircraft, which were detected, identified, and tracked off the coast. Read more
August 11, 2022 - SOUTHERN UKRAINE - Caught in crossfire, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, on the Dnieper River, near the town of Enerhodar, is being watched very closely by international eyes as the power plant receives heavy artillery rounds, causing fears of a Chernobyl-like nuclear incident. Read more
August 10, 2022 - On August 9th at 3:20 pm local time, a very powerful explosion shook Crimea, as the Saky Russian air base in the annexed region explodes into flames, marking a major escalation in the war in Ukraine. Plumes of smoke filled the sky, causing residents and tourists to flee the city as first responders raced towards the blast. Read more
August 09, 2022 - Russia stated on Monday, August 8th that they would no longer allow inspection of weapons under the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty for an unspecified time due to restrictions on travel implemented by the United States and the west. Read more
August 08, 2022 - The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign ministers released a joint statement regarding Taiwan calling an end to China's provocative exercises around the island of Taiwan, after which the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) condemned the statement and called it scrap paper. Read more
August 07, 2022 - SOCHI, RUSSIA - Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, met today to secure an end to the global food crisis and resume exporting Ukrainian grain. Read more
August 05, 2022 - Russia has kicked 14 Bulgarian diplomats from the country and declared them persona non grata, in what looks to be a response to Bulgaria expelling 70 Russian diplomats over the summer. Read more
August 04, 2022 - The U.S. Department of State has put out a worldwide travel alert, advising against traveling abroad after Sunday's drone strike where two R9X Hellfire missiles killed al-Qaeda leader, and Osama bin Laden successor, Ayman al-Zawahri. Read more
August 04, 2022 - White House Statement On Senate Ratification of the NATO Accession Protocols for Sweden and Finland. "Today, the Senate overwhelmingly endorsed our close partners Finland and Sweden joining NATO. This historic vote sends an important signal of the sustained, bipartisan U.S. commitment to NATO, and to ensuring our Alliance is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow". Read more
August 02, 2022 - Russia Warns Moscow May Use Nuclear Weapons Due To Direct Involvement In Ukraine War By by US - At the United Nations, Russia said that although the conflict in Ukraine does not require the use of nuclear weapons, Moscow might decide to resort to a nuclear response as a result of what it says is direct involvement in its conflict with Ukraine by the United States. Read more
August 02, 2022 - Current Tensions At Boiling Point Between Serbia & Kosovo - On July 31st, Serbs blocked roads that were located close to high-level border crossings with its neighbor Kosovo. On August 1st, new regulations in Kosovo, regarding ID documentation and license plates issued in Serbia were to come into force. The mood on the border has increased ever since. There have also been reported sightings of NATO peacekeeping forces flying in northern Kosovo. Read more
August 02, 2022 - The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is being built near Mersin, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is being constructed by the Russian state-owned nuclear power company, Rosatom, and is set to come online with its first two reactors in 2023. Even though Russia has invaded Ukraine in a special military operation, and NATO is the official nation group to stand against Russia for its actions, Turkey is still on track with its Russian collaborated nuclear energy contract. Read more
August 02, 2022 - The first shipment of grain left Odessa, Ukraine on Monday, August 1st, at 5:30 GMT, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Read more
August 01, 2022 - As Pelosi is expected to arrive in the Asia Pacific, growing concerns come from other countries who are in support of China instead of the United States and an independent Taiwan. Read more
July 30, 2022 - In the event China invades Taiwan, the director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs expects Switzerland to adopt any measures that are implemented by the European Union against China. Read more
July 28, 2022 - The Turkish consulate in Mosul, Iraq was targeted by missiles on Wednesday, after the Iraqi government claimed that Turkey had carried out artillery strikes in the Zakho District, in the Duhok Governorate that killed eight people, which Turkey has denied involvement in. Read more
July 28, 2022 - The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has announced that they have offloaded 2,700 pieces of U.S. Army equipment at the port Antwep-Bruges, Belgium, for onward movement by rail, commercial line-haul and barge in "response to Russia's aggression" in Ukraine. Read more
July 28, 2022 - Yuri Borisov, who is head of the Roskosmos, Russia's state space agency has said that Russia will be withdrawing from the International Space Station (ISS) project after the year 2024. Read more
July 27, 2022 - Russian state owned energy corporation Gazprom had stated that it will reduce gas flows through the Nord Stream to 20% of its normal capacity on July 27th, 2022, taking injection down to 33 mln cubic meters of gas per day. Read more
July 26, 2022 - MOSCOW - Alexander Bastrykin, Russian investigative committee head, has told the government news site Rossiiskaya Gazeta, that over 1,300 criminal investigations have begun, regarding war crimes in Ukraine. Ukraine also said it was examining more than 21,000 war crimes which it alleges were carried out by Russian forces. Read more
July 26, 2022 - SYRIA/IRAQ - IRAQ - An ongoing military operation by the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq, against the Kurdistan Workers' Party ( PKK ) in the Duhok Governorate, is the next phase of many operations utilizing the code word 'claw' aimed at the PKK. Other operations, beginning in 2019, prior to Claw-Lock include the following: Claw-Eagle, Claw-Tiger, Claw-Lightening, & Claw-Thunderbolt. Read more
July 23, 2022 - Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister is setting out on a trip to Egypt where he will meet with officials and solidify their relationship with Russia. Rosatom, a Russian state-owned energy corporation began construction on Egypt's first nuclear power plant. Read more
July 23, 2022 - White House Spokesperson John Kirby has announced $270 million in defense aid to Ukraine, including rocket systems, which will bring the total of US military assistance to Ukraine to $8.2 billion USD. Read more
July 22, 2022 - DOD: $270 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine. Immediate release from the Department of Defense. Included: 20 Soviet designed Mi-17 helicopters originally purchased by the US military to aid the Afghan military. Read more
July 22, 2022 - U.S. Depeartment of State - Quadrilateral Deal for Safe Passage of Agricultural Goods on the Black Sea. The United Nations, the Republic of Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia have committed to a plan for resuming Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea. Read more
July 21, 2022 - Russia restarted its gas supply to Europe via the Nord Stream pipeline on Thursday after 10 days of being closed off, according to Nord Stream AG, the pipeline's operator, who said: "gas is flowing". Gas flow is well below full capacity, however, and expected to fall even further. Read more
July 21, 2022 - CIA Director William Burns stated on Wednesday that the United States intelligence community estimates that around 15,000 Russian forces have been killed in Ukraine during the Russian invasion on the country since the war began. Read more
July 20, 2022 - TEHRAN - Today there was a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayhip Erdogan, and the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. The topics of discussion were Ukrainian grain exports as well as peace in Syria. Read more
July 19, 2022 - The New York National Guard are deploying to train Ukrainian soldiers. 140 troops Syracuse-situated 27th Infantry Brigade Combat squad deployed to Germany on Friday to assist Ukrainian military members. Read more
July 17, 2022 - A Ukrainian owned, soviet made Antonov-12 (An-12Bk) plane carrying 8 crew members is reported to have crashed in Kavala, Northern Greece while flying from Serbia to Jordan, carrying 12 tons of dangerous material. Read more
July 17, 2022 - The Russian offensive in Ukraine intensified overnight following instruction from Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shoigu announcing an intensified effort on all fronts in Ukraine to shore up military groups in the south and center. Read more
July 16, 2022 - A British aid worker who was captured by Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Russian separatists in April and accused of being a mercenary has died while in detention. Read more
July 16, 2022 - The security situation throughout Ukraine continues to be violent and unpredictable due to ongoing military attacks by Russia, with active fighting in country and uncertain safety conditions. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens not to enter Ukraine and those in Ukraine to depart immediately. Read more
July 16, 2022 - The Russian state gas giant Gazprom says that it can't guarantee that the Nord Stream pipeline will go back online after the major maintenance that is currently being done on it, according to Dutch daily newspaper Trouw. Read more
July 15, 2022 - The U.S. inflation rate hit 9.1% for the month of June as the cost of purchasing things rise, not just in the United States but in numerous countries across the globe, with 37 of 44 developed nations having at least two times the inflation that they had in the first quarter of 2020. Read more
July 15, 2022 - Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that they have cut ties with North Korea as a result of North Korea recognizing the "independence" of Ukrainian territories under the occupation of Russia. Read more
July 15, 2022 - The European Commission has released new guidelines that state sanctions against Russia do not apply to rail transit through Lithuania to Kaliningrad, Russia and that rail transit can only be used for essential goods. Read more
July 15, 2022 - The European Commission has today published further guidance to Member States on the transit of goods from Russia. This is part of regular technical exchanges on the practical implementation of EU restrictive measures. Read more
July 12, 2022 - The White House has said that the U.S. has "information" that indicates Iran is preparing, or already has given Russia "hundreds" unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and said that Iran plans to train Russian forces on using the drones as early as this month. Read more
July 11, 2022 - The lower tier of the Russian parliament will assemble on July 15 for an unaccustomed meeting, its convention decided on Monday, just days after President Vladimir Putin warned that he had not even started to get serious about the conflict in Ukraine. Read more
July 11, 2022 - Russian gas to Germany from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been completely stopped for the next 10 days, and shipments from the pipeline to .Europe are due to stop today. The West fears the gas flow may never come back. Read more
July 10, 2022 - Boris Johnson Resigns His Post Along With Others In The UK - UNITED KINGDOM - Boris Johnson's most well-known achievement was uniting the Conservative Party and Brexit, where the United Kingdom exited the European Union, and he just made a speech at 10 Downing Street, posting his resignation, according to The Washington Post. Read more
July 09, 2022 - The Pentagon is considering sending weapons inspectors to Ukraine in order to monitor the U.S. weaponry being sent to the country, according to Jed Royal, deputy director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Read more
July 09, 2022 - Increased number of young Russian men are looking to avoid nations' obligatory military service since the conflict began in February. Read more
July 08, 2022 - Belarus has given Russia full control of the Zyabrovka air field located about 19 miles from the Belarusian border with Ukraine in the Gomel region, according to Oleksiy Gromov, deputy chief of the Main Operative Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Read more
July 08, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the "special military operation" in Ukraine "has not started anything in earnest," and said that the "war in Ukraine just beginning; hints that peace talks will become more difficult with time." Read more
July 07, 2022 - A British Royal Navy vessel had seized a shipment of Iranian missiles in the Gulf of Oman earlier this year. British officials also said that the seizure is proof that Iran is supporting Yemen's Houthi rebels. Read more
July 07, 2022 - Ukraine cited an "unacceptable situation" as they summoned the ambassador of Turkey, after Turkish authorities released the Zhibek Zholy, a Russian vessel which Ukraine has accused of smuggling stolen Ukrainian grain. Read more
July 07, 2022 - The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that they arrested several foreigners, including the British deputy ambassador to Iran Giles Whitaker for spying. The UK says that the reports are "completely false". Read more
July 07, 2022 - A newly constructed nuclear facility in Russia, which opened on the 1st of June, 2022, has begun constant nuclear explosion detection, says The 12th Chief Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry as of the 1st of July 2022. Read more
July 05, 2022 - Kaliningrad's Region Governor said that Russia could take out "half of the Lithuanian economy" if Russia implements counter-sanctions on goods coming in and out of the Baltic states. Read more
July 05, 2022 - Russia's oil company, Rosneft has announced that they have discovered a 'huge oil deposit' in the Pechora sea, containing around 82 million tons of oil. Read more
July 04, 2022 - After fully capturing the city of Lysychansk, which was Ukraine's last stronghold, Russia is claiming full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, after intense fighting and resistance from Ukrainian forces. Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu has informed Russian President Vladimir Putin, that the Luhansk region has now been "liberated." Read more
July 04, 2022 - The United States and Western allies have been giving Ukraine Soviet-era military equipment due to the fact that Ukraine's military was once part of the Soviet Union and Soviet-era weapons are not interchangeable with those of the West. Western stocks of Soviet-era weapons however are running out. Read more
July 04, 2022 - Russian state media Channel 1 talks of world war 3 which it calls Russia's Second Great Patriotic War and said that countries that decided to play with Westernness neutrality are next, once the special military operation in Ukraine concludes. Read more
July 04, 2022 - Russian state news Gazeta and the Russian Ministry of Defense have put out a statement regarding explosions captured on video from Belgorod saying that three people died and four were injured in the explosions. Read more
July 04, 2022 - Russian and Syrian vessels have been turning off their transponders and have been accused of deceptive shipping practices in order to sell crude oil and stolen Ukrainian grain while evading the heavy sanctions placed on Russia due to its war on Ukraine. Read more
July 03, 2022 - BELARUS - On Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that 3 days ago, Ukraine attempted a missile strike on Belarusian military installations, but said that the missiles had been intercepted, through the Belarusian state-run media Belta news. Read more
July 02, 2022 - Although new vehicle sales in the United States have dropped by over 21 percent in the second quarter, versus a year ago, demand is still greater than supply due to a global shortage of semiconductors in spite of rising inflation, fuel prices and interest rates. Read more
July 01, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that sanctions and political pressure on Russia from the West is pushing Russia and Belarus towards "unification". Read more
July 01, 2022 - Russia's Deputy Security Council Chairman and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated on the Thursday that 'under certain circumstances' such 'hostile measures' as the sanctions placed on the country could be seen as an act of international aggression, or even as a casus belli [a provocation that is a justification for war] and said that Russia has a right to defend itself. Read more
July 01, 2022 - Australian bank, Volt has collapsed in the midst of rising inflation and the bank has urged their customers to pull their funds from their accounts before it closes them on Tuesday. Inflation in Australia and US on the rise. Read more
July 01, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden has announced another $800 million military aid package to Ukraine, which will be including modern air defense systems, HIMARS missile systems and ammunition, and other "offensive weapons". Read more
July 01, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the "special military operation" in Ukraine is going according to plan, and that there is no need to meet any deadlines to end it. Read more
July 01, 2022 - The Japanese defense ministry reported around 10 Russian Chinese navy vessels earlier this month in Waters Near Japan, leaving analysts to believe that the two countries are sending a message to Japan, the United States as well as Taiwan. Read more
July 01, 2022 - Russian state news Izvestia, and TASS have confirmed reports that Russia plans to send Belarus nuclear capable Iskander-M missile systems, capable of carrying "a nuclear warhead" and promised to "retrofit Belarusian Su-25s in order to upgrade them to "carry nuclear charges". Read more
July 01, 2022 - Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian on Thursday expressed "serious concern" and "resolute protest" on behalf of the CCP regarding the NATO's new 'Strategic Concept', saying that it ignores facts, distorts the truth and vilifies China's foreign policy. Read more
July 01, 2022 - In an address to the 10th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (SPBILF), Putin stated that a multi polar world order is "evolving globally", and said that the process is "irreversible". He also said that it should be built upon "international law" and the "UN charter". Read more
July 01, 2022 - NATO leaders have declared that the Russian Federation is the most significant "direct threat" to the security of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. According to the Lithuanian ministry of defense, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders at the NATO summit agreed that "Russia is a direct threat to NATO", on "new strategic concept" being adopted, reinforcement of NATO's eastern flank with Forward Presence Brigades, increased support for Ukraine, as well as other "security enhancement" measures. Read more
June 30, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 21st that the BRICS countries, which include Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa (Iran and Argentina have applied but not yet accepted) are currently working on setting up a global reserve currency to cut their financial reliance on the West. Read more
June 30, 2022 - Member of the Russian state Duma Leonid Slutsky said that while Sweden and Finland's choice to join NATO is their choice, it will have consequences on their relationship with Russia, and on the general security architecture in Europe which is already in deep crisis. Read more
June 30, 2022 - Due to Syria's recognition of independence of the two separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Lugansk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that all relations between Ukraine and Syria are now cut off. Read more
June 30, 2022 - Britain, who already has 2,000 soldiers stationed in Estonia has committed to add 1,000 more service members to the country, as well as sending one of its new aircraft carriers to defend NATO's eastern flank. Read more
June 29, 2022 - Washington has shown support toward the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey just one day after Turkey withdrew its objections regarding Sweden and Finland joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read more
June 29, 2022 - In an intelligence update, the British Ministry of Defense has agreed that the strike on the Kremenchuk shopping center may have been an accident, and that the intended target may have been, as Russia says a nearby infrastructure target. Read more
June 29, 2022 - Metal Shark, an American company that developer and builder of aluminum-hull vessels have put out a statement saying that they are providing six maritime combat vessels to Ukraine. Read more
June 29, 2022 - The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos has Published Satellite Photos and coordinates of Western decision making centers, all publicly known locations in an apparent statement to the West. Read more
June 28, 2022 - Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Jens Stoltenberg has announced that Turkey has agreed to support both Finland and Sweden in joining the NATO alliance. Read more
June 28, 2022 - Iran has applied to become a member of the BRICS, a group of emerging world economies that include: Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil and India. Read more
June 27, 2022 - The United States now has over 100,000 troops stationed in Europe, which has increased from the 70,000 U.S. troops that were stationed in Europe when Russia's invasion on Ukraine began at the end of February. Read more
June 27, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is increasing the number of its NATO Response Force troops at high readiness from 40,000 to "well over 300,000", according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday. Read more
June 27, 2022 - Russian state media Channel 1 talks about Lithuania, NATO Article 5, military presence being established on the Belarusian border and targeting oil tankers in the Netherlands. Read more
June 27, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin told the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko that Russia will be providing Belarus nuclear capable Iskander missile systems in the "next few months". Read more
June 27, 2022 - Germany's Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) has announced the second stage of the gas emergency plan, or alert stage, according to the ministry, putting the gas emergency plan 'on alert'. Read more
June 27, 2022 - Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui told Russian state news TASS that they are ready to supply aircraft components to Russia, noting that there are no restrictions from the Chinese side. Read more
June 26, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin and the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met at the Constantine Palace and talked about issues such as the economy, the situation with Poland and Lithuania, and NATO training and nuclear weapons in Europe. Read more
June 26, 2022 - Iran Expanding Nuclear Program While Expanding Cooperation With Russia. Iran’s top security official Ali Shamkhani stated during a meeting with a top diplomat from the European Union that Iran will continue developing its nuclear program until the West changes what it calls "illegal behavior" according to Iranian state news IRNA. Read more
June 26, 2022 - China says that they "can't leave Taiwan independent" and that they will "retake Taiwan by all means, including military ones" if they can't reunify the island using peaceful methods. They also said that the United States wants two wars, one in Europe and one in Asia. Read more
June 26, 2022 - The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko said that what Russia calls the 'blockade' against Kaliningrad by Lithuania is akin to a declaration of war on Russia. Read more
June 25, 2022 - Russia has fired rockets directly from Belarus into Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence, and the New York Times who says that over 40 missiles were launched from Belarus into Ukraine. Read more
June 25, 2022 - A Russian state television Channel 1 speakers indicates that conflict in Europe will never end, and that the struggle is against the West, not just Ukraine, saying that there will be other 'special operations' elsewhere, aside from the one in Ukraine. Read more
June 25, 2022 - Andrey Gurulyov, who is a member of the Russian defense committee spoke on Russian state television Channel 1, and said that if world war 3 breaks out, London will be the first city that Russia Will Bomb, and that all power sites in Western Europe will be destroyed. Read more
June 25, 2022 - List of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State from June 1st, 2022 to June 24th, 2022. KEY: Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 4: Do Not Travel. For a clickable list visit the OSLINT Advisories post. Read more
June 25, 2022 - Andrey Gurulyov, who is a member of the Russian defense committee spoke on Russian state television Channel 1, and said that if world war 3 breaks out, London will be the first city that Russia will bomb and that all power sites in Western Europe will be destroyed. Read more
June 24, 2022 - Ukraine and Moldova has now formally been recognized as candidates for EU membership, while the EU is ready to grant candidate status to Georgia "once priorities will be addressed". Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has compared the EU and NATO to Hitler, and said they are building a coalition to fight Russia. Read more
June 23, 2022 - Release from the Belarus ministry of defense regarding the pre-planned military mobilization exercises in the Gomel region that will last until July 1st, 2022. Read more
June 23, 2022 - Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg says that he "aims" to get both Finland and Sweden into the alliance "soon" regardless of objections by Turkey, but said that he "cannot guarantee" that it will be done swiftly. Read more
June 23, 2022 - Finnish Armed Forces Chief of Defense, General Timo Kivinen says that Finland has been preparing for a Russian attack for decades and says that Finland would be a "tough bite to chew" for Russia if they decided to attack the country. Read more
June 22, 2022 - Russian state news TASS reported that the Kaliningrad Region Governor Anton Alikhanov stated restrictions put in place on freight transit by Lithuania "looked like a mistake at first" but then said, "it's now clear that it's deliberate policy". Read more
June 22, 2022 - The Russian embassy in Washington says that they have received no requests from the United States regarding two "US mercenaries" reported to have been captured in Ukraine. Read more
June 22, 2022 - Denmark's Ministry of Defense says that they have credible information that attributes a cyberattack on satellite equipment operated by the Viasat satellite company to Russia prior to the invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. Read more
June 22, 2022 - Estonia, Lithuania, and Denmark which are all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance have reported incursions into their airspace by Russian forces who filed no flight plan and turned off their transponder. Read more
June 21, 2022 - Russian scientist, political writer, and analyst Andrey Andreyevich Piontkovsky said that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko would never dare to give the order for his troops to go to war with Ukraine. Read more
June 21, 2022 - NATO member, Lithuania has banned some goods from traveling to the Kaliningrad, Russia enclave from Lithuania which has angered Russia who said the move was unprecedented and unlawful as well as threatening to respond saying the situation is more than serious. Read more
June 19, 2022 - British MOD intelligence update for June 19th, 2022 reports that entire Russian units are refusing orders and having armed standoffs with their own officers and troops. Read more
June 19, 2022 - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a German newspaper that Russia's war on Ukraine could take years, but that 'we must not let up in supporting Ukraine' he said. Even if the costs are high. The head of the British army also told troops they must prepare to fight in Europe. Read more
June 19, 2022 - On June 15, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced $1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes an authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $350 million, as well as $650 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. This authorization is the twelfth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. Read more
June 19, 2022 - Ukrainian Pravda has claimed that Russia launched three cruise missiles at an oil depot in the Novomoskovsk district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast which wounded 11 people, one of whom is reported to be in "serious condition" with seven others suffering "minor injuries". Read more
June 19, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he believes the United States sees itself as a "messenger of God on Earth", who has "no interests" but "no responsibility". Read more
June 19, 2022 - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko says that his country will have to react to Poland's "desire to take Western Ukraine" because it poses a "threat to the security of the republic" on Friday. Read more
June 19, 2022 - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that it is no longer possible for Ukraine to return to its previous borders, and added that "this is obvious". Read more
June 19, 2022 - Two Russian Project 22160 missile frigates were spotted patrolling off of Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near the country's natural gas platforms around 140 km (87 miles) from Romania's coastline. Read more
June 18, 2022 - After reducing energy output to Germany by over half the previous output, Russian energy giant Gazprom was accused of artificially pushing up energy prices by cutting off supplies. Read more
June 18, 2022 - Iranian terror cells have been activated in Turkey and are roaming the streets of Istanbul "looking for Israelis" after having been given an order to carry out attacks against Israelis located in the country, according to an Israeli official who spoke to Ynet on Friday. Read more
June 18, 2022 - U.S. Satellite images have spotted Russian-flagged vessels carrying grain from Ukraine to Syria, according to the satellite imagery company Maxar. Read more
June 18, 2022 - Russia carried out airstrikes at the al-Tanf garrison U.S. military base on Wednesday after first notifying the United States of their intentions. The base is located near Syria's border with Jordan in southeast Syria. Read more
June 17, 2022 - According to the Dutch intelligence service, a Russian spy tried to infiltrate the International Criminal Court (ICC) that was investigating allegations of war crimes carried out in Ukraine by Russia using fake identification and spent over a decade building up his cover story. Read more
June 17, 2022 - Russian State Television Channel 1 Talks Of NATO Sending Weapons To Ukraine And Nuclear Strike. Read more
June 17, 2022 - A fire has started at a 1400mm pipeline in Russia. The Urengoy is the largest gas extraction facility in the country, and the second-largest natural gas field in the world, after South Pars/North Dome Gas-Condensate field in the Persian Gulf which is shared between Iran and Qatar. Read more
June 17, 2022 - The Mikolavska District Administration of Ukraine has claimed that on June 15th the Russian military burned down a wheat field and destroyed houses and warehouses in Nikolaev, Ukraine. Read more
June 16, 2022 - Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Wednesday that Beijing will keep backing Moscow on "Sovereignty and security", according to Chinese state media. Read more
June 16, 2022 - Two Alabama residents have gone missing within the last few days near Kharkiv, Ukraine which is located near the Russian border, according to their families. U.S. State Department has reported that two Americans have been captured and advised Americans not to travel to Ukraine. Read more
June 16, 2022 - Washington is sending another $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including howitzers, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) ammunition and harpoon coastal defense systems. Germany is also sending MLRS systems. Read more
June 14, 2022 - Mikhail Kasyanov, who served as Russia's Prime Minister from 2000 to 2004 stated during an interview with Agence France-Presse that the war in Ukraine could last two years, and if Ukraine falls, the Baltic states will be next. Read more
June 14, 2022 - 50 people were detained in Moscow, including activists, journalists and other citizens due to planned protests over the Ukrainian war on Sunday according to Russian Radio Svoboda. Read more
June 14, 2022 - According to the Iranian state's shipping company, Iran has commenced its first shipment of Russian goods to India using a new trade route that uses Iran to link Russia to Asian export markets. Read more
June 12, 2022 - Russia and China have finished building and opening up a cross-border bridge that they stated in February will bring the two countries closer together in their "no limits' partnership, before Russian President Vladimir Putin began his invasion of Ukraine. Read more
June 11, 2022 - After Russia withdrew a large number of troops from Syria in order to re-focus them on its war in Ukraine, Turkey has announced that it will be carrying out a military operation in northern Syria. Read more
June 11, 2022 - U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high of 8.6 percent in the month of May according to data given by the U.S. government on Friday. This makes it the 12th month in a row that the inflation percentage has been above 5%. Food and fuel prices are also soaring up, while China, India and other countries benefit from Cheap Russian Oil at discounted prices. Read more
June 11, 2022 - Both India and China have drastically increased their imports of Russian oil at greatly discounted prices, with Indian purchases of Russian oil up by 400%, while countries buying from Russia benefit from discounted prices, the price for oil for the rest of the world is surging. Read more
June 11, 2022 - Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus has said that he believes Belarus may have to fight for "Western Ukraine so that it is not cut off [or pulled away] by the West". Read more
June 10, 2022 - NATO forces conduct live-fire exercises in Poland in order to test their readiness and ability to respond to missile attacks from enemy drones and aircraft. Read more
June 10, 2022 - Russia has begun naval exercises in the Baltic Sea with around 60 warships. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) said that the exercises are "planned operational exercise with groups of the Baltic". Read more
June 9, 2022 - Russian banks, one after the other are beginning to implement service charges and service fees for accounts held in foreign currencies due to what the Russian banks are calling the unreliability of foreign currency partners for Russia. Read more
June 9, 2022 - The Japanese Joint Staff put out a statement saying "Yesterday, JASDF’s fighters scrambled to cope with a suspected intrusion into Japan’s airspace over the East China Sea, the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. JSDF continues to responding to protect our territory and peace for the people of Japan 24/7. (sample image)". Read more
June 9, 2022 - A Russian senator has proposed that Russia carry out missile strikes on U.S. military bases located in Europe in response to the decision by the United States to go ahead and send longer ranged rocket systems to Ukraine. Read more
June 9, 2022 - Russia's Foreign Ministry says that it is suspending a fishing agreement allowing Japan to have fishing rights near the disputed Kuril Islands, which are called the Northern Territories by Japan. Read more
June 8, 2022 - The World Bank put out a statement saying that less developed countries in the world face a major recession as a result of the war in Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns as the cost of energy and food continue to rise globally. Read more
June 8, 2022 - Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a phone call, and said that Turkey would be responding to actions meant to destabilize northern Syria. Read more
June 7, 2022 - Russia is continuing its efforts to revert back to the 'gold standard' for the first time in over a hundred years, purchasing gold at a fixed price of 5,000 rubles ($59) per gram until June 30th. Read more
June 6, 2022 - Britain is sending Ukraine M270 multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine a week after U.S. President Joe Biden authorized sending M142 High Mobility Artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) after Kyiv gave assurances that they would not be used to strike Russian territory. Read more
June 4, 2022 - MOSCOW - Former Russian President and current head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has warned that if Ukraine uses any of the missiles given to them by the United States to strike Russian territory, Russia will have 'no choice' but to strike 'decision making centers' which are 'not even located on the territory of Kyiv'. Read more
June 3, 2022 - The United States, on Thursday blacklisted 71 more Russian and Belarusian companies, which included institutes for ship building and research, and aircraft plants along with other sanctions and restrictions in response to Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine. Read more
June 3, 2022 - According to a classified U.S. intelligence report, Russian President Vladimir Putin was treated for advanced cancer in April 2022, Newsweek said that they were privy to the information given by U.S. intelligence leaders reported. Read more
June 2, 2022 - Alexei Zhuravlev, who is a lawmaker and a member of the Russian parliament has threatened the United States with Satan-2 nuclear missiles over U.S. support for Ukraine. Read more
June 2, 2022 - The Biden administration has authorized another $700 million to go to Ukraine, along with MQ-1C Gray Eagle Drones. Read more
June 2, 2022 - RUSSIA - Around 1,000 servicemen of the Russian nuclear forces began exercises with over 100 vehicles in the Ivanovo province northeast of Moscow, Russia, according to the Russian defense ministry. Read more
June 1, 2022 - Russian state television Channel 1 said that world war 3 has already started, and that the war in Ukraine, which was a rehearsal for a 'bigger conflict' in the future. Read more
June 1, 2022 - Russian state television Channel 1 said that world war 3 has already started, and that the war in Ukraine, which was a rehearsal for a 'bigger conflict' in the future. Read more
May 31, 2022 - The U.S. will not be giving long-range rocket systems to Ukraine that can be used to target locations within Russia, according to U.S. President Joe Biden. Read more
May 30, 2022 - The European Union has agree to cut about 90% of Russian oil imports by the end of 2022, according to the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Read more
May 30, 2022 - China has sent 30 military aircraft into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Monday, which is the largest incursion on the island's ADIZ since January and caused Taiwan to scramble their fighter own fighter jets. Read more
May 28, 2022 - Two Russian lawmakers who acted as regional officials have been branded as traitors and ordered out of a legislation meeting after they called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion on Ukraine. Read more
May 28, 2022 - Israel has said no to a request by the United States to allow Germany to supply Ukraine with anti-tank missiles manufactured in Germany using Israeli technology, according to an Israeli official, and two U.S. officials. Read more
May 28, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that abolishes the age limit of those allowed to join its military. The age limit to serve in the Russian military has now been extended to up to 65 years of age for men and 60 years of age for women, which is the age of retirement. Read more
May 28, 2022 - Russia has successfully tested a hypersonic nuclear capable Zircon cruise missile which was fired from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense on Saturday. Read more
May 28, 2022 - Russia loaded two of their six Varshavyanka submarines anchored in the South Bay of Sevastopol with Kaliber class cruise missiles. Ukraine says they will be used to strike targets within Ukrainian territory. Read more
May 27, 2022 - A food insecurity expert has told the United Nations Security Council that the world only has a 10-week supply of wheat left stored, and that global food insecurity has now reached levels that hasn't been seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Read more
May 25, 2022 - DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros said on Tuesday that the Russian invasion on Ukraine may have been the beginning of World War Three, and that the best way to preserve free civilization was for the West to defeat Russia. Read more
May 25, 2022 - On Monday, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia must cease being dependent upon the West, and that the 'dictator's position' of the West will lead economic ties with China to grow 'even faster'. Read more
May 24, 2022 - Japan scrambled fighter jets after warplanes from both Russia and China approached its airspace on Tuesday. Japan called the action a "provocation" that was likely planned while it hosted an informal gathering of Quad nations. Read more
May 24, 2022 - South Korea has scrambled fighter jets after at least four Russian warplanes and four Chinese warplanes entered the country's Air Defense Identification Zone without giving notice. Read more
May 24, 2022 - Russia and China have held the first joint exercise since Russia's war on Ukraine began as a part of the two countries "annual military cooperation plan" over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and Western Pacific, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. Read more
May 24, 2022 - General Mark Milley, who is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on Monday that although there is low-level planning currently underway, the United States is still "a ways away" from re-introducing U.S. troops back into Ukraine. Read more
May 23, 2022 - The Pentagon has said that the claim by a Ukrainian official that the United States has plans to attack the Russian naval fleet in the Black Sea is not true and said that there has been no change in maritime posture in the Black Sea. Read more
May 23, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that they have declared a Russian travel ban on 963 Americans, including U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in retaliation for what it calls hostile US actions. Read more
May 23, 2022 - Russia will be establishing new military bases in western regions of the country in response to the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as both Finland and Sweden apply to join the NATO alliance, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Read more
May 22, 2022 - The Ukrainian parliament has extended martial law, which was initiated on February 24th of this year, in Ukraine for another 90 days as a result of the continued Russian invasion of the country. Read more
May 22, 2022 - The government of Lithuania has put out a statement saying that the country is now completely independent from Russian gas, oil and electricity. Read more
May 21, 2022 - WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $40 billion dollar aid package to Ukraine during his visit to Seoul, the capital of South Korea after the Senate passed the package with an 86-11 vote, while inflation in the United States sits at a 40-year high. Read more
May 21, 2022 - Both Italy and Germany have authorized companies to open ruble accounts in order to purchase gasoline from Russia without violating the current sanctions that have been placed on Russia, according to Reuters and Radio Free Europe. Read more
May 21, 2022 - Russia said that it is not Ukraine Russia is fighting, but the West fighting Russia on Ukrainian territory and said that their opponent is not Ukraine, but a united West through the hands of the Ukrainians. Read more
May 18, 2022 - After 3 months of fighting, Russia has now captured the port city of Mariupol, Ukraine which not only gives Russia a land bridge corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, it also takes a key port away from Ukraine. Read more
May 18, 2022 - After a three month closure as a result of the Russian war on Ukraine, the United States has reopened its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. Read more
May 18, 2022 - Russia responds to Finland's decision to join the NATO alliance and says that the response will be both a 'surprise' and will be taken primarily by the military. Read more
May 18, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that both Finland and Sweden have officially handed in their applications for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read more
May 18, 2022 - The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that Russia is shutting down the Moscow Bureau of Canadian broadcaster CBC. They are also withdrawing their journalist's accreditations and Visas. Read more
May 18, 2022 - Russia has expelled 34 French diplomats. The diplomats have been declared non grata and have been told to leave the country within two weeks time according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Read more
May 18, 2022 - The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group, along with other United States naval vessels have come under NATO command once again for Neptune Shield Drills in the Baltic, Adriatic, and Mediterranean Seas. Read more
May 18, 2022 - Switzerland's Defense Ministry is drawing up a report on security options which include joint military exercises with NATO countries. It also includes "backfilling" munitions to countries sending Ukraine aid. Read more
May 18, 2022 - Researchers believe that they have finally found the cause of Gulf War illness that made around 250,000 U.S. troops sick after almost 30 years of attempting to find the answer. Read more
May 18, 2022 - Dmitry Peskov, who is a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the Western countries, including the United States which it says is currently conducting a hybrid war against Russia, have become hostile states to the country. Read more
May 18, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has, for many years taken Finland and Sweden into account for its plans for eastward expansion. Read more
May 17, 2022 - Four NATO warships that had departed from Hamburg, Germany were spotted traveling through the English Channel just off the Kent coast on May 17th. Read more
May 17, 2022 - On Tuesday Sweden formally signed their request to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), one day after they had announced the intention to join the alliance. Read more
May 17, 2022 - SYRIA - Syria, Channel 13 news has reported that Russia , for the first time fired on Israeli aircraft in Syria using S-300 anti-aircraft missiles last week citing 'foreign publications'. Read more
May 16, 2022 - There have been reports that Russia is moving nuclear capable missiles toward their border with Finland, after Finland and Sweden stated that they have decided to seek NATO membership. Read more
May 16, 2022 - U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, as well as a delegation of Republican senators traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine unannounced and met with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine in order to show bipartisan support for Ukraine from the U.S. Congress. Read more
May 16, 2022 - EUROPE - Sweden's president and government have officially announced on Sunday that it will be joining Finland in applying for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Turkey however has raised objections and has threatened to veto the request. Read more
May 16, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States would "strongly support a NATO application by either Sweden or Finland, should they choose to formally apply to the alliance. Read more
May 15, 2022 - Russian Channel 1 state TV said that the reason Finland is joining NATO is fear, but that when NATO bases begin popping up in Sweden and Finland, Russia will have no choice but to deploy tactical nuclear weapons. Read more
May 15, 2022 - The President of the Finnish Ministerial Committee has agreed that Finland would apply for membership for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the Parliament has been heard, according to the Finnish Government. Read more
May 15, 2022 - MOSCOW - Top member of Russia's Kremlin party "United Russia's Superior Council" and Duma deputy Oleg Morozov stated that "Poland should be the next in the line for denazification process after Ukraine". Read more
May 14, 2022 - Russia carried out drills with fighter jets repelling a mock airstrike against Kaliningrad, Russia which sits between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Coast after Finland announced plans to join NATO, with Sweden likely to follow suit. Read more
May 14, 2022 - WASHINGTON - U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers on May 10th that the U.S. believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Read more
May 14, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that the consequences of the "total hybrid war against Russia declared by the West" will be felt by everyone without exception, and said that Russia did its best to avoid direct confrontation, but that if the challenge has been posed, they certainly accept it. Read more
May 10, 2022 - French President Emmanuel Macron stated that it would take years for Ukraine to join the European Union, and called for a new 'community' of non-EU European democracies which would not only include Ukraine, but other countries in Europe, including Britain to join the "European core values". Read more
May 9, 2022 - The Pentagon says that they will not define Russia's fighting in East Ukraine as a stalemate, as they are still making progress, though incremental. Read more
May 8, 2022 - Russia is redirecting its troops located in Syria, in the Middle East to eastern and southern Ukraine. Read more
May 6, 2022 - The Pentagon says that they have seen no information to corroborate the reports that the Russian ship Admiral Makarov was in fact hit in the Black Sea. Read more
May 6, 2022 - The United States has stated that they are ready to provide various forms of security assurances to both Finland and Sweden on their road to joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read more
May 4, 2022 - A report by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that Russia is now preparing to evacuate the families of Russian officers from Transnistria, Moldova after a string of attacks that sparked fears that Moldova could be dragged into the conflict. Read more
May 4, 2022 - Belarus has begun large-scale snap drills to test combat readiness, according to the Belarusian defense ministry. Read more
May 3, 2022 - U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine hopes to return to the country by the end of May. Read more
May 1, 2022 - U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger has announced the introduction of a joint resolution that would authorize the United States Armed Forces to defend Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin escalates the war on Ukraine by using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons against the country. Read more
May 1, 2022 - The United States has depleted about a third of its Javelin missiles due to donations of its stock of missiles to Ukraine to aid in its war with Russia, leaving lawmakers concerned that it leaves the United States vulnerable. Read more
April 29, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened "lightning-fast" retaliatory strikes on any country that intervenes in what Russia calls their "special military operation' in Ukraine. Read more
April 27, 2022 - The Interior Ministry of Transnistria, an unrecognized breakaway state that is internationally recognized as part of Moldova, has accused Ukraine of an attack in Kolbasna this morning, and claimed that drones flew from Ukraine into Transnistria last night. Read more
April 27, 2022 - Two men, one Russian citizen, and one Belarusian citizen have been arrested by the Polish military police on suspicion of espionage, according to the leading radio station in Poland, RMF 24. Both men had lived in Poland for 'many years' according to the station. Read more
April 27, 2022 - In a major policy shift, Germany has reportedly now allowed the transfer of Gepard anti-aircraft cannon tanks to Ukraine to aid in their efforts to fight the Russian invasion of the country. Read more
April 27, 2022 - US officials say they have given coordinates to Russian targets to the Ukrainian military which has aided Ukraine not only in moving their forces out of the way from Russian strikes but also allegedly led to Ukraine shooting down a transport plane. Read more
April 26, 2022 - Russia has issued a warning to Britain for allegedly provoking Ukraine, and said that if it continues to do so, there will be an immediate and 'proportional response'. Read more
April 26, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the West Monday not to underestimate the risk of a nuclear conflict over Ukraine and also stated that he views the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as currently being 'in essence' engaged in a proxy war with Russia because it is supplying Ukraine with weapons. Read more
April 24, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has 'lost interest in diplomatic efforts' in order to end the war with Ukraine and 'appears' set on taking as much Ukrainian territory as possible, according to the Financial Times who were referencing three people who they said were briefed on conversations with Vladimir Putin. Read more
April 24, 2022 - The United Nations says that there is a growing amount of evidence that Russia committed war crimes as a result of actions that they have carried out during their 'special operation' or invasion on Ukraine since the war started on February 24th, 2021. Read more
April 24, 2022 - The Russian Investigative Committee, Russia's main investigative authority said on Saturday that it is now looking into a report by Russian state media that alleged that British SAS special forces, or 'sabotage' experts have been deployed in the western region of Lviv, Ukraine. Read more
April 24, 2022 - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a press conference in India that Britain is considering sending tanks to Poland in order to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more
April 24, 2022 - MOSCOW - Russian military official has claimed that the United States is preparing 'provocations' so that it can accuse Russia of using weapons of mass destruction. Russian state news TASS said that Igor Kirlov alleged that the U.S. plan was in response to the "successes" that Russian troops have had during their 'special operation' in Ukraine. Read more
April 23, 2022 - According to Russian state news, TASS on Friday, Russian Major General Rustam Minnekaev, Deputy Commander of the Central Military District said that the 'second phase' of the war on Ukraine will be centered around establishing a 'land corridor' between Russia, the Russian-occupied portion of Crimea, and Transnistria, a pro-Russian area of Moldova. Read more
April 23, 2022 - Turkey has reportedly closed their air space to civilian aircraft that carries military personnel from Russia to Syria after speaking with Moscow, according to Turkish broadcaster TRT Haber, who cited Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Saturday. Read more
April 22, 2022 - The Pentagon has confirmed that a Ukrainian missile strike did lead to the sinking of the Russian missile cruiser Moskva. Russian state news RIA Novosti, as well as the Russian Ministry of Defense, have also put out a new report admitting that some crew onboard the Moskva were indeed killed. Read more
April 21, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden has announced that the United States will be banning all Russian-affiliated ships from entering American ports. Read more
April 21, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the city of Mariupol "liberated" and fully under the control of the Russian Federation, as Ukraine claims that Ukrainians continue to defend the city from the Russian military Read more
April 20, 2022 - Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the test of the Russian RS-28 ICBM missile was 'routine' and that the Russians had 'properly notified' the United States under its new START treaty obligations. Read more
April 20, 2022 - Russia has test-fired the RS-28 Sarmat (SATAN II) intercontinental ballistic missile, a liquid-fueled MIRV-equipped ICBM capable of carrying 10 to 15 18-25 megaton nuclear warheads that can each target a different location within the United States and is believed to have the ability to evade missile defense systems. Read more
April 20, 2022 - British Ministry of Defense intelligence update for April 20th, 2022. Russia's military presence on Ukraine's eastern border continues to build, while fighting in the Donbas is intensifying as Russian forces seek to break through Ukrainian Defenses. Read more
April 20, 2022 - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov has stated that Russia is not considering the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine and that they are considering 'conventional weapons only". Read more
April 19, 2022 - The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Russian forces have now begun their assault on Eastern Ukraine, and Donbas. Read more
April 17, 2022 - (Based on translated information) Russian state-run news RIA Novosti has reported that Russian Crimean political expert Ruslan Balbek stated that Russia is not going to demilitarize Ukraine for ten years. Read more
April 16, 2022 - Russia has said that attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine will increase and claimed that Ukraine carried out airstrikes on Bryansk, Russia after Russia's warship was sunk and Ukraine claimed to have blown it up with two missiles while Russia claimed a fire blew up ammunition on board. Read more
April 14, 2022 - The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that the Moskva cruiser that Ukraine says they hit with two Neptun anti-ship missiles has sank while being towed in a storm. Read more
April 14, 2022 - Russia has put out a threat to deploy nuclear weapons in the Baltic if Sweden or Finland joins NATO after the two countries expressed the intention to apply to join the alliance. Read more
April 14, 2022 - The Ukrainian military has claimed that they struck the Russian Flag-Ship, Slava-Class Project 1164 missile cruiser "Moskva" with two Neptun anti-ship missiles off of the coast of Odessa in the Black Sea. Read more
April 12, 2022 - The Pentagon says that it cannot confirm the use of chemical weapons by Russian forces in Ukraine "at this time", according to a senior U.S. official who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity. Read more
April 12, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed on Monday that the 'Special Military Operation' by Russia was meant to put an end to the United States quest for world domination and the expansion of NATO. Read more
April 12, 2022 - Slovakia's Prime Minister now says that the MiG-29 transfer over to Ukraine is back on the table. Eduard Heger said that discussions regarding NATO providing Ukraine with the MiG-29 jets have been renewed due to "how Russia behaves". Read more
April 12, 2022 - Pentagon says they are monitoring unconfirmed reports Russia used chemical weapons in Mariupol, Ukraine, and said that they reflect concerns about Russia's "potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents." Read more
April 11, 2022 - Spokesman for the Kremlin Dmitry Peskov spoke to reporters and said that the NATO "alliance remains a tool geared towards confrontation" as US officials have stated that they expect both Finland and Sweden will apply for membership of the alliance as early as June, which would increase NATO membership to 32 members. Read more
April 11, 2022 - Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov has warned that the West giving Ukraine weapons and ammunition may lead to direct military confrontation between Russia and the United States and claimed that the invasion was a result of Ukraine carrying out genocide of Russians. Read more
April 8, 2022 - A train station in Ukraine that was crowded with thousands of people trying to escape eastern Ukraine was reportedly hit by a missile, killing 50 people on Friday according to Ukrainian authorities. Read more
April 8, 2022 - Intel, which has 1,200 people employed in Russia has decided to pull out of the country and suspend all operations due to the Russian war on Ukraine. Read more
April 8, 2022 - NATO jets have been scrambled from the Mihail Kogalnicanu Air Base in Romania four times over the last 20 days in order to intercept Russian fighter jets over the Black Sea toward NATO territory. Read more
April 8, 2022 - Russia has put out a statement regarding the possibility of Finland and Sweden joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, saying that they would have to re-balance and make Russia's western flank more sophisticated to ensure security. Read more
April 8, 2022 - *UPDATED* Finland is set to announce possible plans to apply for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance membership as early as this spring according to reports by the local Finnish media. Read more
April 7, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the U.S. is imposing sanctions on two of the largest financial institutions in Russia, Putin's adult children, Lavrov's wife and adult child, 21 members of Russia's National Security Council and former President. Read more
April 6, 2022 - Expert says he believes China is preparing for a war with the United States, as well as its neighboring Asian countries. NATO to expand cooperation with partners in Indo-Pacific. Read more
April 6, 2022 - There many are reports coming out saying that Russia blew up a nitric acid tank in Rubizhna, Luhansk Oblast in Ukraine. Pro-Russian media outlets however say that Ukraine was behind the attack. Read more
April 5, 2022 - The U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador has issued a security alert regarding the Government of El Salvador’s enactment of emergency measures on March 27, violent encounters between law enforcement personnel and alleged gang members continue around the country. Read more
April 4, 2022 - SPAIN - Federal agents from the United States, along with law enforcement from Spain has boarded a $90 million dollar yacht owned by Russian billionaire Victor Vekselberg Monday and seized the property as per a court order. Read more
April 4, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden has again called Russian President a 'war criminal' and says that Putin must stand trial for the slaughter of civilians in Bucha. When he was asked whether he believed that the slaughter of civilians in Bucha was genocide, he stated "No, I think it is a war crime". Read more
April 3, 2022 - Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a top Polish official has stated that Poland is ready to deploy United States nuclear weapons in the country to deter Russian aggression. Read more
April 3, 2022 - A mass grave filled with around 280 people has been found according to the head of Bucha, Ukraine. The bodies of around 20 civilians have also been found all over the Zhytomyr highway. Bodies have also reportedly been found in Motzhyn and other towns and villages in Ukraine. Read more
April 2, 2022 - Ukraine has denied hitting the fuel depot in Russia, after Russia accused Ukraine of sending two helicopters over the border and shooting missiles at the depot. Read more
April 2, 2022 - Russian forces are using banned antipersonnel mines in Kharkiv, Ukraine that "can indiscriminately kill and maim people" according to a report from Human Rights Watch who has verified that these mines, which includes POM-3 antipersonnel mines have been used. Read more
April 2, 2022 - Ukrainian photographer Maks Levin, who went missing during the battle of Kyiv on March 13th was found dead on April 1st near Huta village in Kyiv, Ukraine. He was said by RSF (Reporters Without Borders) to be wearing a press jacket and unarmed at the time of his disappearance. Read more
April 2, 2022 - The United States has canceled testing the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) that it originally had intended only to delay testing amid tensions with Russia. Read more
April 1, 2022 - British MOD intelligence update for April 1st, 2022: "A fire has destroyed several oil tanks at a depot in the Russian city of Belgorod, close to the Ukrainian border. On 30 March, explosions were also reported at an ammunition depot in the vicinity of the city". Read more
April 1, 2022 - Ukrainian helicopters reportedly crossed the Russian border at low altitude in order to carry out strikes on a fuel depot in Belgorod, Russia. Two workers were reportedly injured in the fire resulting from the strikes. Read more
April 1, 2022 - The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola has announced that she is traveling to Kyiv, Ukraine. She tweeted "on the way to Kyiv" on Thursday night Read more
April 1, 2022 - The U.S Embassy in Russia has put out another alert saying that U.S. citizens currently located in Russia "should depart Russia immediately" via commercial options still available. Read more
April 1, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated last Friday that the United States and the West have declared total war, stating "a real hybrid war, total war has been declared on us" by the West. Read more
March 31, 2022 - "Russia is redeploying elements of its forces from Georgia to reinforce its invasion of Ukraine. Between 1,200 and 2,000 of these Russian troops are being reorganized into 3 x Battalion Tactical Groups. Read more
March 31, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to pay for Russian gas in rubles for 'unfriendly countries' starting on April 1st. Read more
March 31, 2022 - Two workers that were on duty at the Chernobyl site when Russian soldiers took control of it have stated that Russian soldiers, who wore no radiation suits drove through the 'Red Forest' located near the reactor kicking up clouds of radioactive dust. Read more
March 30, 2022 - An ammunition depot exploded in Belgorod, Russia for a reason that is not yet known. There is a possibility of mishandling of explosives within the depot. Some have alleged that it was a missile strike on the ammunition depot, but that has not been confirmed to be true. Read more
March 30, 2022 - Ukraine has claimed that Russia used phosphorous munitions in the town of Marinka, Donetsk region. Our intel team suspected as much after seeing many videos showing what looked like phosphorous being dropped from the sky in Ukraine. Read more
March 29, 2022 - The Ukrainian army says that they have destroyed two missiles that were launched from territory within Belarus at the city of Lviv, Ukraine. The missiles were reportedly destroyed about 30 kilometers away from the city. Read more
March 29, 2022 - The Russian Ministry of Defense says that they have agreed to 'drastically reduce' military activity in Chernihiv and Kyiv in order to increase trust in peace talks. Read more
March 29, 2022 - Hundreds of unexploded mines have been discovered in Kyiv, Ukraine and have been removed. The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has called on residents to be careful and inform the police if they see an object that resembles a mine or other explosive device. Read more
March 26, 2022 - The Russian Ministry of Defense has put out a statement claiming that Russian male citizens are receiving fake phone calls which the 'answer-back unit informs them of a call to the military commissariat". After 12 hours of the statement we have seen no rebuttal from Ukraine regarding the claim. Read more
March 26, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden has called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be removed from office, saying 'For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power' during a speech at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland. Read more
March 26, 2022 - The Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has been seen in public at a Security Council meeting after having been missing from public view since March 11th amidst rumors and speculation that he had died. Read more
March 24, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden said that if Russia uses chemical weapons then the United States would respond, saying "We would respond if he uses it, the nature of the response would depend on the nature of the use". Read more
March 24, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has estimated that there have been up to 15,000 troops killed since Russia's invasion on Ukraine began last month, with as many as 40,000 troops either killed, wounded, taken prisoner or gone missing, including Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Read more
March 23, 2022 - The following is a report put out by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine about the current situation regarding the current situation at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine Read more
March 22, 2022 - A senior U.S. Defense official says that Russia is continuing to talk about using chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine but that the United States has no indications of an imminent attack. Read more
March 22, 2022 - US and NATO officials say that Belarus could soon join Russia in its war on Ukraine and is already taking steps in that direction. Read more
March 22, 2022 - Russian warships were spotted going through the Japanese strait on March 15th and 16th, as the Kremlin has halted peace treaty talks with Japan after Japan placed heavy sanctions on Russia over the invasion on Ukraine. Read more
March 22, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that he was prepared to discuss a deal not to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in order to reach a ceasefire with Russia, along with the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and a guarantee of Ukraine's security. Read more
March 22, 2022 - The Pentagon says that it can neither confirm nor refute Russia's claims that it had fired hypersonic missiles in Ukraine and at Ukrainian targets. U.S. President Joe Biden however has confirmed that hypersonic missiles were used. Read more
March 22, 2022 - British intelligence update for March 21st, 2022: "Heavy fighting continues north of Kyiv. Russian forces advancing on the city from the north-east have stalled. Read more
March 22, 2022 - Poland is allegedly preparing for a possible invasion by Russia, according to local Ukrainian media who reportedly quoted Ukraine's Warsaw envoy, Andriy Deshchytsia. Read more
March 22, 2022 - Washington says that the Kremlin is 'exploring options' for carrying out cyberattacks against the United States, Joe Biden said on Monday urging to strengthen the cybersecurity of America's private sector. Read more
March 22, 2022 - The head of the Ukrainian Railways Alexander Kamyshin has confirmed that there is no longer any railway connection between Ukraine and Belarus, "thanks to Belarusian railway workers" who decided to launch what they have called a "railway war" by sabotaging Russian equipment in various ways. Read more
March 21, 2022 - Cooperation between Russia and China is only going to get stronger in the current circumstances, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday. Read more
March 21, 2022 - The death toll from the overnight attack on the mall in Kyiv, Ukraine has risen to six people. Rescuers are searching the rubble for more people. Read more
March 21, 2022 - Oleksandr Starukh, governor of Zaporizhzhia Oblast has reported that Russia has used tugboats to steal five grain carriers from the Berdyansk port. Read more
March 21, 2022 - One person was reported to have been killed and several residential and business areas were hit by the missile earlier in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Retroville shopping mall area is reported to have been the likely target. Read more
March 19, 2022 - Four U.S. Marines have died in a plane crash in Norway in the Arctic Circle during a NATO exercise that was reportedly not in any way related to the war in Ukraine according to Norway's Prime Minister. Read more
March 19, 2022 - US officials have confirmed Russia's first use of hypersonic missiles in western Ivano-Frankivsk Ukraine last week, destroying an underground missile and ammunition depot. Read more
March 19, 2022 - The British Defense Intelligence update on Ukraine 19 March 2022: "The Kremlin has so far failed to achieve its original objectives. It has been surprised by the scale and ferocity of Ukrainian Resistance". Read more
March 17, 2022 - National Guard refutes Russian state media reports that falsely claim Tennessee National Guard members killed in Ukraine. Read more
March 17, 2022 - An American named Jim Hill was among around nine other civilians who were reportedly standing in the bread line in Chernihiv, Ukraine when they were gunned down by Russian soldiers according to his sister. Read more
March 17, 2022 - Both Belarus politician Pavel Latushka and Belarusian journalist Franak Viačorka posted this map saying that popping sounds (explosions) were heard in these Belarusian cities in the evening on March 16th. Read more
March 16, 2022 - Explosions were reported in Baranavichy, Luninets, Stolin, Hantsavichy, Slutsk & Kletsk cities of Belarus. Our intel team has examined the audio and concluded that it does not sound like artillery, but it does sound like sonic booms. Read more
March 16, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that the International Court of Justice in the Hague has ordered Russia to stop the war on Ukraine immediately and says that the order is binding under international law. Read more
March 16, 2022 - Ukraine, Russia were reportedly drawing up plans to end the war, providing Ukraine agrees not to join NATO and promises not to host foreign military weapons or bases on its territory. Kyiv rejected Russia's offer after 10 reportedly killed in bread line by Russian military. Read more
March 16, 2022 - There are reports going around that @FoxNews reported the death of the American news crew that worked for them, but not the Ukrainian woman who worked for them that was killed, which has drawn ire from some. Fox did report this, but not initially because they wanted to wait to notify the woman's family first. Read more
March 15, 2022 - A Fox News cameraman, and long-time photojournalist was killed after his vehicle was hit with 'incoming fire' outside of Kyiv, Ukraine. The correspondent that he was with inside the vehicle that took fire was also injured. Read more
March 15, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance has sent 35,000 troops, 50 ships, including a nuclear attack submarine and 200 aircraft to Norway, which borders Russia for military drills. Read more
March 14, 2022 - Russia is reportedly legalizing piracy by issuing a decree this week allowing businesses to steal patents from anyone in its list of 'unfriendly nations' and stating that unauthorized use of the patents will not be compensated. Read more
March 14, 2022 - The Estonian Parliament has formally called for the implementation of a no-fly zone in Ukraine and a total trade embargo against Russia, becoming the first NATO member to officially endorse a no-fly zone in the war-torn country. Read more
March 13, 2022 - A Soviet-era Tu-141 military drone carrying a bomb flew across three NATO member states before finally crashing down in Croatia, in an urban area according to the Croatian defense minister on Sunday. Read more
March 13, 2022 - According to the Financial Times, US officials stated that Russia has requested military aid from China since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in the form of military equipment and other assistance, but declined to give any further details. Read more
March 13, 2022 - A Russian airstrike that targeted a military training base in Western Ukraine near the Polish border has killed 35 people according to Ukrainian authorities on Sunday. Read more
March 13, 2022 - One journalist was killed and two were injured in Irpin, Ukraine when Russian troops reportedly opened fire on their vehicle. Read more
March 12, 2022 - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that there are 16,000 volunteers from the Middle East who are ready and willing to join Russian backed rebels fighting in Donbas, Eastern Ukraine. Read more
March 12, 2022 - The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine has urged American citizens to depart Ukraine now via ground transport if safe and says that border crossings are now open. Read more
March 12, 2022 - Russia threatens to target foreign aid convoys to Ukraine after NATO Chief said targeting supply lines of allied nations would be 'a dangerous escalation of the war'. Read more
March 12, 2022 - The United States is revoking Russia of its 'permanent normal trade relations' status in order to punish it for its invasion of Ukraine. Read more
March 12, 2022 - Russia says that sanctions on the country could cause the International Space Station to crash into the ocean. The head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos called on Saturday for the sanctions against Russia to be lifted. Read more
March 11, 2022 - The Russian invasion of Ukraine could worsen microchip shortages due to the fact that Ukraine produces around 70% of the world's neon. Neon gas is used to run the lasers necessary for manufacturing semiconductors. There is also a looming threat of a Chinese invasion on Taiwan. If China were to invade Taiwan, it could worsen microchip Shortages even further. Read more
March 10, 2022 - After the United States rejected Poland's offer to put all of its MiG-29 fighter at the disposal of the US, a top US general has explained in more detail why the decision was made. Read more
March 10, 2022 - According to the United Nations, there are now more than 2.3 million Ukrainian war refugees who have left the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion. 161,700 have left the country in the last 24 hours according to the UN report. Read more
March 10, 2022 - The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that the United States has been carrying out experimentation on bat coronavirus samples in U.S. established and U.S. funded bio-labs in Ukraine and that it was first revealed during Russia's 'special operation' in Ukraine. According to Turkish news, China has 'demanded answers' from the United States regarding the '26 bio-labs in Ukraine'. Read more
March 9, 2022 - The United States is deploying two Patriot missile batteries to Poland in order to bolster defenses, after having sent thousands of U.S. troops to the country. Read more
March 9, 2022 - NetBlocks real-time network data shows evidence of a blackout in the vicinity of Chernobyl and Slavutych. The IAEA says however that nuclear experts say it does not present a threat due to the fact that the fuel is "so old that it's no longer hot enough to rely on active pool cooling". Read more
March 9, 2022 - The U.S. has rejected Poland's offer to put all of its MiG-29 fighter jets at the disposal of the United States, which according to a U.S. diplomat was a 'surprise move' after Ukraine requested aircraft from countries in Eastern Europe to aid in their fight against Russia. Read more
March 8, 2022 - U.S. President Biden has announced that the United States is banning oil, gas and energy imports from Russia, saying that it has strong bipartisan support in the congress. Read more
March 8, 2022 - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he agrees to seek compromises, including on NATO, but is not going to surrender. Regarding NATO he said he cooled down to the issue after realizing that NATO was not ready to accept Ukraine and said NATO is afraid of confrontation with Russia. Read more
March 7, 2022 - Russia has published an official list of foreign states that it deems has committed 'unfriendly actions' against Russia. Read more
March 7, 2022 - Dominik Stillhart, director of operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told BBC Radio that the evacuation route out of Mariupol was mined. Read more
March 7, 2022 - The Russian Defense Ministry claimed, without providing any evidence, that the Ukrainian military plans to blow up the 'experimental nuclear reactor' at the Kharkov institute and then blame the Russians for doing it. Read more
March 6, 2022 - Many sources have reported that Russian troops targeted and killed civilians that were attempting to leave the city of Irpin, Ukraine. Video footage also shows this. Four civilians are reported to have died from the attack. Read more
March 6, 2022 - Netflix has announced that it is suspending its services in Russia saying “Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service”. Netflix currently has about 1 million subscribers in Russia. It is not yet known what will happen to the accounts of current subscribers, but Netflix will not be allowing any more sign ups or subscription extensions on existing accounts from Russia. Read more
March 6, 2022 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that they can no longer get reliable information on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant due to the fact that the internet and telecommunications to the area have been disconnected. Read more
March 6, 2022 - The British Defense Intelligence update for March 6th, 2022 says that the ceasefire agreement to enable the evacuation of civilians from Mariupol was violated within hours of the planned implementation and has failed for the second day in a row. Russian artillery strikes have also likely remained at high levels. Read more
March 6, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine might lose statehood 'if they continue what they are doing'. Read more
March 6, 2022 - The United States has given the 'green light' to NATO countries to provide fighter jets to Ukraine. Russia, however, says that countries that use their airfields to supply Ukraine with fighter jets may be regarded as participating in the conflict. Read more
March 6, 2022 - Many major companies, as well as entire countries continue to cut the cord with Russia. A growing number of companies have stopped shipping and selling products and services to the country citing Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine. Read more
March 6, 2022 - Russian state media has announced that Ukraine is close to building a nuclear 'dirty bomb' but cited an unnamed source that did not provide any evidence to speak of to back up the claims. Read more
March 6, 2022 - The city council of Mariupol, Ukraine says that an evacuation of around 400,000 people currently trapped in the city will start around noon local time on Sunday according to a temporary ceasefire that will reportedly last until 9:00 p.m. Read more
March 5, 2022 - Visa has announced that they are suspending all Russian operations "effective immediately". Visa will be working with its clients and partners in Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days. Read more
March 5, 2022 - A journalist for Sky News was wounded during an ambush by Russian soldiers while they were reporting on the war in Ukraine. The cameraman for the news crew took two bullets to the body armor he was wearing at the time. Read more
March 5, 2022 - The U.S. State Department has reissued its advisory urging all Americans to leave Russia 'immediately'. Read more
March 5, 2022 - There are now major disruptions in Ukraine's national telecoms operator Ukrtelecom. The provider reports combat damage impacting service to: Chernihiv, Sumy, Kherson, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Volyn, Khmelnytsia, Lviv, Ternopil Read more
March 5, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that sanctions put on Russia from the West are 'akin to a declaration of war' but also said 'thank God it has not come to that'. Read more
March 5, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he has no plans to introduce martial law in Russia, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. Read more
March 5, 2022 - The Mariupol City Council has stated that the Mariupol evacuation has been postponed due to continued Russian shelling. DPR however, claims 'Ukrainian nationalists' refuse to allow the population of Mariupol to use the humanitarian corridor. Read more
March 5, 2022 - Over 200,000 people are planned for evacuation from Mariupol, Ukraine. Read more
March 5, 2022 - U.S. Based Russian state news channel RT America is now closing its doors, 'ceasing production' at every location and laying off nearly all of its staff members due to 'unforeseen business interruption events'. Read more
March 5, 2022 - The United Nations says that more than 1,200,000 refugees have fled Ukraine in total thus far since the war with Russia started. Read more
March 5, 2022 - PayPal has reportedly officially stopped working in Russia after PayPal shut down its services in the country citing aggression against Ukraine. Read more
March 5, 2022 - Ukrainian presidential advisor, Mykhaylo Podolyak has reportedly confirmed that Russia will open a humanitarian corridor at Mariupol and Volnovakha today. Read more
March 5, 2022 - British Defense Intelligence update for March 5th, 2022: The overall rate of Russian air and artillery strikes observed over the past 24 hours has been lower than previous days. Ukraine still holds key cities such as Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol. Reports of street fighting in Sumy. Russian forces probably advancing on port city of Mykolaiv. Read more
March 5, 2022 - Russian state news claims that the Russian Ministry of Defense will be declaring a ceasefire at 10:00 Moscow time, in Mariupol and Volnovakha in Donbas to open 'humanitarian corridors' in order to evacuate civilians. Read more
March 4, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Wednesday that if there is a third world war, it will be destructive and involve nuclear weapons. Read more
March 4, 2022 - Russian troops reportedly fired on each other, destroying nine of their own tanks and four of their own armored vehicles according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other sources. Read more
March 4, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly banned Russians from leaving the country with more than $10,000 of foreign currency in their possession. Read more
March 4, 2022 - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's indirect call for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be assassinated is now drawing ire from lawmakers on both political sides. Read more
March 4, 2022 - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says that Russia is using cluster bombs in Ukraine. Read more
March 4, 2022 - A Russian spy who was allegedly posing as a journalist was doing intelligence work in Przemysl, Poland near the Ukrainian border when he was apprehended. He now faces up to 10 years in prison. Read more
March 4, 2022 - Over 8,100 anti-war protesters have been arrested by authorities in Russia as protests broke out across Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. Read more
March 4, 2022 - A massive airlift effort by NATO is underway to 'reinforce Europe' according to NATO Allied Air Command. "Strategic and tactical air transport aircraft including C-17s, C-5s, A330 MRTTs and C-130s from multiple nations have been busy moving units from the NATO Response Force along with national contributions to locations across NATO's Eastern Flank". Read more
March 4, 2022 - Mariupol, Ukraine is currently under siege. Citizens are reporting there is no electricity, no water and faltering telecoms. NetBlocks real time network data shows a collapse in internet activity. Read more
March 4, 2022 - The Russian Parliament has reportedly drafted a law that would punish what they call 'fake' information about the war in Ukraine with up to 15 years in prison and will be debating on it tomorrow. Read more
March 4, 2022 - The Kyiv Independent has posted what they claim are Russian losses. Remember, we likely won't know the real number until the war is over. Read more
March 4, 2022 - CBS reportedly obtained the latest status report from Ukrainian operators on Zaporizhzhia nuclear site to the IAEA: "at present, no changes in the radiation situation have been registered". Read more
March 4, 2022 - Russia is reportedly returning to the gold standard. The government will abolish the VAT (tax) on bullion when purchasing gold bars or other precious metals from a bank. The 20% current tax on top of its value will not apply. Read more
March 4, 2022 - Russian state news RT says that US senator Lindsey Graham is calling for an assassination on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more
March 4, 2022 - The Russian stock exchange remains closed on Friday for the fourth day in a row as Russian authorities reportedly rolled out additional measures to limit the economic impact from the 'severe sanctions imposed by the West' Read more
March 4, 2022 - The following is an advisory from the U.S. Department of State to U.S. citizens currently located within Ukraine. Read more
March 4, 2022 - The Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said that the U.S. Department of Energy activated its Nuclear Incident Response Team and is 'monitoring events in consultation with the DOD, NRC and White House but sees no elevated radiation readings near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. Read more
March 4, 2022 - U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has stated that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station "are protected by robust containment structures and reactors are being safely shut down. We have seen no elevated radiation readings near the facility". Read more
March 4, 2022 - According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ukraine has reported that the fire at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has not affected 'essential' equipment Read more
March 4, 2022 - White House readout of President Biden's calls with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and NNSA Administrator Hruby regarding the fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Read more
March 4, 2022 - Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba put out a statement earlier saying that the Russian army was firing 'on all sides upon Zaporizhzhia' nuclear power plant and said if it blows up it will be 10 times larger than Chernobyl was. Read more
March 4, 2022 - A fire has reportedly broken out at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine according to Dmytro Orlov who is the mayor of Energodar, a town close to the power plant. Video footage also shows problems at the nuclear power plant. Read more
March 3, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that he believed some foreign leaders were preparing for war against Russia and that Russia will continue its war and military operations on Ukraine until the end, also mentioning bio-labs in Ukraine. Read more
March 3, 2022 - After Turkey asked Russia not to send their warships into the Black Sea 'in a friendly way', Turkey says that Russia has withdrawn their request to do so. Turkey has made it clear it will be restricting access to warships from both sides of the war. Read more
March 3, 2022 - The Swedish armed forces have announced that four Russian jets have violated Swedish airspace over the Baltic Sea. Two Russian SU-27 jets and two Russian SU-24 jets were involved in the violation. The Swedish defense minister has called the violation 'unacceptable'. Read more
March 3, 2022 - Turkey has rejected Russian warships from entering the Black Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, according to Turkish foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on March 1st. Read more
March 3, 2022 - A Romanian military helicopter along with the MiG-21 fighter jet the helicopter was searching for has crashed close to the Ukrainian border killing 8 people in total. The reason for the crash is not yet known but harsh weather conditions were reported. Read more
March 3, 2022 - Several Russian vessels have left Crimea and are now heading to Odesa according to correspondent Lucas Tomlinson who stated "An amphibious assault on Ukraine’s third largest city could come as soon as Thursday: U.S. officials". Read more
March 3, 2022 - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) figures state that over one million Ukrainians have now fled the country of Ukraine since the large-scale invasion by Russia began last week. Read more
March 3, 2022 - The Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby has made a statement to reporters saying that the Department of Defense has postponed the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch in order 'to demonstrate we are a responsible nuclear power'. Read more
March 2, 2022 - The US State Department has said that they have closed the U.S. Embassy in Belarus and have authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential staff at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow due to Russia's invasion on Ukraine. Read more
March 2, 2022 - The head of Russia's space agency has stated that Russia will be treating any hacking of its satellites as justification for war, after an alleged hack of their systems was claimed by a 'non-state' hacker group on Tuesday according to media reports. Read more
March 2, 2022 - Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Interior says that Russia is attempting to storm two nuclear power plants in Southern Ukraine. Olga Tokariuk, a freelance correspondent in Kyiv says that there are fears of a potential disaster, should they succeed in storming the nuclear plants. She also warns that this is not only a threat to Ukraine, but to all of Europe. Read more
March 2, 2022 - Reports circulating around British news agencies that appear to be from the same source, that Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved his family to a Siberian 'underground city' designed to 'survive nuclear war'. Our findings here: Read more
March 1, 2022 - A US Defense official has rejected a no fly zone in Ukraine and said "There's no discussion about it here. There's no debating about it here. It's not something that we have to take to NATO". Read more
March 1, 2022 - The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has put out a statement claiming that Russia is preparing a deliberate 'provocation' to justify the introduction of Belarusian troops. They also stated that according to available intelligence, there are now 300 Belarusian tanks near the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. Read more
March 1, 2022 - Mariupol, Ukraine which is a city of nearly 500,000 people has lost power after attacks from advancing Russian forces. The Mayor of Mariupol says that the enemy is attacking 'from all fronts' and that it is being 'pounded' by Russian attacks. Read more
March 1, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that Ukraine still has 'Soviet nuclear tech' and that Russia cannot fail to respond to this danger. He also said that it's 'time for US nuclear weapons in Europe to return home'. Read more
March 1, 2022 - Google Europe has put out an official message saying that they are blocking YouTube channels connected to RT and Sputnik across Europe. Read more
March 1, 2022 - The British Ministry of Defense intelligence update for March 01, 2022 says that the Russian advance in Ukraine has made little progress in the last 24 hours. Russian artillery is hitting densely populated urban areas and Russia still does not have air superiority. Read more
March 1, 2022 - Current (as well as former) U.S. officials who have been briefed on the matter have reportedly told NBC News that Russian President Vladimir Putin is growing 'increasingly frustrated' and has had outbursts of anger at the people in his inner circle regarding the current progress of his military 'campaign' on Ukraine so far. Read more
February 28, 2022 - Ukrainian Pravda news site (based on Ukrainian translation) claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Wagnerians to Ukraine with a special mission to kill Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and 'prepare the ground for Russia's seizure of power. Read more
February 28, 2022 - The exchange rate for the Russian rouble is now at a record high, at around 117 to 125 rouble per every one US dollar. The Central Bank has also lifted the borrowing rate to 20%, from yesterday's 9.5% borrowing rate. Read more
February 28, 2022 - The British Prime Minister has stated that the United Kingdom will be sending 40 million more pounds in aid to Ukraine for medical supplies and assistance to the country. Read more
February 28, 2022 - The British Defense Ministry has put out an intelligence update that says that Russia's ground forces remain 30km from North of Kyiv, slowed by Ukrainian forces, heavy fighting continues near Chernihiv and Kharkov but remain under Ukrainian control, logistical failures and Ukrainian resistance continue to frustrate the Russian advance and Russia has been forced to admit casualties despite suppressing details since the start of the conflict. Read more
February 28, 2022 - Speaking to Fox News, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that he believes that Russia may be ready to level a Ukrainian city with a nuke and kill thousands of civilians to 'break their will and to break our will". Read more
February 28, 2022 - The US embassy in Moscow has put out an announcement telling all US nationals to leave Russia 'immediately'. Read more
February 28, 2022 - After assessing the situation with Russia and their forces being set to a higher nuclear deterrence level, we have set our overall alert level back to three for the time being. We don't believe the current situation warrants a two quite yet. Read more
February 28, 2022 - Russia's war on Ukraine has failed to provide Russia a quick and decisive victory after four days of fighting, so Russia has reportedly pulled their ally Belarus in on the conflict according to Ukrainian news. Read more
February 27, 2022 - A former U.S. defense intelligence analyst says that Putin is "is escalating the conflict into the nuclear domain in order to de-escalate – that is topple Kiev’s regime quickly" due to the fact that his forces aren't getting the job done. Read more
February 27, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has now ordered Russia's nuclear deterrent forces on alert in response to Western sanctions and rising tensions over Putin's invasion on Ukraine. Read more
February 26, 2022 - French President Emmanuel Macron has asked Lukashenko, the President of Belarus to demand that Russian troops leave the country, claiming that Russia has been given the green light to deploy nuclear weapons in the country. Belarus borders Ukraine, giving Russia a strategic reason to deploy nuclear warheads in the country if they so choose to do so. Read more
February 26, 2022 - Russian forces have reportedly fired at a radioactive waste disposal site in Kyiv, Ukraine according to The Kyiv Independent. Read more
February 26, 2022 - YouTube has blocked Russian state news RT, as well as other Russian channels from receiving money from advertisements. This includes videos that run videos from these state run news and media channels. Read more
February 26, 2022 - Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba has responded to apparent propaganda that Ukraine has plans to launch a 'dirty bomb' into Russian territory. Read more
February 26, 2022 - Ukrainian President Zelensky seemed to hint that Turkey had closed its straits leading to many reports that they have done done, but reports by Reuters say that Turkey has not yet decided to close the straits. Read more
February 26, 2022 - Ukraine's Ministry of Interior has asked all people in the country to turn off the geolocation on their cell phones, as Russia is beginning to track gatherings of people. As locations may possibly be tracked even with geolocation (GPS and data) turned off, it's best to completely remove the battery on your cellphone if possible to ensure your location cannot be tracked. Read more
February 26, 2022 - Britain's Ministry of Defense has put out a new intelligence update on the Russia/Ukraine war. They say Russian forces have continued their advance on Kyiv with the bulk of their forces and are now 30km away from the city. Read more
February 26, 2022 - Russian state news RT has announced that Russia is deploying 12,000 Chechens to Ukraine. We had been hearing about Russia having plans to do that earlier today but it has now been posted out by Russian state news. Read more
February 26, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says that the alliance sending thousands of commanders to nations in Eastern Europe near Ukraine, and will be beefing up arms support and continuing to send weapons and air defenses to Ukraine and reinforcing defenses on allied territory (territory of NATO members in Eastern Europe). Read more
February 26, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has told both nations that if they join NATO there will be 'military military-political repercussions'. Read more
February 26, 2022 - The Biden administration has said that they believe that Russia plans to threaten to kill the families of Ukrainian soldiers if they don't surrender to Russia Read more
February 26, 2022 - There has been a major disruption in Ukraine's internet provider GigaTrans that feeds internet connectivity to many of Ukraine's networks amidst heavy fighting in Vasylkiv and Kyiv, Ukraine according to Netblocks Internet Observatory. Read more
February 26, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Agreement (NATO) has now activated parts of its multinational response force. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated "We are deploying elements of the NATO Response Force. On land, at sea, and in the air. We will do what it takes to protect and defend every Ally, and every inch of NATO territory". Read more
February 26, 2022 - Russia reportedly shelled a Moldovan chemical tanker and Panamanian cargo ship headed for the load grain near Odessa port in the Black Sea and a Japanese Bulk carrier MV Namura Queen also reportedly hit by a rocket at anchor off Yuzhne. Read more
February 25, 2022 - Actions that are being described by some as war crimes are allegedly being carried out in Ukraine by Russian forces. One video was posted on showing what looks to be a Russian tank rolling over a person's car in Kyiv. The driver of the car was allegedly still inside according to Ukrainian UNIAN news. Read more
February 25, 2022 - Ukraine forces claim they have reportedly re-taken Kyiv airport from the control of Russian special forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered a full mobilization of troops. Read more
February 25, 2022 - Kyiv, Ukraine has been bombarded by Russian rockets. Photos from Kyiv's local news show an entire skyrise apartment complex nearly demolished by rocket fire (join us on social media or telegram to see photos and videos). Some rockets fired by Russia at Kyiv were reportedly intercepted, but many hit their marks (or missed their intended targets). Read more
February 25, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 137 Ukrainian military and civilians have been killed in the fighting with Russia thus far. 10 officers and 316 injuries have also been reported elsewhere. Read more
February 25, 2022 - Ukrainian Defense Minister Ukrainian Defense Minister Hanna Maliar put out a report claiming alleged Russian military losses (as of 03:00 24.02.2022): 7 planes, 6 helicopters, over 30 tanks, 130 BBM. The Ukrainian Defense Minister says that about 800 Russians have been killed in the fighting so far. Read more
February 25, 2022 - A Turkish ship off Odessa is reported to have been hit by a Russian missile (some reports say bomb) which was 'misfired'. There weren't any reported casualties, but the incident according to Samuel Ramani (@SamRamani2 on Twitter), could put pressure on Turkey to block Russian vessels from entering its straits Read more
February 25, 2022 - It appears 'the whole Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea (that we know of) sailed to Syria this morning while the invasion of Ukraine was unfolding'. Information provided by well known Defense analyst H I Sutton, writer for Naval News. Read more
February 24, 2022 - A Russian artillery shell has reportedly hit the Uman city center and killed one person, injuring five others according to the Head of the Cherkasy Regional State Administration Oleksandr Skichko. Read more
February 24, 2022 - The United States is set to deploy 7,000 more troops to Europe, including an armored Brigade combat team with enablers. Read more
February 24, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that allies condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine in the 'strongest possible terms'. Read more
February 24, 2022 - Russia attacked Ukraine by air, land and sea on Thursday, in what Reuters calls 'the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two'. Read more
February 24, 2022 - The Ukrainian government has now imposed martial law according to local Ukrainian news reports. Read more
February 24, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin is launching full-scale attacks on the entire country of Ukraine, not just the separatist locations. Read more
February 24, 2022 - During the live broadcast by Russian President Vladimir Putin he both officially declared war on Ukraine, and added a warning to anyone who might get involved saying that they will have 'consequences that you never have had before in your history'. Read more
February 24, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly officially declared war on Ukraine in a live speech that is currently being broadcast. We will report more on what was said in the live speech as the information comes in, he's still speaking and he sounds very resolute. Read more
February 24, 2022 - The Mariupol live feed camera we were monitoring has been cut. Either it has been hacked or the live feed had too many requests from heavy site traffic due to the current situation. Read more
February 24, 2022 - There is currently a suspected missile attack in Mariupol, Ukraine happening. Live feed cameras of the city show heavy explosions and smoke billowing from the city. Read more
February 24, 2022 - Russia has closed the airspace along the northeast Ukrainian border for civil aviation according to NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) Read more
February 24, 2022 - The official Ukrainian government websites have a virus. Confirmed by our intel team. DO NOT click on the link at the bottom of the page if you try to visit. Read more
February 23, 2022 - According to Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, there are "Worrying reports from Crimea on the entire night shift of Titan chemicals plant in Armyansk evacuated from the facility. This might be a preparation for another staged provocation by Russia. Moscow seems to have no limits in attempts to falsify pretexts for further aggression". Read more
February 23, 2022 - The Ukrainian Parliament has now declared a state of emergency. Decree green lights on the following measures: Document checks, ban on protests, evacuation of people from dangerous areas, ban on producing or spreading information that may 'destabilize the situation'. Read more
February 23, 2022 - The Latvian Prime Minister says that Russia is moving some forces and tanks into Eastern Ukraine, which would confirm previously unconfirmed videos that we have seen of Russia moving tanks into Eastern Ukraine. Read more
February 23, 2022 - We continue to see large convoys of tanks allegedly rolling into Belgorod, Russia, and a new field hospital at a garrison near Belgorod around 12 miles from the Ukrainian border which indicates that something is going on there. Putin said last week he planned on ending drills as planned on February 20th. Read more
February 22, 2022 - There are many reports coming out from sources regarding an explosion that allegedly happened in Donetsk at a TV center. So far the root sources we've been able to track down all seem to be coming from the DPR and LPR which could be Russian propaganda. We will keep you informed as we get more information. Read more
February 22, 2022 - There are many reports coming out from sources regarding an explosion that allegedly happened in Donetsk at a TV center. So far the root sources we've been able to track down all seem to be coming from the DPR and LPR which could be Russian propaganda. We will keep you informed as we get more information. Read more
February 22, 2022 - White House Officially Calls Russian 'Peacekeeping Mission' In Ukraine An Invasion - The White House has officially called the so called Russian 'peace keeping' mission in Ukraine to the separatist regions Donetsk and Luhansk an invasion. Read more
February 22, 2022 - Russian state news RIA Novosti has announced that the meeting between France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that was scheduled for February 25th has now been canceled in the midst of ever increasing tensions between Russia and the West. Read more
February 22, 2022 - The Russian President held a meeting of the Russian Federation Security Council at the Kremlin. Read more
February 22, 2022 - The following is a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergey Naryshkin, who says he supports making the LPR and DPR part of the Russian Federation. Read more
February 22, 2022 - The head of the Belarusian Army, Viktor Vulevich stated that the withdrawal of Russian troops from Belarus primarily depends on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pulling back its own forces from the region. Read more
February 22, 2022 - The U.S. Department of State has released a statement regarding the move of Department of State personnel to Poland for the night. Read more
February 22, 2022 - Tanks and military vehicles were reportedly spotted on the outskirts of Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine by a Reuters reporter, according to Reuters. Read more
February 22, 2022 - *Defcon Site No Longer Under Attack Due To Our Restrictive Firewall* Reports coming out that various services are being jammed in Ukraine's occupied "LDPR" territories. We're also seeing attempted attacks on our own web server, with thousands of new requests hitting it and increasing rapidly. We have never seen an increase like this before. If you have issues with anything loading on our website please message us on social media and let us know. Read more
February 22, 2022 - The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations put out a letter from Sergiy Kyslytsya requesting an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and requested to be allowed to 'participate in the meeting and make a statement". Read more
February 21, 2022 - In response to the recent decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize Donetsk (DNR) and Luhansk (LNR) as independent states, Biden will issue an executive order that prohibits new investment trade and financing by U.S. persons to, from or in DNR and LNR. Read more
February 21, 2022 - The Biden Administration has ordered out all remaining State Department personnel out of Ukraine. The U.S. Embassy had been moved from Kyiv, Ukraine to the western Ukraine city of Lviv but now they are moving out of Ukraine completely and into Poland Read more
February 21, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated "Kremlin recognition of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent” requires a swift and firm response, and we will take appropriate steps in coordination with partners". Read more
February 21, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops to carry out 'peacekeeping functions' only hours after officially recognizing the two separatist regions as independent. The forces are reportedly to maintain peace in the separatist held regions. Read more
February 21, 2022 - The U.S. Embassy had been moved from Kyiv, Ukraine to the western Ukraine city of Lviv but now they are moving out of Ukraine completely and into Poland. Read more
February 21, 2022 - A Ukrainian commander that is currently operating on the front lines in Donbas sent Buzzfeednews correspondent Christopher Miller a text message saying "We’ve been under shelling all day and yesterday. We watched Putin’s speech and now we are waiting. No new orders from military leadership except be covered with armor and watch for drones". Read more
February 21, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has also ordered a 'peacekeeping operation' in eastern Ukraine's two breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk. Read more
February 21, 2022 - The White House has responded to Putin's 'Live' address recognizing two Russian backed separatist locations in Eastern Ukraine as independent states. Read more
February 21, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin is now urging lawmakers to sign treaties with Ukraine's rebel regions so that Moscow can begin to supply military support to those regions. Fox News reporterJennifer Griffin says that the "Pentagon is expecting Putin to move into Ukraine tonight, on to those just recognized independent areas". Read more
February 21, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "Discussed the events of the last hours with @POTUS. We begin the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council. A conversation with @BorisJohnson is also planned". Read more
February 21, 2022 - Putin says Ukraine is capable of creating nuclear weapons using heritage from Soviet era and Western technological support. This could be used as a pretext (or excuse) to move in on Ukraine. Read more
February 21, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has now officially signed the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic as sovereign states. The papers are now officially signed, and the Russian stock market futures are now crashing. As of 26 minutes ago at the time of writing this, the futures had plummeted 21% as Putin was speaking on Ukraine during the live address. Read more
February 21, 2022 - White House National Security advisor Jake Sullivan said on Monday that Russia is planning an 'extremely violent' invasion of Ukraine and that Russia seeks to 'crush' the Ukrainian people. Read more
February 21, 2022 - The recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to do, if he so chooses, roll his troops, tanks and artillery through the Ukrainian border and into those two regions. This would put Russian troops and tanks within Ukraine while under the pretext that it is Russian territory since it will now be 'officially' recognized as Russian territory the moment he signs the decree. Read more
February 21, 2022 - Putin has reportedly told Macron and Scholz that he will be signing the decree recognizing the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk 'People Republics'. He will reportedly be speaking about it in the live address about to take place. It was supposed to be taking place now, but he is not always on time. Read more
February 21, 2022 - There has allegedly been a car bomb explosion in the city of Lugansk in front of the JCC center that contains Russians who monitor the 'ceasefire'. There are many reports of an explosion that rocked Lugansk city center, and videos out purportedly showing the explosion released by Russian state news, RIA Novosti. Read more
February 21, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly 'going around the room asking his top officials if Russia should recognize the Russian-controlled separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine according to Moscow reporter Patrick Reevell. Watching the live now, they are debating on it (news stream is live, they are showing footage from earlier debating on the issue). Read more
February 21, 2022 - U.S. Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated "President Biden accepted in principle a meeting w/ President Putin following that engagement, again, if an invasion hasn’t happened. We are always ready for diplomacy. We are also ready to impose swift and severe consequences should Russia instead choose war". Read more
February 21, 2022 - The LPR and Russian state media are claiming that Ukraine allegedly shelled a position along the Line Of Control and killed two civilians. Read more
February 20, 2022 - Internet provider Lugacom, an ISP that supplies internet connectivity to Luhansk in eastern Ukraine from Russia, has announced potential disruptions in their mobile services in the region in the last day. Read more
February 20, 2022 - Fox news has confirmed reports by the New York Times and Washington Post that US allegedly has intelligence that Russian troops were given orders to proceed with an invasion. On NBC's Face The Nation CBS David Martin had stated "The commanders on the ground are making specific plans for how they would maneuver in their sector of the battlefield". Read more
February 20, 2022 - Natasha Bertrand, reporter for the White House and national security stated that she talked to Vice President Kamala Harris and asked if the U.S. has evidence that Putin has given his subordinates the order to invade Ukraine. Kamala replied with "We believe he has made his decision. Period". Read more
February 20, 2022 - The U.S. Embassy in Russia has put out a statement regarding possible terror attacks in Russia. They have warned American citizens to stay away from crowds, carry proper identification and have an evacuation plan ready. Embassy says that their assessment is based on 'media reports' of threats. They did not specify which media reports they were referring to. It's possible it could have been Russian media reports. Read more
February 20, 2022 - Russian tanks have been rolling into Belgorod, Russia. Our intel team has noticed many videos of tanks rolling into Belgorod the last few days. Check us out on social media to see our video and photo updates. Read more
February 20, 2022 - Over 10 Russian ships have now reportedly passed under the Crimean Bridge (Kerch Strait Bridge) and entered the Sea of Azov. The ships include: Project 775, the Saratov Project 1171 large landing ships, and Pavel Derzhavin Project 22160 patrol ship. Read more
February 20, 2022 - CNN has now reported that Russia has around 75% of its 'conventional forces' positioned around the Ukrainian border, including 120 Battalion Tactical Groups that are within 60km of Ukraine, 35 air defense battalions, 500 fighters and bomber aircraft and 50 medium to heavy bombers. Read more
February 20, 2022 - A video released by Russian state news TV Vezda allegedly shows DPR forces carrying out an anti-tank guided missile attack on Ukrainian positions in Donbass. Read more
February 20, 2022 - Russian state news RIA Novosti has put out an article that says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he has decided to make a nuclear bomb. We decided to get to the bottom of this claim and find out what was really said. Read more
February 20, 2022 - The British Prime Minister suggested that Russia may be planning the largest war in Europe since 1945. "All the signs are that the plan has already in some senses begun" he stated. Read more
February 19, 2022 - Russian T-72 tanks have been spotted in Tomarovka, Belgrod Oblast, which is less than 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Our intel team has pulled up a large number of video footage of tanks in and around that location. Read more
February 19, 2022 - Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and four injured during a large escalation in fighting on the frontline. Mortars and artillery were used and there are even reports that a tank was allegedly used. Read more
February 19, 2022 - We're starting to see a large escalation of fighting near the line of control in Donbass, Ukraine over the last hour. What sounds like gunfire and artillery rounds are reportedly being fired near the Kievsky district. Read more
February 19, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said "I had a conversation with the leader of one of the leading countries. I was told the war would start in a few days. I said - impose sanctions today. They answered me, we will introduce when the war starts". Read more
February 19, 2022 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said "I had a conversation with the leader of one of the leading countries. I was told the war would start in a few days. I said - impose sanctions today. They answered me, we will introduce when the war starts". Read more
February 19, 2022 - The OSCE has reported that there have been 222 ceasefire violations by separatists in the #Donetsk region on Thursday including 135 explosions and 648 in #Luhansk including 519 explosions. Read more
February 19, 2022 - The leader of the Unrecognized DPR Denis Pushilin has announced a general mobilization saying "I urge fellow countrymen who are in reserve to come to the military commissariats. Today I signed a decree on general mobilization". Read more
February 19, 2022 - Russian state news has claimed that Ukrainian security forces have opened fire on DPR positions, and that in Donetsk they believe Kyiv is ready for a forceful solution to the conflict. Read more
February 19, 2022 - The OSCE says that there are between 169,000 and 190,000 Russian troops on the Ukrainian border, "This is the most significant military mobilization in Europe since the Second World War". They said that Russia now has around 50% of its forces stationed near the Ukrainian border. Read more
February 19, 2022 - Ukrainian security official Oleksiy Danilov stated on Friday that Russia is attempting to stage provocations in eastern Ukraine and trying to provoke a response out of Kyiv. Danilov stated that Ukraine will remain peaceful despite this in order to diffuse the current tensions with Russia. Read more
February 19, 2022 - U.S. intelligence indicates that Russia may target political opponents, activists and Belarusian 'dissidents' currently living in exile if it does carry out a large-scale invasion on Ukraine according to Foreign Policy. Read more
February 19, 2022 - During heightened tensions with Ukraine, Russia has decided to carry out nuclear force exercises on February 19th where they will test launch ICBMs, SLBMs and bombers. Read more
February 19, 2022 - The British Ministry of Defense stated Thursday that Russia has 50% of its ground combat units on the Ukrainian border. U.S officials now say Russia has around 150,000 ground troops and 125 battalion tactical groups on the border. Read more
February 18, 2022 - There has been a massive pipeline explosion in Ukraine. We are still investigating but Russian state news, Reuters and other news agencies say that it was near Luhansk, one of the main cities in Ukraine's breakaway region of the People's Republic of Luhansk. The pipeline caught fire after the blast. Read more
February 18, 2022 - The head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic has announced an agreement with the Russian leadership to evacuate Russian citizens in the Rostov region into Russia. The evacuation is claimed to be carried out due to alleged 'increased shelling by Ukraine' and what they say is an 'impending Ukrainian attack' on Russian separatist locations within Ukraine. Read more
February 17, 2022 - Luhansk, Ukraine internet and main mobile service operator Vodafone. The cause has not yet been determined. One report says that Kyivstar is also down or having disruptions. Read more
February 17, 2022 - The CinC AF of Ukraine has put out a statement declaring an evacuation of the local population in some settlements in the 'temporarily occupied territory' especially by Donetsk. Read more
February 17, 2022 - Russian military expert Rob Lee has stated that when Russia said that they will be taking 'military technical response' they likely meant moving weapon systems closer to NATO members such as 9M729 (SSC-8) cruise missile systems. Read more
February 17, 2022 - Russian state news RIA Novosti reported saying that the United States allegedly "twisted" Russia's proposals on security guarantees in the direction of creating advantages for Washington and its allies. Russia says they expect a full withdrawal of US and NATO forces from eastern Europe. Read more
February 17, 2022 - Russia says that Moscow will be forced to respond due to Washington's unwillingness to agree on security guarantees, according to Russian state news TASS. Read more
February 17, 2022 - When Biden was asked is it "your sense Putin is going to go thru with it" Biden responded with, “Yes… not now, in a matter of days.” Read more
February 17, 2022 - Russian Foreign Ministry website seems to be under DDOS attack at the moment. Website now shows no errors except default 'site took too long to be reached' error which indicates the server has been taken down. Read more
February 17, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Ministry website is currently down, with a database error "DB query error. Please try later". Read more
February 17, 2022 - Russian state news has reported that Russia has expelled United States Deputy Ambassador in Moscow Bart Gorman. The United States has allegedly promised a 'response'. Read more
February 17, 2022 - There has reportedly been shelling on a kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska, Ukraine. Russian state news agencies claim that the artillery fire came from the Ukrainian front and that Ukraine targeted a kindergarten within its own territory. Ukraine says that the artillery fire came from Russia and that it is 'a big provocation'. Read more
February 17, 2022 - There is currently smoke billowing out of the Russian embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. The smoke is coming out of the chimney so it is controlled and does not seem to be accidental. This may indicate that Russia is burning sensitive documents within the embassy as a precaution to safeguard against another country obtaining them. Read more
February 17, 2022 - Al Jazeera reported the following message "Urgent | President of the separatist Lugansk Republic: We call on international observers to take urgent measures to prevent bloodshed in Donbass". Read more
February 17, 2022 - Russian state news has accused Ukraine of firing mortar shells and grenades at four LPR locations. This may or may not be true, but as always never treat a story as fact until it's verified by multiple credible sources. Read more
February 16, 2022 - Nolan Peterson, a reporter on the ground in Ukraine who spoke with Ukrainian soldiers said that they were 'on edge last night' and are now taking 'concrete actions' to prepare for a Russian attack. Read more
February 16, 2022 - Despite suspected propaganda coming from the Russian media, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that Washington continues to see Russian forces in mass moving toward the Ukrainian border, not away from it, and Russia is building a bridge over the Pripyat river from Belarus to Ukraine. Read more
February 15, 2022 - The United States is reportedly currently evaluating whether or not Russia is in fact behind the cyberattack on the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense website, as well as a few Ukrainian banks. Read more
February 15, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated During joint press conference with German Chancellor that "Russia can't turn away from the fact that US and NATO are interpreting the key principles of indivisibility of security that is stipulated in many pan-European documents". Read more
February 15, 2022 - Our intel channels confirm that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense website is still down. It is now not showing any custom error message at all, just the white default connection timeout message, indicating the server is completely shut down. Read more
February 15, 2022 - Netblocks monitoring service confirms that the Ukrainian ministry of defense website is down, along with Ukraine's State Savings Bank which is impacting ATM and banking services in Ukraine. Suspected ongoing DDOS attack on the servers. Read more
February 15, 2022 - Ukrainian Ministry of Defense: "The MOD website was probably attacked by DDoS: an excessive number of requests per second was recorded. Technical works on restoration of regular functioning are carried out. Communication via FB and Twitter pages" Read more
February 15, 2022 - Ukrainian media reports say there are issues with some Ukrainian banks, in addition with the Defense Ministry site being down. Privat and Oschad apps are not working and people can't pay with their cards. Read more
February 15, 2022 - Russian State news TASS claimed that the LPR prevented a terrorist attack in Luhansk. TASS said the department announced 'possible' involvement in the attempted attack of 'sabotage'. Remember to always read Russian state news with a grain of salt. The report may be part of Russia's pretext for justifying an invasion on Ukraine. Read more
February 15, 2022 - The United States Embassy in Kyiv says "Today’s Duma vote on the “LPR/DPR” is yet another odious attempt to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and a clear violation of the Minsk agreements, which commit signatories to reintegrate these regions. Read more
February 15, 2022 - Russian State Duma reportedly passed resolution appealing to Putin to recognize independence of the DNR and LNR (Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republic) Read more
February 15, 2022 - Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs put out a statement saying "Russia's recognition of the so-called "L/DPR" will be tantamount to its deliberate withdrawal from the Minsk Agreements. Such a move will cause a blow to the politico-diplomatic settlement that Ukraine and its partners have been actively engaged to promote". Read more
February 15, 2022 - The Russian Defense Ministry says that they are withdrawing troops and have shown video footage of tanks moving back to their bases. They say Southern and Western Military District troops have completed their exercises and will return to their permanent bases. Read more
February 14, 2022 - The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is now reportedly closing down temporarily and relocating to Lviv, western Ukraine "due to the dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces". Read more
February 14, 2022 - A U.S. official claims that Russia has 'moved some long-range artillery and rocket launchers into firing position' according to CBS. Read more
February 14, 2022 - Ukrayinska Pravda has reported that there are currently no flight cancellations at Ukraine's capital airports Boryspil and Zhulyany and that all flights in those airports are currently on schedule. Read more
February 14, 2022 - There are many reports that Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom told BBC that Ukraine may be willing to drop plans of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in order to avoid a possible war with Russia. However, they only said they had contemplated the possibility, not that they actually were actually considering doing such a thing now. Read more
February 13, 2022 - After reports began to come out of insurance agencies for airlines and aircraft refusing to allow their carriers over Ukrainian airspace, Ukraine has now reportedly put up $590 million to insure its airspace. Read more
February 13, 2022 - *TRANSLATED FROM UKRAINIAN* Ukrayinska Pravda is reporting that Ukrainian oligarchs and businessmen are leaving Ukraine on charter flights and that about 20 charters and private jets departed from Kyiv on Sunday alone. Read more
February 13, 2022 - Canada is reportedly pulling its troops out of Ukraine 'as a result of complex operational aggression against Ukraine' according to the Canadian Armed Forces, who are in the process of relocating components of their Joint Task Force from Ukraine to somewhere else in Europe. Read more
February 13, 2022 - Senior U.S. officials stated on Sunday that they can't confirm reports by mainstream sources that Russia is planning on invading Ukraine on Wednesday. They did however say that they will attempt to prevent any 'surprise attack' that might happen by sharing what they know about Russia's plans. Read more
February 13, 2022 - *Based On Translated Ukrainian News* Ukraine has reportedly classified the airspace over the Black Sea as dangerous and has put out a warning telling airlines not to fly over airspace above the Black Sea. Read more
February 13, 2022 - U.S. National Security Advisor has reiterated Washington's stance that the United States won't be sending any forces to battle the Russians in the event that Russia invades Ukraine. Read more
February 13, 2022 - Ukraine has reportedly stated that they see no point in closing airspace amid Russian tensions. But, "If particular air carriers decide to reconfigure the flight schedule, this certainly has nothing to do with the decisions or policies of our state". Read more
February 13, 2022 - Russia has reportedly begun the process of evacuating diplomats from Ukraine according to RIA Novosti which stated (translation): "Russian Diplomats begin to leave Ukraine, a source said". Read more
February 12, 2022 - *NEW INFORMATION* Russia claimed that the U.S. submarine refused orders to leave their territorial waters, but then left back into international waters after the Russian Navy used 'appropriate means'. The US has rejected Russia's claims that Russia warned off the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine. Read more
February 12, 2022 - The Russian Embassy for the United Kingdom quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating "After Russian troops finish drills and return to barracks, West will declare 'diplomatic victory' by having 'secured' Russian 'de-escalation'. Predictable scenario and cheap domestic political points". Read more
February 12, 2022 - Biden reportedly told the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Poland, Romania and France as well as NATO Secretary General and President of the European Commission that Putin may launch an attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, February 16th. Read more
February 12, 2022 - The U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of 'most' of the embassy staff in Ukraine, reducing the staff to a 'bare minimum' according to a state department official. Read more
February 12, 2022 - *UPDATED* Countries that have asked their citizens to evacuate #Ukraine: United States, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Iraq, Montenegro, Norway, Latvia, Great Britain, Estonia, North Macedonia, Finland, Canada, New Zealand, Kuwait, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Sweden, Spain, KSA, Lithuania, UAE, New Zealand, Australia, Czech Republic Read more
February 12, 2022 - Iraq has now reportedly asked all of its citizens currently located in Ukraine to leave the country due to the 'exceptional circumstances' and has issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to Ukraine until further notice for their safety. Read more
February 12, 2022 - There are reportedly 7,000 American citizens currently in Ukraine with another 25,000 dual citizens with U.S. citizenship, all of which will have no help from the U.S. government to evacuate from the country if Russia carries out an invasion of Ukraine. Read more
February 12, 2022 - Russia is looking to attack on Wednesday as a target date a U.S. official reportedly told AP. Why Wednesday? We don't know. The mainstream media has been in a state of confusion, and it only seems to be getting worse the closer the world gets to a possible war. Read more
February 12, 2022 - The Russian Mission To the United Nations put out a statement quoting Polyanskiy saying "We codemn the policy of the #UnitedStates and its allies that relocate their military to #EasternEurope. Those are steps in a wrong direction. Instead of bringing de-escalation, it may provoke crises that all of us would want to avoid". Read more
February 12, 2022 - More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea Fleet moved out for exercises From from Novorossiysk and Sevastopol with subdivisions of the coastal troops of the fleet 'also entering combat training grounds' according to Russian state news Zvezda by Russia's Ministry of Defense. Read more
February 12, 2022 - White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich stated "On WH denying reports Putin has decided to attack, diplomatic source tells me “There are some worrying signals that could lead you to believe a go-order has been given –but it cannot be confirmed. I would be a bit cautious because the information is imperfect, incomplete". Read more
February 11, 2022 - According to Belarus Journalist Franak Viačorka, "only part of the Russian troops were actually involved in the 'exercise' while some were deployed outside of the location where the drills were taking place, near the Ukrainian border. Read more
February 11, 2022 - Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs put out a statement saying that in a conversation with EU the Foreign Minister, they discussed the security situation and he confirmed that a package of 'severe sanctions' for Russia is ready. Read more
February 11, 2022 - Israel is now evacuating the families of its diplomats from Kyiv, Ukraine in light of the escalating tensions in the region. Read more
February 11, 2022 - The White House has put out another warning telling Americans in Ukraine to get out of the country, saying get out now because the U.S. Military won't help rescue you if Russia invades and that the President will not be putting the lives of soldiers at risk by sending them in a war zone to rescue people who could have gotten out but chose not to. Read more
February 11, 2022 - There is currently a lot of confusion going on regarding whether Putin has decided to invade Ukraine. Jake Sullivan pushed back on the report, but said he did not watch the PBS piece regarding Putin having made up his mind to invade. Read more
February 11, 2022 - Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi spoke to Australia's Sky News and stated they are ready and capable and we will not give up a single meter of Ukrainian land without a fight, and that if Russia were to invade Ukraine each meter of the land will be flooded with their blood. Read more
February 11, 2022 - The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the Russian Navy's detachment of six landing ships which includes the Minsk, Kaliningrad, Georgy Pobedonosets, Pyotr Morgunov, and Olenegorsk Miner has reached the naval base of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea. Read more
February 11, 2022 - *UPDATED* After the Russian Foreign Minister called British Foreign Minister A Dumb And Deaf Person and left her standing at the podium all alone, the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has stated that Russia's ties with Britain are at a low point while meeting with UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace for talks, saying that Russia's level of cooperation is "close to zero and about to cross the zero meridian and go into negative'. Read more
February 11, 2022 - After US officials stated that Russia was planning on creating a pretext for an invasion on Ukraine, Russia has conveniently come out with a report that they have found more than 130 mass graves of civilians on the territory of the so called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), who they claim died from Ukrainian aggression. Read more
February 11, 2022 - The US Mission to NATO said Russia continues its military buildup, NATO allies continue calling for diplomacy and said that an attack on one is an attack on all. Read more
February 11, 2022 - The United States has deployed B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers belonging to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota to the United Kingdom. Read more
February 11, 2022 - Secretary of State Antony Blinken has put out a statement saying that an invasion on Ukraine by Russia could happen 'at any time', including during the Beijing Winter Olympics. Read more
February 11, 2022 - Biden has told NBC that sending troops in to evacuate Ukraine would be world war, essentially saying that it would result in world war 3 where Americans and Russians would be shooting at each other. Read more
February 10, 2022 - Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called British Foreign Minister Liz Truss "dumb and deaf" and walked away, leaving her standing at the podium alone during talks. Read more
February 10, 2022 - *Based On Translated Version Of Ukrainian News* Ukrainian news site ZN.UA reported that Russia is closing off areas of the Black and Azov Seas for 'missile training' which, the project manager at the Institute of Black Sea Strategic Studies Andriy Klimenko said indicates that Russia may be planning to carry out a naval blockade of Ukrainian ports. Read more
February 10, 2022 - A group of members of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has reportedly asked Biden in an open letter to share as much intelligence as possible with Ukraine. Read more
February 10, 2022 - The U.S. Embassy in Russia has put out a travel advisory for Russia saying that the advisory level is at: Level 4: Do Not Travel, for reasons including 'harassment against U.S. citizens, harassment by Russian government security officials as well as the 'arbitrary enforcement of local law' and 'increased tensions along the border of Ukraine'. Read more
February 9, 2022 - Around 80 tons of 7.62mm ammunition has arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine from the United States. Read more
February 9, 2022 - Ukrainian request for THAAD missile defense systems from the United States are a 'provocation' and that seriously considering approving the request to Ukraine would deal a setback for the current crisis in Ukraine according to Russian RIA news agency. Read more
February 9, 2022 - Latvian Air Force has been accused by Belarus Border Guard with breaching its airspace. To prevent illegal border crossings that are being coordinated authorities in Belarus since last August, the Latvia Air Force plane An-2 made a planned flight along the Latvian-Belarus border, but allegedly didn't cross it. Read more
February 9, 2022 - Russia's 203mm self propelled nuclear capable 'Soviet atomic cannons' have been spotted having been deployed 10 miles from the Ukrainian border. Read more
February 9, 2022 - A new video in Russian that was posted on Telegram show what looks to be a Russian MiG-31K Foxhound (MiG-31I) carrying what appears to be a Kinzhal hypersonic missile to the Chkalovsk air base near Kaliningrad, which is a Russian territory that closely borders both Poland and Lithuania, both which are members of NATO. Read more
February 8, 2022 - The Canadian government is reportedly telling its citizens in the country to leave Ukraine immediately in the 'anticipation of a Russian invasion'. The department of Global Affairs told Canadian citizens to get out of the country on the first available flight and to avoid travel to Ukraine. Read more
February 8, 2022 - Six Russian Warships and a submarine, part of Russia's amphibious landing ship force which carries troops, tanks and supplies have now entered the Dardanelles which connects the Mediterranean to the Black Sea moving towards Ukraine. Read more
February 8, 2022 - French President Macron travels to Russia for talks with Putin. While Putin stated "we will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone", Peskov said Moscow and Paris could not do this, the leadership of NATO does not belong to France. Read more
February 8, 2022 - RIA Novosti stated that Peskov said he had not heard reports that Putin had agreed in talks with Macron not to hold new exercises near Ukraine. Furthermore, the Belarusian Security Council stated that if NATO activity near the borders of Belarus intensifies, it is planned to increase the measures of strategic deterrence. Read more
February 8, 2022 - A separatist commander in separatist controlled Eastern Ukraine has asked Russia to send 30,000 troops and military equipment to help the separatist forces fight against 'a potential Ukrainian offensive' which was originally claimed by Andrey Turchak without providing any evidence. Read more
February 8, 2022 - Air Force Major General Ferdinand B. Stoss, STRATCOM director of plans and policy issued a warning at the 2022 virtual Nuclear Deterrence Summit saying that the US and allies have not 'faced this type of threat in over 30 years' and that 'we have no history of this' regarding a nuclear China and Russia and a 'three-party nuclear peer dynamic'. Read more
February 8, 2022 - The Department of Defense has stated that the number of Russian forces stationed near the Ukrainian border has increased over the weekend to 'well north of 100,000' troops. Some reports estimate around 130,000. Read more
February 8, 2022 - Biden has stated that he promises that Nortstream 2 will be able to be shut down if Russia invades Ukraine saying, "I promise you we will be able to do it" after being asked how that is possible since the United States doesn't control the project. Read more
February 8, 2022 - Biden says that Germany is 'completely reliable' and that the partnership with Germany is a partnership of 'complete trust' despite how reluctant Germany has been to give aid to Ukraine, including the fact that Germany sent Ukraine 5,000 combat helmets instead of lethal weapons. Read more
February 7, 2022 - Biden has made an assessment on Putin's ability to invade Ukraine during a press conference on Monday. He stated (word for word): "I don't know that he knows what he's going to do, I know that he's in a position now to be able to invade almost assuming that the ground is frozen above Kyiv. He has the capacity to do that. What he's going to do, I don't know. And I don't think anybody knows but him". Read more
February 7, 2022 - Jens Stoltenberg says NATO is 'considering the deployment of additional battlegroups to the south-eastern part of the Alliance' and says that they have over 100k troops near the Ukrainian border (Some reports say over 130,000), and 30,000 Russian soldiers are headed to Belarus. Read more
February 7, 2022 - British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has announced that Britain is sending 350 more troops to the Polish border amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe. Read more
February 7, 2022 - The Russian reconnaissance ship "Ivan Hurs" was spotted by the Ukraine military approaching the coast of Odessa at a distance of 20 miles on February 6th, 2022. Read more
February 7, 2022 - A CNN report says that the U.S. allegedly has intercepted communications that Russian officers have had doubts about the costs and difficulty of a full-scale invasion on Ukraine which would be costlier than even Putin realized Read more
February 7, 2022 - Russia has around 130,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, 70% of the forces it needs to carry out a full-scale invasion on Ukraine according to both U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Read more
February 7, 2022 - Another Russian Slava-class cruiser Ustinov has been spotted entering the Mediterranean Sea on February 6th, bringing the number of Slava-class cruisers in the Mediterranean to 2 now. Read more
February 7, 2022 - Su-30SM fighters from Russia and Belarus carry out more joint patrols over Belarus at an altitude of about 8,000 meters and speed of 750 km/h. Patrols will continue until Feb 9th, after which 'Allied Resolve - 2022' exercises set for February 10th through 20th. Read more
February 7, 2022 - The Ukrainian Foreign Minister has Dmytro Kuleba Sunday warned people to ignore 'apocalyptic predictions' regarding an 'imminent' Russian invasion on Ukraine and said that Ukraine is tough and has an unprecedented amount of international support Read more
February 7, 2022 - US troops have arrived in Poland to reinforce Eastern European allies on Sunday as Russia continues to bolster its forces near the Ukrainian border in both Russia and Belarus. Read more
February 6, 2022 - A US official has stated that based on a government assessment, Russia should be at full operational capacity at around February 15th and have now already moved ground troops near Ukraine from nearly every part of their military. Read more
February 6, 2022 - Around 80 members of the Main National Guard is set to be deployed to Eastern Europe in the Spring for a one year deployment to Poland. Read more
February 5, 2022 - The US Military's XVIII Airborne Corps from Fort Bragg has established a 300 member headquarters unit in Wiesbaden, Germany dubbed 'Task Force Dragon' in the midst of the current developing crisis in Europe between Russia and Ukraine. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Russian SU-25SM attack aircraft of the Eastern Military District have been moved from Russia to Belarus for what Russia and Belarus are calling 'exercises' but the West suspects may be an ever growing invasion force near Ukrainian borders. SU-25SM aircraft would be paramount to carrying out an attack on the ground in the event of an invasion taking place. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Russia sent a couple of nuclear-capable bombers to patrol Belarus on Saturday as tensions mount between Russia, Belarus and the West over Russian troops being stationed near the Ukrainian border within Russian territory, as well as within Belarus. Read more
February 5, 2022 - BELARUS - Belarus has quietly altered its constitution to allow the country to host nuclear missiles within its region, which comes into effect on February 27th, 2022 and gives Belarus the ability to legally offer Russia to host its own nuclear missiles within Belarusian territory. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Number Of Russian #Battalion Tactical Groups Near Ukraine Increased From 60 To 83 In Two Weeks. National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin has reported that Putin has in place 70% of necessary forces needed for a Ukraine invasion, and battalion tactical groups have increased from 60 to 83 in two weeks with 14 more in transit. Read more
February 5, 2022 - United States and NATO fighter jets, which included British and Norwegian aircraft intercepted Russian planes over the North Atlantic on Thursday according to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Russian state propaganda machine and Kremlin mouthpiece Provda news claims that Russian nuclear submarines are currently on duty off the U.S. coasts, citing two 'unconfirmed' reports which included one submarine located near the east coast of the United States and one off the west coast, and also another 'presumably' in the Arctic. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Russia has agreed on a 30 year contract to supply gas to China which will be fed to China through a new pipeline. China will be paying Russia for the gas in Euros in order to separate themselves from the US dollar. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Bloomberg has accidentally reported on their website that Russia has invaded Ukraine, but then quickly removed the article saying that they prepare for many scenarios and one of those scenarios was accidentally published at about 4pm Eastern Time on their website. Read more
February 5, 2022 - The following is the "Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the International Relations Entering a New Era and the Global Sustainable Development" given by the leaders of both Russia and China. Read more
February 5, 2022 - Russia now has 83 battlegroups stationed near Ukraine, which according to Russian defense policy expert Rob Lee is equal to half the total number of Russia's ground combat power with 14 additional battlegroups currently in transit Read more
February 4, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov put out a statement over Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Twitter account saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Russia's position on security guarantees in Europe and that China's President has 'reaffirmed' support for Russia's stand on the issue. Read more
February 4, 2022 - Multiple oil transport and storage facilities in Europe have been hit with cyber attacks. Oiltanking in Germany, SEA-Invest in Belgium and Evos in the Netherlands have all had cyberattacks carried out against them, including 'dozens of terminals with oil storage and transport' across the world having been affected over the weekend according to BBC News. Read more
February 4, 2022 - The Russian President has met face to face with Chinese President during the kickoff of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, where Russia backed China's stance on Taiwan, and China backed Russia's stance on 'security guarantees' from the United States and NATO. Read more
February 4, 2022 - After a classified congressional briefing on the situation between Russia and Ukraine a GOP lawmaker stated the briefing is 'top secret' but what he can say is "Americans need to get out of Ukraine". He also stated the importance of focusing on America's southern border. Read more
February 4, 2022 - Russia stated on Thursday that it would be "absolutely justified" in responding to the Pentagon's deployment of 3,000 troops to Poland, Romania and Germany. Meanwhile the leader of Belarus stated "I will do everything so that Ukraine becomes ours. She is our Ukraine".` Read more
February 4, 2022 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has stated that Russian troop numbers stationed in Belarus which lies close to the Ukrainian border could reach 30,000, the largest since the cold war. Read more
February 3, 2022 - Russian, US and French warships have been spotted off the Irish coast by the Irish Air Corps and Navy ahead of Russian Naval and live fire missile exercises set to take place on Thursday. Read more
February 3, 2022 - Ukraine says footage of drone over Belarus is fake news. An interesting thing about the drone in the photos being shared across social media is that it appears to be a Russian made modded Orlan-10 UAV, which could indeed indicate it is a Russian false flag event. Read more
February 3, 2022 - There are multiple reports, one from ATN News stating that Belarus has shot down a Ukrainian drone over Brest as it was doing recon and taking footage of Russian troops training in Belarus. The #Ukrainian Foreign Ministry however reportedly says that they have not used drones at the border between Belarus and Ukraine and says that it's another provocation by #Russian authorities. Read more
February 3, 2022 - The leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko has stated that things are currently unpredictable and can turn into a 'hot phase' at any moment, such as in the 1930s and 1940s around the time of World War 2. Read more
February 3, 2022 - KREMLIN - Article written by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Chinese News Agency Xinhua on the strategic partnership between Russia and China. Read more
February 3, 2022 - WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has stated that the United States is on high alert, waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make his next move as Satellite photos taken by Maxar suggests that Russian troops are on an increased level of readiness compared to earlier satellite photos taken. Read more
February 3, 2022 - The Pentagon has stated that the United States is on high alert, waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make his next move. EUCOM alert level has been raised to level 2. Read more
February 2, 2022 - Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put out a statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting China on the invitation of the Chinese to attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Read more
February 2, 2022 - Britain's Royal Air Force has intercepted four Russian strategic bombers approaching UK's area of interest but did not enter sovereign airspace. The UK scrambled quick reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft in response. Read more
February 2, 2022 - A new email alert that has been issued by the US embassy in Ukraine has advised Americans to contact the U.S. Embassy if they need financial assistance to purchase an airplane ticket out of the country. Read more
February 2, 2022 - New satellite photos taken by Maxar show an increased level of activity by Russian troops surrounding the Ukrainian border in Belarus, Crimea and Western Russia. Read more
February 2, 2022 - The Foreign Ministers of Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic And Slovakia are set to visit Ukraine next week according to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko. Read more
February 2, 2022 - Thousands of Russians, including intellectuals and activists are urging the Kremlin to avoid an 'immoral, irresponsible, and criminal' war with Ukraine. Read more
February 1, 2022 - Russia has responded to the US and NATO's written message saying that the message 'demonstrate serious differences in the understanding of the principle of equal and indivisible security'. Read more
February 1, 2022 - The Ukrainian President has warned that there will be a 'full fledged' European war if Russia decides to carry out an invasion on Ukraine despite his recent comments admonishing the US for creating a 'big hype' regarding an 'imminent' invasion. Read more
February 1, 2022 - The United States, NATO and Britain have now stated that they will not likely be sending troops to Ukraine if Russia decides to invade the country. Read more
February 1, 2022 - Italy's defense ministry has spotted and confirmed six Russian warships in the Mediterranean Sea but said that Russia is not showing 'escalatory behavior'. Read more
February 1, 2022 - Russian state news RT has claimed that Ukraine has carried out a drone strike on the front line in Eastern Ukraine that killed 'military personnel'. Read more
February 1, 2022 - The Russian Embassy has stated that Russia will not be backing down to U.S. sanctions and 'stand at attention'. Read more
February 1, 2022 - Russia has now assumed the presidency of the United Nations for one month, until the end of February. Read more
February 1, 2022 - The U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of family members of the US Embassy in Belarus and warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Belarus amid 'unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine'. Read more
January 31, 2022 - The Australian Embassy to Ukraine has called upon its citizens to leave the country immediately due to the threat of a new Russian invasion on the country. Australia has also advised citizens not to travel to Ukraine. Read more
January 31, 2022 - U.S. Senators are close to passing a sanctions bill that may include penalties on Russia even if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not decide to invade Ukraine. Read more
January 31, 2022 - The Pentagon has put out a statement saying that there will be no American troops on the ground in combat with the Russians in Ukraine. Read more
January 31, 2022 - The Russian army is reportedly disrupting GPS signals with electromagnetic waves in Latakia as well as Ben Gurion, the main airport in Israel and within Israel's airspace. Read more
January 31, 2022 - On Sunday Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Russia wants "mutually respectful" relations with the United States but said that they don't want their 'security infringed daily' and said that Ukraine is not ready to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and would make no contribution to it. Read more
January 31, 2022 - Global Affairs Canada has temporarily withdrawn non-essential personnel from the Canadian embassy to Ukraine. Read more
January 31, 2022 - PENTAGON - The Pentagon stated Sunday that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time and says that Putin 'has a lot of options available to him' and 'could execute some of those options imminently'. Read more
January 30, 2022 - Britain is putting the aircraft carrier HMS Wales, a command ship for the NATO Response Force (NRF) on standby to move within hours if tensions with Russia further increase. Read more
January 30, 2022 - Russia: 2022 will be a year of crisis between the US and Russia, and a new world order is needed that weakens the US on the world stage for peace between the two countries to be possible. Read more
January 30, 2022 - Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia plans on asking NATO to make it more clear whether it intends on implementing Russia's security demands after Russia stated that The U.S. and NATO's written response did not address Moscow's key concerns. Read more
January 30, 2022 - According to the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is 'downplaying' the risk of invasion on the country and pointed out that Zelensky has paid 'hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of weapons 'to defend against one'. Read more
January 30, 2022 - The British government says that they are considering making a major NATO deployment across Europe in response to Russia amassing troops, tanks and artillery near the Ukrainian border in order to "send a clear message to the Kremlin". Read more
January 29, 2022 - Does Russia want war? Verbal indications may say no, but actions indicate yes. Read more
January 29, 2022 - Russia says that they are now conscripting 'Russians permanently residing in the Donetsk and Luhansk people's Republics' (DNR and LNR) into the Russian military 'if they so wish' while Belarus also says that if Russia invades #Ukraine or gets attacked it 'will fight alongside Russia'. Read more
January 28, 2022 - Russia is now reportedly moving supplies of blood near the Ukrainian border, along with other medical materials. Read more
January 28, 2022 - Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy has warned of destabilization amid fears of a new Russian invasion. Read more
January 28, 2022 - Russia replies to the written response by US and NATO. Russia activates a Triumph missile battalion for combat duty after claiming NATO Air Force is practicing sorties with nuclear missiles. Read more
January 28, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has responded to the written responses from the US and NATO saying the US security proposals were better than NATO's, and stated that Russia does not want to attack Ukraine. Read more
January 28, 2022 - There have been conflicting reports regarding Biden and Zelensky's phone conversation coming out. Some reports saying that the conversation leaked to White House reporter Natasha Bertrand and other established reporters at CNN is false. Read more
January 27, 2022 - The United States is now urging China to use its influence with Russia to urge diplomacy and discourage an invasion on Ukraine. Read more
January 27, 2022 - United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had stated on Wednesday that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics might postpone a Russian invasion if that is what Putin decides to do. Read more
January 27, 2022 - "The document we’ve delivered includes concerns of the United States and our allies and partners about Russia’s actions that undermine security, a principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns that Russia has raised, and our own proposals for areas where we may be able to find common ground". Read more
January 27, 2022 - The Department Of Homeland Security has released an intelligence bulletin stating that Russia would consider carrying out a cyberattack on the United States homeland if Moscow deems that the written response given by the U.S. Read more
January 27, 2022 - Russia has said that they see some room for dialog after receiving the written security guarantee responses from both the United States and NATO but that it was clear that Russia's demands had not been taken into account in the response. Read more
January 27, 2022 - The Belarusian Ministry of Defense has stated that once the joint military exercises with Russia are over on February 20th, Russian forces will be leaving Belarus. Read more
January 27, 2022 - Ukraine says that they have seen the U.S. written response to Russia before it was passed onto the Kremlin and see no objections to its contents and emphasized the "No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine" Golden rule. Read more
January 27, 2022 - NATO Open Door Policy: - "The door to NATO membership remains open to other European countries which are ready and willing to undertake the commitments and obligations of membership and whose membership contributes to security in the Euro-Atlantic area". Read more
January 27, 2022 - Russia has responded to the written response by the United States and NATO saying that its demands main demands have 'not been taken into account' and warned of an unavoidable nuclear missile crisis if measures aren't taken. Read more
January 26, 2022 - Secretary of State Antony Blinken has again strongly warned Americans currently in Ukraine to 'strongly consider leaving' and stated Americans still in Ukraine 'may be caught in a #conflict zone between #combatant forces'. Read more
January 26, 2022 - Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly stated that "there is no change, there will be no change" regarding the open door policy and that the door is open and 'remains open'. Read more
January 26, 2022 - Britain is in talks to send thousands of extra troops to Eastern Europe before any potential Russian invasion of Ukraine happens Read more
January 26, 2022 - US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan has reportedly delivered the U.S. response to Russia. NBC News Correspondent Richard Engel reported that he has been told that the written response to Russia does not go beyond what the US and NATO have already said". Read more
January 26, 2022 - Moscow has stated that Russia will take 'necessary response measures' and said that Russia and its citizens are 'absolute priority'. Read more
January 26, 2022 - U.S. Department of State has stated that they see every indication that Putin is going to use military force in Ukraine. They have stated that they believe that it will happen between now and the middle of February. Read more
January 26, 2022 - Russia's Defense Ministry has reported that they will be carrying out large-scale exercises in Russia near the Ukrainian border, including Crimea. Read more
January 26, 2022 - Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby has said that the United States may send more troops to Eastern Europe than the 8,500 soldiers that have already been placed on high alert. The U.S. supercarrier Harry S. Truman carrier group has also been placed under NATO command. Read more
January 26, 2022 - The United States has warned Belarus against helping Russia invade Ukraine saying that it would face a 'decisive response' if the country helps Russia carry out an invasion on Ukraine. Read more
January 25, 2022 - While the United States maintains that an invasion on Ukraine by Russia is imminent, Ukraine leaders say "Stay calm, a Russian invasion is not imminent" but says that the threat is real. If invasion isn't imminent however, what does Ukraine need with German weapons and military equipment? Read more
January 25, 2022 - Angered by Russian military live fire exercises being announced off the coast of Ireland, Irish fishing boats say that they plan to thwart the Russian military excessive by maintaining a presence in the area that they will be carrying out the drills. Read more
January 25, 2022 - There has reportedly been a cyber attack on the Belarus railway system by hacktivists who say they hacked the rail system to stop the Russian military buildup near the Ukrainian borders. Read more
January 25, 2022 - The Department of Homeland Security is warning of an 'imminent cyber threat' against both American companies and government agencies from Russia Read more
January 25, 2022 - Russian business elites are dumping the rouble and bracing for war as fears of an invasion on Ukraine grow. Many are 'bracing for heavy losses' but are unable to speak out or influence events Read more
January 24, 2022 - The U.S. Press Secretary has put out a statement to Americans currently in Ukraine saying "We are conveying very clearly, now is the time to leave" and said that the US government typically does not do large scale evacuations" Read more
January 24, 2022 - Three embassies in Ukraine have now reportedly announced evacuations including: US, UK and Australia and Germany. There are conflicting reports on Germany however. Read more
January 24, 2022 - The U.S. Navy has put their supercarrier USS Harry S. Truman under NATO command as U.S., NATO and Russian ships converge in the Mediterranean. Read more
January 24, 2022 - U.S. Press Secretary says U.S. committed to provide troops to the NATO Response Forces (NRF) of 40,000 troops and has put 8,500 troops on 'heightened alert'. Read more
January 24, 2022 - Both US and Russian stocks are crashing over tensions in Europe and fears of a Russian invasion on Ukraine. Read more
January 24, 2022 - Russia says that US troop deployments in the Baltic states are escalating tensions in the region. Read more
January 24, 2022 - The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a warning to Russia saying that invading Ukraine would be a 'disastrous step'. Read more
January 24, 2022 - Ireland has warned that Russian war games, including live fire missile drills off their coast are not welcome and NATO says they are sending more troops and fighter jets to eastern Europe. Read more
January 24, 2022 - The U.S. State Department said "Given that the President has said military action by Russia could come at any time. The US government will not be in a position to evacuate US citizens. So US citizens, currently present in #Ukraine should plan accordingly" Read more
January 24, 2022 - Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus (January 23, 2022). The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region. Read more
January 24, 2022 - STATE DEPARTMENT - U.S. Embassy in Ukraine: Authorized departure of U.S. government employees, ordered departure for eligible family members, from U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Read more
January 24, 2022 - Biden is considering sending thousands of troops along with warships and aircraft to the Baltics and Eastern Europe Read more
January 23, 2022 - The Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, Dominic Raab says that there is a 'very significant' risk that Russia will invade Ukraine. Read more
January 23, 2022 - The U.S. State Department has ordered the families of diplomats in Kyiv, Ukraine to leave the country. Non essential staff have also been told they can leave the country at government expense. U.S. Citizens also urged to leave on commercial flights. Read more
January 23, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Minister's office has warned Japan to stay out of the Ukraine crisis Read more
January 23, 2022 - The White House has stated that the report from the UK on Russia's purported plan to install pro-Kremlin leadership in Ukraine is 'deeply concerning. Read more
January 23, 2022 - A Russian Ambassador to Caracas, Venezuela says that deployment of Russian bases in Venezuela is impossible under its constitution. Read more
January 22, 2022 - Russia is set to test missiles off the coast of Ireland during an 'exercise'. The 'range practice' is scheduled to take place in early February in the Eastern Atlantic. Read more
January 22, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Ministry has reportedly put out a statement blasting the UK, saying that their claim that Moscow sought a puppet government in Ukraine is 'nonsense'. Read more
January 22, 2022 - The UK Government has put out a statement on their official website that they have exposed a plan by Russia to install pro-Russian leadership in Ukraine as it considers whether to invade and occupy the country. Read more
January 22, 2022 - Ukraine's military intel says that Russia has increased its military support for separatists in eastern Ukraine in the recent weeks as well as increasing its 'active recruitment of mercenaries'. Read more
January 22, 2022 - Russia's ambassador to Caracas, Venezuela says that Venezuela is ready to offer military help to Moscow if relations with the United States exacerbate. Read more
January 22, 2022 - Commander of the German Navy has resigned over comments saying that Putin deserved respect, that Kyiv would never be returned to Ukraine and that they would never meet NATO's criteria for membership. Read more
January 22, 2022 - Estonia and Lithuania have green lit sending Javelin anti-tank weapons and Stinger air-defense systems to Ukraine. The U.S. has approved the transfer of light anti-tank weapons from the UK and Russian made helicopters. Read more
January 22, 2022 - The United States has shipped 90 tons of military equipment to Ukraine, 'lethal aid' that is worth around $200 million. Read more
January 22, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Ministry says that they are expecting military and information provocations from the U.S. and Kyiv on the eve of the Olympics. Read more
January 22, 2022 - Germany continues to break with NATO allies and reject calls to ship weapons to Ukraine, calling it 'currently not helpful'. This has angered Ukraine, as well as comments by Germany Navy that Crimea will never be returned and Ukraine will never be allowed into NATO. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Biden stated on Wednesday that if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S. will be sending more troops to Poland and Romania, boosting its number of troops in eastern NATO countries. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Germany has blocked North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) ally Estonia from getting weapons to Ukraine by saying that they won't issue permits for German-origin weapons for export to Ukraine Read more
January 21, 2022 - The U.S. is considering evacuating family members of diplomats out of Ukraine in light of rising tensions in the region Read more
January 21, 2022 - Blinken has said that the U.S. will share with Russia its concerns and ideas in more detail in writing next week after Russia issued demands that the U.S. give a written response to its security proposals Read more
January 21, 2022 - The Russian embassy put out a tweet calling for an end to the 'hysteria' and stating that Russia is not going to attack anyone but failed to explain the over 100,000 Russian troops stationed near the Ukrainian border Read more
January 21, 2022 - The Russian embassy in Washington put out a tweet calling for an end to the 'hysteria' and stating that Russia is not going to attack anyone. Read more
January 21, 2022 - The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that their demands for a NATO pullout also applies to both Bulgaria and Romania. Read more
January 21, 2022 - The Russian embassy to the United States tweeted that within a few hours the State Department published 3 documents 'designed to incriminate Russian authorities' and 'state media' but that Russia didn't see anything new and claimed that Washington keeps replicating propaganda and allegations. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Blinken stated "We don't expect to resolve our differences today" at the negotiations. Lavrov replied that he heard Blinken's statement and that Russia also doesn't expect a breakthrough. Read more
January 21, 2022 - During a news conference on January 14th Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated "Our patience has been exhausted. We are very patient. You know what they say about how long Russians take to harness their horses? We harness them slowly but then it’s time to ride". Read more
January 21, 2022 - Vyacheslav Volodin, Russian State Duma chairman has called upon the parliamentary to discuss recognizing the independence of Donbass as well as its separation from Ukraine according to Maariv. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Six Russian landing ships from the Russian Northern Fleet and Baltic Fleet have passed through the English channel to enter the Mediterranean and join a group of Russian Pacific Fleet ships on maneuvers with Iran and China Read more
January 21, 2022 - Britain on Friday gave a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping saying that the West will stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships which have been emboldened more than any time since the Cold War. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Russia has announced that they are moving their S-400 Triumph surface to air missile systems from Russia to Belarus. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Moscow says that Russia and Belarus are forced to respond to NATO military buildup at their shared borders. Read more
January 21, 2022 - Warships from Russia, China and Iran are all navigating to the Middle East for joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf. Syria, India and Venezuela will also be participating in the drills. Read more
January 20, 2022 - Russia is staging massive cross country military drills where they will be live firing Iskander-M missile systems. Read more
January 20, 2022 - After Biden indicated that a small scale invasion into Ukraine would be met with a less severe response, the White House has put out a statement clarifying that any incursion into Ukraine will be met with a 'severe' response. Read more
January 19, 2022 - Biden Suggests minor invasion would have lesser response than a full scale invasion. Kyiv stunned, says "This gives the green light to Putin to enter Ukraine at his pleasure". Read more
January 19, 2022 - Biden believes Russia will further #invade Ukraine, but unlike Britain, which believes Putin wants a full-scale invasion, Biden does not believe Putin is seeking a full-blown war. Read more
January 19, 2022 - Russian State News Agency TASS has reported that the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Militia says that the Ukrainian Army is preparing sabotage actions on the 'contact line' in Donbass. Read more
January 19, 2022 - The Russian Embassy has called on Washington to stop providing weapons to Ukraine and instead convince them to 'stop sabotaging the Minsk Agreements' according to a statement. Read more
January 19, 2022 - GOP Senators have called on the Biden Administration and NATO to take decisive action against Russia and bloody Putin's nose. Read more
January 19, 2022 - Canada says that it fears that armed conflict could break out in Ukraine and is currently working with allies to make it clear to Russia that more aggression towards Ukraine is not acceptable Read more
January 19, 2022 - Russian Delegation says that the start of the countdown for security guarantees has begun and that the West faces a 'moment of truth' Read more
January 19, 2022 - A new invasion of Ukraine could happen 'at any minute' a Ukrainian official told Military Times on Wednesday Read more
January 19, 2022 - A UK Senior Defense Official has stated that they strongly believe that Russia is preferring a full scale invasion of Ukraine rather than a limited offensive Read more
January 19, 2022 - The latest intelligence assessment by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry states that Russia has more than 127,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border now and has 'almost completed' its build up in the region Read more
January 19, 2022 - Russia and Belarus have announced drills next month where they will practice repelling an external attack in Belarus which they say is necessary as Ukraine has built up troops near Belarus. Read more
January 19, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is departing Washington D.C. to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for talks in an attempt to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - Officials at the U.K. Foreign Office are being told to get ready to move into 'crisis mode' at very short notice in light of heightened tensions with Russia regarding Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has stated "The Belarus deployment shows Russia is making moves that would suggest that they have plans to invade". Read more
January 18, 2022 - WASHINGTON - The White House has put out a statement saying that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine at any time and that it would support an anti-Russian insurgency if Russia decides to further invade Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - A Senior State Department official has said that Belarus could play a part in a Russian invasion on Ukraine and Washington is worried about the potential that Russia could deploy conventional weapons, or even nuclear warheads in Belarus. Read more
January 18, 2022 - Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany may consider halting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia decides to invade Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - According to a report by CNN, although Washington is still unsure what Putin's plans are, 'some U.S. officials who have seen the intelligence say there is evidence Russia is planning to try to take Ukraine's capital, Kyiv'. Read more
January 18, 2022 - The White House Press Secretary has told reporters "We're now at a time where Russia at any time could launch an attack on Ukraine". Read more
January 18, 2022 - The United States has indicated that it would strongly support an anti-Russian insurgency if Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - Spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin Dimitry Peskov says that the reason Russia began building up troops near the Ukrainian border is because it could no longer 'tolerate' NATO's eastward expansion and 'gradual invasion' of Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - Russia has begun evacuating its diplomats from Ukraine. Russian consulates have also been told to prepare to leave Ukraine according to the New York Times. Read more
January 18, 2022 - Iskander-M ballistic missile launchers have been spotted by Moscow-based Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) and captured on video being transported through Russia on trains toward Ukraine, but Russia has denied that it plans to invade Ukraine. Read more
January 18, 2022 - According to Belarus Secretary of Security Council, Russian troops have begun arriving in Belarus. Russian military vehicles have been spotted all over the country. Read more
January 18, 2022 - Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor has stated that he believes there is a "50 percent" chance that a 'major war' will break out in Europe amid fears that Russia will invade Ukraine. Read more
January 17, 2022 - Canada has reportedly sent special forces to Ukraine amid fears of a Russian invasion. Read more
January 17, 2022 - The British have reportedly sent troops to Ukraine amid fears that a Russian invasion could be only days away. Read more
January 17, 2022 - U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has stated that Washington is ready whether Russia decides to take the path of diplomacy, or to invade Ukraine. Read more
January 17, 2022 - Belarus President Lukashenko stated on Monday that Russia and Belarus will be holding a joint military exercise in February with the date yet to be determined. Read more
January 17, 2022 - Britain says they are supplying Ukraine with defensive weapon systems to face threats posed by Russia according to Britain's defense minister Ben Wallace on Monday. Read more
January 17, 2022 - The President of Belarus, Lukashenko says that there are over 30,000 U.S. allied troops amassed in Poland and the Baltic States near Belarusian borders Read more
January 17, 2022 - The White House has repeated its warning of 'severe economic consequences' from both the United States and Western allies if Russia decides to invade Ukraine. Read more
January 17, 2022 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference that the United States have disseminated a batch of 'total disinformation' about Russia preparing a provocation in order to justify an invasion on Ukraine. Read more
January 17, 2022 - NATO has signed a deal with Ukraine to 'deepen' cyber cooperation after the latest cyber attack on Ukrainian government websites, and worries about a coming full scale Russian invasion on the country. Read more
January 16, 2022 - Canada has put out a travel alert advisory telling its citizens to avoid air travel to Ukraine due to ongoing Russian aggression and military buildup. Read more
January 16, 2022 - Russian news TASS indicates Russia believes the only goal of a military cooperation agreement between the United States and Slovakia which was approved by the Slovakian government would be to deploy US troops closer to the Russian border. Read more
January 16, 2022 - Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Russia will never discuss the withdrawal of weapons and missiles from Kaliningrad with anyone. Read more
January 16, 2022 - The Russian Embassy has put out a tweet quoting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Reaching an agreement depends on the United States and that Russia will not wait forever. Read more
January 16, 2022 - The NYT reported that Russia hinted that if its demands are not met then it may move nuclear missiles closer to the United States after Russia warns it may decide to deploy its military to Cuba or Venezuela and build Naval bases there. Read more
January 15, 2022 - The UK Defense Secretary has stated that there will be consequences if Russia invades Ukraine and that Britain would 'stand up to bullies' no matter how far away the conflict is. Read more
January 15, 2022 - A report by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine stated that militants in Horlivka in Donetsk Oblast eastern Ukraine released toxic ammonia gas into the atmosphere on January 14th. Read more
January 15, 2022 - Ukraine says that they suspect a hacker group linked to Belarus intelligence hacked into its government websites and shut them down. Read more
January 15, 2022 - The Russian Embassy in the United States put out a tweet saying that the 'continuous accusations' against Russia on preparation for invasion pretext are unfounded. Read more
January 15, 2022 - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov stated "Even if Ukraine does not become a member of NATO, deployment of the alliance's offensive weapons on Ukrainian territory is also a 'red line' for Russia". Read more
January 15, 2022 - Sweden has reportedly rolled out tanks onto the streets of Gotland on Friday in response to "Russian Activity" that had been observed by the Swedish military. Read more
January 14, 2022 - Russian news, Pravda has claimed that a Russian nuclear submarine with 160 nuclear warheads on board appeared off the U.S. coast and went unnoticed. Read more
January 14, 2022 - Russian News Agency TASS reported that no Western sanctions can heavily affect Russia's economy. Read more
January 14, 2022 - Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby says that Russia has 'prepositioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine' in order to create a pretext to invade Ukraine. Read more
January 14, 2022 - The Ukrainian Information Ministry said that 'the first data suggests' today's cyberattack on Ukrainian websites was 'carried out by the Russian Federation'. Read more
January 14, 2022 - The Swedish military has raised military preparedness due to increased Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, which 'deviates from the normal picture' according to Sweden's military. Read more
January 14, 2022 - On Friday Russia repeated its demands that NATO will not allow Ukraine to join the alliance and agree not to expand its forces into Eastern Europe. Read more
January 14, 2022 - U.S. Department Of State: "It is Russia that has to make a stark choice: de-escalation and diplomacy or confrontation and consequences. We expect and had expected that the Russian delegations will have to report back to President Putin, who we all hope will choose peace and security". Read more
January 14, 2022 - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov reportedly stated that Russia's patience with the West has come to an end and said 'now is the time to go'. Read more
January 14, 2022 - Ukrainian government websites have been hacked in a massive cyberattack and are temporarily down. Read more
January 13, 2022 - U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says that the administration will be sharing within the next 24 hours what US officials have seen Russia doing regarding creating disinformation as a pretext to invade Ukraine Read more
January 13, 2022 - British intelligence agency MI5 has said that a Chinese agent has been active in the UK Parliament and engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. Read more
January 13, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin says he had a productive call with his counterpart in Ukraine discussing Russia's 'unprovoked military build-up'. Read more
January 13, 2022 - Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Thursday that there would be a complete rupture of ties between the United States and Russia if the US sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine. Read more
January 13, 2022 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov said that Russia will not rule out deploying its military to Cuba and Venezuela if tensions with the United States continue to mount. Read more
January 13, 2022 - A mysterious illness called 'Havana Syndrome' is baffling Washington after four more diplomats in Geneva and Paris have been sickened with the suspected neurological illness. Read more
January 13, 2022 - After talks between Russia and NATO failed to come up with a resolution, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated that there is 'no reason for a new round of talks in the near future'. Read more
January 13, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that there is a 'real risk of a new armed conflict in #Europe' and that the alliance is ready to send troop reinforcements into Eastern Europe if Russia invades Ukraine. Read more
January 13, 2022 - Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau has stated that Europe is closer to war than it has been any time in the last 30 years. Read more
January 11, 2022 - U.S. Officials say that Russia is currently moving its military helicopters into place, a sign that Russia continues to plan for an invasion on Ukraine despite talks being carried out according to the New York Times. Read more
January 11, 2022 - Ukraine has stated that they have arrested a Russian agent that was planning attacks in Odessa, Ukraine's largest Black Sea port. Read more
January 11, 2022 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia tried to explain to the United States that playing with fire is no longer acceptable. Read more
January 11, 2022 - The CSTO Russian led troops are set to leave Kazakhstan in 2 days time. Read more
January 11, 2022 - As talks between Russia, the United States and NATO reveal no breakthrough, Ukraine says that they will defend themselves against Russia 'to the last drop of blood'. Read more
January 10, 2022 - Putin continues to make demands that he knows that NATO will not accept as NATO prepares for the worst fearing talks with Russia will fail. Russia meanwhile says that a failure to reach agreements will mean that Russia will be forced to ensure a necessary balance and deter opponents. Read more
January 10, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has proven its potential and ability to act swiftly and efficiently in the case of Kazakhstan Read more
January 10, 2022 - It has been confirmed that internet connectivity has been restored significantly in Kazakhastan as of Monday morning Read more
January 9, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: "Let’s be very, very clear about this: NATO did not invade Ukraine; NATO did not invade Georgia; NATO did not position forces in Moldova against the will of its people. Those are all things, among many others, that Russia has done in recent years". Read more
January 8, 2022 - Kazakhstan U.S. Embassy Security Alert: Voluntary Evacuation. "The U.S. government has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty." Read more
January 8, 2022 - NATO: We Won't Create 2nd-Class Allies To Sooth Russia but are ready to engage in arms control with Russia. Read more
January 7, 2022 - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has stated that the 'risk of conflict is real' regarding Russia's buildup of soldiers, tanks and artillery near the Ukrainian border and said that NATO must be prepared for possibility that talks may fail. Read more
January 7, 2022 - Kazakhstan's leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has told security forces to 'fire without warning' on rioting citizens. Read more
January 6, 2022 - The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has reportedly requested help from Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, or CSTO which consists of post-Soviet states to help restore order. Read more
January 5, 2022 - Kazakhstan President Tokayev has vowed 'maximum toughness' from no one in an address to the nation and announced that Nazarbayev is no longer the chairman of the Security Council. Read more
January 5, 2022 - President of Kazakhstan Tokayev has reportedly announced that he is taking over as chairman of the Security Council and will be staying in the Capital. Read more
January 5, 2022 - The President of Kazakhstan has reportedly accepted the government's resignation after reports that its people demanded the government resign over hiking fuel prices as Russia reversed the flow of gas to Europe. Read more
January 3, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear to Biden that imposing sanctions would be seen as an 'act of war' after Biden threatened Putin with sanctions over Ukraine. Read more
January 2, 2022 - The top U.S. General in Europe is seeking to reinforce NATO's eastern flank by adding battle groups in Romania and Bulgaria ahead of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read more
January 2, 2022 - Ukraine has enacted a new law that prohibits Russian vessels from entering internal waters within Ukraine. Read more
January 1, 2022 - New intel shows that Russia is still sending troops to the Ukrainian border as of December 30th, 2021 Read more
December 31, 2021 - In a statement put out by the Press secretary regarding Biden's phone call with Putin, Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions and said the U.S. will 'respond decisively' if Russia 'further invades Ukraine'. Read more
December 30, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcoming more joint military drills with Belarus. Read more
December 30, 2021 - The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine is making emergency evacuation preparations Read more
December 29, 2021 - The U.S. and Russia are set to hold security talks on January 10th. Each will address concerns each has about the other's military activity and address tensions over Ukraine. Read more
December 29, 2021 - Russian State Duma deputy Mikhail Delyagin claims that Ukraine aims to attack Crimea in early 2022 due to Ukraine's 'bad internal situation of absolute hopelessness'. Read more
December 29, 2021 - Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin stated on Monday that NATO is refusing to speak to Russia on an equal basis and maintain an 'equal' dialogue. Read more
December 29, 2021 - On December 17th Ukraine began mandatory conscription of women into their military of ages between 18 and 60 who are 'fit for military service' amid a looming threat of a Russian invasion. Read more
December 29, 2021 - Ukrainian intelligence says that Russia continues to increase forces, combat equipment, artillery and armored vehicles near the Ukrainian border. Read more
December 29, 2021 - A Russian Commander of the Russian Airborne Troop has announced that Russia has formed a new airborne assault regiment in Crimea. Read more
December 29, 2021 - The U.S. Navy has ordered its warships to stay in the Mediterranean Sea amid tensions with Russia regarding Ukraine. Read more
December 28, 2021 - MOSCOW - Russia's Foreign Ministry warned foreign ambassadors that there is a 'high risk' of conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Read more
December 27, 2021 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told International Affairs magazine that we are close to a point where diplomacy will play a subordinate role and where 'we will be unable to reconcile ourselves with current events'. Read more
December 27, 2021 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that he does not rule out that the West is planning a 'small war' in ukraine so that they can accuse Moscow of it and then impose sanctions to restrict Russia's capabilities Read more
December 27, 2021 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Foreign Affairs magazine on Monday that Russia is not bluffing with their demands to the United States and NATO. Read more
December 27, 2021 - German and Russian Envoys have agreed to meet in person in January to attempt to ease tensions between Russia and Ukraine according to Reuters. Read more
December 27, 2021 - At a joint meeting of the State Council and Council for Science and Education Putin boasted about the latest successful Tsirkon hypersonic missile test Russia carried out on December 24th. Read more
December 27, 2021 - Accepting Sweden and Finland into NATO will have 'serious' military and political consequences that won't be left unanswered by Russia according to Russia's Foreign Ministry. Read more
December 27, 2021 - British Commanders have drawn up contingency plans to evacuate all of the British troops from Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion. Read more
December 27, 2021 - Regarding the 10,000 troops Russia has reportedly moved away from the border, U.S. intelligence did say that Russia would likely move battalion and tactical groups to and from the border 'to obfuscate intentions and to create uncertainty'. Read more
December 26, 2021 - NATO has invited Russia to a council meeting on January 12th between both NATO and Russia, and Russia is reportedly 'considering it' but insits it wants its demands met. Read more
December 26, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is pondering a slew of options if the West fails to meet his demands for security guarantees, including military measures. Read more
December 25, 2021 - Russia has reportedly test fired a cruise missile from a submarine in the Sea of Japan Read more
December 25, 2021 - Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says there is no discussion currently underway regarding a meeting between Biden and Putin. Read more
December 25, 2021 - Over 10,000 Russian troops are returning to their permanent bases after drills near the Ukrainian border according to the Russian military. Read more
December 25, 2021 - Russian state run news RT has reported that the US is sending 'thousands of military personnel' to Ukrainian front lines. Read more
December 24, 2021 - A joint statement of 36 delegations to the United Nations states that Russia has used a UN Security Council event to proclaim false narratives against other states. Read more
December 24, 2021 - Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov threatens that accepting Ukraine into NATO and deploying missiles near Russia's borders could lead to a large military conflict in Europe. Read more
December 24, 2021 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov says that Russia will not be accepting any 'preconditions' from Washington on security guarantees. Read more
December 23, 2021 - New satellite images that have been released show that the Russian buildup near Ukraine's border is picking up steam. Read more
December 23, 2021 - On Tuesday Russia claimed that the United States has 150 mercenaries in Eastern Ukraine where Russian militants have been fighting with Ukraine forces. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Washington is working on a system that will issue battlefield intelligence to Ukraine that may give the country an early warning to respond to invading Russian forces. Read more
December 23, 2021 - A senior White House official told reporters that Moscow has stepped up their disinformation campaign in a possible prelude to invading Ukraine. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Ukrainian top commander Lieutenant General Valeriy Zaluzhniy says that while they support the state of the ceasefire in Donbass with the Russian militants, Ukraine will give an appropriate response to any enemy attack. Read more
December 23, 2021 - The United States "is ready to act if and when we need to” if Russia invades Ukraine" a senior administration official stated according to White House reporter Natasha Bertrand. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Russia is set to carry out paratrooper drills near the Ukrainian border this week according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Putin: One Gets The Impression That Maybe They Are Preparing A Third Military Operation. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Russian controlled media says that Ukraine believes Russia is planning a nuclear attack on Ukraine. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Putin spoke at an annual news conference and said that the "ball is in the West's court". Read more
December 23, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the United States to act quickly to respond to its demands for security guarantees and to sign an agreement that NATO will withdraw forces from Eastern Europe and not expand further. Read more
December 23, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin says that he believes Ukraine is preparing for a new military operation in Donbas and that the West is calling on Russia not to interfere Read more
December 22, 2021 - Washington has alarmed Russia by approving the sale of anti-tank Javelin missiles to Lithuania. Read more
December 22, 2021 - A batch of nuclear capable Russian Su-34 bombers was delivered to a Lipetsk based State Aviation Personnel Training and Troop Testing Center of the Russian Defense Ministry according to the Russian Ministry of Defense website. Read more
December 22, 2021 - The Ukrainian Secretary of the National Security And SE Council (NSDC) now says there are 122,000 Russian troops within 200km of its borders and another 143,500 stationed within 400km of its borders. Read more
December 22, 2021 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's response to Russia's security guarantee proposals 'inappropriate'. Read more
December 22, 2021 - WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department has accused Russia of spreading 'dangerous misinformation' for claiming that U.S. Mercenaries are preparing to use chemical weapons in the eastern Ukrainian conflict zone in Donbas. Read more
December 22, 2021 - US State Department Spokesman Ned Price put out a tweet saying contrary to statements from Moscow, Russia and its proxies responsible for tensions, not Ukraine or United States. Read more
December 22, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia has no room to retreat in a standoff with the US over Ukraine and will be forced into a tough response unless the West drops what he calls its 'aggressive line'. Read more
December 22, 2021 - Dmitry Kiselyov who is known to be Putin's mouthpiece has stated that Russia is putting a 'gun to America's head' and that if NATO forces don't back off 'everyone will be turned to radioactive ash'. Read more
December 22, 2021 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has once again rejected Russia's demands that NATO back out of their promise that Ukraine would gain NATO membership in the future. Read more
December 21, 2021 - NATO Secretary General Gens Stoltenberg gave an update regarding the status of the Russian forces, tanks and heavy artillery near the Ukrainian border saying "The buildup continues". Read more
December 21, 2021 - The Russian Defense Ministry says that the US is building up a forward military presence with 8,000 troops near Russia's border in Eastern Europe. Read more
December 21, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said today that Russia is prepared to take 'military-technical measures' in response to what he calls 'unfriendly' actions by the West regarding Ukraine. Read more
December 20, 2021 - Russia is demanding immediate talks with the United States regarding their request for security guarantees from NATO and warning of a military response to NATO activity. Read more
December 20, 2021 - The US State Department has issued a level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Ukraine for risk of COVID-19 as well as 'increased threats from Russia', saying there are reports Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine. Read more
December 20, 2021 - Germany: NATO will not let Russia dictate its military posture. Read more
December 20, 2021 - In a tit for tat move, Russia has expelled two German diplomats in response for Germany expelling two Russian diplomats from its embassy Read more
December 20, 2021 - Reports circulating along with a video that Russian reserve troops have been called upon and are marching in the snow toward Ukraine. Read more
December 20, 2021 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said that Ukraine's actions have reached a 'boiling point' that forces Russia to take 'radical steps' which includes other countries as well. Read more
December 19, 2021 - US Embassy In Kyiv: US Embassy In Kyiv: #Russia Claims It Has Always Treated Ukraine As Independent State. Read more
December 19, 2021 - Russia has stated that if the US and NATO ignores its Proposals for 'security guarantees' that many argue were written to be rejected then it will create 'counter #threats' in response and called it 'the moment of truth'. Read more
December 18, 2021 - Tod Wolters, NATO's top general says he wants NATO troops in Bulgaria and Romania and expand NATO's 'enhanced forward presence' in the Baltic states and eastern Poland, despite Russia's new demand for the removal of all U.S. and NATO troops from Eastern Europe. Read more
December 18, 2021 - Belarus has now stated that they are ready to deploy nuclear weapons under the threat from NATO according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vladimir Makei. Read more
December 18, 2021 - Russian Tu-22M3 nuclear capable strategic bombers patrolled the border that Belarus shares with Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania amid tensions with NATO and the United States. Read more
December 18, 2021 - The UK Defense Ministry announced that personnel from 32 Engineer regiment arrived in Poland earlier this week to provide engineering support for Poland's border with Belarus. 140 specialists will be in Poland by end of December. Read more
December 18, 2021 - Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Ukraine is openly declaring their intentions to join NATO on a legislative level and called it a 'creeping intrusion' on NATO's part saying that NATO is 'drifting' towards Russia's borders and said the Cold War Era is back. Read more
December 18, 2021 - General Micael Byden, the Swedish supreme commander told POLITICO Thursday that if the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepens then the United States needs to send more troops to Europe to reinforce military presence in the region. Read more
December 18, 2021 - Despite urges from Biden to deescalate tensions, Russia continues to buildup and amass new troops near the Ukrainian border as well as diverting flights and rail systems to support military efforts. Read more
December 18, 2021 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has stated that in order for talks to begin and addressing Russia's security proposals, Russia must first de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. Read more
December 17, 2021 - The Russian Ministry of Defense website has locked out IP addresses that do not have either an origin from Russia. People located in Belarus however are still able to access Russia's Ministry of Defense website and that region has not been locked out (blocked). Read more
December 17, 2021 - Russia carried out large scale military exercises off Crimea Thursday, eliminating a 'notional' enemy warship in the Black Sea. Read more
December 17, 2021 - The draft agreement handed to US by Russia says that Russia wants the US to agree not to conduct any military activity in Ukraine as well as 'other eastern European states, Transcaucasia and Central Asia'. Read more
December 17, 2021 - A Ukrainian soldier has been killed in fighting with pro-Russia militia during the ongoing fighting that started in 2014 when Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula. Read more
December 17, 2021 - The United States has drafted a budget for 2022 that includes $756 million in assistance to Ukraine, including $400 million to strengthen the Ukraine's security. Read more
December 16, 2021 - Read The New Statement By The North Atlantic Treaty Organization Regarding The Situation (NATO) In And Around Ukraine. Read more
December 16, 2021 - During an event recognizing 30 years of Israel and Ukraine ties, the Ukrainian ambassador to Israel Yehven Korniychuck stated that Ukraine sees Jerusalem as Israel's 'one and only capital' and will be opening up an embassy in the city next year. Read more
December 16, 2021 - The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told CNBC on Thursday that he believes Putin has not decided yet whether to do a military operation, however if he decided to do so things would happen in the blink of an eye. Read more
December 16, 2021 - Ukrainian minister for veterans affairs Yuliia Laputina told Sky News that a full invasion of Ukraine by Russia would cause conflict to flare up in Europe and may even trigger World War Three. Read more
December 15, 2021 - A German court has accused Russia of 'state terrorism' and expelled two Russian diplomats non grata. Read more
December 15, 2021 - KYIV - Despite rumors that Russia has begun withdrawing its troops from the border, Ukraine says that there is no such sign. In fact, according to Ukraine there has been an increase in the number of troops stationed near the Ukrainian border. Read more
December 14, 2021 - The Ukrainian parliament has voted in favor of allowing foreign military to take part in Ukrainian exercises in 2022. Read more
December 14, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss tensions in Europe and what they are calling 'aggressive' US and NATO rhetoric in a video call with one another according to Russia. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Paul McLeary who covers Defense for POLITICO stated that the Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov spoke of Ukraine's need of anti-missile systems, namely the Iron Dome and Patriot mobile air defense systems. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Ukraine has begun inspections of bomb shelters and carrying out alert drills in preparation for a possible invasion by Russian forces. Read more
December 13, 2021 - One of the two Danish crew that had gone missing after an overnight collision with a British cargo ship was found dead inside the ship hull. Read more
December 13, 2021 - The Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis has stated that he believes that Russia is really gearing up for war and that 'we are not taking this seriously enough'. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Russia has vetoed the UN resolution linking climate change as a threat to international peace and security. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Monday that Russia may be forced to deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe if NATO does not engage with it on preventing escalation. Read more
December 13, 2021 - The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has put out a statement regarding the current tensions and military buildup near the Ukrainian border. Read more
December 13, 2021 - New Satellite images by Maxar show Russian forces building up less than 30 miles away from the Ukrainian border between September 7th and December 5th. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Russia says that they will respond 'militarily' if NATO does not stop encroaching on its western borders. Ryabkov said "Our response will be military" and "There will be confrontation". Read more
December 13, 2021 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov has stated that 'The actions of the United States and NATO allies in Europe lead Moscow to believe that the United States is preparing for a repeat of the missile crisis that in 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war'. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Ukraine Minister of Defense has stated that a Russian invasion on Ukraine would mark an end of the current world and start a new era where international rules no longer exist. Read more
December 13, 2021 - Two cargo ships have collided in the Baltic Sea due to foggy conditions between Bornholm, Denmark and Ystad, Sweden. A rescue operation is underway to find two people who are missing after the collision Read more
December 13, 2021 - The US Embassy in Kyiv has put out a statement in response to Russia's accusations that Ukraine committed genocide: False accusations of genocide are irresponsible and dangerous. Read more
December 12, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Russia leads the world in hypersonic weapons, and by the time other countries catch up Russia will likely have developed the technology to counteract them. Read more
December 12, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the collapse and end of the Soviet Union was the demise of what he says is 'historical Russia'. Some believe Russia wants rebuild the Soviet Union, starting with conquering Ukraine. Read more
December 12, 2021 - At the G7 summit on Sunday the seven richest democracies met together and warned Russia that there would be 'massive consequences' if Russian president Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. Read more
December 11, 2021 - Despite Appeals from Ukraine, the Biden administration has chosen to hold back the $200 million in military assistance aid to Ukraine for diplomatic reasons. Read more
December 11, 2021 - The United States is sending a top diplomat for Europe, Donfried to both Russia and Ukraine. Read more
December 11, 2021 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has rejected Russian demands to rescind NATO's promise to Ukraine that the country would one day become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read more
December 11, 2021 - According to Russia's state run media, the Russian military carried out live fire tank drills and exercises in various places within Russia with 1,500 tank crews, including occupied Crimea and included driving over anti-tank trenches. Read more
December 11, 2021 - Multiple rare manned US Military aircraft have been flying over Ukraine. According to sources only US Military unmanned Global Hawks UAVS have been spotted in Ukrainian airspace until this point and manned aircraft are extremely rare over Ukraine. Read more
December 10, 2021 - After Russia demanded NATO rescind their offer to Ukraine for future membership, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the door for NATO membership remains open for Ukraine and that Moscow has no say over which countries have the right to join. Read more
December 10, 2021 - On Friday Russia demanded that NATO rescind the 2008 agreement with Ukraine stating that one day they would become members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Read more
December 10, 2021 - The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that 'irresponsible behavior of the West' toward Ukraine is provoking serious military risks, even up to 'large-scale conflicts in Europe'. Read more
December 10, 2021 - Biden has angered eastern NATO allies by announcing a meeting between NATO allies and Russia to discuss Russia's buildup of troops, tanks and artillery along Ukraine's border. Read more
December 10, 2021 - Ukrainian Navy says that Russia has blocked Ukraine off from 70% of the Sea of Azov and are holding live fire artillery drills close to the Ukrainian coast. Read more
December 10, 2021 - US and French NATO fighter jets were allegedly intercepted by Russian Su-27 fighter jets over the Black Sea on December 9th according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Read more
December 10, 2021 - According to the Joint Forces Operation HQ, Russian separatists breached the Minsk Protocol ceasefire agreement 6 times on December 9th with two Ukrainian soldiers injured in the fighting. Read more
December 10, 2021 - Russia continues to move medium range surface to air missile systems closer to the Ukrainian border raising concerns that Putin may indeed preparing to invade Ukraine. Read more
December 10, 2021 - U.S. Republican Senator Roger Wicker stated that the United States shouldn't rule out using nukes on Russia in response to the conflict over Ukraine. Read more
December 10, 2021 - Russian General Valery Gerasimov has issued a warning to Ukraine against attacking areas controlled by Russian separatists saying that Russia will get involved and 'severely suppress provocations'. Read more
December 10, 2021 - A Ukrainian warship named 'Donbass' sailed toward the Kerch strait without filing a request to sail through and was given warnings by Russia to turn away. The ship did not respond to the requests, but eventually turned away from the strait. Read more
December 10, 2021 - A Ukrainian warship named 'Donbass' sailed toward the Kerch strait without filing a request to sail through and was given warnings by Russia to turn away. The ship did not respond to the requests, but eventually turned away from the strait. Read more
December 9, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the conflict in eastern Ukraine in Donbass 'is very reminiscent of genocide'. Read more
December 9, 2021 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated on Thursday that Russia and the United States could end up in a situation resembling the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 where the US and Russia had a standoff over the Soviets deploying missiles in Cuba. Read more
December 9, 2021 - After Biden dashed Ukrainian hopes of help by the US by saying that sending in U.S. troops to defend Ukraine against Russia is 'not on the table', Ukraine's generals now say they have no hope of defending against a Russian invasion without aid from the West. Read more
December 9, 2021 - Cooperation between Turkey and Russia is increasing as Turkey is set to receive another shipment of advanced S-400 anti-air missile systems from Russia according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Read more
December 9, 2021 - KYIV - The Ukrainian military says that Russia now has 120,000 troops on their border, including 98,000 soldiers on the ground and 22,000 air and naval forces as well as increased intelligence gathering. Read more
December 9, 2021 - MOSCOW - Russia has handed the U.S. Embassy a 'note of protest' underlining the 'perilous consequences' of alleged provocations from US and NATO forces near the Ukrainian/Russian border. Read more
December 8, 2021 - Just hours after Biden and Putin talked, Russia began rolling in electronic warfare vehicles into occupied Crimea. Read more
December 8, 2021 - The Russian Foreign Ministry has sent a note to the US Embassy in Moscow that warns of 'dangerous consequences' for 'provocations near Russia's borders'. Read more
December 8, 2021 - France has issued a warning to Russia: 'Strategic and massive' consequences if Ukraine is threatened. Read more
December 8, 2021 - India and Russia's defense partnership is increasing as the two countries proceed with an agreement to send a Russian missile system to India, despite threats of sanctions from the United States. Read more
December 8, 2021 - Senior White House Correspondent Ed O'Keefe reported that Biden said that sending U.S. troops in to defend Ukraine against Russia is 'not on the table' in the event of an attack when talking to reporters at the White House. Read more
December 8, 2021 - Russia has finished deploying the Bastion anti-missile system to an island North of Japan which is able to target and destroy entire carrier groups and landing craft around islands disputed with Japan. Read more
December 8, 2021 - Britain is considering giving more defensive support to the Ukraine due to the increasing buildup of Russian troops, tanks and artillery building up near their border. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Ukraine Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov is warning there will be a 'bloody massacre' if Russia invades Ukraine, along with five million refugees fleeing into Europe and that Russians would come also back home in coffins. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Biden is looking into options to evacuate US citizens from Ukraine in the event that Russia initiates an invasion of the country. State Department says options to deter an invasion are limited. Read more
December 7, 2021 - CIA director William Burns said on Monday that US intelligence agencies haven't concluded that Russia will invade Ukraine, but stated that he wouldn't underestimate Putin's appetite for Ukraine and that Russia has put together forces that 'could act in a very sweeping way'. Read more
December 7, 2021 - A Russian train carrying BTR armored personnel carriers, howitzers, military trucks, MT-LBs and tanks have been spotted moving towards the Ukrainian border. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Russia is sending tanks and snipers to the line of contact in eastern Ukraine in order to 'provoke return fire' hours before the video call between Biden and Putin occurred. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Russian state owned news agency has reported that the Russian Navy has carried out airstrike 'missile' drills involving 20 aircraft, and made it a point to highlight that the missile strikes against naval targets paralleled the US warship deployment to the Black Sea. Read more
December 7, 2021 - A senior administration official has hinted toward sending in additional US troops to flank NATO allies in the event of a Russian invasion on the country. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Ukraine is asking the United States for help to defend against Russia, including air and naval support, helicopters and forward deployed troops. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that during his phone call with Biden they agreed on joint and concerted action. Read more
December 7, 2021 - Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stated on Monday that conflict with the Ukraine is not 'inevitable' and that there is still time for diplomacy with Russia. Read more
December 6, 2021 - Russia continuing to build supply lines, hospitals, jamming equipment and modified MBTs (Defensive equipment against drones and javelins) as well as calling on reserves and positioning more forces near the Ukraine. Read more
December 6, 2021 - Russia is filing an official diplomatic protest due to an alleged 'increased' and 'unsafe' amount of US spy planes flying over the Black Sea and says that they threaten civilian flights. Read more
December 6, 2021 - US Officials say that the United States will send troops to eastern Europe and reinforce NATO's eastern flank if Russia invades the Ukraine as well as impose economic measures. Read more
December 6, 2021 - US troops have arrived in the Ukraine with the goal to send a message of support to the Ukraine in standing up to Russia. Read more
December 6, 2021 - Ukraine has invited the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to deploy soldiers to the East and South of the Ukraine despite the fact that Putin said that deploying foreign troops in the Ukraine is a 'red line' that would lead to provocation and consequences. Read more
December 6, 2021 - US intelligence sharing has convinced NATO allies that Russia may be preparing to attack the Ukraine as early as next year with 175,000 troops, moving troops in and out to confuse western intelligence of their intentions. Read more
December 5, 2021 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on air during the TV broadcast of Channel Russia 1 that if the Ukraine does not intend to follow the Minsk agreements of its own free will, then it must be forced. Read more
December 5, 2021 - Russian paratroopers are testing the use of heat traps to protect their ground facilities from heat-seeking missiles, according to Russian Major General Anatoly Kontsevoy, Deputy Commander of the Russian airborne forces. Read more
December 4, 2021 - Ukraine has drawn Ire from Russia by purchasing TB2 drones from Turkey which were used in October to destroy Russian mobile artillery in Donbass. Read more
December 4, 2021 - According to US intelligence Russia is planning on a multi-front offensive against the Ukraine with 175,000 troops by early 2022. Read more
December 3, 2021 - Russian state owned news agency, TASS says that Russia will 'certainly react' if the United States imposes sanctions against Russia over Ukraine. Read more
December 3, 2021 - The Ukrainian Defense Minister says that Russia might use 94,300 troops to invade the Ukraine by the end of January. Read more
December 3, 2021 - CNN has reported that Russia's military has capabilities in place to carry out a swift and immediate invasion, and has built supply lines, fuel and medical units that could 'sustain a drawn out conflict', but Russian news is reporting that there is no planned attack, Russia isn't preparing for an offensive operation and there is no heightened activity as reported by western media. Read more
December 2, 2021 - Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Says NATO Refusing To Consider Russian Proposals And Is Escalating Situation Read more
December 2, 2021 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the 'nightmare scenario of military confrontation is returning' in Europe and that the Ukraine's goal to take Crimea is a 'direct' threat. Read more
December 2, 2021 - Russia has deployed Bastion missile systems near the Kuril Islands on Matua, which is an uninhabited volcanic island located in the middle of the Pacific chain also claimed by Japan. Read more
December 2, 2021 - When Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov was asked about how likely war is between Russia and the Ukraine, he replied saying that the probability of hostilities is high and Ukraine's goal to take Crimea is a 'direct threat'. Read more
December 1, 2021 - In a speech to ambassadors, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the buildup of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border is intended to force the United States to give up support for the Ukraine joining NATO. Read more
December 1, 2021 - U.S. Secretary of State Blinken says that the United States is extremely concerned by evidence that Russia has made plans for significant moves against the Ukraine Read more
December 1, 2021 - Russia said on Wednesday that they cannot de-escalate tensions due to the fact that half the Ukrainian army is stationed near the Russian border. Read more
December 1, 2021 - Russian news RT says that a total of over 100,000 Ukrainian troops, or well over half of the Ukrainian army along with large amounts of military hardware and weaponry are now stationed in Donbass according to the Russian Foreign Ministry amid rising tensions between Russia and the Ukraine. Read more
December 1, 2021 - Russia has told some of the US embassy workers who have worked at the US embassy in Moscow for the last three years to leave the country. The embassy workers are to be out of Russia by January 31st, 2022. Read more
December 1, 2021 - Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko said that Russian annexed Crimea was legally Russian territory and said that he plans to visit the peninsula with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more
December 1, 2021 - Vice Admiral Karl Thomas is calling for more aircraft carriers in the Pacific to deter and intimidate China and Russia so that they understand that 'today is not the day' to initiate a conflict in the region. Read more
November 30, 2021 - Putin is not issuing a statement, reports circulating of this are false. False reports were originally circulated by Russian intelligence officer @wargonzoo via twitter. Read more
November 30, 2021 - The entire Belarusian 6th tank brigade is reportedly moving from Folush, near Grodno, where it is normally based toward the Ukrainian border in full force with a full compliment of weapons. Read more
November 30, 2021 - The entire Belarusian 6th tank brigade is reportedly moving from Folush, near Grodno, where it is normally based toward the Ukrainian border in full force with a full compliment of weapons. Read more
November 30, 2021 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a warning to NATO saying that it will act if NATO crosses any of its red lines with the Ukraine, such as deploying offensive missile systems on Ukrainian territory. Read more
November 30, 2021 - NATO Foreign Ministers are currently meeting in Riga, Latvia to discuss the situation in and around the Ukraine. They are also discussing the situation with Belarus as well as lessons learned from NATO's engagement in Afghanistan. Read more
November 30, 2021 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia will pay a high price for any military aggression on the Ukraine when they met to discuss the Russian troop buildup on the Ukrainian border. Read more
November 30, 2021 - Russia has reportedly been converting its tanks with field modifications to defend against the Ukraine's new US supplied Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, along with TB2 Bayraktar drones that were supplied by Turkey.Read more
November 30, 2021 - Parts of the Krasukha-4 electronic warfare system has been spotted being transported by a Russian convoy in Rostov, Russia along with mobile radio stations. Read more
November 30, 2021 - Lukashenka, the president of Belarus has spoken with Russian media outlet RIA Novosti and stated that they will allow Russia to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus again, in case nuclear weapons are brought to Poland by NATO. Read more
November 30, 2021 - The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that NATO is moving a significant amount of military equipment to the Russian border. This, as Russian forces, artillery and military equipment continue to build up on the Russian side of the border. Read more
November 30, 2021 - The Ukrainian military stated on Tuesday that they will be carrying out 10 large military drills in 2022 along with the United States, Britain, Poland, Romania as well as other countries. Read more
November 30, 2021 - On November 30th, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported 8 ceasefire violations by Russian separatists, two of which used weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements. Read more
November 30, 2021 - Belarus has announced joint military drills with Russia along its southern border. Lukashenko has stated that if Ukraine starts another war in Donbass or anywhere near Russia's borders "Belarus will not stay aside. And it is clear whose side we will be on". Read more
November 30, 2021 - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported that Russian servicemen have arrived in non-government controlled areas in eastern Ukraine to "strengthen" 'sabotage' and 'sapper' units. Read more
November 30, 2021 - The Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kouleba says that Russia has accumulated about 115,000 troops near their border and in occupied Crimea as Russia continues to send forces, artillery and weapons to locations near the Ukraine border. Read more
November 29, 2021 - The US Defense Department says that they will be expanding deployments and bases in the Indo-Pacific to deal with Russian and Chinese threats while maintaining enough forces in the middle east to deal with Iran and Jihadist groups. Read more
November 29, 2021 - There is currently heavy shelling happening in Luhansk, eastern Ukraine as well as north of Donetsk. There was also shelling on November 18th which severely damaged a school in the town of Pervomaisk. Read more
November 27, 2021 - The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has reportedly stated that there will be no invasion on the Ukraine, and said that reports of an invasion by media and US state department is malicious propaganda. Read more
November 27, 2021 - The U.S. State Department says that all options are back on the table regarding responding to the Russian troop buildup near the Ukrainian border. Read more
November 24, 2021 - There is a new Advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine regarding Russian military activity near the Ukrainian borders and in occupied Crimea. Read more
November 23, 2021 - The Ukrainian military held drills and practiced airstrikes on training grounds in southern Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Read more
November 23, 2021 - Russia said on Tuesday that the United States is 'escalating' tensions by arming the Ukraine with weaponry and sending over military advisors. Read more
November 23, 2021 - Russian state TV has claimed that Russia's anti-satellite (ASAT) missiles have the capability of destroying 32 NATO satellites and 'blind all their missiles, planes and ships, not to mention the ground forces'. Read more
November 23, 2021 - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has warned that #Russia has increase its military readiness level for Russian occupation forces in Donbass. Read more
November 23, 2021 - Russia has allegedly stated that the U.S. State Department is using diplomatic channels to share false information about the number of Russian forces by the Ukrainian border. Whether this is misinformation on Russia's part remains unclear. Read more
November 22, 2021 - Russia and China flew nuclear capable strategic bombers together near Japan and South Korea on Friday in a joint patrol causing South Korea to quickly scramble their fighter jets. Read more
November 22, 2021 - The Ukrainian defense intelligence agency chief told Military Times that Russia is preparing for an attack on the country by the end of January, or the beginning of February. Read more
November 21, 2021 - Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that the West is artificially whipping up hysteria regarding tensions with the Ukraine and stated that 'a provocation' could not be ruled out due to the current U.S. Rhetoric. Read more
November 19, 2021 - Russia deployed 2 Tu-95MS long range nuclear bombers to international airspace near Alaska for hours on Friday. Read more
November 18, 2021 - Ukraine's parliament has approved a bill that allows guards on the Ukrainian border to use military equipment and firearms, as the Russian military buildup near the border continues. Read more
November 18, 2021 - The Ukrainian ambassador to Berlin, Andrij Melnyk says that Russia has about 114,000 troops stationed near the eastern Ukrainian border, and about 32,000 troops stationed in Occupied Crimea, with several thousand in Belarus. Read more
November 17, 2021 - The Ukrainian armed forces have carried out military drills close to the border of annexed Crimea according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry as tensions between the Ukraine and Russia continue to mount. Read more
November 17, 2021 - Russia is deploying a paratroop regiment on the annexed part of Crimea by the beginning of December and has objected to the new British deal to give the Ukrainian military a boost. Read more
November 14, 2021 - A group of 50 illegal migrants have broken through the defenses on the border between Belarus and Poland and entered Poland near Starzyna village. Read more
November 14, 2021 - Former head of U.S. Army Europe says that what we are seeing is nothing new, but a continuation of what started back in April regarding the military buildup of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border. Read more
November 13, 2021 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that there are currently almost 100,000 Russian troops stationed near the Ukrainian border and that the West has shared intel on troop movements by Russia. Read more
November 13, 2021 - The Belarus Defense Minister has also said that they are ready to ensure their safety and call on Russia for help if necessary. Read more
November 13, 2021 - The Belarus Defense Minister has stated that their armed forces are "ready to respond harshly to any attacks, we would like to warn hotheads against overestimating their capabilities." Read more
November 12, 2021 - Britain scrambled jets from two different bases to intercept and escort long range nuclear capable Russian bombers 'approaching the UK area of interest' according to the UK Royal Air Force. Read more
November 12, 2021 - Britain has sent troops to Poland to help the Polish army fortify its border with Belarus and provide engineering support Read more
November 12, 2021 - Russian paratroopers have been deployed to the border shared between Belarus, Poland and Lithuania as Poland puts its troops on high alert. Read more
November 12, 2021 - The Russian ambassador to the United Nations said on Thursday that Russia will never invade the Ukraine unless it is first provoked by the Ukraine, or someone else and then quoted threats from the Ukraine as well as actions by the United States naval forces in the Black Sea that Russia sees as provocative. Read more
November 12, 2021 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has lost connection with a drone over the Ukraine near Perevalsk with probable signal jamming suspected. Read more
November 11, 2021 - Putin has held a second phone call in two days with German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding the Belarusian-Polish border crisis. Read more
November 11, 2021 - The Ukrainian foreign minister stated that the Russian government is 'looking for an opportunity to move further' into Ukrainian territory. Read more
November 11, 2021 - The United States has warned European allies that Russia might be planning an invasion on the Ukraine after monitoring Russian troop movements on the Russia/Ukraine border. Read more
November 11, 2021 - The leader of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that he needs Russian nuclear capable bombers to monitor the border situation with Poland, after two Russian Tu-160 planes carried out bombing runs during a training exercise. Read more
November 8, 2021 - The Polish-Belarusian border fortifications are being destroyed by migrants as they chant "Germany, Germany" after Belarusian troops lead the migrants to the Polish border. Polish officers are also being attacked as tensions grow. Read more
November 8, 2021 - Pro-Russian separatists killed one Ukrainian soldier and injured two others in an attack in the country's eastern region on Sunday. Read more
November 5, 2021 - United States Republican representatives Mike Rogers and Mike Turner are urging Joe Biden to "deploy a U.S. military presence in the Black Sea" including weapons and troops in light of the threat from the growing number of Russian troops and artillery stationed near the Ukrainian border. Read more
November 5, 2021 - The United States is activating a European artillery command that hasn't been activated for the last 30 years, as Russia begins to amass troops and artillery at their border with the Ukraine. Read more
November 4, 2021 - Satellite photos show Russia moving military equipment 250 kilometers from their border with the Ukraine, who has deployed combat drones along the front lines in the Donbas region, raising renewed concerns of a possible coming conflict between the two countries. Read more
November 2, 2021 - The UK strike group, HMS Queen Elizabeth has intercepted over 30 Russian military aircraft as well as warships during its deployment in the Indo-Pacific over the last two weeks. Read more
October 28, 2021 - There are reports coming in of Russian tanks and artillery heading to the Ukrainian border via railroad after the Ukraine launched an airstrike on Russian artillery equipment with a TB-2 Drone for the first time. Read more
October 27, 2021 - Ukraine has launched an airstrike on Russian artillery equipment, sparking renewed fears of a military escalation between the two countries. Read more
October 22, 2021 - A Russian aircraft flew into the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone on Thursday but did not enter into US or Canadian airspace. Read more
October 20, 2021 - Russia scrambled two Sukhoi Su-30 fighters to escort two US B-1B strategic bombers over the Black Sea. Read more
October 19, 2021 - Russia and China joined forces to stage massive wargames during which Russia staged an invasion of the Ukraine in Russian controlled Crimea Read more
October 15, 2021 - Three Russian fighter jets have intercepted a United States B-52 bomber near Japan/Russia. Read more
September 30, 2021 - Three Russian fighter jets have intercepted a United States B-52 bomber near Japan/Russia. Read more
September 26, 2021 - Serbian tanks and fighter jets have been spotted near the their border with Kosovo after Kosovo banned Serbian license plates. Read more
September 26, 2021 - 3 Russian SU-35S fighter jets reportedly escorted a U.S. B-52H bomber away from the Russian border after the bomber approached the border in the Pacific Ocean. Read more
September 17, 2021 - Russia, China, North Korea and other countries have put out a statement to the UN Tuesday saying that the United States committed war crimes in Afghanistan and is calling on the United Nations to bring them to justice. Read more
September 13, 2021 - On September 12th Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelendsky warned Russia of a 'full scale war' indirectly while speaking at the Yalta security forum in Kyiv Read more
September 13, 2021 - A Kamaz truck owned by the Ukrainian 503rd Naval Infantry was hit by an ATGM (anti tank guided missile) by Russian separatists killing 1 Ukrainian and wounding 3 others. Read more
September 9, 2021 - Russia has deployed S-300 long range surface to air missile systems to Western Belarus, on Russia's border with Poland and Lithuania. Read more
September 3, 2021 - Russia has deployed S-300 long range surface to air missile systems to Western Belarus, on Russia's border with Poland and Lithuania. Read more
August 27, 2021 - An artillery strike by Russian backed separatists reportedly hit the Ukraine's 25th Airborne Brigade parking lot Read more
August 27, 2021 - A Ukrainian soldier, who was wounded in Donbas from shelling by Russian backed forces died on Friday according to the press service of the Skhid (east) task force. Read more
August 24, 2021 - A Ukrainian plane that was in Afghanistan to evacuate Ukrainian citizens has been hijacked by unknown armed hijackers. After the hijackers took over the plane, they flew it to Iran. Read more
August 21, 2021 - The United States is joining Britain in taking action against those responsible for poisoning Alexei Navalny, a critic to Russian President Vladimir Putin according to a joint statement by the US State Department. Read more
August 13, 2021 - August 13, 2021 - The Russians and Chinese are launching airstrikes together during joint military exercises on Chinese territory. Read more
August 3, 2021 - The Chinese and Russian military will be holding joint military exercises for the first time, on Chinese soil as ties between the two countries grow ever stronger in the face of growing tension with the West. Read more
August 3, 2021 - The United States has requested that 24 Russian diplomats leave the U.S. once their Visas expire on September 3rd. Read more
July 27, 2021 - During a parade for Russian Naval forces in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that their hypersonic missiles, capable of being fashioned with a nuclear warhead 'can locate and inflict inevitable strike' on their enemies. Read more
July 26, 2021 - Seven Ukrainian soldiers have been injured in Donbass when pro Russian separatists violated the ceasefire 10 times in a single day according to JFO headquarters. Read more
July 25, 2021 - Russia says it has upgraded its missile defenses in Syria to thwart missile attacks by Israel and has intercepted Israeli missiles in the latest Israeli airstrike on Syria.Read more
July 23, 2021 - In a TV interview, Russian ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov revealed that Russia has seen the United States as an enemy for the last 10 years, since the start of the Russian and Ukraine conflict. Read more
July 20, 2021 - Russia has successfully tested their new Zircon [Tsirkon] hypersonic cruise missile and hit a target 217 miles away on the Barents Sea coast at 7 times the speed of sound. Read more
July 20, 2021 - Russia has issued a warning to the United States from deploying hypersonic missiles in Europe, saying that it could lead to 'inadvertent conflict'. Read more
July 20, 2021 - Russia scrambled MiG-31 and Su-35 jets to intercept US B52-N strategic bombers over the Bearing Sea last week. Read more
July 10, 2021 - 1 Ukrainian has been killed and 3 wounded which amounts to 4 Ukrainians killed in the last week alone during rising tensions with Russia.Read more
July 7, 2021 A Russian SU-30 fighter jet has buzzed a US Poseidon spy plane over the Black Sea while a NATO ship was being tracked by the Russian navy late Tuesday. Read more
July 6, 2021 The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Ross is leading 28 ally live fire exercises in the Black Sea to send a clear and precise message to Russia as Russian jets circle above. Read more
July 5, 2021 A Ukrainian medic was killed and another person was injured during fighting in Donbas as Russian backed militants carried out an attack on July 4th. Read more
July 4, 2021 Biden has stated that the United States will respond if Russia is behind the cyberattack that struck more than 200 companies on Friday, just before the start of the Independence Day weekend. Read more
June 30, 2021 The Dutch defense minister said on Tuesday that Russian jets armed with air to surface missiles harassed one of their navy frigates in the Black Sea for over 5 hours. Read more
June 30, 2021 Putin has put out a statement saying that it's not likely that the "world would have been on the verge of World War Three" if Russia had decided to sink the British destroyer near Crimea and said, "Firstly, it was certainly a provocation, it is obvious that it is a provocation". Read more
June 28, 2021 Ukraine and United States are set to carry out military drills in the Black Sea in which 30 countries will be involved on June 28th, in spite of Russia's protests and calls to cancel the drills. Read more
June 27, 2021 The British HMS Defender, a destroyer that recently angered Russia by entering waters near Crimea has docked in the Batumi port in Georgia. Read more
June 27, 2021 Classified documents from the UK Ministry Of Defense have been found at a bus stop in Kent, England. The documents included sensitive data, including contact information and emails and information about the passage of the HMS Defender through waters near Crimea. Read more
June 27, 2021 Russia has sent fighter jets that are able to equip Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to the Hemeimeem airbase in Syria after claiming to fire warning shots and dropping bombs ahead of British destroyer in the Black Sea Read more
June 25, 2021 Russia says next time British ships enter the Black Sea it will bomb the British vessels, but the UK says that Russia's claims of previously firing warning shots and dropping bombs ahead of the missile destroyer didn't happen and is Russian fake news. Read more
June 24, 2021 Russia has fired warning shots at a UK missile destroyer and a Russian Su-24 dropped bombs in front of the British ship in the Black Sea to ward it away from Russian territory around Crimea. Read more
June 11, 2021 U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyer, the USS Laboon has has entered the Black Sea. Russia is closely monitoring the movements of the destroyer and their Black Sea Fleet has begun tactical exercises. Full story
June 5, 2021 Russia scrambled fighter jets to intercept a United States military plane over the Barents Sea according to EUCOM officials. Full story
May 27, 2021 China's main invasion force practices amphibious beach landings, presumably for a Taiwan invasion - The Chinese main invasion force, the 73rd Group Army have been practicing live fire exercises and beach landings with amphibious vehicles, firing off thousands of rounds of ordnance. Read more
May 26, 2021 Russia has stated that for the first time it can now operate nuclear capable bombers from an air base in Syria and has deployed three heavy bombers to a Syrian air base. Read more
May 18, 2021 9 Russian and Chinese navy warships have been spotted near Japanese waters: three Chinese vessels and 6 Russian vessels. Read more
May 16, 2021 Shelling by Russian backed separatists have increased. On May 15th there were 16 ceasefire violations in a single day with one Ukrainian soldier known to be wounded in the attacks. Read more
May 16, 2021 The Russian News Agency claims that the Ukrainian army has shelled the western part of Donetsk and violated the ceasefire 5 5 times. Read more
May 15, 2021 Russia is continuing to conscript residents of Crimea into its military. Some have been transferred to carry out orders in Donbass. Read more
May 15, 2021 Russia stopped six U.S. armored vehicles in Syria, forcing them to turn back and go the opposite direction. Read more
May 15, 2021 Russia has listed both the United States and the Czech Republic to their list of 'Unfriendly States' and said that U.S. diplomatic missions can no longer deploy local staff Read more
May 15, 2021 Russian president Vladimir Putin stated that the Ukraine is becoming 'anti-Russia' and says that Moscow is ready to act to threats to Russian security. Read more
May 11, 2021 Russia Still Has 100,000 Soldiers Near Ukrainian Border According To Ukraine - According to the Ukraine, Russia still has 100,000 soldiers stationed near the Ukrainian border and in Crimea. Read more
May 8, 2021 As Russia refuses to withdraw around 80,000 troops around the Ukrainian border, NATO is set to amass 28,000 of its own troops for war games next to the Ukraine. Read more
May 8, 2021 Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and one injured in eastern Ukraine while under fire from Russian separatists Read more
May 7, 2021: May 7, 2021: One Ukrainian soldier killed and another was wounded on May 6th during Russian ceasefire violations in Donbass, Eastern Ukraine. Read more
May 7, 2021: Despite claims by the Kremlin that they have ordered the Russian troops that had been stationed on the Ukrainian border last month to fall back to their normal stations in Russia, more Russian troops yet remain amassed on Ukraine's border than has been since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Read more
May 2, 2021: 500,000 Russian passports issued to eastern Ukraine in the last 2 years as Ukraine condemns naturalization of Ukrainian citizens into Russia and labels it "hybrid warfare". Read more
May 1, 2021: The U.S. Embassy in Russia stated that it was cutting its consular staff by 75% as well as putting a stop to processing Russian non immigrant visas for non diplomatic travel. Read more
April 29, 2021: Numerous U.S. officials have stated that Russian activity around Alaska have increased significantly as of late, and the head of Alaskan Command has just put out a statement saying that the recent increase has put a strain on U.S. assets. Read more
April 29, 2021: Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov said in an interview that was published on Wednesday that relations between the United States and Russia are worse now than even during the cold war. Read more
April 28, 2021: On April 28th there were 15 Russian ceasefire violations in Ukraine with one soldier reportedly wounded in action from Russian backed armed groups. The Joint Forces Operation (JFO) press center stated "In the past day, April 28, as many as 15 ceasefire violations were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone". Read more
April 28, 2021: Russia has issued an order to expel seven EU diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in tit for tat expulsions over accusations of Czech spying.
April 28, 2021: Russia unveils a new upgraded anti-ballistic missile (ABM) at a Kazakhstan test site that they say can fly nearly 2 miles a second or roughly four times the speed of a bullet. Read more
April 28, 2021: Russia holds live fire drills in the Black Sea as U.S. Coast Guard vessel enters the region. The Russian Navy said that they are monitoring the U.S. Coast Guard vessel.
April 28, 2021: Russia has pulled back its military personnel from the Ukrainian border but has not pulled back its Navy forces from the Black Sea nor its heavy weaponry that Russia left sitting near the border. Read more
April 27, 2021: One Ukrainian soldier was killed and three others wounded in Donbass when an unknown explosive device was detonated in the Pivnich northern sector. Three other servicemen were also injured.
April 27, 2021: Ukraine To Expel Russian Diplomat In Tit For Tat Response To Russia Expelling Ukrainian Diplomat From Its Embassy.
April 26, 2021: There were a total of 9 Russian ceasefire violations in the Ukraine on April 26th Read more
April 26, 2021: Russia Expels Another Member Of The Ukrainian Embassy saying due to the "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side, an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata". The Ukrainian Diplomat Has To Leave The Country By The End Of April.
April 26, 2021: There were 12 ceasefire violations in Donbass on April 25th from 120mm and 82mm mortars, heavy machine guns & Grenade Launchers. Civilian facilities In Vodiane were also shelled with 120mm mortars. No forces have attacked Ukrainian troops directly, And No casualties reported. Ukrainian military says situation is under full control.
April 26, 2021: Russia Says That Conflict In Eastern Ukraine Has Calmed Down With Fewer Ceasefire Violations, But Still Dangerous.
Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine -This authorization is the Biden Administration's thirty-ninth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. Subscribe To Full Alert
Department of Defense: “Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
This authorization is the Biden Administration's thirty-ninth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
It includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's air defenders as they bravely protect Ukraine's soldiers, civilians, and critical infrastructure amid Russia's continuing air strikes killing civilians across Ukraine.
This security assistance package also contains artillery, anti-armor capabilities, and ammunition, including tens of millions of rounds of small arms ammunition, valued at up to $300 million to help Ukraine continue to defend its sovereign territory.
The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements.”
KFOR Update On Zvecan Attacks May 30th, 2023 - NATO-led KFOR statement: “The number of peace-keepers wounded during yesterday's unprovoked violence in the municipality of Zvecan is 30. Read More On Defcon Alerts Platform.
11 soldiers from the Italian contingent and 19 from the Hungarian contingent sustained multiple injuries, including fractures and burns from improvised explosive incendiary devices.
Russia Calls Poland "Hostile", Warns Of Intervention In Belarus In Event Of Coup - MOSCOW - Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has called Poland "hostile" and addressed claims by Polish media, Russian and Belarusian officials that Poland is planning a coup in Belarus, and says that if this happens, Russia will step in and intervene. Read On SJ (News) | Read On Patreon (Intel/Alerts).
The claim that Poland plans to initiate a coup in Belarus originated from a Polish media outlet Polsat, which cited the former commander of the Land Forces General Waldemar Skrzypczak as saying "Let's prepare for an uprising in Belarus because it will happen. The point is that we do not oversleep this moment”.
Russian state-run media has taken Polish media out of context, claimed Poland intends to carry out a coup in Belarus. Read our news report on either our intel platform, or news platform for more information on this. [Links provided above to both].
Belarusian President: Russian Tactical Nukes On On The Move To Belarus From Russia - MINSK - President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has said that Russia has begun its movement of tactical nuclear warheads into Belarus, saying that the nuclear weapons are currently in transit to the country. Read On Substack | Read On Patreon.
Lukashenko spoke to reporters and said, "The movement of the nuclear weapons has already begun". He was then asked whether the nuclear weapons have already arrived in Belarus, and he replied, "Possibly. When I get back I will check".
Russia: Two US B-1B Strategic Bombers Intercepted Over Black Sea Approaching Border - MOSCOW - The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that it intercepted two United States B-1B strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea approaching the Russian border. Sign Up For All Alerts And Intel
A statement released by the Russian Ministry of Defense said that Russia intercepted the bombers with Su-27 fighter jets in order to "prevent the violation of the Russian border".
Russian Ministry of Defense Statement
"On May 23, 2023, Russian airspace control measures detected two air targets approaching the state border of the Russian Federation over the Baltic Sea.
Su-27 fighter jet of the Baltic Fleet air defence forces on duty was taken into the air to prevent the violation of the Russian border.
The crew of the Russian fighter classified the aerial targets as two B-1B strategic bombers of the US Air Force and occupied the designated airborne duty zone.
After the removal of the foreign combat aircraft from the state border of the Russian Federation, the Russian fighter returned to the airfield of departure.
The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict compliance with international airspace regulations.
There was no violation of the Russian Federation state border.
The National Defence Management Center".
NORAD detects Russian aircraft operating in Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone - Northern American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD): "COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked a Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on May 15, 2023. (Intel delayed, governments don't always release information to public right away). Sign Up For All Alerts
The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.
This flight occurred as several planned large-scale military training exercises are ongoing in and around Alaska. This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.
An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification, location and control of all aircraft in the interest of national security.
NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to track and identify aircraft and inform appropriate actions.
NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America."
Russia Claims It Intercepted German And French Aircraft Approaching Its Border - MOSCOW - The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that it detected and intercepted two aircraft approaching the Russian border over the Baltic Sea and turned the military aircraft "away to its home airfield". See All Alerts
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that one of the aircraft was German and one French.
Russian Ministry of Defense statement: "On 15 May 2023, Russian airspace control systems detected two aerial targets approaching the State border of the Russian Federation over the Baltic Sea. The crew of the Russian fighter jet identified the aerial targets as an R-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft of the German Navy and an Atlantique-2 maritime patrol aircraft of the French Navy".
Russian Ministry of Defense: National Center for State Defense Control of the Russian Federation: "On 15 May 2023, Russian airspace control systems detected two aerial targets approaching the State border of the Russian Federation over the Baltic Sea.
A Su-27 fighter jet of the Baltic Fleet scrambled to identify the aerial targets and prevent violations of the State border of the Russian Federation.
The crew of the Russian fighter jet identified the aerial targets as an R-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft of the German Navy and an Atlantique-2 maritime patrol aircraft of the French Navy.
After turning the foreign military aircraft away from the State Border of the Russian Federation, the Russian fighter returned safely to its home airfield. There was no violation of the state border of the Russian Federation.
The flight of the Russian fighter aircraft was carried out in strict compliance with the international rules for the use of airspace over international waters without crossing any air routes or coming dangerously close to an aircraft of a foreign State."
NORAD Intercepts Six Russian Aircraft In And Near Alaska's ADIZ - NORTH AMERICAN AEROSPACE DEFENSE COMMAND - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Alaskan Region of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, positively identified and intercepted six Russian aircraft operating in and near the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on May 11, 2023. See All Alerts
Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. These flights occurred as several planned large-scale U.S. military training exercises are ongoing within Alaska.
The Russian aircraft were TU-95 bombers, IL-78 tankers and SU-35 fighter aircraft. NORAD aircraft, including F-16 fighters, F-22 fighters, KC-135 Stratotankers, and E-3 AWACS, conducted the mission.
This Russian activity in the North American ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat. NORAD tracks and positively identifies all military aircraft that enter the ADIZ, routinely monitors aircraft movements and as necessary, escorts them from the ADIZ.
Since Russia resumed out of area Long Range Aviation activity in 2007, NORAD has seen a yearly average of approximately six to seven intercepts of Russian military aircraft in the ADIZ.
These numbers have varied each year from as high as 15 to as low as zero. NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based radars, airborne radar and fighter aircraft to track and identify aircraft and inform appropriate actions.
We remain ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America and Arctic sovereignty.
Energoatom: Russia continues To Turn The Temporarily Occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP Into A Military Base - The Energotom National Nuclear Power Company State Enterprise claims that Russia has "placed another batch of military equipment, weapons, and explosives in the premises of the turbine department of the 4th power unit of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant". See All Alerts
It also reported, "the storage of military equipment with ammunition, weapons and explosives in other production premises of the ZNPP, in particular in repair and mechanical workshops and on the roofs of power units".
The statement added, "We will remind you that earlier the occupiers placed such "treasures" in the engine rooms of the first, and later the second power units of the station".
Ukraine Claims Russia Placed Explosives On Turbine Section Of ZNPP Nuclear Power Plant - The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine has claimed that Russia loaded explosives "in the premise" of the turbine section of the power unit number 4 in the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) See All Alerts
The Ukrainian agency also said, "We will remind that at the end of July 2022, the Russian military placed heavy military equipment with ammunition, as well as weapons and explosives, in the engine room of power unit No. 1 of the ZANP," and added, "At the beginning of August 2022, information was received regarding the placement of military equipment also in the engine room of power unit No. 2 of the ZNPP".
The agency added that, "Also, through unofficial channels, the State Atomic Energy Regulatory Commission receives information about the storage of equipment, weapons and explosives in other production premises of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, including in repair and mechanical workshops and on the roofs of power units".
"We emphasize once again that in the event of an emergency situation at the ZNPP with a potentially possible release of radioactive substances into the environment, the consequences will be felt not only by Ukraine - they will have a cross-border nature," the statement added.
The Regulatory Inspectorate called on the international community for a "consolidated and decisive response to the actions of the aggressor country, the application of tough sanctions against Russian nuclear industry enterprises and persons affiliated with them".
They added, "We emphasize that the Russian Federation should be deprived of all rights and privileges in the IAEA and other international institutions in the field of nuclear energy use".
Newly Declassified Report On Havana Syndrome Contradicts Another Recent Report On The Illness - WASHINGTON - A newly declassified report on Havana Syndrome by the director of national intelligence has been released that contradicts another recent report saying that it was very unlikely that the illness was caused by an energy weapon. The new report said an energy weapon remains a plausible explanation. This Report And More | Read Declassified Report
International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Vladimir Putin And Maria Lvova-Belova - ICC - The International Criminal Court (ICC) released a statement on Friday that it has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes, including the abduction of children from Ukraine during Russia's war on the country. See More Alerts
The statement by Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC said that the ICC issued arrested warrants for both Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children's Rights "in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation".
The statement said the arrest warrants were issued "on the basis of evidence and analyzed by my Office pursuant to its independent investigations".
It went on to say that "the Pre-Trial Chamber has confirmed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that President Putin and Ms Lvova-Belova bear criminal responsibility for the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, contrary to article 8(2)(a)(vii) and article 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute".
In response to the announcements of the arrest warrants, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and considers any decisions that the court makes null and void.
AP news cited Adil Ahmad Haque, who is "an expert" with international law as saying, "So Putin might go to China, Syria, Iran, his ... few allies, but he just won’t travel to the rest of the world and won’t travel to ICC member states who he believes would ... arrest him".
Russia: We View US Drone's Black Sea Flight As Provocation And It Had No Business Being Near Russia - MOSCOW - The Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said that Russia views the U.S. drone flight in the Black Sea as a "real provocation" and said that it was flying with its "transponders off" and "entered into the zone of the special military operation" which is the term Russia uses for its war in Ukraine. Get All Alerts
Antonov spoke to reporters after speaking to the U.S. Department of State, after being summoned regarding the incident, saying that the United States "provoked" Russia to "take a certain action" so that the US could accuse Moscow and Russia's military of being "non-professional".
"The aircraft was flying with its transponders off, and it entered the zone of the special military operation. It [the information about the zone] was made public via international channels. We, Russia, have warned everyone about it. I think this was a real provocation," he said.
He also added, "We consider this incident a provocation".
Russian aircraft collides into US unmanned system in international waters - "Two Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted an unsafe and unprofessional intercept with a U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace over the Black Sea today. See All Alerts
At approximately 7:03 AM (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to have to bring the MQ-9 down in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional.
“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa. “In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”
“U.S. and Allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely,” Hecker added.
This incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots while interacting with U.S. and Allied aircraft over international airspace, including over the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa routinely fly aircraft throughout Europe over sovereign territory and throughout international airspace in coordination with applicable host nation and international laws. In order to bolster collective European defense and security, these missions support Allied, partner, and U.S. national objectives."
DOD: Russia Reportedly Supplying Enriched Plutonium to China - Department of Defense: Various open-source outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors, said a U.S official during a posture hearing today at the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. See All Alerts
Fake Nuclear Strike Alert Went Out To Russians - There is a seemingly fake nuclear alert that went out alerting Russians about a nuclear strike. The alert looks to be a cyber-attack. The graphics are sleek, meant for visual effects, and have fabricated distortion. This is not something you'd likely find in a legitimate broadcast. See All Alerts
UPDATE - Russian Interfax has confirmed it was a "false air raid warning" due to "server hacking". The fake alert told Russians to take anti-radiation (potassium iodide) pills and head to the nearest bomb shelter.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry said that the message was due to a false alarm as a result of a cyberattack. This is the third cyberattack on Russian stations in the past month, but it is the first that gave instructions to Russians to take anti-radiation pills.
Ukraine: Currently 16 Russian Vessels In Black Sea - BLACK SEA - Ukrainian Defense Forces have reported that there are currently 16 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including four missile carriers. See All Alerts
Natalya Gumenyuk, who is the spokeswoman for the Joint Coordinating Press Center of the Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine was cited by Ukrainian Interfax as saying that the number of missiles in the Black Sea are a powerful potential and that there could be a strike at "any moment".
"The enemy ship grouping consists of 16 ships, among which 4 missile carriers remain: 2 surface and 2 underwater. This means that more than 20 Caliber missiles can be ready for a salvo," Gumenyuk was cited as saying.
"As a rule, the readiness of such a number of launch vehicles on combat duty, including underwater ones, indicates preparation for a missile attack. What it will be depends on the tactics chosen by the enemy command. They have already understood that massive missile attacks give not the result they expect. These are high costs and low returns. Therefore, most likely they will use targeted missile attacks," she added.
"Missile launches can be at any moment"
Turkey, Syria Death Toll Exceeds 50,000 After Earthquakes - TURKEY/SYRIA - The death toll as a result of the earthquakes that shook Turkey and Syria has now exceeded 50,000, with 44,218 deaths in Turkey alone, and Syria: 5,914 deaths. See All Alerts
The first 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit on February 6th, 2023 in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, along with a second 7.6 magnitude quake. Over 9,000 aftershocks were felt in the region since the initial earthquakes according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey (AFAD).
Around 530,000 people have been evacuated from the region since the earthquakes occurred after more than 173,000 buildings (known so far) collapsed or were greatly damaged. 1.9 million people have been relocated to temporary shelters, hotels or other public facilities.
Russia Suspends START Nuclear Treaty With United States - MOSCOW - The Russian Foreign Ministry has released a statement declaring that the START nuclear treaty, which is the only nuclear treaty in effect between the United States and Russia, suspended, saying that the U.S. is "weakening" the security of the Russian Federation, and causing a political and economic "suffocation" of Russia. See All Alerts
The Foreign Ministry said however,, "At the same time, in order to maintain a sufficient degree of predictability and stability in the nuclear missile sphere, Russia intends to adhere to a responsible approach and will continue to strictly comply with the quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms stipulated by it within the life cycle of the Treaty".
"In addition, the Russian side will continue to participate in the exchange of notifications with the American side on launches of ICBMs and SLBMs on the basis of the relevant agreement between the USSR and the USA in 1988."
"The decision to suspend the START may be reversible. To do this, Washington must show political will, make conscientious efforts for a general de-escalation and create conditions for the resumption of the full functioning of the Treaty and, accordingly, comprehensively ensuring its viability. We urge the American side to do just that. Until then, any steps we take towards Washington in the context of START are absolutely out of the question".
Putin To Give Message To Federal Assembly On February 21st - [Posted in Patreon 4 days ago] MOSCOW - Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Putin will be reading out a message to the Russian Federal Assembly on February 21st in Gostiny Dvor that will focus on "the current situation" - the "special operation" and the "economy", as well as "the social sphere". See All Alerts
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti [From translation] reported that the streets in the Gostiny Dvor "will be blocked" in the center of Moscow "on the day of the announcement of the message of Russian President Vladimir Putin".
The Telegram channel of the Moscow Department of Transport said: "On the twenty-first of February, from 00.01 until the end of the event, sections from Novaya Square to Red Square, from Kitaigorodsky Proyezd to Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge and from Ilyinka Street to Varvarka Street in the area of house 5 on Red Square will be unavailable for travel. Parking in the area will also be unavailable ceilings".
Novosti reported that Putin's message will be covering "security and defense", the economy in the "new military-political realities", and address what Moscow calls "gangster methods" to seize the hydrocarbon market and establish a "political and economic protectorate" overall of Europe.
RIA Novosti cited the first deputy head of the international committee of the Federation Council, FSB General Vladimir Dzhabarov as saying that the "first issue could be" to increase defense capabilities and, "The fight against terrorists, the fight against saboteurs, against agents of foreign special services".
Slutsky said that Putin's speech will "set priorities" that will "leave no hope for our enemies to defeat Russia, weaken or try to subdue it to its neo-colonial dictate."
Alexei Didenko, deputy head of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) faction in the Russian Duma said, "Surely the president will focus on the work of the military-industrial complex, which is now functioning on a forced basis, on combat capabilities and the latest weapons technologies".
The Russian news agency said that "Almost all parliamentarians" are also assuming that Putin will speak on the economy, sanctions, and "overcoming pressure from the West in one way or another".
Romanian Statement On Missile Launched By Russia, Crossing Into Moldova- Romania releases a statement regarding the Missile Launched By Russia, Crossing Into Moldova.
Romanian Ministry Of National Defense: "The Romanian Air Forces’ air surveillance system detected on Friday, February 10th, an aerial target launched by a Russian Federation’s ship, navigating in the Black Sea, nearby the Crimea Peninsula. The target is most likely a cruise missile, which flew over the air space of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and reentered the Ukrainian air space without ever infringing Romania’s air space.
The closest point of the aerial target’s trajectory from the Romanian air space was recorded by the radar systems to be at almost 35 kilometers North-East from the border.
The Romanian authorities have applied all standard procedures since the moment the target was detected until the complete clarification of this situation. Furthermore, at 10.38 a.m., two Romanian Air Forces’ MiG-21 LanceR Aircraft of the NATO-led Air Policing Service, which were executing a flight exercise at that moment, were redirected to the Northern area of Romania in order to increase the reaction options.
After approximately two minutes, the situation was clarified and the two aircraft resumed their initial mission.
The Romanian Air Forces are permanently monitoring, in cooperation with the Allied forces, the national air space and the immediate surrounding area."
Moldovan MOD Strongly Condemns Violation Of Its Airspace - MOLDOVA - The Moldovan Ministry of Defense released the following statement on their official Facebook account regarding the "rocket" that flew over its territory and "strongly condemned" the "violation" of its airspace.
Moldovan Ministry of Defense (translation): "In the context of the information about the rocket flying over the airspace of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Defense communicates the following:
The responsible structures within the institution detected, at 10:18, a rocket, that crossed the airspace of the Republic of Moldova, above the locality of Mocra in the Transnistrian region and later over the locality of Cosauti in the Soroca district, with the direction to Ukraine.
We mention that the Ministry of Defense, in collaboration with the responsible structures in the country, closely monitors the situation in the region, and strongly condemns the violation of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova."
The statement comes after Ukraine claimed that Russian missiles flew into NATO-allied territory.
Ukraine Claims Russian Missile Crossed Into NATO-Allied Airspace - General Valery Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine put out a statement claiming that Russian missiles flew over Romania and Moldova during a missile strike on Ukraine, crossing into NATO-allied airspace. See Images
The General's statement said, "Today, Feb 10, at 10:18 a.m., two Russian Kalibr cruise missiles crossed the state border of [Ukraine] with [Moldova] At 10:33 a.m., these missiles crossed the airspace of [Romania]. After that, the missiles again entered the airspace of [Ukraine] at the crossing point of the borders of the three states".
Another 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake In Turkey Hits, Along With Aftershocks - TURKEY - There has been another 7.5 magnitude earthquake, this time in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Many aftershocks also reported, along with internet outages in the country. 7.5 Magnitude Quake | Aftershocks & Internet Outages
A number of aftershock quakes have hit Turkey after the two big ones hit earlier. The death toll in Turkey and Syria continues to rise and the destruction that it has caused is widespread.
I won't give an estimate yet, it will be a while before a solid number is reached, but it looks to be quite substantial.
NetBlocks internet observatory is reporting that the 7.8 magnitude earthquake knocked out power in parts of southern Turkey, which may impact the country's ability to seek out assistance.
7.8 and 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake In Central Turkey - TURKEY - There has been a 7.8 and a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, the 6.7 magnitude earthquake looks to be an aftershock of the first 7.8 magnitude quake.
7.8 Magnitude Details: Timestamp: 2023-02-06 09:17:35 (UTC+08:00), Epicenter location: 37.174°N 37.032°E, Depth: 17.9 miles.
6.7 Magnitude Details: Timestamp: 2023-02-06 09:28:17 (UTC+08:00), Location: 37.414°N 36.831°E, Depth: 6.15 miles
Another $2.2 Billion In Aid To Ukraine Expected To Be Announced "Very Soon" - WASHINGTON - The United States is preparing a $2.2 billion package worth of military aid to Ukraine, and is expected to contain longer-range rockets than the United States has previously been willing to give to Ukraine, as well as other weapons and ammunition.
White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton said that the United States will be announcing additional security assistance to Ukraine "very soon".
"I expect we're going to have more security assistance to announce soon," Dalton told reporters.
From the start of Russia's war on Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 to January 19th, 2023 the total dollar amount of military equipment given to Ukraine adds up to $26.7 billion.
Part of the $2.2 billion would be allocated to purchase the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), which is manufactured by Boeing Co, according to a report by Reuters.
The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb has a range of about 94 miles, which is longer-ranged than other weapons given by the United States thus far, but does not reach as far as the longer-ranged guided missile system (ATACMS) requested by Ukraine, but rejected by the United States capable of a range o 185 miles. Read More
Admiral Says NATO Ready For Direct Confrontation With Russia - NATO - An Admiral serving as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee says that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is ready for a direct confrontation with Russia.
Lieutenant admiral in the Royal Netherlands Navy Rob Bauer serving as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee since June 2021 was asked by the interviewer if we are ready for a direct confrontation with Russia, to which he responded, "We are" in an interview with DW.
During the video, he said, "They have shown us in a document, it was a concept treaty text in December 2021. They sent us a text which basically said we have to go back to the pre-1997 situation".
He added, "That's what they are aiming for, that's what is their strategic objective".
He continued, "It is about turning back to the old Soviet Union".
"Many nations in NATO thought for decades that we were owning the timelines. We were the ones that decided to go to Afghanistan, to go to Iraq, it was a decision from NATO, from the NATO nations".
"We owned the timelines, we were saying "when are we going, with how many troops, for how long, etc," and added, "Now, we are facing a threat, which is Russia that is coming to us uninvited at a moment of their choosing, so we have to be much more ready. We have no time to prepare because it is up to them when they come".
The interviewer asked, "We are ready for a direct confrontation with Russia?", to which he stated, "We are".
The interviewer then asked, "We are ready for a nuclear war, and do you believe in that possibility?"
The Admiral said, "I think that Vladimir Putin is not insane, so that's the good news. He has ideas that are not our ideas, but he's not insane. He's still a rational person, and I think that is important with regard to the use of nuclear weapons".
"I think it's extremely important that we all continue to agree on the effect that a nuclear war should not be fought, and can never be won".
U.S.-Albanian Leaders Discuss NATO, Bilateral Relations - U.S. and Albanian defense leaders met today at the Pentagon to make a strong bilateral alliance even stronger. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Defense Minister Niko Peleshi met as the two nations marked the 30th year of their nations' defense relationship.
The men last spoke during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein Air Base last week. Albania, a NATO ally, is providing aid to Ukraine as the country battles against Russian invaders.
"Over the past three decades, our relationship has only deepened," Austin said at the beginning of the meeting. "Our forces train and exercise together. They work alongside each other in coalition operations.”
Albanian troops have served alongside U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and Latvia. "More recently, we appreciate Albania[‘s] support and hosting Defender Europe '21,"Austin said.
The secretary also said he appreciated that Albania has volunteered to host Defender Europe '23
"We're meeting at a critical time for European security,"the secretary said. "Last week's contact group underscored the importance of moving urgently to strengthen Ukraine against Russian aggression and to strengthen our shared security."
Austin thanked the Albanian minister for the lethal and humanitarian aid his country is providing Ukraine. Albania is also deploying forces to bolster NATO's defense in the East.
Peleshi told Austin his country is proud to be a member of NATO and an ally of the United States. He said his country wants to do what is needed. "We have been very active in international missions, NATO missions, U.N. missions and operations because we want to deserve being an ally of the great, most powerful political alliance," he said."
Russia Says Tanks Being Sent to Ukraine By NATO Allies A "New Level Of Confrontation" - MOSCOW - Russia’s Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechayev released a statement after the United States and Germany announced sending tanks to Ukraine that called the decision an "extremely dangerous decision" that "takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation".
While addressing Germany's decision to allow their Leopard 2 tanks to be sent to Ukraine, the ambassador said the following:
"On January 25, 2023, the German government approved the delivery of Leopard 2 heavy battle tanks to the Kyiv regime. Other countries that are armed with such equipment are allowed to re-export it to Ukraine.
This extremely dangerous decision takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation and contradicts the statements of German politicians about the unwillingness of the FRG to get involved in it. Unfortunately, this happens over and over again. Once again, we are convinced that Germany, like its closest allies, is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis, it is set up for its permanent escalation and unlimited pumping of the Kyiv regime with more and more deadly weapons. "Red lines" are a thing of the past.
The choice of Berlin means the final refusal of the Federal Republic of Germany to recognize the historical responsibility to our people for the terrible, timeless crimes of Nazism during the Great Patriotic War, the consignment to the oblivion of the difficult path of post-war reconciliation between Russians and Germans. With the approval of the leadership of the FRG, battle tanks with German crosses will again be sent to the "eastern front", which will inevitably lead to the death of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population.
Berlin adopted this decision on the 80th anniversary of the breaking of the blockade of Leningrad, in which hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens died. It destroys the remnants of mutual trust, causes irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations, and casts doubt on the possibility of their normalization in the foreseeable future."
British Challenger 2 Tanks To Be Delivered To Ukraine
British Challenger 2 tanks are also to be delivered to Ukraine by the end of March, according to British Deputy Defense Minister Alex Chuck.
“Our intention is that it will be at the end of March,” Chuck said (cited by TASS). Training of the Ukrainian military to manage and maintain British tanks should start on Monday, January 30," Chuck stated.
Russia: Shipments Will Be A Legitimate Target For Russian Aerospace Forces
Russian Foreign Minister has put out a warning and sent a note to members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that any shipments that contain military equipment will become a legitimate target for Russian Aerospace Forces.
Russia: Delivery Of Uranium Shells To Ukraine By US Will Be Considered The Use Of Dirty Bombs - MOSCOW - The delivery of Western-made uranium shells to Ukraine will be regarded by Russia as "the use of dirty nuclear bombs" and said that the depleted uranium shells used for the Leopard 2 tanks lead to "contamination of the area" and outbreaks of cancer.
At talks in Vienna on military security and arms control, Konstantin Gavrilov, head of the Russian delegation said, "We warn Western sponsors of the Kyiv military machine from encouraging nuclear provocations and blackmail".
The Russian diplomat went on to say, "We know that the Leopard 2 tank, as well as the Bradley and Marder infantry fighting vehicles, are armed with uranium-core armor-piercing projectiles, the use of which leads to contamination of the area, as happened in Yugoslavia and Iraq" .
"If Kyiv is supplied with such shells for NATO heavy military equipment, we will consider this as the use of dirty nuclear bombs against Russia, with all the ensuing consequences," the diplomat added.
Gavrilov claimed that Western countries "forced" Germany to make the decision to transfer "armored vehicles" to Ukraine.
Gavrilov said, “First, the allies threatened Berlin with international isolation in case of refusal to transfer the Leopards. Then none other than the representative of the US State Department, Ned Price, announced “imminent news” regarding the direction of the German “beast” to Kyiv. This is how transatlantic “solidarity” is forged, — said the head of the delegation".
Russian state-run news RIA Novosti cited the diplomat as saying that Germany made a "conscious" choice in favor of "German tanks with crosses on their armor again attacking Russian soldiers," and said that the Russian army will be destroying them.
Novosti stated that a "doctor of the military sciences" named Konstantin Sivkov told the Russian news agency that the Leopard 2 ammunition load includes armor-piercing sub-caliber depleted uranium shells, which it says leads to "contamination of the area" and "outbreaks of cancer".
Biden Announces Abrams Tanks to be Delivered to Ukraine - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "President Joe Biden announced today that the United States will provide Ukraine with 31 M1 Abrams tanks. That is the required number to equip an entire Ukraine tank battalion. View Fact Sheet
These tanks are needed, Biden said, because Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and will be better prepared for additional counter-offenses.
"They need to be able to counter Russia's evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term. They need to improve their ability to maneuver in open terrain. And, they need an enduring capability to deter and defend against Russian aggression over the long term," the president said.
The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. And, they're also extremely complex to operate and maintain. Along with the tanks, the U.S. will be giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively repair and maintain these tanks on the battlefield, he said.
Ukrainian troops will be given training on logistics and maintenance as soon as possible, as actual delivery of these tanks will take some time, he said.
This morning, Biden said he had a long conversation with NATO allies, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding continued close coordination and support of Ukraine.
Biden mentioned strong allied support for Ukraine, which will include German Leopard 2 tanks, a German Patriot missile battery, Challenger 2 tanks from the United Kingdom, and AMX-10 armored fighting vehicles from France.
"This is about helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian land. It is not an offensive threat to Russia," he said.
"The expectation on the part of Russia is we're going to break up, we're not going to stay united. But we are fully thoroughly totally united," Biden said, speaking of the 50 nations that are part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Senior administration officials said earlier today that these Abrams tanks will be procured through Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funding.
Unlike the presidential drawdown authority, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry rather than delivering equipment that is drawn down from DOD stocks.
The officials also noted that eight M88 recovery vehicles will also be shipped to Ukraine, to accompany the 31 tanks.
Washington: $400 Million In Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine, Including Abrams Tanks - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the procurement of Abrams tanks for Ukraine via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. View Fact Sheet
This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to building the capacity of Ukraine's Armed Forces, now and into the future. Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority (PDA), which DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures new capabilities. This $400 million USAI package represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional capabilities to Ukraine.
The capabilities in this package include: 31 Abrams tanks with 120mm rounds and other ammunition; Eight Tactical Vehicles to recover equipment; Support vehicles and equipment; Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.
Alongside the battalion of Abrams tanks provided by the United States, a European consortium is committing to provide two battalions of Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the near term. The United States will continue to work with our Allies and partners to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs to counter Russian aggression and ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people.
In total, the United States has now committed more than $27.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $29.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and more than $27.1 billion since the beginning of Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24, 2022."
US And Germany Both Agree To Send Tanks To Ukraine - WASHINGTON/BERLIN - Both the United States and Germany have agreed to send tanks to Ukraine after Germany had said it wouldn't be allowing its Leopard 2 tanks to be sent to Ukraine by NATO allies unless the United States also agreed to send tanks of its own to the country.
U.S. President Joe Biden made a statement that said, "today I'm announcing the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of 1 Ukrainian battalion".
"Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it will enhance Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objective".
The German government also confirmed that it will be sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine from the stocks of the German Armed Forces, and will, in addition, be allowing allies to send the German-made Leopard 2 tanks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz released a statement that said, "Ladies and gentlemen, that is the right principle. We are dealing with very effective weapons systems, and it is the right thing for us to never provide these weapons systems on their own, but always in close cooperation".
According to the German Defense Ministry, the German-made tanks could be delivered to Ukraine within the next three months.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke on air on the Die Welt TV channel and said "This (deliveries of tanks - TASS note) will not happen earlier than in three or four months".
German Spokesman Steffen Hebestrait said, "The federal government has decided to provide the Ukrainian armed forces with Leopard 2A6 battle tanks. This is the result of intensive meetings that Germany has held with European and international partners".
"Germany will issue permits to partner countries that want to send Leopard 2A6 to Ukraine from their own stocks".
Russia's Response To The Announcements
Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov replied to the announcement of Abrams tanks being supplied to Ukraine by saying that it was "quite a failure" for "technological reasons," according to Russian state news agency TASS.
“I am convinced that many experts understand the absurdity of this idea too. It’s just that such a plan is quite a failure in terms of technological aspects, and most importantly, this is a clear overestimation of the potential that this will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he said to reporters Wednesday.
He added that "so far there are a lot of mutually exclusive statements, media reports, leaks and so on from Germany and the United States." and said that "It is clear that not everything is going smoothly there, and in the [North Atlantic] alliance itself, not everything is so smooth, and not everything is going smoothly with the presence of tanks".
A report by TASS estimated that Ukraine can receive around 100 modern Western tanks, and had already received 350 to 400 Soviet-made tanks, which were mainly T-72s.
Allied Tanks Ukraine Will Be Receiving'
The following countries either are sending, or are considering sending tanks to Ukraine: Germany, Poland Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Britain, Denmark, and France.
Biden Announces Shipment Of 31 Abrams Tanks To Ukraine - WASHINGTON - U.S President Joe Biden has announced that the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
During a speech, Biden said "and today, today I'm announcing the the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of 1 Ukrainian battalion".
"Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it will enhance Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objective".
He added, "The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They are also extremely complex to operate and maintain. So we're also giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks on the battlefield".
Russian Frigate Admiral Gorshkov conducted hypersonic missile exercises in Atlantic - RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE: "The crew of Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov's frigate, operating in areas of the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, conducted computer simulation exercises with hypersonic missile weapons.
In accordance with the training situation, the frigate practiced arranging of Tsitkon hypersonic missile strike against a maritime target at a distance over 900 kilometers away.
A series of joint exercises with the South African Navy and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is planned for February 2023 off the coast of the Republic of South Africa.
The Admiral Gorshkov frigate is a modern multi-purpose ship, equipped with guided missiles, and designed for operating in distant maritime and oceanic areas. Fitted with Tsirkon, the ship is capable of launching pinpoint and powerful strikes at any offshore and onshore targets. The feature of Tsirkon missiles is their ability to overcome any kinds of modern and promising air or missile defense systems."
Medvedev: Russia May Nationalize Property Of US And EU Citizens In Response To Sanctions - MOSCOW - Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, and former president Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia may be nationalizing the property of people who are registered in the United States, European Union, and other "unfriendly" jurisdictions in the midst of new "anti-Russian" sanctions.
He said that Russia is being threatened with arrests of assets of Russian citizens, as well as companies located outside of Russia.
"just like that, without any sanctions," Medvedev said, adding "in a carpet fashion," and "out of spite," and went on to say that, "this must be responded to in a quite symmetric manner".
On his VK social media page on Saturday, he said, "With the arrest of assets of foreigners and foreign companies in Russia based on country principle. And maybe, with the nationalization of the property of people registered in unfriendly jurisdictions. Like the EU, EU member states and a number of singing-along states of the Anglo-Saxon world will take part in this".
"Thankfully, we have vast experience and we have a law on this issue. A harsh one," he said.
Russian state-run news agency TASS said that "a number of states" have announced "harsh" sanctions against Russia, including financial and technological sectorial restrictions against 64 Russian agencies enforced by the European Union.
Among the agencies were the "Presidential Administration, Russian Defense Ministry, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and other state structures, as well as companies of military-industrial, energy, plane building and financial sectors of Russia," the news report said.
It added that a number of Russian politicians which include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and other Russian citizens have also been "blacklisted".
KFOR Soldiers emergency response evaluated during Exercise Cavalry Guardian - US Military: "CAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo — Kosovo Force, Regional Command-East recently conducted exercise Cavalry Guardian, an emergency response training exercise, geared toward testing team cohesion, resilience under stress and job proficiency, near Camp Novo Selo on Jan. 10, 2023.
During the training, Soldiers from Austria, the U.S., and Great Britain competed to provide the best reaction to an emergency scenario involving role players and emergency response personnel from KFOR.
“This training has helped us to spread awareness amongst even the lowest level of Soldiers how to deal with complex road traffic accidents, especially when they involve multiple casualties,” said British Army Capt. Hugo Hunter, exercise director and safety coordinator.
During the exercise scenario, Soldiers had to complete a very complex iteration with a combination of an unexploded ordnance scenario, a crime scene or weapons cache, a mass casualty event with four civilians and one KFOR Soldier.
On scene, the Soldiers had to coordinate with Film City Fire and Rescue to cut out a role-playing member of KFOR who was simulating they were trapped in the crashed vehicle. Once the victim was freed, competitors requested KFOR aviation unit support to provide medical evacuation.
“[This training] is important because these guys are out patrolling every day, so this is something that they would be likely to come across,” said U.S. Army Maj. Brendan Williams, KFOR Regional Command-East Operations Officer and logistics support for the exercise. “Not to this extreme, but accidents are probably the most common thing that they are going to deal with. So knowing how to treat casualties, knowing how to get those casualties follow-on care quickly, and reporting quickly, is very important.”
The joint exercise also enhanced the interoperability of several NATO partners and allies to include the U.S., the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Poland, the International Military Police, Film City Fire Services and the Joint Logistics Support Group. By working together, they enhanced the readiness of both their specialties and the competitors through training and developing best practices.
“We have a pretty unique situation in Kosovo where the threat to KFOR Soldiers is not as high as many other theaters and it gives us the best opportunity to practice our training, tactics and procedures, and really learn how to develop best practices,” Hunter said. “It's only through training that we better ourselves and perform to a higher standard.”
The plan is to continue to provide this vital training to Soldiers of future rotations of KFOR. The exercise director, Hunter hopes it will expand to include many other countries with further iterations.
KFOR RC-East comprises 10 contributing NATO partner nations. Its mission is to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, as mandated by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999."
Army announces unit preparation for potential deployments in support of European allies and partners - WASHINGTON – The Department of the Army announced the preparation of Army units for potential deployment to backfill units currently in Europe. This potential deployment would not constitute a change to current force posture levels.
It would ensure the United States continues to be well positioned to provide a robust deterrent and defensive posture alongside our Allies across the European continent. The United States will continue to adjust its posture as needed in response to the dynamic security environment.
Elements from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters are preparing for a potential deployment to replace units currently in Europe. Preparation for this potential deployment provides flexibility to reassess conditions and respond to a dynamic security environment.
Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged With Violating U.S. Sanctions On Russia - Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Charged With Violating U.S. Sanctions On Russia. A Russian Court and Government Interpreter Is Also Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions on Russia.
US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: "Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a five-count Indictment charging CHARLES MCGONIGAL and SERGEY SHESTAKOV with violating and conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) and with conspiring to commit money laundering and money laundering.
SHESTAKOV is also charged with making material misstatements to the FBI. The defendants were arrested on Saturday evening, and they will be presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Charles McGonigal, a former high-level FBI official, and Sergey Shestakov, a Court interpreter, violated U.S. sanctions by agreeing to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch.
They both previously worked with Deripaska to attempt to have his sanctions removed, and, as public servants, they should have known better. This Office will continue to prosecute those who violate U.S. sanctions enacted in response to Russian belligerence in Ukraine in order to line their own pockets.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “The FBI is committed to the enforcement of economic sanctions designed to protect the United States and our allies, especially against hostile activities of a foreign government and its actors. Russian oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska perform global malign influence on behalf of the Kremlin and are associated with acts of bribery, extortion, and violence.
As alleged, Mr. McGonigal and Mr. Shestakov, both U.S. citizens, acted on behalf of Deripaska and fraudulently used a U.S. entity to obscure their activity in violation of U.S. sanctions.
After sanctions are imposed, they must be enforced equally against all U.S. citizens in order to be successful. There are no exceptions for anyone, including a former FBI official like Mr. McGonigal. Supporting a designated threat to the United States and our allies is a crime the FBI will continue to pursue aggressively.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In 2014, the President issued Executive Order 13660, which declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in Ukraine.
To address this national emergency, the President blocked all property of individuals determined by the U.S. Treasury to be responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threatened the security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, or who materially assist, sponsor, or provide support to individuals or entities engaging in such activities.
Executive Order 13660 and regulations issued pursuant to it prohibit making or receiving any funds, goods, or services by, to, from, or for the benefit of any person designated by the U.S. Treasury.
On April 6, 2018, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Oleg Deripaska as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy (the “OFAC Sanctions”).
According to the U.S. Treasury, Deripaska was sanctioned for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation and for operating in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy.
CHARLES MCGONIGAL is a former Special Agent in Charge (“SAC”) of FBI’s Counterintelligence Division in New York, who retired in 2018. While working at the FBI, MCGONIGAL supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska. SERGEY SHESTAKOV is a former Soviet and Russian diplomat who later became a U.S. citizen and a Russian interpreter for courts and government offices.
In 2021, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV conspired to provide services to Deripaska, in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Deripaska in 2018. Specifically, following their negotiations with an agent of Deripaska, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska.
As part of their negotiations with Deripaska’s agent, MCGONIGAL, SHESTAKOV, and the agent attempted to conceal Deripaska’s involvement by, among other means, not directly naming Deripaska in electronic communications, using shell companies as counterparties in the contract that outlined the services to be performed, using a forged signature on that contract, and using the same shell companies to send and receive payments from Deripaska.
MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV were aware that their actions violated U.S. sanctions because, among other reasons, while serving as SAC, MCGONIGAL received then-classified information that Deripaska would be added to a list of oligarchs considered for sanctions as part of the process that led to the imposition of sanctions against Deripaska.
In addition, in 2019, MCGONIGAL and SHESTAKOV worked on behalf of Deripaska in an unsuccessful effort to have the sanctions against Deripaska lifted.
In November 2021, when FBI agents questioned SHESTAKOV about the nature of his and MCGONIGAL’s relationship with Deripaska’s agent, SHESTAKOV made false statements in a recorded interview.
CHARLES MCGONIGAL, 54, of New York, New York, and SERGEY SHESTAKOV, 69, of Morris, Connecticut, are charged with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the IEEPA, one count of violating the IEEPA, one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
SHESTAKOV is also charged with one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI New York Field Office’s Counterintelligence Division and the valuable assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Rebecca T. Dell, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Norwegian Army: Russia Has 180,000 Solders Killed Or Wounded In Ukraine To Date - NORWAY - The Norwegian Defense Chief Eirik Kristoffersen said in an interview with Norwegian channel TV2 that Russia has approached nearly 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers in Ukraine since the start of the war, to date.
"Russian losses are beginning to approach around 180,000 dead or wounded soldiers," he stated.
"Ukrainian losses are probably over 100,000 dead or wounded. In addition Ukraine has about 30,000 civilians who died in this terrible war".
Both Ukraine and Russia give extremely low estimates regarding their own losses and possibly inflated estimates of their opponent's losses.
United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley had announced an estimate of 100,000 dead or wounded in November of last year for both Ukraine and Russia.
Kristoffersen said, "Russia is able to continue (this war) for quite a long time. What worries most is whether Ukraine is going to be able to keep the Russian air force out of the war," he said.
He added that they have been able to keep Russia's air force largely out of the war "thanks to Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses".
Most of Russia's attacks on Ukraine for the last few months have been using long-range missiles on Ukrainian targets.
Regarding tanks that the Norwegian General has called for the delivery of, which has been delayed by indecisiveness by Germany, Kristoffersen said "If they're going to go on the offensive in the winter, they (Ukrainians) need it fast".
Medvedev: Alliance Of Countries "Annoyed With US" Might Appear - MOSCOW - Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that The United States is attempting to destroy Russia and that a new global military alliance may be emerging.
The statement was written on his Telegram channel on Sunday, where he said "The Ramstein meeting and heavy weapons supplies to Kyiv leave no doubt that our enemies will try to maul or even destroy us endlessly. And they have enough weapons for that. They could also start producing new ones if need be".
He continued saying that he came to two conclusions. First, it would be "very difficult," and second, "in the event of a prolonged conflict, a new military alliance may appear at a certain moment in time, comprising those countries who will be annoyed with the Americans," and added their allies as well.
Claiming that the world would be a stable place again when the United States abandons Europe and added, "what will be left from poor Ukrainians unless it is too late."
US To Announce Sending 30 M1 Abrams Tanks To Ukraine - WASHINGTON - The United States says that they will be making an announcement to send around 30 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as soon as Wednesday, but it could take a few months to deliver the tanks.
An AP report, as well as a report by Foreign Affairs and PBS Defense Correspondent Nick Schifrin says that U.S. officials have informed him that Washington will announce sending about 30 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, in coordination with an announcement by Germany that their Leopard 2 tanks can be sent to the country.
Germany had said they would not allow the German-made Leopard 2 tanks to be sent by NATO-allied forces to Ukraine unless the United States also made the decision to send its own tanks.
Poland has been asking Germany for authorization to send the German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. An official has said that they would approve the request if it is made.
U.S. officials are still working out the details, but said that it would be under the upcoming Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package providing "longer-range funding" for weapons and equipment to be purchased from commercial vendors, according to the AP report.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spoke to Russia's state-run news TASS and said, "Reflections about red lines are now in the past. The United States has unequivocally declared its intention to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. It is impossible not to notice this reality."
Regarding Germany allowing their tanks to be sent to Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Such shipments do not bode well for the future of [Russian-German] relations. They will, undoubtedly, leave and unavoidable mark for the future of these relations".
Peskov said that Russia's relations with Germany are "already at a rather low point," and added "We do not observe any substantial dialogue with Germany or other EU, NATO countries".
Russia Dispatches Yars Nuclear Missile Systems To "Combat Patrol Missions" - Tver - The Russian Bologoye strategic missile division in Tver dispatched the Yars mobile surface-to-surface nuclear missile systems to "combat patrol missions," according to the Russian MOD, which says that it is scheduled training.
Last Monday the Russian Ministry of Defense said, "The Bologoye missile division has dispatched autonomous launchers of the strategic mobile missile system Yars to combat patrol missions. The crews are performing assigned tasks and on-the-fly instructions, including intensive maneuvering on combat patrol routes".
Russian state news agency TASS reported that the Yars crews are carrying out 100-kilometer (62 mile) march and practicing in countering sabotage and reconnaissance groups along the way.
The report also said that the missile units are practicing stealth deployment in the forest while support units carry out extracting special equipment from zones of 'hypothetical' chemical contamination, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
TASS said that the scheduled combat training is to check the readiness of personnel, military equipment and weapons for long-term duty on combat patrol routes.
US Expecting To Support Netherlands In Transferring F-16 Jets To Ukraine - EUROPE - U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter said that he expects broad support in the United States to for the Netherlands to transfer allied F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, in an interview with Lithuanian news agency Delfi.
In an interview with Delfi, Carpenter was asked if Washington is ready to allow the Netherlands to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. He said , “We have long been of the opinion that what our allies supply is their business".
"And we support the countless contributions (to defense - delfi) that our allies have made for Ukraine. And this has been true from the very beginning of the war, when we discussed legacy Soviet systems, to the present period, when we discuss main battle tanks and more sophisticated air and missile defense capabilities and systems." he continued.
"And so I expect there will be broad support in the United States for our allies to continue to increase their contributions".
Netherlands news agency RTL reported that "like other Western countries", the Netherlands had "previously contributed" to "dozens" of old Soviet tanks that the Czech Republic has given over to Ukraine to help defend the country against Russia's ongoing invasion.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos,Switzerland defense minister Kajsa Ollongren spoke to Bloomberg and said "That is certainly something we are willing to do".
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra also said that there are "no taboos" in supplying Ukraine "regular equipment", RTL reported.
The German-Made Leopard Tanks Cannot Be Given Without Germany's Permission
Regarding Leopard 2 tanks, Ollongren said that it must take place within a coalition within Europe or NATO, as the Netherlands to not currently possess Leopard 2 tanks, they are renting 18 of them from Germany.
As Leopard-2 tanks are German made, authorization must be given by Germany before any NATO country will be allowed to supply them to Ukraine.
"We are waiting for Germany's position on this, but I am in favor of trying to find a solution and sending tanks to Ukraine," Ollongren said to Bloomberg at Davos.
The Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Lithuania, and Lavia have all posted the following statement on social media: "We, [Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania] Foreign Ministers, call on Germany to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine now. This is needed to stop Russian aggression, help Ukraine and restore peace in Europe quickly. Germany as the leading European power has special responsibility in this regard".
U.S. Declares Russian Wagner Group A Transnational Criminal Organization - WASHINGTON - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". The Wagner group is known to be the private army of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House national security council spokesman, John Kirby announced the move on Friday that the Treasury Department will be applying the new designation in the coming days, which will place the Wagner group in the same category as international mafia and organized crime groups.
The move will allow the United States to apply a broader range of sanctions on the group worldwide, as well as affiliated companies in Africa and in other countries internationally.
During Kirby's statement he said, "Wagner “is a criminal organization that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses".
“We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting Wagner,” he added.
The new designation comes as the White House released evidence, including images of Russia allegedly accepting a delivery of arms from North Korea that it stated was intended to aid Wagner forces on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Washington also released images dated November 18th that it says show Russian rail cars traveling back and forth from Russia and North Korea.
“The arms transfers from are in direct violation of United Nations security council resolution,” Kirby said.
“These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity with these actions, and there’ll be more to come,” Kirby said.
According to Kirby's statement, around 50,000 Wagner soldiers are fighting in Ukraine along side Russian soldiers, including 40,000 convicts that were recruited from various prisons, and 10,000 contractors.
“We are seeing indications, including in intelligence, that tensions between Wagner and the Russian defense ministry are increasing,” Kirby said.
“Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. Publicly, Prigozhin and his fighters have criticized Russian generals and defense officials for their performance in Ukraine," he added.
White House: "The White House announced Friday new sanctions to be put in place by the U.S. Treasury Department next week on the Wagner Group, designating the Russian private military company as a transnational criminal organization".
"The Biden administration urged other countries to join the U.S. in targeting the group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch and confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has been playing a key role in Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine."
"The administration also released newly declassified photos taken in November of what it says are Russian rail cars delivering infantry rockets and missiles from North Korea for use by Wagner forces. It submitted the imagery to the U.N. Security Council panel charged with enforcing North Korea sanctions to push for action on what it believes is a violation of Security Council resolutions on arms transfers."
"VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara spoke Friday with John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, about the significance of the designation and possible further actions concerning the Wagner Group, which the administration says has recruited 40,000 convicts to fight in Ukraine."
Russia: Western Air Defense Systems And Tanks To Ukraine To Bring About Escalation - MOSCOW - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said on Friday that the statements about supplying Ukraine with any weapons, including those that are able to hit Crimea will "inevitably" lead to "an escalation".
She drew attention to one report in particular in by the New York Times claiming that Washington is considering supplying Ukraine with additional weapons to be used to attack Crimea.
"We regard all this as an open, provocative instigation by the West and a raising of the stakes in the conflict, which will inevitably lead to greater casualties and a dangerous escalation," Zakharova stated.
She also said the West is "plunging ever deeper into the conflict in Ukraine," and said that Ukraine is using the Dnepropetrovsk tragedy to secure more weaponry from the United States.
"A freelance adviser to the office of the President of Ukraine, Alexey Arestovich, initially admitted that the Ukrainian air defense’s actions were the cause of the tragedy, but then he began to backtrack," she stated.
"Zelensky's regime is shamelessly trying to use this tragedy to press the West for tougher anti-Russian sanctions and new arms shipments," she added.
U.S. Declares Russian Wagner Group A Transnational Criminal Organization - WASHINGTON - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". The Wagner group is known to be the private army of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House national security council spokesman, John Kirby announced the move on Friday that the Treasury Department will be applying the new designation in the coming days, which will place the Wagner group in the same category as international mafia and organized crime groups.
The move will allow the United States to apply a broader range of sanctions on the group worldwide, as well as affiliated companies in Africa and in other countries internationally.
During Kirby's statement he said, "Wagner “is a criminal organization that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses".
“We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting Wagner,” he added.
The new designation comes as the White House released evidence, including images of Russia allegedly accepting a delivery of arms from North Korea that it stated was intended to aid Wagner forces on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Washington also released images dated November 18th that it says show Russian rail cars traveling back and forth from Russia and North Korea.
“The arms transfers from are in direct violation of United Nations security council resolution,” Kirby said.
“These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity with these actions, and there’ll be more to come,” Kirby said.
According to Kirby's statement, around 50,000 Wagner soldiers are fighting in Ukraine along side Russian soldiers, including 40,000 convicts that were recruited from various prisons, and 10,000 contractors.
“We are seeing indications, including in intelligence, that tensions between Wagner and the Russian defense ministry are increasing,” Kirby said.
“Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. Publicly, Prigozhin and his fighters have criticized Russian generals and defense officials for their performance in Ukraine," he added.
Pentagon Says If Ukraine Carries Out Strike On Crimea US Would Be With Ukraine - Pentagon's spokeswoman Sabrina Singh just said if Ukraine decides to carry out a military operation in Crimea, the United States would "be with Ukraine for as long as it takes".
"This department has said that we will be with Ukraine for as long as it takes. That includes an operation in Crimea. That is a sovereign part of their country and they have every right to take that back".
Note: This does not necessarily mean that the United States will set soldiers down on the ground in Crimea to aid Ukraine in the fighting, but it is one of the strongest messages than have been put out thus far in regards to US support for the country.
A NYT report claimed that "several anonymous US officials" spoke to the paper and told them that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Crimea, Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev: Defeat Of A Nuclear Power In Conventional War May Trigger Nuclear War - MOSCOW - While speaking of Russia's war in Ukraine, Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the "defeat of a nuclear power in a conventional war may trigger a nuclear war".
In his response, Medvedev, who is a deputy chairman of Russia's security council added that "Nuclear powers have never lost major conflicts on which their fate depends".
This, amidst a report that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Crimea, Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia.
When Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about the remarks by Medvedev and whether it means that Russia is escalating the crisis to another level, he said, "No, it absolutely does not mean that".
Then he added that the remarks by the former President were in line with Russia's nuclear doctrine, which states that a nuclear strike is acceptable in light of any "aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened".
US May Help Ukraine In Operations In Crimea - A report released by the New York Times claims that "several anonymous US officials" spoke to the paper and told them that Washington is warming up to the idea of aiding Ukraine in strikes on Crimea, Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia.
A U.S. Army Brigadier General, however, spoke to Insider and said that he believes if Ukraine continues to have success on the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin would resort to using a nuclear weapon.
The paper cited the officials as saying that fears that Russia would retaliate to such an attack by using nuclear weapons have been assuaged and that the risk of assisting Ukraine in operations in Crimea might very well be worth attempting.
NATO: Extremely Important Putin Doesn't Win The War In Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland that it is "extremely important that Putin doesn't win this war" and said that if Russia does win, "it will be very dangerous for all of us".
He went on to say that if Russia were to win the war in Ukraine, it would send a message to all authoritarian leaders, "not only to Putin, but also other authoritarian leaders" that "when they use brutal force, when they violate international law, they achieve what they want".
"That would be a very bad and dangerous lesson," he added. "It would make the world more dangerous, and us more vulnerable".
Army Brig. General: Putin Would Use Nuclear Weapon If Ukraine Continues To Succeed On Battlefield
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Ryan said that he believes that if Ukraine continues to have successes on the battlefield, Russia, "would use a nuclear weapon before it allowed its military to be defeated in the field".
He continued by saying that, "If the Ukrainian military was having great success in the spring, and was chopping up the Russian military and was threatening taking back Crimea, then I think that the Russian military and leadership would use a nuclear weapon"
Ryan added that using a nuclear weapon would not only "destroy Ukrainian military targets," but also "convince Ukraine that continuing to fight this war would leave Ukraine as a nuclear holocaust".
"The level of deaths could approach Hiroshima, or it could be far less if they only intend to fire like a warning shot of a nuclear weapon," such as using it on a location that isn't heavily populated.
Germany Will Allow Export Of Tanks To Ukraine If US Also Sends Tanks - Germany says that they will be allowing the export of its tanks to Ukraine on the condition that the United States also sends tanks to the country. If Germany decides to do so, other NATO-allied countries say they will follow suit. Britain already plans to send them. The U.S. Coast Guard is tracking a Russian vessel off Hawaii. Read Full Article
NATO deploys AWACS surveillance jets to Romania - The following is a statement by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office: GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - NATO prepares a deployment Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance planes to Bucharest, Romania.
The aircraft are scheduled to arrive on January 17, 2023 and are going to support the Alliance’s reinforced presence in the region and monitor Russian military activity.
The NATO AWACS will start reconnaissance flights, solely over Alliance territory, in the coming days. The mission is scheduled to last several weeks. The aircraft belong to a fleet of 14 NATO surveillance aircraft usually based in Geilenkirchen, Germany.
Around 180 military personnel will deploy the Romanian Air Force base at Otopeni near Bucharest in support of the aircraft.“
As Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine continues to threaten peace and security in Europe, there must be no doubt about NATO’s resolve to protect and defend every inch of Allied territory,” said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.
"I thank Romania for hosting the aircraft, which makes an important contribution to our early warning,” she added.
“Our AWACS can detect aircraft hundreds of kilometres away, making them a key capability for NATO’s deterrence and defence posture."
Our AWACS can detect aircraft hundreds of kilometres away, making them a key capability for NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.
In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, NATO has increased its air presence in eastern Europe with additional fighters, surveillance aircraft, and tankers. Since February 2022, NATO AWACS have conducted regular patrols over eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea region to track Russian warplanes near NATO borders.
NATO AWACS planes will be deploying to Otopeni, Romania, conducting air surveillance missions until the end of the month.
The scheduled deployment showcases NATO’s ability to forward deploy air power reinforcing our posture along the eastern flank. Archive photo courtesy NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force.
China Responds To US-Japan Joint Statement On January 11th - BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has put out a statement calling on the United States and Japan to "Abandon" their "Cold War" mentality and "ideological bias" against China.
A report by Russian Sputnik news cited the spokesperson as saying, “Countries in the region are for justice and against hegemonism. They hope to engage in cooperation, not confrontation. They aspire for true multilateralism and reject small circles that incite bloc confrontation".
He was cited as adding the the United States and Japan should “stop creating imaginary enemies and stop trying to sow the seeds of a new Cold War in the Asia-Pacific, and not become disrupters of a stable Asia-Pacific".
The spokesperson also addressed the joint statement hat the United States and Japan released on January 11th by the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee.
The joint statement claimed that China is attempting to “reshape the international order” and “unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East China Sea” which it says is a reason for concern.
Wang said, “The wording on China in this joint statement smacks heavily of a zero-sum Cold War mentality and contains groundless smears and attacks on China".
“The US and Japan claim to advance regional peace and security, but engage in finding pretexts for a military build-up and the willful use of force," he continued.
"They claim to champion a free and open Indo-Pacific, but put up various exclusionary blocs to create division and confrontation. They claim to uphold the rules-based international order, but trample on international law and the basic norms governing international relations and grossly interfere in other countries’ internal affairs".
Russian Official Told Japanese Prime Minister To Disembowel Himself - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to disembowel himself after Kishida warned Russia any use of nuclear weapons would be an act of "hostility against humanity".
The Japanese Prime Minister said in a statement, "We state unequivocally that any use of a nuclear weapon by Russia in Ukraine would be an act of hostility against humanity and unjustifiable in any way. And we will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's abhorrent attacks on critical infrastructure".
On a Telegram channel, Medvedev said that Kishida "betrayed the memory of hundreds of thousands of Japanese who burned in the nuclear fires of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," referring to the two nuclear bombs that the United States dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Medvedev continued by saying, "He should remind the US president about this and demand repentance, even if it was not brought by the American leadership for this act of war. But no, Kysida is just a service staff for the Americans. And servants cannot have courage".
He then said that Kishida should perform "seppuku" on himself, which is a ritualistic Japanese form of suicide once used by ancient Samarai warriors.
"It remains to feel sorry for the Japanese. "After all, such a shame can be washed away only after committing seppuku right at the meeting of their Cabinet. Although the concept of honor of this generation of Japanese vassals is not inherent," Medvedev added.
IAEA To Boost Presence In Ukraine To Prevent Nuclear Incident - IAEA - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a Statement saying it will be boosting its presence within Ukraine in order to aid in preventing a nuclear accident from occurring during ongoing battles between Russia and Ukraine.
IAEA Director Grossi said that he will be visiting Ukraine next week in order to establish a "continuous presence of nuclear safety and security experts at all the country’s nuclear power facilities, significantly stepping up the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help prevent a nuclear accident during the current military conflict".
The Statement says the Director General will be traveling to the South Ukraine and Rivne Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and the Chornobyl site. It also said that the IAEA already has a presence of up to "four experts" at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is the largest in all of Europe.
“As this tragic war enters its second year, we must continue to do everything we can to avert the danger of a serious nuclear accident that would cause even more suffering and destruction for the people of Ukraine and beyond,” Director General Grossi said.
He added, "As this tragic war enters its second year, we must continue to do everything we can to avert the danger of a serious nuclear accident that would cause even more suffering and destruction for the people of Ukraine and beyond,” Director General Grossi said".
UK Prime Minister Pledges Battle Tanks To Ukraine - EUROPE - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems to Ukraine. These are obviously "offensive" weapons now being supplied to Ukraine by NATO-allied countries.
US Sends Large Number Of Tanks To Europe, Allies To Send Tanks To Ukraine - EUROPE - The United States has begun sending a "large number" of tanks and other military vehicles to the port of Vlissingen in the Netherlands. on Wednesday, according to a report by Reuters, which has alarmed Russia.
NATO allied countries are also now voicing support to send battle tanks to Ukraine in order to aid the country in the ongoing war with Russia.
Reuters cited Col. Robert Kellam who is overseeing the operation as saying, "There's about 1,250 pieces of military equipment coming into this port".
Included in the equipment being sent to the Dutch port are: M-1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.
Russian state news RIA Novosti, however, cited the report by Reuters saying that the United States has been to "massively transport tanks to Eastern Europe".
Both reports say that the transfer of weapons to Poland and Latvia is part of strengthening and reinforcing NATO's eastern flank.
RIA Novosti reported that in December the United States "had already transferred about 700 combat vehicles to Poland, including Abrams tanks" as part of the "Atlantic Resolve" program that began in 2014 in order to strengthen "American Presence in Europe" Novosti reported.
The Russian news agency claimed that Moscow has "repeatedly noted" that the NATO alliance is "aimed at confrontation".
Allied Countries Talk Of Sending Battle Tanks To Ukraine
Although Britain has moved towards sending battle tanks to Ukraine, a Politico report says that Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz is not likely going to be willing to send tanks to Ukraine "without taking his lead from Washington".
Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit spoke at a press conference in Berlin and said, “There is no change in the situation now because of the step that the British government has announced".
Britain has voiced their own willingness to send tanks to Ukraine. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak has told the UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace to expand Britain's security assistance to Ukraine to "include the provision of tanks," according to a report by the Financial Times on January 11th.
The report said that the United Kingdom will "work with partners" and "go further and faster with our support for Ukraine including the provision of tanks.”
The Financial Times report said, “If a deal is made for the supply of Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine by the British Army, this will be the first time that a Western country will supply Ukraine with modern heavy battle tanks".
A Downing Street spokesperson told the Financial Times, "“We are accelerating our support to Ukraine with the kind of next-generation military technology that will help to win this war".
The spokesperson said, “We are accelerating our support to Ukraine with the kind of next-generation military technology that will help to win this war".
The spokesperson added, “It is clear that battle tanks could provide a game-changing capability to the Ukrainians.”
Explosion On Pipeline Connecting Lithuania To Latvia - LITHUANIA - The pipeline connecting Lithuania to Latvia has exploded. Although sabotage is not being ruled out, the pipeline operator said that he does not "see any malign cause" or any "potential impact from outside".
The Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said that the incident will be investigated and that sabotage on the pipeline is not being ruled out.
Natural gas transmission operator Amber Grid's chief executive Nemunas Biknius spoke to reporters and said, "According to the initial assessment, we do not see any malign cause, but the investigation will cover all possible options. We do not see the signs of any potential impact from outside".
Biknius said that the pipeline (constructed in 1978) has recently had maintenance work done on it, and that officials will be investigating whether the maintenance work on the pipeline had anything to do with the explosion.
"All reasons will be investigated and clarified in the coming days," Biknius stated.
Flames from the explosion rose at least 160 feet into the air, and the explosion was seen for up to 11 miles away, according to a report by BBC.
Panevėžys county Police said the pipeline caught fire at about 5pm local time on Friday, prompting an evacuation from the village Valakėliai located near the pipeline.
Firefighters were able to get the flames under control at 9:00pm local time. Customers fuel supply has been diverted to another pipeline for the time being.
The mayor of Pasvalys district posted photos of the explosion on Facebook and wrote (translated), "In Pasvalys district near Valakeliai, a high pressure gas pipeline exploded. This is next to the road Pasvalys - Šiauliai. Special services are at work".
Royal Navy frigate tracking the movements of a Russian warship in the North Sea Reportedly Carrying Zircon Hypersonic Missiles. - UK MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - "HMS Portland is monitoring the Russian guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and accompanying tanker Kama as they sail in international waters close to the UK.
The Type 23 frigate joined the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Bergen, as the Russian ships transited south through the Norwegian Sea.
Portland with her specialist Merlin helicopter embarked – both equipped with cutting-edge sonars, sensors and torpedoes for specialist operations – is tracking and reporting on the movements of the Russian ships through the North Sea.
Portland’s Commanding Officer Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: “Escorting warships in UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas is routine activity for the Royal Navy.
“By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy ensures compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity to protect our nation’s interests.
“Escorting the Russian task group alongside forces from our NATO allies has demonstrated the UK’s commitment to the alliance and to maintaining maritime security.”
HMS Portland departed her home port of Plymouth on Saturday on her latest patrol. The frigate – which underwent a major refit in 2021 – is adept at surface warfare operations as well as hunting submarines.
HMS Portland spent much of last year patrolling waters close to the UK, with visits to Norway and Sweden, and operating with NATO allies on the alliance’s submarine hunting exercise – Dynamic Mongoose – in the North Atlantic."
British Royal Mail Has "Cyber Incident" Disrupting Services - BRITAIN - The British postal service company Royal mail says that it's facing a major disruption in international export services after a "cyber incident" occurred.
"We are temporarily unable to despatch items to overseas destinations. "Some customers may experience delay or disruption to items already shipped for export," Royal Mail stated.
It added, "Our import operations continue to perform a full service with some minor delays."
The "cyber incident" has occurred around the same time that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States released an alert saying that the Notice to Air Missions System (NOTAM) failed and caused an outage resulting in grounded flights.
It is not yet clear if that incident was related to a cyberattack.
NATO Says No To Serbia About Deploying Soldiers To Kosovo - KOSOVO - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) declined its request to send up to 1,000 police and military personnel into Kosovo in response to rising tensions between the Serbians and Kosovo authorities.
Vucic said, "They [NATO's KFOR] replied they consider that there is no need for the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo ... citing the United Nations resolution approving their mandate in Kosovo".
The Serbian government requested permission from NATO to deploy up to 1,000 army and police personnel to Kosovo, according to Serbian President President Aleksandar Vucic in December.
Vucic stated, "The government will ask for the return of hundreds and no more than 1,000 army and police troops".
He also said that Serbia emailed the request that evening, and physically handed it in to the NATO mission in Kosovo KFOR, at a border crossing
Vucic said, however, at the time that he did not "expect to get a positive answer".
After the request was put in, the Commander of KFOR said in a NATO released statement that he has the military personnel and capability to provide security.
Although he did not reply to the request directly, he said "We expect all actors to closely coordinate with KFOR and refrain from provocative shows of force to ensure the safety and security of all communities."
He added, "KFOR has full capability, including personnel, to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities, everywhere in Kosovo."
"Since October, we have been reinforcing our presence, including with additional troops and patrols in northern Kosovo this week".
Tensions had Continued To Rise in December after shots were fired, and explosions were heard on the border between Serbia and Kosovo after a stun grenade was thrown. Serbia has asked NATO to deploy the Serbian army, as well as the police to Kosovo.
Two Arrested In Germany, One Iranian Suspected Of Planning Bio-Weapon Attack - BERLIN - Two men, one of which is Iranian were arrested in Germany on suspicion of planning to carry out a terrorist attack with a bio-weapon.
Authorities in Münster, Germany said that the 32-year-old Iranian man is suspected of "having procured cyanide and ricin" in order to carry out an "Islamic-motivated attack" according to a (translated) article by German news agency Bild.
The news agency said that the Federal Criminal Police Office had been investigating the Iranian man "for days" and that a "friend of the secret service" warned the German security authorities that there was a danger of a "chemical bomb attack".
On Sunday morning North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) said, "We had a serious tip that prompted the police to intervene that night".
Reul was cited as saying that police are investigating the matter "at high pressure" and that results of the investigating "have yet to be awaited," according to a translation of the article.
What Is Ricin, Where Does It Come From?
Ricin, which comes from the Latin word ricinus (meaning tick) due to its resemblance to ticks, is a poison naturally found in castor beans, which can be fatal if eaten. CDC Ricin Fact Sheet.
Although the hard coating on the outer shell of the bean prevents the ricin from releasing into the body if eaten, if they are chewed or crushed the ricin is released, making them toxic. Ricin Q&A
What Is Cyanide, Where Does It Come From?
Cyanide is also found in certain foods, such as cassava, lima beans, almonds, apricot seeds, apple seeds, peach seeds, and other fruit seeds. The chemicals can be metabolized into cyanide. CDC Fact Sheet On Cyanide.
Poland And Finland Supports Sending Leopard 2 Tanks To Ukraine - EUROPE - Poland and Finland voiced support for supplying Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks after the two countries agreed to start sending heavy weaponry to the country to fight against the ongoing Russian war.
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Saturday said that Poland could transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine on the condition that a Leopard-coalition was formed, according to the European news channel Visegrad24.
The Polish Prime Minister's office said on Twitter "Poland has been trying for months to ensure that modern, heavy equipment, anti-aircraft, anti-missile equipment is delivered to Ukraine".
Polish news channel MTV cited Parliamentary Defense Committee chair Antti Häkkänen as saying that Finland should provide Ukraine with German-manufactured Leopard 2 battle tanks if other European countries also decide to do so.
Finnish news agency YLE also reported on this, and said that Germany must approve any deployment of Leopard 2 tanks by other countries.
YLE also cited the German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht as saying that no other countries were supplying such tanks to Ukraine, and that Germany will not be doing so "unilaterally".
Ukraine: Russia To Mobilize 500,000 more Conscripts - KYIV - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Russia is planning to mobilize up to 500,000 more conscripts into its military in the middle of January, a larger mobilization than the previous 300,000 Russia called up in October, 2022.
Andriy Cherniak, an official within the Main Military Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry told Politico Saturday that the new mobilization will focus on large cities, as well as strategic industrial centers located within Russia.
“This time the Kremlin will mobilize residents of big cities, including the strategic industries centers all over Russia,” Cherniak stated.
The report contradicts a statements put out by Russia in December saying that talking about another mobilization would be "pointless" because only half of those that have already been mobilized have been actually sent to Ukraine thus far.
Vadym Skibitsky, Ukraine’s deputy military intelligence chief said "If Russia loses this time around, then Putin will collapse,” and said that Ukraine expects the next mobilization to be announced on January 15th, after the holiday period finishes in the country.
“They are putting their emphasis on numbers of men and equipment and hoping to overwhelm our side.” he said.
Wednesday, however, retired Russian colonel general and Duma deputy Andrey Gurulyov, said that there are "no reasons or conditions" for Russia to announce another mobilization in the next six month time period.
“Not everyone who was mobilized earlier has been sent to the battle,” he said.
In a video statement released on January 5th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said “Russia will not be able to conceal in silence its preparations for a new wave of aggression against Ukraine and the whole of Europe. The world will know in all details — how and when the aggressor is preparing a new escalation in this war".
“And every new mobilization step of Russia will be known to the world even before Russia makes it. We will ensure this," Zelensky added.
US General: 200k Killed Or Wounded In Ukraine War - WASHINGTON - General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated that around 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have either died or been injured in the start of the fighting in Ukraine on February 24th, 2022.
Milley said, "You're looking at well over 100,000 Russian soldiers killed and wounded. Same thing probably on the Ukrainian side," and added that about 40,000 civilians have been killed so far during the conflict.
Figures released by both Ukraine and Russia, however, tell a different story. In August Valeriy Zaluzhniy, the Ukrainian armed forces chief said that Ukraine had only lost 9,000 soldiers. Russia also reported that they had only lost 5,937 solders since the start of the conflict.
Ukraine also Claimed that it has killed over 110,740 Russian Soldiers, but neither country post many updates regarding their own losses, and the losses that are posted are quite conservative compared to the number estimated by General Milley.
Milley said, "There has been a tremendous amount of suffering, human suffering," and said that the number of resulting refugees due to the war is between 15 and 30 million.
A report by the United Nations puts the figure at 7.8 million, but that number does not include those who had to evacuate their homes due to the fighting but who are still in Ukraine.
Ukraine Claims Russian Losses At 110,740 Soldiers - KYIV - The Ukrainian armed forces claim that Russian losses since the beginning of its war on Ukraine stand at 110,740 soldiers as of January 7th, 2023, and also claim that 490 Russian soldiers were killed in the past day alone.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the following (I have translated the document from its original Ukrainian to English):
Total Russian losses according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and Ukraine's Ukrinform news agency are as follows: "3,066 tanks (+2 over the past day), 6,125 armored combat vehicles (+1), 2,062 artillery systems (+3), 431 multiple launch rocket systems, 217 air defense systems (+2), 285 aircraft 272 helicopters, 4,798 motor vehicles (+1), 16 warships/cutters, 1,844 unmanned aerial vehicles, 182 special equipment units. A total of 723 enemy cruise missiles were shot down."
Japan's Trade Minister Urges To Rebuild A "World Order" To Counter Authoritarian Regimes - JAPAN - The Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is calling for the rebuilding of a "world order" in order to counter the rise of "authoritarian regimes".
During a speech made by Nishimura at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, he said "We must rebuild a world order based on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law".
There has been a "growing concern" since the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine that China and Russia will begin to use their energy supplies and manufacturing supply chains in order to stop the West from opposing their military and diplomatic goals, according to a report by Japan Today.
The report cited Nishimura as saying that leaders from the Group of Seven "industrialized nations" are likely to discuss how to respond to economic coercion when they hold their meeting in May in Hiroshima.
The Japanese Minister said that democracies need to protect their industrial power, and defend against the loss of technologies, in particular those technologies that can be used for military purposes.
He also pushed for more cooperation between the United States and Japan that go beyond semiconductors, to biotechnology, quantum science and artificial intelligence.
Nishimura said that Japan will be working more closely with the United States on export controls.
"It is ... absolutely imperative for us to reinforce our cooperation in the area of export controls. We will implement strict export controls grounded in international cooperation while engaging closely in the exchange of views with the United States and other relevant countries," he stated.
Russian Hacker Group Targeted Three US Nuclear Research Labs - WASHINGTON - A Russian hacker group called Cold River targeted three different nuclear research labs in the United States between the months of August and September of 2022.
During the months the attacks were carried out, Russian President Vladimir Putin had been voicing Russia's willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to threats to its territory.
The three nuclear research labs that were targeted were: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL) according to a Reuters Report citing internet records.
The internet records that Reuters cited showed login pages that had been faked for each laboratory, as well as emails from hackers sent to nuclear scientists at each location attempting to get them to disclose their login passwords.
The report cites Adam Meyers, senior vice president of intelligence at the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike located in the United States that the Cold River hacking group is "directly involved in supporting Kremlin information operations".
A report posted on a blog by the European cybersecurity SAAS company Sekoia said that Calisto, which is another name for the Cold River group was showing interest in entities showing war support for Ukraine.
Sekoia said that the group is suspected to be a "Russian-nexus intrusion set" active since April of 2017 who's operations showed "objectives" and "victimology" closely in alignment with Russian strategic interests.
Cold River had also Hacked Into and then leaked emails from a Proton account belonging to the head of the British MI6 intelligence agency last year.
At the time Richard Dearlove had said, "I am well aware of a Russian operation against a Proton account which contained emails to and from me".
Methods Used To Harvest Victims Credentials
One of the methods that Sekoia says the hacker group uses to compromise systems is through the exploitation of an error in the PDF renderer engine.
The group sends "malicious" PDF files as attachments to their victims in which the first page of the PDF file "mimics an error in the PDF renderer engine", leading the victim to open a link that brings them to a malicious web page that harvests the users credentials using EvilGinx.
Norway Reports Position Of Russian Hypersonic Missile Boat - NORWAY - The Norwegian Armed Forces has posted a statement saying that the Russian hypersonic missile boat, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov is sailing south, along the coast of Norway, in international waters.
The Norwegian Armed Forces that said, "Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov is sailing southwards along the coast of Norway. She is legally in international waters – but as always, we are closely monitoring any movements and will do so as long as the frigate is in our areas. Photo taken from P-3 Orion today".
Norwegian Armed Forces Release 1
The Norwegian Defense Forces are well aware of the ship's movements and will follow the ship's sailing closely as long as it is in our immediate area. This happens, among other things, with the help of our maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-3 Orion, and vessels from the Norwegian Navy.
The Norwegian Defense Forces always have good control and follow closely what is happening in our immediate areas, also outside our coast.
The Russian frigate sails completely legally and in accordance with the "Incident at Sea Agreement". Also when the vessel sailed north at the beginning of December, the Norwegian Armed Forces followed the voyage closely .
Together with the Russian frigate, the tanker "Kama" also sails. This tends to be a normal way of operating, if a vessel is to be out for a period of time.
- Our P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft, together with the Norwegian Navy and other operational departments in the Norwegian Armed Forces, contribute to daily operations. We have a good picture of the situation in our maritime vicinity, and we obtain information on an ongoing basis, so that our decision-makers will have an updated picture of the situation, says Lieutenant Colonel Lasse Andreas Vestli Berg, station group commander at Andøya air station.
Norwegian Armed Forces Release 2
Gorshkov" is probably on his way to his home base at Kola. The coast guard vessel KV "Sortland" and the frigate KNM "Fridtjof Nansen" follow the Russian voyage north.
- That the Russians sail in international waters is completely legitimate. We have a good picture of what is happening outside our coast, says flag commander Trond Gimmingsrud, head of the Navy.
The vessels accompanying the Russian frigate report a professional appearance in accordance with the bilateral "Incident at Sea Agreement". The agreement is to prevent misunderstandings, dangerous and unprofessional incidents at sea and in the air.
- We experience the Russians' behavior as professional and in accordance with our expectations. It's normal, and it's always like that, says ship commander at KNM "Fridtjof Nansen", Commander Captain Stian Schnelle.
Since "Navy Day" on 31 July, the frigate has been undergoing maintenance in St. Petersburg.
Former Russian President Says Russia Should Station Hypersonic Missiles Near Washington D.C. - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Medvedev posted a message on the Twitter account to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that Russia should send its Zircon hypersonic missiles close to the Potomac River, which flows through Washington D.C.
The former Russian President, and deputy chair of Russia's security council Dmitry Medvedev responded to a message of peace by the US Embassy in Moscow, saying that the main gift of the New Year was the Zircon missiles that went to the shore of NATO countries yesterday.
The comment was in reference to the Russian hypersonic missile boat that has been spotted sailing along the coast of Norway by the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The U.S. Embassy in Russia had released a statement that said, "Throughout history, our countries have been united by a common culture and our achievements. We believe that what is happening is not worthy of you, and we stand in solidarity with each of you who strive to create a more peaceful future".
Medvedev responded by saying, "The main gift of the New Year was the arsenal of Zircon missiles that went yesterday to the shores of NATO countries".
He then added that the missiles should be deployed "somewhere 100 miles from the coast [of the US], closer to the Potomac River," which is a river that flows through Washington D.C.
Zircon hypersonic missiles have a range of between 310 to 620 miles.
Russia Offers Christmas Truce, Ukraine Says It Should Not Be Taken Seriously - Russian state media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "Christmas truce" ceasefire for 36 hours from 12:00 on January 6th to 24:00 on January 7th. The offer was rejected by Ukraine, which said that it "should not be taken seriously". Follow Our Investigative Journalist
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry replied saying, "We welcome the «ceasefire offer». russians should celebrate Christmas and all subsequent holidays together with their families. During the regrouping of the occupiers, we promise not to shoot them in the back".
The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs then put out a statement saying, "President @ZelenskyyUa has proposed a clear Peace Formula of ten steps. Russia has been ignoring it and instead shelling Kherson on Christmas Eve, launching mass missile and drone strikes on New Year. Their current “unilateral ceasefire” can not and should not be taken seriously",
British MI5 Addresses Threats From Iran, Russia, And China - The British MI5 Security Service addressed threats to the UK posed by Iran, Russia, and China and is expected to declare the Iranian IRGC a terrorist organization in the coming weeks. Read Full Article
Japan Expresses Outrage After One Of Its Reporters Injured in Russian New Year Attack On Ukraine - JAPAN - The Japanese embassy released a statement expressing "outrage" after Russia's New Year's Eve attack on Ukraine that it says resulted in the death and injuries of civilians, which included a Japanese journalist.
The statement said, “The Embassy of Japan is deeply outraged by the repeated massive attack on the civilian population and civilian objects in Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, which resulted in the death and injury of civilians, including a Japanese journalist".
The Japanese photo journalist, 36 year old Sekita, who works for the Asahi Shimbun which is a Japanese Newspaper was injured from falling debris after a missile hit the Alfavito Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The missile damaged multiple floors of the hotel, as well as residential buildings and 3 schools located near the hotel.
One person is reported to have been killed as a result of the attack. Sekita, who was one of the injured, was reported to have been injured in the leg but is expected to recover from the injury.
Belarus MOD Says It Shot Down Ukrainian Missile On Its Territory - BELARUS - The Belarusian Ministry of Defense say they intercepted and destroyed a Ukrainian S-300 anti-air missile on Thursday.
The Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying that parts of the missile fell on farmland near Gorbakha village, Ivanovo District in the southwestern region of Brest which borders Ukraine.
The Telegram channel Belarusian Silovik posted photos of the missile, along with the message "A Ukrainian S-300 fell on the territory of Belarus in the Brest region. The photos are dropped by local residents who saw the rocket in the field."
The Belarusian Defense Ministry said that they had shot down the missile at about 10:00 am on the 29th of December.
The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko gave orders for a team of specialists from the Investigative Committee, as well as the Defense Ministry to the scene.
No deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of the missile.
Russia Says It Hopes US Wise Enough To Prevent Confrontation - The Russian Foreign Ministry reportedly put out a statement to Russian State news agency TASS that Moscow hopes that Washington will show enough prudence and is wise enough to prevent the situation from escalating to the point of a direct confrontation. Read Full Article
Russia Warns US Against Decapitation Strike Against Putin - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has put out a warning to the United States against carrying out a decapitation strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read Full Article
Serbian Troops Put On Highest Level Combat Readiness - SERBIA - The Serbian armed forces were put on the highest combat alert due to an order from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, according to Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic who spoke to the Serbian news agency Tanjug.
The Defense Minister said, "The President of Serbia, as commander-in-chief, ordered tonight that the Serbian Armed Forces be at the highest level of combat readiness, i.e. preparedness to the level of the use of armed force, i.e. the armed potential of the Serbian Armed Forces".
The Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic stated: "In line with the order of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Alexandar Vucic, I have ordered to put on full combat alert all units of the Interior Ministry."
Ukraine Calls On Removal Of Russia From United Nations - KYIV - Ukraine called on the UN members states on Monday to remove Russia from the United Nations and to exclude it "as a whole" so that it no longer has the power veto UN Security Council resolutions.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry released a statement that said, "Ukraine calls on the member states of the UN ... to deprive the Russian Federation of its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and to exclude it from the UN as a whole".
The Ministry added that Russia "illegally occupies the seat of the USSR in the UN Security Council" since the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991.
"From a legal and political point of view, there can be only one conclusion: Russia is an usurper of the Soviet Union's seat in the UN Security Council," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated.
"Three decades of its illegal presence in the UN have been marked by wars and seizures of other countries' territories" the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry added.
Russia Ready To Resume Gas Flow To Europe Via Yamal Pipeline - MOSCOW - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia is ready to resume the gas flow to Europe through the Yamal-Europe pipeline.
Russian state news TASS cited Novak as saying, "The European market remains relevant, as the gas shortage persists, and we have every opportunity to resume supplies".
He said "For example, the Yamal-Europe pipeline, shut down over political motives, remains unused," and added, "Right now, the implementation of additional gas supply volume through Turkey after a gas hub is created there is being discussed. We actively work with the countries that will take part in this project, as well as with the consumers that require gas from Russia".
Novak was then cited by TASS as saying, "Today, we can say with certainty that there si demand for our gas. So we continue to view Europe as a potential market for our produce. It is clear that a wide-scale campaign has been initiated against us, which ended with sabotage against the Nord Stream pipeline".
Russian Military Says It Shot Down Ukrainian Drone Deep Within Russian Territory - MOSCOW - The Russian military says that it shot down a Ukrainian drone that it detected was on approach to the Engels Air Base located deep within Russian territory, and reported that three servicemen were killed due to the resulting falling debris from the wreckage.
No damage was reported on the aircraft at the base, despite the personnel killed by the falling wreckage after it was shot down.
This is the second time the Engels air base has been targeted in the last month. The air base contains Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear capable strategic bombers that have been actively carrying out strikes within Ukraine.
RIA Novosti cited the Russian defense ministry as saying, “On the twenty-sixth of December, at about 01:35 Moscow time, a means of air defense of the Russian Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down at low altitude while approaching the Engels military airfield in the Saratov region by Aerospace Forces. As a result of the fall of the wreckage of the drone, three Russian servicemen of the technical staff who were at the airfield were fatally injured".
Governor of the Saratov Region Roman Busargin wrote on his Telegram channel that there were "no emergencies in residential areas of the city".
He also said that "There is absolutely no threat to residents. All stories about the evacuation from the city are blatant lies, created far beyond the borders of the country. Civil infrastructure facilities were not affected".
The Engels airbase is located about 450 miles southeast of Moscow, Russia.
Telegram Message By Saratov Regional Governor
The message said, "Dear fellow countrymen, information about the state of emergency in Engels is spreading on social networks and the media tonight. There were no emergencies in residential areas of the city.
There is absolutely no threat to residents. All stories about the evacuation from the city are blatant lies, created far beyond the borders of the country.
Civil infrastructure facilities were not damaged. Information about the incident at a military facility is being checked by law enforcement agencies.
Let me remind you that criminal liability is provided for the dissemination of knowingly false information. All data on websites, media and citizens involved in this are promptly sent to law enforcement agencies.
Russia Responds To Attack On Its Airfield By Targeting 17 Ukrainian Military Facilities
The Russian Ministry of Defense responded to the attack on the Engels Air Field by dealing a "massive blow" to Ukraine's "command and control system, and related defense facilities".
A statement by the Russian MOD said, “The military command and control system and related facilities of the defense complex, communication centers, energy and military units of Ukraine were dealt a massive blow with high-precision air and sea-based weapons. All 17 designated facilities were hit".
Russia Condemns Possible Patriot Air Defense Systems Shipment To Ukraine - MOSCOW - The Russian Embassy to the United States has condemned the possible shipment of long-range Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by the US, saying that the move would be a provocative step. Read Full Article
Russia Loads The RS-24 Yars ICBM Into A Silo In Central Russia - MOSCOW - Russia has loaded its RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into a missile silo in the Kaluga Region in central Russia at the Kozelsk missile formation according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Read Full Article
US Deciding Whether To Send Patriot Missile System To Ukraine - The US is currently deciding on whether to send a Patriot long-range missile system to Ukraine, after receiving a request from Ukraine for more powerful and longer-range missile systems. Russia said in September that If Washington decides to supply longer-range missiles to Kyiv, it will be crossing a red line and will become a direct party to the conflict. Read Full Article
Poland To Deploy German Patriot Missile Systems On Border With Ukraine - Polish President Andrzej Duda announced on Monday that Poland will be working with Germany to deploy German Patriot missile systems on its border with Ukraine in the coming days. Read Full Article
Ukraine Requests Internationally Banned Cluster Munitions From US - Ukraine has requested cluster bombs from the United States. Both Russia and Ukraine have used cluster munitions in the war, mostly in populated areas, according to Multiple Reports, one of which is from the United Nations. Read Full Article
Russia: Norwegian P-3C Orion "Spy Plane" Intercepted By Russia Over Barents Sea - MOSCOW - According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a Norwegian P-3C Orion "Spy Plane" was intercepted by Russia over the Barents Sea.
In response to spotting the P-3C reconnaissance plane over the Barents Sea, Russia scrambled a MiG-31 fighter jet of the Northern Fleet's air defense quick reaction alert forces to intercept the Norwegian aircraft.
Russia’s National Defense Operations Center reported, "The Russian fighter’s crew identified the aerial target as a Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and shadowed it over the Barents Sea. No violations of the state border of the Russian Federation were allowed."
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that, "The crew of the Russian fighter identified the air target as the R-3C Orion base patrol aircraft of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and escorted it over the Barents Sea. As a result of the professional actions of the fighter crew, tracking and control over the maneuvers of the foreign aircraft was ensured.”
Russian state news agency TASS cited the Center as saying that the Russian fighter jet "safely returned to its home airbase," after the Norwegian P-3C reconnaissance plane made a U-turn from Russia's state border.
"The Russian fighter’s flight proceeded in strict compliance with international airspace usage requirements over neutral waters without crossing air routes or flying dangerously close to foreign aircraft," TASS cited them as saying.
Turkey Threatens Greece With Missile Strike - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has threatened Greece with a missile strike on Athens. Both countries are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. Read Full Article
Belarus Deploys Tactical Battalion Groups At Borders Where NATO Is Deployed - Belarusian army says that they have deployed tactical battalion groups on the borders between Belarus and the countries where NATO had deployed forces. Skies above Belarus Empty. Read Ongoing Report
Rising Tensions Between Serbia And Kosovo, Military Activity Spotted - Shots were fired, and explosions were heard on the border between Serbia and Kosovo after a stun grenade was thrown. Serbia has asked NATO to deploy the Serbian army and police force. Read Ongoing Report
Turkey Carries Out Airstrikes In Duhok, Iraq - IRAQ - Turkey has carried out airstrikes in the Duhok province in northern Iraq, according Lebanese news agency Al-Mayadeen, targeting Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) elements in the region.
News sources of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) report that Turkey has established 58 military bases in the mountains within the region over the last couple of years.
Putin Says Russia Is Considering Adding Nuclear First Strike To Military Strategy - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has put out a statement saying that any country that dares attack Russia with nuclear weapons will be wiped from the face of the earth, considers adding Russia to nuclear first strike strategy. Read Full Article
Putin: Ukraine Military Operation Taking Longer Than Expected - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the special military operation in Ukraine is taking longer than expected. He also addressed the conditions regarding the usage of nuclear weapons. Read Full Article
Russia Deploys Bastion Missile System On Island Also Claimed By Japan - Russia has deployed the Bastion coastal missile system on Kuril island of Paramushir, Russia which is an island also claimed by Japan, known by the Japanese as the Northern Territories. Read Full Article
Russia Claims Ukraine Hit Two Air Bases Located On Russian Soil - MOSCOW - Russia claims that Ukraine hit two of its air bases located on Russian soil before Russia carried out a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine.
The air bases that Russia says were hit were the Ryazan' and Engel's airbase. Ukraine, in turn claimed that it shot down 60 of the 70 missiles that Russia shot into its territory in response to the alleged attacks on its air bases.
Astra Telegram news Reported said that two people were killed, and at least two nuclear-capable bombers were damaged in the blasts at the Russian airfields. Two soldiers were also reported to have been hospitalized with injuries.
Two Tu-95 long-range strategic nuclear bombers were damaged as a result of a drone falling into the runway at the Engels airfield in Russia's Saratov region, according to Astra, citing "unnamed sources".
The Engels air base houses Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable strategic bombers, and is about 310 miles away from the Ukrainian border.
A Maxar satellite image of the Engels-2 airfield in Russia's Saratov region posted by The New Voice of Ukraine on December 1st, 2022 showed around two dozen Tu-95 and T-160 bombers sitting in the airfield, "probably" in preparation for a massive missile strike on Ukraine, according to a report by Germany's Der Spiegel.
RIA Novosti reported that the airfield near Ryazan, which is located near Moscow, Russia had an explosion which resulted in three deaths due to a fuel tanker exploding.
The airfield in the Saratov region on the Engels-1 airbase had a drone fall on two of its Two Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers, causing them to be damaged, where two servicemen were also injured.
U.S. Moving Air Defense Systems From Middle East To Ukraine - RAYTHEON - The United States is currently working with countries in the Middle East to move some of the U.S. air defense systems to Ukraine, according to a Report by POLITICO.
Raytheon Technologies CEO Greg Hayes said in an interview that the goal is to move National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems to Ukraine within three to six months from now, and then backfill the air defense systems with new NASAMS in the Middle East over the next 24 months time.
“There are NASAMS deployed across the Middle East, and some of our NATO allies and we [the U.S.] are actually working with a couple of Middle Eastern countries that currently employ NASAMS and trying to direct those back up to Ukraine,” he was cited by POLITICO as saying.
He said that moving them from the Middle East instead of building the systems in the United States is much faster, "“Just because it takes 24 months to build, it doesn’t mean it’s going to take 24 months to get in [the] country."
The newspaper said that it takes two years to build NASAMS due to the time it takes to purchase the components and motors for the rockets.
Europe Accuses US Of Profiting From Ukraine War While EU Suffers The Consequences - Top officials within the European Union are reportedly accusing the United States of making a fortune from the war in Ukraine, while EU countries suffer from the consequences of the ongoing war. Read Full Article
Turkey: We Will Continue To Respond To Attacks From Northern Syria - ANKARA - Turkey has told Russia that it will be continuing to respond to attacks coming from northern Syria, after Russia requested that Turkey not upgrade the conflict in Syria into a full-scale offensive.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a statement that "Turkey’s priority is to prevent the terrorism threat (from northern Syria) permanently,” and said that agreements that had been agreed to prior to the conflict should be adhered to.
On Wednesday Senior Russian negotiator Alexander Lavrentyev said that the reason that Turkey should refrain from a full fledged offensive in Syria is because it could escalate the level of violence in the region.
Lukashenko: If Russia Collapses, CSTO Countries Will Be Under The Rubble - BELARUS - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Yerevan, Armenia and announced priorities for 2023.
Lukashenko was cited by Russian state news RIA novosti as saying, "Recently, the thesis has been developing in the media: the fate of the CSTO from the operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. If Russia wins, the CSTO will live; if, God forbid, it does not win, the CSTO will not exist. And in our countries, too, many hotheads began to discuss I feel that we have come to a common opinion: if, God forbid, Russia collapses, then under these rubble is our place".
“We are not going to leave the political and military-political arena. The CSTO will exist, and no one will collapse anywhere. But we need unity,” he added.
The CSTO is the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which serves as an intergovernmental military alliance in Eurasia consisting of the following six post-soviet states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Ukraine Power Outages from Russia’s Missile Strikes - WHITE HOUSE: "As Russia struggles on the battlefield, it is increasingly turning to horrific attacks against the Ukrainian people with punishing strikes damaging energy grid infrastructure, and deliberately doing so as winter approaches.
These strikes do not appear aimed at any military purpose and instead further the goal of the Putin regime to increase the suffering and death of Ukrainian men, women and children.
It also shows Russia is willing to increase the risk of a nuclear safety incident that could not only further harm Ukraine, but affect the entire region as well. The United States and our allies and partners will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself including air defense.
Today, we announced an additional $400 million security assistance package that includes additional munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and heavy machine guns to help Ukraine counter these urgent threats.
We are in constant touch with Ukraine on its energy infrastructure needs and are working with allies and partners to support Ukraine – including the United States’ provision of $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance since February with more than $250 million for winterization efforts to distribute heating fuel, generators, shelter repair materials, and blankets.
Russia continues to underestimate the strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people and its attempt to demoralize them will fail yet again."
$400 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine - US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: "The United States continues to support Ukraine with additional military assistance to help defend itself, including from the Kremlin’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, today I am authorizing our twenty-sixth drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This $400 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and air defense equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories.
This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to an unprecedented level of approximately $19.7 billion, since the beginning of the Administration.
The United States will continue to stand with more than 40 allies and partners in support of the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination. The artillery ammunition, precision fires, air defense missiles, and tactical vehicles that we are providing will best serve Ukraine on the battlefield.
We are joined in our efforts by France and the UK, including the £50 million in air defense systems offered by UK Prime Minister Sunak during his recent visit to Kyiv, and we note Sweden’s recent air defense commitment valued at nearly $300 million.
We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, so it can continue to defend itself and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table when the time comes. We stand United with Ukraine."
Kyiv: Russia Fired 70 Cruise Missiles Into Ukraine, Killing 6, Injuring 36 - Ukraine: Russia fired 70 cruise missiles into Ukraine on November 23rd, killing six people and injuring 36. The head of the Ukrainian police Ihor Klymenko said rockets hit 16 'objects' within Ukraine.
"In particular, I can confirm that a house in Vyshhorod was hit in the Kyiv region. Three people were killed and 20 were injured. In total, we have recorded the death of 6 of our citizens in Ukraine, and 36 citizens were injured. This applies only to the evening and midday shelling by Russia - by the enemy of our country," Klymenko stated.
Infrastructure Facility Hit In Kyiv Knocking Power Out In Ukraine, Moldova, Transnistria And Other Locations - UKRAINE - The Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine has reported that Russia has hit the capital's infrastructure facilities. He later reported that there were explosions in various districts in Kyiv, hitting the "residential sector" and "critical facilities".
The mayor said (translated), "A hit in one of the infrastructure facilities of the capital. Stay in shelters! The air raid continues,"
Pro-Russian Ukrainian media Strana then reported that the mayor later said "they hit the residential sector and critical facilities," and that there were interruptions in both electricity and water supply as a result.
Russian state news RIA Novosti has also reported that an infrastructure facility was hit in Kyiv and that the Russian military has been hitting "military and energy infrastructure" since October 10th, 2022, which was two days after the explosion took place on the Russian Crimean bridge.
RIA claimed that since the Crimean bridge explosion, air raid alerts have been sounded in Ukrainian regions every single day, at times throughout the country.
On November 1st, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that around 40% of the energy infrastructure in Ukraine had been knocked out, leading to widespread power outages across the country.
RIA Novosti reported that explosions were heard in Lviv, and said that the city is "de-energized", and that they were also heard in Ladyzhyn in the Vinnytsia region, where it says there is a thermal power plant stationed.
It also said that Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia were left partially without power and that emergency shutdowns had begun in the regions of Cherkasy and Sumy, adding that the region of Odesa has been "completely de-energized".
Moldova has also announced power outages in Chisinau, as well as other regions, as well as Transnistria, according to the Russian state news agency.
The current temperature in Kyiv, Ukraine is 30 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below freezing, while Moldova is 42 degrees Fahrenheit which sits above freezing.
Ukrainian authorities are urging citizens to stock up on supplies in preparation for rolling blackouts as a result of Russia's continued attacks on the Ukrainian power grid throughout the winter.
Winter in Ukraine lasts from December through to March with the WHO citing average temperatures at 27 degrees Fahrenheit, and can reach -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
IAEA: Explosions At The Russian Controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Have Stopped - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a new report that the shelling has now stopped, and there are no radiation leaks detected as a result of the explosions.
The IAEA has put out a new statement saying, "Since this morning, shelling at the site of Ukraine’s #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (#ZNPP) has stopped. There has been damage to parts of the site, but no radiation release or loss of power. IAEA experts will conduct an assessment tomorrow."
The IAEA said that repeated shelling damaged buildings at the site of Ukraine's Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) yesterday and this morning, but that the shelling, which IAEA Director General Grossi calls "one of the most intense such episodes in recent months" has stopped.
Radiation levels remain normal, and there are no reports of any casualties, the IAEA reports. The power plant's external power supplies also were not affected by the latest shelling.
“Once again, we were fortunate that a potentially serious nuclear incident did not happen. Next time, we may not be so lucky. We must do everything in our power to make sure there is no next time,” Director General Grossi said.
“Even though there was no direct impact on key nuclear safety and security systems at the plant, the shelling came dangerously close to them. We are talking metres, not kilometres. Whoever is shelling at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, is taking huge risks and gambling with many people’s lives,” he added.
Explosions At The Russian Controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russia Blames Ukraine - UKRAINE - The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control has taken fire, causing explosions. Russia has blamed Ukrainian attacks for the explosions, claiming that Ukraine has carried out 12 strikes against the nuclear power plant.
The IAEA acknowledged the explosions, but did not place blame on either side, and instead expressed outrage regarding the attacks on the plant and said that it was "unacceptable" and that "whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately".
IAEA's director general Rafael Grossi said “The news from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely disturbing. Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable. Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately."
Turkey Carries Out Airstrikes In Syria/Iraq, Strikes 89 Targets - SYRIA/IRAQ - Turkish air raids targeting Kobane, Syria, and two other villages in the region are reported by Kurdish-led forces as having killed multiple people, causing "deaths and injuries" after striking 89 targets just days after Turkey blamed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) for a bombing in central Istanbul last Sunday.
Among the locations targeted by the Turkish airstrikes were ammo depots and shelters on Kurdish military bases in both northern Iraq and Syria.
The locations where targets were hit in Iraq: Asos, Qandil, Hakurk, and the locations where targets were hit in Northern Syria were Cizire, Tal Rifat, Kobani and Derik, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.
The Defense Ministry also said that "so-called directors of the terrorist organization were among those neutralized".
The airstrikes were called "Operation Claw-Sword" and targeted People's Protection Units (YPG), the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), according to the Jerusalem Post.
Farhad Shami, who is a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) put out a statement saying, “Kobane, the city that defeated Isis, is subjected to bombardment by the aircraft of the Turkish occupation."
Shami also said that there were Turkish airstrikes on two heavily populated villages in Aleppo, as well as Hasakeh.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Turkey blanketed the two provinces with over 20 airstrikes in total.
The Turkish Defense Ministry had put out a tweet earlier Sunday saying that "“The hour of reckoning has come. The treacherous attacks of the scoundrels are being held accountable!"
Turkey's Defense Ministry said that the strikes that it carried out was in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations charter that allows attacks for self-defense purposes.
The Turkish Defense Ministry put out a tweet saying, "A PENÇE KILIÇ AIR OPERATION was carried out in the regions in the north of Iraq and Syria that were used as a base by terrorists in their attacks on our country."
Statement By Turkey's Ministry of Defense
"By neutralizing the PKK/KCK/YPG and other terrorist elements; In order to prevent terrorist attacks against our people and security forces from the north of Iraq and Syria, to ensure border security and to destroy terrorism at its source;
In line with our self-defense rights arising from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the PENCE KILIÇ AIR OPERATION was carried out in the regions in the north of Iraq and Syria, which are used as a base by terrorists in their attacks on our country."
Traces Of Explosives Found At Nord Stream Rupture Sites - SWEDEN - The Swedish Security Service Reported on November 18th that gross sabotage on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have been confirmed. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said that traces of explosives have been found at the sites of the Nord Stream pipeline ruptures. Read Full Article
Gas Pipeline Explosion In Saint Petersburg, Russia - RUSSIA - A gas pipeline explosion occurred in Saint Petersburg, Russia (formerly known as Leningrad). Saint Petersburg Governor (Leningrad Oblast) Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported the explosion on his Telegram channel.
The Telegram channel said, "Firefighters and rescuers extinguish a fire caused by a gas pipeline depressurization between Berngardovka and Kovalevo. There is no threat to the population and the spread of fire to residential areas. The causes of the incident are being established."
Drozdenko said that there is no threat to to the population, or a spread of fire to residential locations. RIA reported that there was one person injured in the explosion.
The news agency reported that the Ministry of Emergency Situations said that the fire was caused by a "depressurization of the gas pipeline".
RIA cited the governor as saying that the pipeline pressure has now been reduced, and that the "Vsevolozhsk thermal power plant has been switched to fuel oil to ensure uninterrupted heat supply".
Russian Aircraft Makes "Unprofessional Overflight" Of NATO Ships In Baltic Sea - BALTIC SEA - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has Reported that two Russian fighter aircraft made an "unsafe and unprofessional" approach toward the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG1) that was carrying out "routine operations" in the Baltic Sea.
NATO allied forces attempted to communicate with the fighter aircraft, but the Russian aircraft "failed to respond" to Allied force's attempts at communicating.
The two Russian fighter aircraft flew at an altitude of 300 feet and a distance of 80 yards from the NATO allied fleet.
The report by NATO said that the "unsafe and unprofessional" actions occurred in a "known danger area" that had been activated for air defense training, as well as the fighter aircraft's altitude and proximity to the NATO allied fleet.
NATO reported that its forces "acted responsibly" and fulfilled its mission, "in full compliance with international air and maritime regulations", and said that NATO will respond appropriately to any interference with NATO's "lawful activity in the area" regarding any actions deemed to endanger the safety of Allied aircraft, ships or their crews.
The statement also said that "NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat".
Former Russian President Says Missile Strike In Poland Proves West Is "Approaching A World War" - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the missile strike in Poland only proves that the West is "approaching a world war," and that the West wants to "wage war on Russia by all means against Russia", and that talking about Russian missiles falling into Poland is a "provocation" with the intent on escalating the conflict.
NATO, Poland Says Missile That Landed In Poland Likely Ukrainian Air Defense Missile - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that although the missile that landed in Poland and killed two people was "likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile" that it was "not Ukraine's fault".
"Russia bears ultimate responsibility" for the missile strike, not Ukraine, but that there is no indication that the missile strike was an intentional attack from Russia.
Polish President Andrzej Duda also said, “There is no indication that this could be qualified as an attack against Poland. It is highly probable that one of the missiles fired by the Ukrainian missile defense unfortunately fell on our territory."
Missile Blast In Poland Caused By Ukrainian Air Defense Missile - Reuters reported that U.S. President Joe Biden told the G7 and NATO partners that "a missile blast in Poland was caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile", according to a NATO source who reportedly spoke to Reuters.
On The Likelihood Of NATO's Article 5 Being Declared - Article 5 is not automatic, it needs to be agreed upon. It is unlikely alliance members will agree on article 5 if it was accidental, which thus far it looks to be. If it is found that it was intentional, however, the likelihood of article 5 will increase tremendously.
*Ongoing Report* Missile Believed To Be Russian Made Crosses Into NATO Member Poland, Killing Two People - The Associated Press reported that a Russian-made missile crossed into the eastern part of Poland on Wednesday, striking a grain facility near the Ukrainian border on the Polish side and killing two people. Poland is a member of the NATO alliance. Investigations have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile.
Investigations of the missile have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile, and Poland will likely request consultations with the other alliance members under NATO's article 4.
The Associated Press has reported that three U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter publicly "suggested" that the missile was fired by Ukrainian forces and was intended to target a Russian missile.
Polish President Polish President Andrzej Duda informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US president Joe Biden that the Polish ambassador to NATO "will request to invoke article 4, that is consultations among allies".
If Russia was to blame for the missile being launched into Poland, it is possible that NATO article 5 could be triggered, which states that an attack on one NATO member is seen as an attack on all NATO members. Article 5 is not automatic, however and would require that the alliance is in agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put out a statement saying that it was a "very significant escalation" in the war.
Although a statement was released by the Polish Foreign Ministry saying that the missile was most likely manufactured in Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda's statement said that it "most probably" was Russian, but also said officials still haven't been able to confirm who fired the missile.
Duda's statement to reporters said, "We do not have any conclusive evidence at the moment as to who launched this missile. "It was most likely a Russian-made missile, but this is all still under investigation at the moment. We are acting with calm. This is a difficult situation."
The White House put out a statement that U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with President Duda and expressed condolences, also offering assistance with the Polish investigation.
The Pentagon says that they have no confirmation that a Russian-made missile crossed into Poland and killed two people. An urgent meeting of the Committee for National Security and Defense Affairs has been called by Polish prime minister.
Even if it was a Russian-made missile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Article 5 is not 'automatically triggered'. Members of the NATO alliance must agree on any actions and responses that the alliance takes in relation to article 5 before taking action.
While speaking to reporters after the emergency meeting with G7 and NATO leaders in Bali, Indonesia, Biden said that preliminary information suggested that it's 'unlikely' that the missile was fired from Russian territory, but that the information is not conclusive until the investigation is completed.
This only addresses whether the missile was fired from Russian territory however, not whether it was fired by Russia from Ukrainian territory.
Biden said, "We agreed to support Poland’s investigation into the explosion … And I’m going to make sure we figure out exactly what happened.”
"Then we’re going to collectively determine our next step as we investigate and proceed. There was total unanimity among the folks at the table,” he added.
Russia denied any involvement in firing the missiles into Poland and called reports by the Polish media first reporting the explosion and deaths as "a deliberate provocation in order to escalate the situation".
The statement by the Kremlin said that the wreckage shown by Polish media "“from the scene in the village of Przewodow have nothing to do with Russian weapons.”
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that evidence suggests the missile that landed in Przewodów was a 'single act' and that there is no evidence that there will be any further missiles shot into Poland.
Poland is, however, increasing its military readiness in response, and is carrying out a careful analysis and consulting with NATO allies regarding the potential use of NATO's article 4, which allows for a NATO member to consult with the other alliance members.
11 Countries Placed On Travel Advisory Page In Last 30 Days - 11 countries have been placed on the travel advisory page in the last 30 days, including Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Ecuador, Moldova, Nigeria, China, Taiwan, Samoa, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
China
Reconsider travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macau SAR, due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19-related restrictions. See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction below. Exercise increased caution in the PRC due to wrongful detentions.
Taiwan
Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Taiwan.
Trinidad and Tobago
Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Tonga
Reissued with updates to health information and removal of natural disaster risk indicator. Exercise normal precautions in Tonga. Read the Country Information page.
Moldova
Exercise increased caution while traveling to Moldova due to unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Nigeria
Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Samoa
Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Samoa.
Ukraine
Reissued from October 4, 2022 with updates to security information. Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Those U.S citizens in Ukraine should depart if it is safe to do so using commercial or other privately available ground transportation options. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Afghanistan
Reissued with updates to relocation, citizen services, and safety and security information. Do not travel to Afghanistan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high. Given the serious risks, U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany eligible family members for relocation.
Israel
Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.
Camerroon
Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Level 4 Do Not Travel List
The Level 4: Do Not Travel list includes: Afghanistan, Belarus, Faso, Burma, CAR, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tonga, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
The month of October saw a large number of travel advisory alerts being released. View Travel Advisories
British Defense Secretary On Russia's Withdrawal From Kherson - British Ministry of Defense: "Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson. Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves "What was it all for?".
The Russian Army has suffered a huge loss of life as a result of their illegal invasion and have only achieved international isolationism and humiliation. Ukraine will press on.
The UK and the international community will continue to support them, and while the withdrawal is welcome, no one is going to underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, Ministry of Defense.
Russia Laments Sale Of Alaska To United States, Plans To Build Base On Island Ceded By US - Russia has been lamenting the sale of Alaska to the United States 155 years ago, saying that "if the Russian empire had not sold Alaska to the United States" the current "problems" in the Arctic would not be so acute. On July 6th, 2022 the chairman of the Russian State Duma said that Russia could reclaim Alaska. Read Full Article
Ties Between North Korea, Russia And China Deepening - Pyongyang - Ties between North Korea and both Russia and China have been deepening as Russia and China stand in the way of holding North Korea responsible for continued provocations at the U.N. Security Council. Read Full Article
$400 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine - DoD authorizes the Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $600 million to Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first drawdown since August 2021. Read Full Article
Russian Ambassador Accuses Britain Of Leading Attacks On Its Black Sea Fleet - Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin spoke to Sky News and told them that Russia has "evidence" that the special forces in the UK was involved in the attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, and claimed that he has proof, although as of yet no proof has surfaced. Read Full Article
Finland And Sweden To Decide Issues On Nuclear Weapons Only After Joining NATO - Both Finland and Sweden say they will be deciding issues on nuclear weapons only after they are officially accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but that they do not seek any opt-outs or preconditions for joining the alliance, they said at a press briefing in Helsinki. Read Full Article
US, UN Carry Out Inspections In Ukraine, Weapons Ending Up In Hands Of Criminals In Europe - The US military carried out onsite weapons inspections in Ukraine in order to make sure that weapons provided to Ukraine by the United States are not being diverted. Finnish news is reporting the weapons are ending up in the hands of criminals in European countries. Read Full Article
Russian Ambassador Accuses Britain Of Leading Attacks On Its Black Sea Fleet - MOSCOW - Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin spoke to Sky News and told them that Russia has "evidence" that the special forces in the UK was involved in the attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, and claimed that he has proof.
The ambassador told Sky News that he gave evidence of the alleged involvement to the British ambassador, and said that Britain is "too deep" in the Ukraine war.
"We perfectly know about [the] participation of British specialists in [the] training, preparation and execution of violence against the Russian infrastructure and the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. We know that it has been done," he told the Australian news agency.
He made claims that the attack on the Russian Black Sea Fleet was orchestrated and carried out under the leadership and guidance of British Navy specialists, and after he said he had given the evidence over to the British ambassador, stated that "it will become public pretty soon".
"It is dangerous because it escalates the situation. It can bring us up to the line of I would say no return, return is always possible. But anyway, we should avoid escalation," Sky News cited him as saying.
"And this is a warning actually that Britain is too deep in this conflict. It means the situation is becoming more and more dangerous."
The news agency said that the British government has denied such claims and said they were false, with the purpose to distract people's attention away from Russia's own failures in their war on Ukraine. Read Article Here
Norway Raises Military Alert Level After Drone Sightings Near Norway's Airports, Oil and Gas Fields - Norway has reportedly raised its military alert level after unmanned aerial (UAV) drones were sighted over the last few weeks around Norway's oil and gas fields and airports, which has led to at least seven arrests of Russian citizens. Read Full Article
Nord Stream AG Releases Analysis Of Pipeline Damage - MOSCOW - Nord Stream AG has completed "initial data gathering" on the section of the Nord Stream pipeline that was damaged and concluded that there are 'technogenic craters' with a depth of 3 to 5 meters on the seabed located under the damaged section of the pipeline.
The distance of the craters are reported to be 248 meters (813 feet) from each other with the section of the pipe "between the craters" having been destroyed.
The report says that the fragment dispersion is 250 meters (820 feet). The Nord Stream AG stated, "According to preliminary results of the damage site inspection, technogenic craters with a depth of 3 to 5 meters were found on the seabed at a distance of about 248 meters from each other".
"The section of the pipe between the craters is destroyed, the radius of pipe fragments dispersion is at least 250 meters. Experts continue to analyze the survey data."
Poland Is, And Finland May Be Interested In Participating in NATO's Nuclear Sharing Program - Both Poland and Finland may be interested in participating in NATO's nuclear sharing program, which would give both countries access to deploying nuclear weapons in their territory, and allow NATO to establish bases within their borders. Poland interested, Finland more reserved on the matter. Read Full Article
2022 National Defense Strategy Of The United States Of America - WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read Full Article
Russia Accuses Britain In Aiding Ukraine In Attack On Black Sea Fleet, Suspends Grain Deal - KYIV - The Russian Defense Ministry put out a statement on Saturday saying that they are suspending the grain deal brokered by the United Nations allowing grain to be exported out of Ukraine after accusing Britain of aiding Ukraine in attacking its vessels in the Black Sea with drones.
Russian state news RIA Novosti stated on Telegram (translated), "Moscow suspends participation in the implementation of the "grain deal" after the terrorist attack committed by the Kiev regime with the participation of British specialists against ships of the Black Sea Fleet and civilian ships - Russian Defense Ministry".
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said, "We have warned of Russia’s plans to ruin the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Now Moscow uses a false pretext to block the grain corridor which ensures food security for millions of people. I call on all states to demand Russia to stop its hunger games and recommit to its obligations."
Interfax reported that Russia requested a meeting of the UN Security Council for October 31st (translated) "in connection with Ukrainian drone attacks on ships of the Black Sea Fleet and with the suspension of Moscow's participation in the Istanbul grain initiative, Dmitry Polyansky, Deputy Representative of the Russian Federation to the Organization, said."
"In light of the attack by Ukraine on October 29 against ships of the Black Sea Fleet involved in ensuring the security of ships delivering Ukrainian grain as part of the so-called Black Sea Initiative, the permanent mission notified the UN Secretary General that Russia was suspending participation in it," Interfax cited Polyansky as saying on Telegram.
US, NATO Deploying B61-12 Thermonuclear "Gravity Bomb" To Europe - NATO - the United States said during a closed meeting with NATO that it will be accelerating the deployment of an upgraded version of the B61-12 air-dropped thermonuclear "gravity bomb" to European bases in December, which is a few months earlier than was originally planned. Read Full Article
Russia Claims British Navy Involved In Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions - MOSCOW - Russia is claiming that the British Navy was involved in what the country calls a "terrorist attack" on the Nord Stream pipeline. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on Saturday that the British Navy had a part in orchestrating and staging a sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The British Ministry of Defense released a statement saying that Russia is "resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale". Read Full Article
International Space Station Forced To Use Thrusters To Avoid Debris From Russian Anti-Satellite Test - NASA - The International Space Station was forced to ignite a thruster in order to move the space station away from debris created from a Russian anti-missile test in 2021. The anti-satellite missile test involved Russia targeting and destroying one of its own non-functioning satellites, which then generated about 1,500 pieces of space Debris in outer space. Read Full Article
British MOD Intelligence Update On Ukraine For October 26th, 2022 - Intelligence update from the British Ministry of Defense for October 26th, 2022: "On 24 October 2022, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region announced that an explosive device had damaged the railway near the village of Novozybkovo, approximately 15km from the Russia-Belarus border. The line is the main rail link between Russia and southern Belarus.
The Russian anti-war group ‘Stop the Wagons’ (STW) claimed responsibility for the incident. This is at least the sixth incident of sabotage against Russian railway infrastructure claimed by STW since June,.
This is part of a wider trend of dissident attacks against railways in both Russian and Belarus. The Russian authorities have previously clamped down on STW’s online presence.
The Russia military primarily relies on rail transport for deploying forces to Ukraine, but with a network extending to over 33,000km, largely transiting isolated areas, the system is extremely challenging to secure against physical threats.
The Russian leadership will be increasingly concerned that even a small group of citizens has been sufficiently opposed to the conflict to resort to physical sabotage."
Russia, NATO Hold Simultaneous Nuclear Exercises As Tensions Escalate - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the launches of ballistic and cruise missiles on Wednesday as part of Russia's yearly "Grom" nuclear exercises, as NATO holds simultaneous nuclear exercises. Read Full Article
Norway Arrests Suspected Russian Spy In Tromsoe - Norwegian Police Security Service arrested a scientist in Tromsoe, Norway suspected of being a spy for a Russian intelligence service. The suspect was researching "hybrid threats" tied to "Arctic Norway", according to Deputy PST chief Hedvig Moe. Read Full Article
Iran Claims It Arrested 10 Israeli Agents, Israel Destroys Iranian Drone Factory - TEHRAN - Iran claims that it has arrested 10 agents allegedly working for Israel in West Azerbaijan province as part of an espionage network, according to Iranian state news agency Fars. Israeli officials claim to have struck 90% of Iran's military operations in Syria, targeting a drone assembly factory near Damascus on Friday. Read Full Article
*NEW* Russia Claims Ukraine Preparing To Use Dirty Bomb, US Says Claims Are False - *New Information* - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the US and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read Full Article
Russia Claims Ukraine Preparing To Use Dirty Bomb, US And Ukraine Claim It Is A False Flag Operation By Russia - MOSCOW - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the United States and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation.
Russian Defense Ministry, Sergey Shoigu spoke on the phone to the Defense Minister for France discussing "the situation in Ukraine, which is consistently veering towards further uncontrolled escalation", according to Russian state news agency RT.
Shoigu voiced 'concerns' about a 'possible Ukrainian provocation' which may involve the use of a 'dirty bomb'.
The Russian state news agency then quoted RIA Novosti as citing "sources in different countries including Ukraine” as saying that Kiev is preparing to detonate “a dirty bomb or a low-yield nuclear weapon" and then RT added, "on its own territory".
The Russian state news agency said that the goal would be to 'accuse Moscow of using weapons of mass destruction in a ploy to launch a powerful anti-Russia campaign".
The report made claims that two Ukrainian institutions have already been "tasked with manufacturing a 'dirty bomb', with the work now at the 'final stages'.
The Russian news agency also claimed that Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky's administration has been engaged in behind-the-scenes' talks with British officials in order to secure the transfer of nuclear arms components to Kiv, Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba put out a statement saying, "I spoke to @SecBlinken. We both agreed Russia’s ‘ dirty bomb ’ disinformation campaign might be aimed at creating a pretext for a false flag operation. We also discussed further practical steps to boost Ukraine’s air defense. Secretary affirmed the US spares no effort to this end."
A 'dirty bomb' is an improvised weapon that uses a mixture of nuclear waste material, and conventional explosives. It does not tend to have the same yield as a nuclear bomb would, but such an explosion can still spread radioactive waste material into the atmosphere.
US Army's 101st Airborne Division Deploys To Border With Ukraine - EUROPE - The US Army's 101st Airborne Division which consists of about 4,700 soldiers has been deployed to Europe, on the border of Romania and Ukraine, for the first time since World War 2 (80 years ago).
They are now the closest stationed U.S. Soldiers to Ukraine/Russia. CBS News reports that "The US 101st Airborne is practicing for war with Russia just miles from Ukraine's border".
CBS reported that "The light infantry unit, nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," is trained to deploy on any battlefield in the world within hours, ready to fight."
The news agency said that the troops were the 'closest American forces to the fighting in Ukraine," and said that they have been "closely watching" the Russian forces, "building objectives to practice against" and carrying out drills that "replicate exactly what's going on" in Russia's war on Ukraine.
They told CBS that they are always "ready to fight tonight", and if the fighting escalates, or there's an attack on NATO, they are fully prepared to cross the border into Ukraine and join the fight.
Ukraine Claims Russian Aircraft Capable Of Launching Hypersonic Missiles Spotted Over Belarus Capital - BELARUS - The Ukrainian National Resistance Center has claimed that three Russian aircraft capable of equipping and launching hypersonic missiles were spotted over Minsk, Belarus on Sunday.
"Three MiG-31 supersonic fighters were spotted over Minsk, which can carry Kh-47M2 'Kinzhal' missiles and are capable of launching them at a distance of 2,000 km," the Resistance Center claimed.
"Russia relocated its planes to the airfield in Machulyshchy. These are not standard MIG-31, but a special modification named MIG-31K. Unlike standard MIGs, this model has an increased fuel supply and special communication equipment," it added.
It also claimed that "three Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Russian Air Force flew to the airfield 'Machulyshchi' from the Russian Federation."
Russia's hypersonic missiles, such as the Kinzhal missile have a range of around 1,243 miles and can fly at 10 times the speed of sound, reaching targets within minutes after they are launched.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Advisory Advises Citizens To Leave Ukraine - TEHRAN - Iran has released an advisory to all of its citizens strongly advising them not to travel to Ukraine, and told Iranians currently living in the country to leave the country "for their own safety".
The Iranian Foreign Ministry statement read, "Due to the military escalation in Ukraine, all Iranians are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to Ukraine. Also, Iranians living in Ukraine are advised to leave the country for their own safety".
The statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry comes just one day after the United States claimed that Iranians were sent to Ukraine to instruct Russian soldiers how to target Ukrainian locations with the Iranian-made drones Russia has reportedly acquired from the country.
Advisory From Iranian Foreign Ministry (Translated): Travel advice of the General Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Ukraine
"Public Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notice on the travel advice of the General Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Ukraine.
It is emphasized in the travel advice of the General Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: due to the escalation of military conflicts and the increase in insecurity in Ukraine, all Iranian citizens are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to this country.
Also, in this announcement, all Iranian nationals living in Ukraine are advised to leave this country in order to save their lives and safety.
In the final part of this travel advice, compatriots living in Ukraine are asked to remain calm and, if needed, contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kyiv at 00380630449029
Russia Declares Martial Law In 4 Annexed Regions In Ukraine - UKRAINE - Russia has declared martial law in the four regions that it has annexed in Ukraine, which include: Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Read Full Article
White House: Iranian Troops Were Sent To Ukraine Help Russia Use Iranian Drones - According to the White House, Iranian troops were sent to Ukraine to help assist Russia in operating Iranian-made drones that Russia had reportedly purchased from the country. Read Full Article
Russia Declares Martial Law In 4 Annexed Regions In Ukraine - UKRAINE - Russia has declared martial law in the four regions that it has annexed in Ukraine, which include: Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.
During a television address Putin said, "We are working to solve very difficult large-scale tasks to ensure Russia’s security and safe future, to protect our people. Those who are on the frontlines or undergoing training at firing ranges and training centers should feel our support and know that they have our big, great country and unified people behind their back."
Putin said, "I signed a decree to introduce martial law in these four subjects of the Russian Federation. The Kyiv regime, as you know, refused to recognize the will and choice of the people and rejected any proposals for negotiations."
Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that there are no plans at the moment to restrict the movement of people across Russia's borders, according to Russian state news RIA Novosti and RT.
When asked by RIA Novosti on Wednesday whether the Russian government was planning on closing the borders, Peskov reportedly said "No, [we are] not planning to."
Putin claims that this will not change much for the regions because martial law has already been in place after the regions had been annexed by Russia, but that the document signed Wednesday provides a 'legal basis' for martial law, RT cited Putin as saying.
RT also reported that Putin signed a ‘mid-level response' or 'medium action level' in a number of other regions 'adjacent to Ukraine', including Crimea, Sevastopol, and in Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov regions.
First Underwater Drone Footage Of Nordstream Pipeline - EUROPE - Expressen has used an underwater drone to film the damage to the ruptured Nordstream pipeline 262 feet below the ocean's surface. The following report is based on a translation of Expressen's findings. View Expressen's Findings
The drone documented "long cracks in the seabed before it reaches the concrete-reinforced steel pipe," which Expressen says was 'ripped apart".
Expressen has reported that around 164 feet of the pipeline is missing. Video footage of the pipe also shows a 'gaping hole' in the pipe that is still there, though it's not clear how the previous investigation of the pipe affected the pipeline.
It's possible some of the piping was cut out in order to investigate the damage using above-water equipment.
The above footage appears to show that sections of the pipeline have been cut using tools, which would make sense since an investigation on damaged portions of the pipeline would have to be carried out above-water.
NORAD: US Launched Two F-16 Fighters To Block Two Russian Tu-95 Bombers In Alaska's ADIZ - NORAD - Russian Tu-95 bombers capable of being equipped with nuclear weapons were intercepted on October 18th (local time) after "entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone", according to a statement by the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD).
The statement by NORAD said, "After detecting, tracking, and identifying two Russian Tu-95 bombers operating as they entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, two F-16 fighters urgently launched and blocked their approach. It didn't enter US or Canadian airspace, it stayed in international airspace."
The air defense identification zone consists of both Alaskan airspace, as well as additional airspace in which the United States uses for identifying, locating and controlling civil aircraft.
Although the air defense identification zone is not considered part of Alaskan airspace, it is closely monitored for the interest of national security.
NORAD stated that the Russian bomber did not pose a threat or provocation to the United States.
Russia is reportedly set to carry out its yearly nuclear exercises, though it is unclear whether this particular Tu-95 bomber flight is a part of any nuclear exercise.
Multiple Countries Urge Citizens To Leave Ukraine Immediately - The following countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately: China, Egypt, Kazakhstan. There are alerts for other countries embassy's floating around social media, but many of those look to be older, previously issued embassy alerts.
China's Foreign Affairs agency called on citizens to leave Ukraine immediately due to a "serious security situation".
Kazakhstan began the evacuation of embassy staff from Ukraine on October 11th, 2022, on the same day that Poland advised its citizens to leave Belarus.
Russia Moving Nuclear Capable Missile Systems To Belarus, Converting Belarusian Jets To Carry Nukes, But Not Moving Nuclear Weapons To Belarus At This Time - Russia is transferring dual-equipped Iskander-M missile systems with conventional missiles to Belarus, and converting Belarusian SU-25 jets with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, but it is 'not planned' to equip Belarus with actual nuclear warheads.
Deputy head of the Russian delegation to the UN General Assembly Vorontsov said that nuclear technologies will not be moved from Russia to Belarus.
"In particular, in Poland, for several years now, they have been declaring their desire to become fully involved in joint nuclear missions. Recently, Warsaw's activity in this area has sharply increased. This, of course, was taken into account by Russia and Belarus when considering the issue of countermeasures," Vorontsov said according to Russian state news RIA Novosti.
"At this stage, we are talking exclusively about the transfer to the Republic of Belarus of dual-equipped Iskander-M complexes with conventional missiles, as well as giving some of the Belarusian Su-25 aircraft the technical ability to carry nuclear weapons. At the same time, transferring technology to Belarus for converting aircraft into nuclear weapons carriers not expected".
"It is also not planned to physically equip Belarusian systems with nuclear warheads, nor to move such warheads to Belarusian territory." he added.
NATO To Ship Jammers To Ukraine To Counter Iranian Drones Used By Russia - On Thursday NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance will be giving Ukraine "hundreds of drone jammers" to counter the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones that Russia is using to target Ukrainian cities with.
During a press conference Stoltenberg said, "Nato will deliver counter-drone equipment to Ukraine with hundreds of drone jammers which can help render ineffective Russian and Iranian-made drones".
Ukrainian officials have claimed that they have shot down Iranian kamikaze drones, and that the drones detonate themselves upon impact with their targets.
The Shahed-136 drones are capable of carrying an 80 pound warhead and have reportedly eliminated an M777 howitzer given to Ukraine by the United States, the New York Times reported.
On Thursday Ukrainian officials said that Russia had used Shahed-136 drones to attack the regions of Kyiv and Odesa. The drones are capable of air-to-surface attacks, as well as electronic warfare and targeting, according to AP news.
$725 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - "Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $725 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration's 23rd drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
The United States has delivered unprecedented security assistance to Ukraine and will continue to work with allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has the support it needs. This new security assistance package includes:
Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 23,000 155mm artillery rounds; 500 precision-guided 155mm artillery rounds; 5,000 155mm rounds of Remote Anti-Armor Mine (RAAM) Systems; 5,000 anti-tank weapons; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); More than 200 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs); Small arms and more than 2,000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition; Medical supplies.
This announcement follows Secretary of Defense Austin's gathering of defense ministers of nearly 50 countries at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels this week, at which leaders committed to providing additional security assistance. Some examples of this additional support included:
Germany recently delivered the first of four IRIS-T air-defense systems committed to Ukraine. This critical donation will help Ukraine better defend its civilians from Russian airstrikes. Germany also recently announced that it will deliver more MARS rocket systems and howitzers. Spain announced it will provide four HAWK launchers to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. Norway, Germany, and Denmark invested into Slovakia's indigenous production of Howitzers.
To meet Ukraine's evolving battlefield requirements, the United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with key capabilities.
In total, the United States has committed more than $18.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since January 2021. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $20.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and approximately $17.6 billion since the beginning of Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24."
NATO Allies & Russia To Launch Annual Nuclear Exercises Amidst Tensions - EUROPE - NATO put out a statement on Friday saying that it would be launching its annual nuclear exercises "Steadfast Noon". NATO also said that it will be monitoring Russia's own upcoming nuclear exercise very closely.
Russia will be holding their annual Grom exercise in late October, where the country's military will be testing its nuclear-capable bombers, missiles and submarines.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to reporters and said, "We have monitored Russian nuclear forces for decades and of course we will continue to monitor them very closely and we will stay vigilant - also when they now start a new exercise".
"What I can say is that this exercise, the Russian exercise, is an annual exercise. It's an exercise where they test and exercise their nuclear forces".
"We will monitor that as we always do. And of course we will remain vigilant, not least in light of the veiled nuclear threats and the dangerous rhetoric we have seen from the Russian side," Stoltenberg said.
NATO's yearly nuclear exercises normally run for around one week, and includes fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear missiles, though they do not carry live-nuclear weapons during the exercises.
The NATO jets will be testing the allies capability of carrying out nuclear strikes over Belgium, the North Sea and the United Kingdom.
"Training flights will take place over Belgium… as well as over the North Sea and the United Kingdom," NATO said in their statement about the exercise.
B-52 long-range nuclear-capable bombers will be flying from the Minot Air Base in North Dakota to take part in the exercise.
Sky News reports that the training this year will be hosted by Belgium, and run from Monday, October 17th to October 30th.
NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said: "This exercise helps ensure that the alliance's nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective."
A different NATO member country hosts the exercise each year, with last year the host being Italy.
The exercises, which were planned before Russia's invasion on Ukraine on February 24th, will include 14 out of 30 NATO member countries and be carried out about 625 miles from Russian territory, AP news cited a NATO official as saying.
Stoltenberg spoke to reporters and when asked if it would be a good idea to carry out nuclear exercises in light of the current situation, he said, "It would send a very wrong signal if we suddenly now cancelled a routine, long-time planned exercise because of the war in Ukraine. That would be absolutely the wrong signal to send".
"NATO’s firm, predictable behavior, our military strength, is the best way to prevent escalation,” he said. “If we now created the grounds for any misunderstandings, miscalculations in Moscow about our willingness to protect and defend all allies, we would increase the risk of escalation.”
Although NATO itself as an organization does not have nuclear weapons, some of its members such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France do have them.
The NATO Nuclear Planning Group, which includes defense ministers will be meeting on Thursday.
Stoltenberg said that Putin's latest nuclear rhetoric was "dangerous and reckless," and said that its members "have also conveyed clearly to Russia that it will have severe consequences if they use nuclear weapons in any way."
"We are closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear forces. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s posture, but we remain vigilant.” Stoltenberg said.
The United States' Permanent Representative to NATO, Julianne Smith also reportedly spoke to Euronews and said, "We've messaged the Russians quite directly that any use of nuclear weapons would be faced with unprecedented consequences".
"This is something we are monitoring closely and I think you've also heard colleagues back in Washington say that right now we do not see an indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons."
On Thursday Stoltenberg had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be crossing a "very important line" if he were to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
When asked how NATO would respond to Russia using a nuclear weapon, Stoltenberg said, "We will not go into exactly how we will respond, but of course this will fundamentally change the nature of the conflict. It will mean that a very important line has been crossed."
"Even any use of a smaller nuclear weapon will be a very serious thing, fundamentally changing the nature of the war in Ukraine, and of course that would have consequences," the NATO chief added.
Addressing Russia's nuclear exercise, U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said, "Russia will also be conducting its annual exercise, I think, the week after or just after the annual exercise". He added, however that "what we don’t want is to do things out of routine."
"This is a routine exercise and it’s all about readiness," and added "NATO’s meeting is all about making sure we are ready for anything. I mean, that is the job of this alliance — to make sure that the 30 partners together are ready for what is thrown at us. And we have to continue to work at that."
During an interview with France 2 television, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine France would not respond with a nuclear strike, but put out a warning to leaders regarding nuclear rhetoric.
"We have a (nuclear) doctrine, which is clear. The dissuasion is working. But then, the less we talk about it, the less we brandish the threat, the more credible we are.”
Macron added, "Too many people are talking about it".
Readout of Secretary of Defense Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden - Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden, Antti Kaikkonen and Peter Hultqvist. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his counterparts this week, Ministers Kaikkonen and Hultqvist from Finland and Sweden. The leaders reaffirmed the strength of the trilateral relationship, enhanced by Finland and Sweden's ongoing accession process into NATO.
The leaders discussed key global security issues including Russia's recent escalations of its unprovoked war in Ukraine, affirming our unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty. The leaders also discussed the impact of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and the importance of resilience, as well as other security issues in the Nordic region and the Arctic.
The progress towards Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO was also discussed, with all parties extending thanks to those nations that have already ratified the NATO accession protocols."
UK Government: British Air Strikes Against Daesh - UK Government: British Air Strikes Against Daesh: "The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria. From: Ministry of Defense and The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP Published 29 January 2016 Last updated - 13 October 2022.
Summary - Monday 10 October – a Reaper engaged a Daesh terrorist in northern Syria.
Detail: Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to conduct armed reconnaissance patrols against Daesh terrorists. On Monday 10 October, a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, armed with Hellfire missiles, tracked and, when it was safe to do so without posing a risk to civilians, successfully engaged one such terrorist who was on a motorcycle in northern Syria, near Hamman At Turkumen.
Previous updates:
Iraqi security forces identified a number of Daesh terrorists attempting to re-establish a presence in an area to the north of Tikrit. A Royal Air Force Reaper remotely piloted aircraft joined coalition aircraft in supporting the Iraqi operation by tracking the group on Tuesday 14 June, and at an appropriate opportunity, when the terrorists were exposed in the open away from any civilians, conducted a successful attack alongside the other coalition aircraft; the RAF Reaper employed Hellfire missiles. The group was reported to be destroyed as a result of this Iraqi-led operation, and the terrorists eliminated before they could mount an active threat to the Iraqi people.
Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to fly missions over Iraq and Syria in support of the global coalition against the Daesh terrorist movement. On Tuesday 14 December 2021, hostile drone activity was detected around the At Tanf coalition base in Syria. A pair of Typhoon FGR4s from Royal Air Force Akrotiri were conducting one of their regular patrols over Syria and Iraq as part of the global coalition against Daesh, and were tasked to investigate. On arrival in the At Tanf area, the pilots were able to identify a small hostile drone, and despite the diminutive size of the target, succeeded in conducting an air to air engagement with an ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile) which eliminated the threat it posed to coalition forces."
Macron: France Will Not Respond With Nuclear Weapons If Russia Deploys Them Against Ukraine - FRANCE - During a live interview on France 2 Wednesday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that if Russia chooses to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, France would not be responding with nuclear weapons.
"Our doctrine rests on the fundamental interests of the nation. They are defined clearly and wouldn’t be directly affected at all if, for example, there was a ballistic nuclear attack in Ukraine, in the region," Macron stated during the interview.
UN General Assembly Adopts Resolution Condemning Anexation Of Ukrainian Territories - UNITED NATIONS - The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning Russia's annexation of the territories of Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, as well as the DPR and LPR regions.
143 out of 193 countries voted to support the resolution. 35 countries chose to abstain, and 5 were against the resolution.
The five countries that were against adopting the resolution were: Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria, and Nicaragua.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky posted the results and said, "Grateful to 143 states that supported historic UNGA resolution "Territorial integrity of Ukraine: defending the principles of the UN Charter". The world had its say - RF’s attempt at annexation is worthless & will never be recognized by free nations. [Ukraine] will return all its lands".
Russia Accuses Ukrainian Spy Chief For Crimean Bridge Bombing, Makes Arrests - MOSCOW - The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Ukraine's military spy Chief of being a part of carrying out the attack on the Crimean Bridge. Russia has taken eight out of twelve suspects of the bombing into custody according to the FSB.
Of the eight that Russia says that they took into custody, five were said to be Russian and three citizens of Ukraine and Armenia.
The FSB claimed that the Ukrainian military intelligence, as well as its director, Kyrylo Budanov had organized the attack, which Putin has called a "terrorist attack" on civilian infrastructure.
In their statement, the Russian Security Service said, "The organizer of the terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge was the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, its head Kyrylo Budanov, its employees and agents".
The Russian Security Service stated that the explosives that were detonated on the bridge were transported from Odesa, Ukraine via Bulgaria, Georgia, and Armenia and hidden in rolls of construction-grade polyethylene plastic film sheets located on 22 pallets weighing 22.7 tons, which they then say was transported across the Crimean bridge in a truck.
The FSB statement said, "Control over the movement of the cargo along the entire route and contacts with participants in the criminal transportation scheme were carried out by an employee of HUR MO [Ukrainian military intelligence]".
Ukraine has not put out any confirmation that they were in any way involved in the bombing of the bridge, though many Ukrainians celebrated the fact that it had been damaged by an explosion.
DoD: Allies Are Unified in Support for Ukraine Ahead of NATO Meetings, Defense Official Says - Department of Defense: "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with allies at NATO headquarters in Belgium this week to discuss the continued support for the defense of Ukraine, amid Russia's unprovoked invasion and recent attacks against civilian targets and infrastructure, according to a defense official.
"The Russian invasion isn't over, the fighting isn't over, and neither is international support to Ukraine’s right and capability to defend itself," the official said.
Austin is leading the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on Wednesday and attending a meeting of NATO defense ministers on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, he'll participate in a meeting of the Bucharest Nine to discuss areas of concern to the countries on NATO's eastern flank, according to the official, who spoke to reporters traveling with Austin to Brussels.
The nine are: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
Austin will be joined at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley and defense officials from nearly 50 nations. Talks will include "a real practical manifestation of that ongoing support and unity" to provide Ukraine with the means necessary to defend itself, the official said.
The most important message is that "even in the context of events of the last week which are obviously horrific," the official said, these leaders are coming together to signal their enduring support and that they will not be dissuaded or deterred from supporting Ukraine. Spotlight: Support for Ukraine
The recent Russian attacks across Ukraine include the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles to attack "what are clearly not military targets," with Ukrainian citizens being killed and Russia seeking to instill fear in the population, the official said.
After the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, Austin is attending the meeting of NATO defense ministers, which is focused on implementing the historic decisions made at the NATO Summit in Madrid earlier this year, according to the official.
The official said NATO defense ministers will review progress on strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense, the broader commitment of NATO to global security, and the specifics on implementation of some of the key decisions from Madrid, including recommitment to NATO’s nuclear deterrence.
The official said there is solidarity among the bloc.
The official noted Russian President Vladimir Putin's "irresponsible language" about nuclear weapons, saying such talk is contrary to Russia's obligations under international law as a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
"So, it is raising concerns, but what it is not doing is fracturing NATO unity," the official said, adding that in the coming days the "strength in unity" mindset will be evident among the defense ministers and will indicate that “Russia is not achieving what it hopes to achieve through these threats.”
Austin will also meet with representatives of Finland and Sweden, who are seeking to join the alliance and were invited to attend the defense ministers' meeting. Discussions will focus on the process for joining NATO and issues of regional concern." Read DoD Article
Ukraine: Russia Ordered 2,400 Iranian Drones - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Russia has ordered 2,400 Iranian-made Shahed drones from the Islamic Republic, and asked leaders of the G7 countries to give medium and long-range missile defense systems to protect against the them.
"For the second day now, Ukraine has been suffering from massive [Russian] missile strikes. And every 10 minutes I receive a message about the enemy's use of [Iranian] Shaheds," Zelensky said.
"An air shield for Ukraine. This is part of the security guarantees that are an element of our formula for peace. When Ukraine receives a sufficient number of modern and effective air defense systems, the key element of Russian terror – missile strikes – will stop working."
Zelensky also thanked countries that already gave air defense systems, and said that it "makes it possible to neutralize some of the Russian missiles and drones. But Russia has ordered 2,400 Shaheds in Iran alone, according to our intelligence."
"We are very much looking forward to the delivery of SAMP-T systems. And if possible, they are needed in the coming months." he said.
The new Iranian drones will be replacing Russia's diminishing stockpile. Zelensky said that Russia has been using up 20 to 30 drones per day.
"Every ten minutes I receive a message about the enemy’s use of Shaheds," Zelensky stated.
Ukrainian Intelligence Statement: Situation At Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant - Statement by Ukrainian intelligence regarding the current situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (translated). "All six units are disconnected at the ZNPP, the occupiers are forcing employees to sign contracts with Rosatom.
The occupiers continue to keep all six units of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in a "cold state". Currently, the power supply of the station, including security systems, is provided by the overhead line PL-750 kV "Dniprovska". Today, during the day, an attempt is planned to supply voltage to the ZaTES open switchgear.
It was also possible to maintain the supply of electricity to the city of Energodar. But the VRP 150/330 kV remains without voltage.
At the same time, representatives of the Soviet Union and the occupation administration continue to put pressure on the employees of the station. The movement of auxiliary units on the territory of the ZNPP is significantly limited. The occupiers apply so-called "filtering measures" to some of the personnel and their families. Workers are required to officially issue Russian passports and sign contracts with Rosatom."
Ukraine Intelligence: Russia Transferring Kamikaze Drones To Belarus, Says Belarus Supplying Russia - KYIV - Ukraine claims that Russia has been transferring Shahed-136 kamikaze drones to Belarus territory Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported.
The GUR MO posted a message in Telegram on Tuesday that said, "Iranian kamikaze drones Shahed-136 (renamed Geran-2 in the Russian army) are coming to Belarus. As of October 10, 32 UAVs were brought into the country, and 8 more are planned to be imported by October 14".
The Ukrainian intelligence agency has also reported that Belarus is providing Russia with "material and technical means," as well as ammunition from its warehouses, particularly, using the railway as a means of transporting ammunition to Kirovskaya, in Crimea.
The agency says that 12 wagons weighing 492 tons was sent from the 43rd missile and ammunition storage arsenal from the territory of Belarus (Dobrobush, Gomel region), according to Interfax.
The Ukrainian Intelligence Agency Statement (translated) said: "The occupiers continue to drop the "Shahed-136" kamikaze drones into the territory of Belarus".
Iranian kamikaze drones "Shahed-136" (renamed "Geran-2" in the Russian army) arrive in Belarus. As of October 10, 32 of the specified UAVs were imported into the country, and 8 more are planned to be imported by October 14.
Belarus also provides the occupying army with material and technical means and ammunition from its warehouses. In particular, a railway echelon with ammunition arrived at the "Kirovskaya" railway station in Crimea - 12 wagons/492 tons, which was sent from the 43rd missile and ammunition storage arsenal of Belarus (DOBRUSH, Gomel region).
In the near future, it is planned to move 13 echelons with weapons and military equipment (219 platforms), ammunition (28 wagons) and military-technical property from arsenals and storage bases of the Armed Forces of Belarus.
The main "suppliers" are: - 46 missile and ammunition storage arsenal (Bronna Gora, Brest Region); 43 missile and ammunition storage arsenal (Dubetsk, Gomel region); 391 artillery ammunition base (Beaver, Minsk Region); 969 tank reserve base (Uryche, Minsk Region); 288 car reserve base (Stari Dorogy, Minsk region).
Cargo must arrive at the railway stations "Kamenska" (Kamensk-Shakhtynsky) and "Marchevo" (Taganrog) of the Rostov region."
By NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Defense Ministers - NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: "Stoltenberg: "hybrid and cyber attacks can trigger Article 5," and, "We are closely monitoring every incident that may constitute a hybrid or cyber attack against the NATO Allies and we are ready to take the necessary measures if needed."
We will also address the protection of our critical infrastructure. NATO has been working on this for many years. And following the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, we have further enhanced our vigilance across all domains.
Stoltenberg also said, "We have doubled our presence in the Baltic and North Seas. To over 30 ships. Supported by maritime patrol aircraft and undersea capabilities. These efforts are closely coordinated by NATO’s Maritime Command."
"Allies are also increasing security around key installations. And stepping up intelligence and intelligence sharing. We will take further steps to strengthen our resilience and protect our critical infrastructure. Any deliberate attack against Allies’ critical infrastructure would be met with a united and determined response."
Lorne Cook (Associated Press): "Yes, Lorne Cook from the Associated Press. I have a question on infrastructure. Germany was, how can I put it … Deutsche Bahn had its communications cables severed over the weekend in Germany, cut off transport in the north of the country. We've also seen the leaks to the pipelines, obviously Nord Stream going to Germany. At what point do these attacks… sorry, do these incidents then become acts of war? And how does NATO respond to that as a collective Alliance? You said the Allies would respond, but how do you do that in this kind of instance? Thank you."
NATO Secretary General: "Over the last years, NATO has implemented the biggest transformation of our collective defence since the end of the Cold War, and part of that is to take fully into account hybrid threats, cyber threats. And therefore we also stated a few years ago that hybrid and cyber attacks can trigger Article 5; it can constitute an armed attack against a NATO ally. And we have stepped up both our work on resilience, the protection of critical infrastructure, we are conducting more exercises both on hybrid threats and cyber threats. And we are exchanging best practices and have also agreed guidelines on the protection of critical infrastructure. All of this is about protecting, for instance, undersea capabilities for undersea infrastructure, pipelines, cables, but also of course, energy grids, energy production, transportation infrastructure. Of course, I cannot comment on those specific incidents because there are ongoing investigations, and I think we need to await the outcome of this investigation before we make any final judgement. But in general, I can say that of course we are closely monitoring every incident that may constitute a hybrid or cyber attack against the NATO Allies and we are ready to take the necessary measures if needed. Exactly what kind of measure, depends on the nature of the attack. And we will never give our potential adversaries the privilege of defining exactly where the threshold for Article 5 goes. That will be a decision we make as Allies, taking into account the precise context, the specific situation we will face, if there is a hybrid or cyber attack against a NATO Ally."
Iryna Somer (Interfax Ukraine): "Thank you. Thank you, Oana. Secretary General, according to Americans and Ukrainians yesterday’s strikes on Ukraine were planned in advance and nothing to do with Kerch Bridge as Russian claims. And moreover some analysts also said that Ukraine has nothing to do with Kerch Bridge, which was simply used as pretext for this strike. Does NATO share the same assessment? And do you think, is this a turning point of this war? What could it change on the battlefield? And some short follow up to Teri’s question, you said that ministers will discuss how to refill stocks only tomorrow. But war is going on already for seven months, why it was not done before? Thank you."
NATO Secretary General: "First, we have already of course started the dialogue with the industry and with the different Allies on how to ramp up production and refill or replenish our stocks. We had a meeting of the NATO Armament Directors a couple of weeks ago here in NATO. So this is an ongoing work, but when all the ministers meet tomorrow, of course, that provides an excellent opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved, how far we have been able to move on ramping up production. But also then to make new decisions on how to further ensure that we are not only digging into existing stocks to provide support to Ukraine, but actually also able to ramp up production. And we need to ramp up production of ammunitions and weapons to both ensure the deterrence and defence of our own Allies, NATO Allies, but also to have enough to continue for the long haul to provide support to Ukraine. But just to prevent any misunderstanding, this work doesn't start now. It has been going on for some time. But of course the longer the war in Ukraine continues, this work with the industry becomes more and more important, because then they need the decisions. They need the NATO defence planning process decisions, capability targets, to be sure that actually they can make the necessary investments to be able to produce more.
Then if the question was about how the attacks yesterday will change the situation on the battlefield, I think what we saw yesterday is actually a sign of weakness. Because the reality is that they're not able to make progress on the battlefield. Russia is actually losing the battlefield. They are giving up territory because they don't have the capabilities to stop the Ukrainian forces making advances. So the way they are able to then respond is by indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian cities, hitting civilians, critical infrastructure. And of course, this causes suffering, damage on Ukraine, but in many ways it actually reflects the lack of alternatives for President Putin. They are losing ground, they have lost the momentum, and then they had to revert to missile strikes and airstrikes in a way we saw yesterday and actually also today.
Then the first question… [inaudible] Well, Russia has conducted similar attacks earlier in the war, we have seen… Of course it has been some time since we have seen similar attacks against Kyiv and some of the cities in the western part of the country, but we have seen attacks against cities in Kherson, in Zaporizhzhia, and other parts of Ukraine actually quite regularly. So they had these capabilities exactly when these attacks were planned. I will not go into it but the reality is that it doesn't change the nature of the attack. These are attacks against cities, civilians are killed, civilian infrastructure is targeted, and this is unacceptable. And this is something which goes against international law."
Henry Foy (Financial Times): "Henry Foy, Financial Times. Thank you so much for the question. I want to ask about the nuclear exercises. Was there any discussion amongst the 30 Allies whether this was such a good idea to practice flying nuclear weapons around given the heightened threats from Russia and the potential for miscalculation or misunderstanding? And secondly, will this year's exercise be different to previous years given the context, which of course is incredibly important here. And I'm aware that it's an annual exercise, it's routine, so that's all understood, but I'm asking about whether or not there was a discussion inside the Alliance about whether now is really the right time to do this. Thank you".
NATO Secretary General: "Now is the right time to be firm and to be clear that NATO is there to protect and defend all Allies. And this is a long time planned exercise, actually planned before the invasion of Ukraine. It's a routine exercise, and it's an exercise to ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective. I visited this exercise a few years ago. We have been open about the exercise and I think it would send a very wrong signal if we suddenly now cancelled a routine, long time planned exercise because of the war in Ukraine. That would be absolutely the wrong signal to send. And we need to understand that NATO's firm, predictable behavior, our military strength, is the best way to prevent escalation. We are there to preserve peace, to prevent escalation and prevent any attack on NATO Allied countries. So if we now created the grounds for any misunderstanding, miscalculation in Moscow about our willingness to protect and defend all Allies, we would increase the risk of escalation and that's the last thing we will do."
Beata Płomecka (Polish Radio): "Thank you. Beata Płomecka, Polish Radio, public broadcaster. Secretary General, there are some suggestions from various politicians from various member states that in the light of yesterday's and today's attacks on the critical infrastructure, civilian infrastructure, killing civilians, it's high time to call Russia as a terrorist state. Will you call Russia as a state that sponsored terrorism? And the second question is there are also suggestions to call the summit on the level of the leaders of NATO. Are you planning to do such a summit? Thank you."
NATO Secretary General: "We are constantly consulting among NATO Allies. We have already conducted three NATO Summits this year. We will convene a summit when needed, so we have the meetings we need, when we need them. And we are constantly assessing also the need to then convene yet another summit to ensure that we have consultations and the right messages from NATO at all levels. We will have a ministerial meeting this week, and that provides a good opportunity to send a clear message and then we'll make decisions on a potential summit when we think the right the time is right.
Then on the nature of the war. Well, this is an illegal invasion of another country. It is a clear violation of international law. Russia invaded a sovereign independent nation, violated its territorial integrity and sovereignty. That actually didn't start in 2022 or in February of this year. It started in 2014. But of course they scaled up their aggressive actions against Ukraine in February, and they have violated international law in a blatant way. And we have also seen horrendous and horrific attacks against civilians, we have seen the reports from Bucha, from many other places in Ukraine. And the important thing now is that all facts are made available, that we have thorough investigations, NATO Allies support the ongoing investigations, and that those responsible are held accountable for these atrocities."
Thomas Gutschker (FAZ): "Thanks a lot. Thomas Gutschker, Frankfurt Allgemeine Zeitung. Secretary General, two questions. The first one, is the bridge across the Strait of Kerch a legitimate military target, in your view, and does that include a terrorist attack? And the second question, when you speak about stepping up support to Ukraine you mentioned air defence systems. Which other systems or types of weapons does Ukraine need now that it has not received yet to cope with their situation? Thank you".
NATO Secretary General: "Ukraine needs a wide range of different systems and that is, of course, a lot of lethal weapons, artillery, armoured vehicles, air defence systems and many other anti-tank weapons. But also, of course, non-lethal support: fuel and winter clothing, and communications systems and a lot of different types of support. And that is the reason why it was also so useful to meet, because when we meet tomorrow in the U.S.-led Contact Group for Ukraine but also at the NATO Defence Ministerial Meeting, with Defence Minister Reznikov, we have the best possible opportunity to go into details to discuss different lists and match these lists of needs from Ukraine with what NATO Allies and partners are able to provide. And that is what has been going on in this framework for now several months and also the reason why we have been able to mobilise so much support from NATO Allies and partners. There's an urgent need for air defence, but of course also many other capabilities: precision guided ammunition, HIMARS and other advanced modern NATO-standard systems. And we see that they are making a difference and we see that Ukrainian soldiers are able to utilise these modern systems in a very effective way, making gains on the battlefield.
Then it's not only a question of, you know, adding more and different systems. It is also to ensure that we have the fuel or the ammunition to existing systems. So since the war is continuing, logistics, resupplies of spare parts, ammunition, fuel to systems that are already delivered becomes more and more important. So they need almost everything and Allies are providing unprecedented support because they understand that we have a moral, political and security interest in ensuring that Ukraine wins the war against President Putin."
NATO Secretary General: "Sorry. Well, I… First of all, I think that we have to remember the starting point of this discussion. Crimea is illegally annexed by Russia. Crimea belongs to Ukraine, and NATO Allies and NATO have made it clear that we will not recognise and never recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea. And it was Russia that started this war, President Putin started this war. And then I will not go into who was behind the attack against that bridge, I will leave that to the Ukrainians to comment on that".
Lili Bayer (Politico): "Thank you very much. Lili from Politico. I have two brief questions. Going back to the issue of air defence, in the coming weeks – so in the short term – do you believe that NATO Allies have the capacity to provide Ukraine with all the air defence systems that Kyiv is asking for? Are you expecting any further announcements in the coming days? And the second question is more looking toward the future, given the domestic pressures in Russia, what kind of planning is there at NATO for the possibility of President Putin leaving office and the destabilisation that might follow? Is this something you are discussing? Thank you".
NATO Secretary General: "Just over the last days we have had two new announcements from NATO Allies – from Germany and United States – to provide more advanced air defence systems. The Germans announced it yesterday, and we welcome of course that. And United States has announced further delivery and we know also that they have announced that they're also ready to provide and deliver NASAMS, which are actually one of the many advanced systems that Ukraine has received over the last months. And again, we need more and we need also more ammunition to these systems and I welcome that Allies are doing that.
These air defence systems are making a difference because many of the incoming missiles were actually shot down by the Ukrainian air defence systems provided by NATO Allies. But of course, as long as not all of them are shot down, of course there is a need for more. And therefore we are going to address at the meeting this week, tomorrow, with Defence Minister Reznikov how, what type, and how can we ensure not only the delivery of the systems as soon as possible, but also training, spare parts and ammunition to their air defence capabilities.
Then, it was one more question? […] So first of all, I think that we just have to be prepared for the long haul. I will be careful speculating too much about the domestic political situation in Russia. Regardless of what different analysis may indicate, I think what we need to do at NATO is to be prepared for all eventualities and when it comes to Ukraine, be prepared to continue to support them."
Dejan Sajinovic (Nezavisne): "Thank you very much. Dejan Sajinovic, Nezavisne from Bosnia-Herzegovina. So next month, there's an important vote in Security Council about the extending the European Union military mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. After this year it was a routine, now maybe Russia could put a veto to the mission. What is your… Are you concerned about the situation, security situation, in Bosnia-Herzegovina? And maybe more broadly, what's your assessment of the situation in Western Balkans in security? Thank you."
NATO Secretary General: "We are of course following the situation in the Western Balkans very closely. We have several Allies who are Western Balkan countries and part of the successful NATO enlargement over the last years has been actually with countries from the Western Balkans, including most recently North Macedonia and Montenegro. NATO has a history in the Western Balkans; we helped to end the two brutal ethnic wars including the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We still have a presence in the Western Balkans with a KFOR mission in Kosovo and also our support for a NATO headquarters in Sarajevo and the support for the EU Operation Althea. I will not speculate about whether the mandate for Operation EUFOR Althea will be renewed or not. The only thing I will say is that it is in nobody's interest that the mandate is not renewed, because the EU presence there and with the support from NATO is helping to address the challenges Bosnia-Herzegovina faces. And of course, there are many concerns and many, many challenges we all face. But if we reduce the international presence of Althea, or our international presence in Bosnia, we're only making a difficult situation even more difficult."
Güldener Sonumut (NTV Turkey): "Güldener from NTV Turkey. Secretary General, there is a growing rhetoric, nuclear rhetoric, banalisation of the nuclear rhetoric in Moscow, and NATO is assessing the nuclear situation in Russia. So therefore, I have two short questions. The first is, what is your assessment about a nuclear risk? Is it true or not? And second, should this risk increase, are you ready to either warn the citizens and do the necessary to reassure the public opinion on that? Thank you."
NATO Secretary General: "NATO is prepared for any threat, any attack, against any NATO Ally. And that's the reason why we have NATO, to be able to deter also nuclear threats. And this was important before the invasion of Ukraine, it has become even more important after. Not least in light of the nuclear rhetoric from President Putin and from Russia. This nuclear rhetoric, or veiled threats, are dangerous and reckless. Russia knows that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. And we also conveyed clearly to Russia that they will have severe consequences if they use nuclear weapons in any way, including low yield nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Then, by ensuring that we have credible deterrence and defence, we are helping to reduce the risk of escalation. And therefore it is important that since 2014, we have implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence since the end of the Cold War. So we were prepared when Russia invaded Ukraine in February. And since then, we have further stepped up, increased our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. We activated our defence plans the morning of the invasion, and we made decisions in Madrid in June to further strengthen our collective defence. The purpose of this is to prevent war, preserve peace, and including prevent any use of nuclear weapons".
Gazprom: NATO Explosive Device Was Found By Nord Stream Pipeline In 2015 - Official spokesman for the Russian energy giant Gazprom Sergey Kupriyanov said Monday that a NATO mine destroyer, which is an explosive device was discovered near the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in 2015, according to the official Nord Stream company. Nord Stream Website.
Kupriyanov's on-air statement with Rossiya-24 TV channel said, "It is necessary to remind about developments at the Nord Stream gas pipeline that were already registered earlier. This case is well known.
On November 6, 2015, the NATO Seafox mine disposal unmanned underwater vehicle was found during the scheduled visual inspection of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. It lay in space between gas pipelines, clearly near one of strings".
Russian state news agency TASS reports that the explosive device was deactivated by Swedish Armed Forces at the time, and that gas transport was halted due to the emergency. It was then later resumed.
The NATO device that was discovered was called a SeaFox, and was taken from the water at a depth of about 125 feet.
Statement by Sweden after an investigation was carried out regarding the leaks: "The crime scene investigation that the Security Police conducted at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines is now complete. The investigation has strengthened the suspicions of serious sabotage.
The security police have since this weekend carried out the crime scene investigation with the support of the Coast Guard, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Police Agency. It has been a very well-functioning collaboration.
After a crime scene investigation, the Security Police can state that there have been detonations at Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Swedish economic zone, which have caused extensive damage to the gas pipelines.
During the crime scene investigation, certain seizures have been made. Within the framework of the preliminary investigation, the Security Police continuously undertakes various investigation measures. As part of the work, the seizures will now be reviewed and analyzed. The continued preliminary investigation must show whether someone can be served with suspicion and later prosecuted.
The security police are conducting the preliminary investigation into the incident at Nord Stream under the direction of prosecutors at the National Security Unit. After completing the crime scene investigation, the prosecutor has lifted the cordons at the scene.
The security police assess what happened in the Baltic Sea as very serious. The Security Police follows developments closely and takes the necessary measures based on the authority's mission to protect Sweden and Sweden's security. Swedish Prosecutor's Office's Press Release
Belarus Deploying Soldiers Along With Russian Forces Near Ukraine - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has ordered Belarusian soldiers to deploy along with Russian forces near Ukraine as a response to what he called a clear threat from Ukraine and the West.
During a security meeting on Monday, Lukashenko said that "Strikes on the territory of Belarus are not just being discussed in Ukraine today, but are also being planned. Their owners are pushing them to start a war against Belarus to drag us there."
"We have been preparing for this for decades. If necessary, we will respond," he added, and said that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken on the matter during their meeting in St Petersburg.
Lukashenko said that he and Putin had agreed to deploy a regional military group of Belarusian soldiers, and had already begun putting the forces together around two days ago after the attack on the Crimean bridge on Saturday.
"We launched this process, maybe a couple of days back," he said.
"In the wake of escalations on the western borders of the Union State, we agreed on deploying a regional group of forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. All these moves are consistent with our documents," he was quoted as saying by BelTA news agency.
"Now that the level of danger has reached this point, we will begin deploying a group of forces of the Union State".
He also reportedly said, "A second conflict is what we do not need. As you know, they have their own problems now. That is why, do not count on a large number [from the contingent] of the Russian Armed Forces but this group will number more than one thousand-strong."
"Be ready in the near future to take these people and put them where they need to be, according to our plan, without overdoing it and inflaming the situation".
He said that a warning had been given to Belarus about a planned "Crimean Bridge 2" through unofficial channels, and that he replied back with, "My answer was simple: 'Tell the president of Ukraine and the other lunatics: if they touch one meter of our territory then the Crimean Bridge will seem to them like a walk in the park'."
Yesterday, Ukrainian intelligence claimed that Russia was attempting to draw Belarus into an open war with Ukraine. The Ministry stated:
"On October 8th, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus was handed a diplomatic note saying that Ukraine was planning strikes within Belarus territory.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry released a statement regarding the incident in which it said that it rejects the latest insinuations of the Belarusian regime.
"We do not rule out that the delivery of a diplomatic note may be part of the Russian Federation's plan to carry out a provocation and further accuse Ukraine," the statement said.
The move by Belarus comes as Poland put out an advisory recommending its citizens to leave Belarus territory as tensions increase between Poland and Belarus, accompanied by Poland carrying out checks on the condition of its own bomb shelters.
German Visa Office Damaged By Rocket Fire During Russia's Attack On Kyiv, Ukraine - Germany's Foreign Ministry has reported that the German visa office located in Ukraine was damaged by rocket fire during Russia's attack on Kyiv in the morning.
The German Foreign Ministry stated, "Residents fleeing from rockets during morning rush hour. An impact crater next to a playground in central Kyiv . It is despicable & unjustifiable that Putin is firing missiles at major cities & civilians in #Ukraine . We are doing everything to strengthen [Ukrainian] air defenses."
A second statement by the Foreign Ministry said, "A building in Kyiv , which also houses the German visa office, was damaged by rocket fire this morning. Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression, these offices have not been used by our embassy. Our colleagues at the Embassy in Kyiv are well."
Poland Advises Citizens To Leave Belarus - Poland has put out an advisory recommending its citizens to leave Belarus territory as tensions increase between the two countries due to the conflict in Ukraine.
The government website stated, "We recommend that Polish citizens staying on the territory of the Republic of Belarus leave its territory with available commercial and private means".
The new advisory comes as Poland undergoes efforts to check the condition of its bomb shelters and takes inventory according to a Polish deputy minister.
Poland Checking Condition Of Bomb Shelters, Member Of Russian State Duma Calls On Attacks On Roads From Poland - Poland is now checking the condition of its bomb shelters and taking inventory in light of recent developments, according to a Polish deputy minister Reuters reports.
Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik spoke to Polsat News and said, "We have 62,000 such facilities across the country.
"Firefighters are checking their condition, whether they are equipped, and whether they are fit for use. If not, we will take steps to adapt them."
"These are routine activities," he said. "This action was planned some time ago".
Reuters has reported that the process for checking the condition of the bomb shelters will last around two months.
On October 9th, member of the Russian State Duma Petr Tolstoy called on Russia to attack "all roads from Poland", presumably due to the fact that NATO members are using those roads to deliver military supplies and weapons to Ukraine.
Member Of Russian State Duma Calls For Attacks On Roads Coming From Poland
Tolstoy's message (translated from Russian):
"Stop waiting!
The answer should be as tough as possible: bridges, power plants, all roads from Poland, headquarters and government shelters. We will have to drive Ukraine into the 18th century. Then, after the victory, we will restore everything.
Pity the Ukrainians. But you need to understand: the current state, when the operation is underway and our guys are fighting, and somewhere they are organizing holidays and fireworks, has already dragged on. We must get together and start. And don't care about the West, for us it is more important now to mobilize in the minds of the Russian people. Only in this way will victory be ours!"
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine - Event: Russia has launched attacks against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure as well as government facilities in Kyiv and elsewhere. Russia’s continued strikes in Ukraine pose a direct threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. The U.S. Embassy urges US citizens to shelter in place and depart Ukraine now using privately available ground transportation options when it is safe to do so.
If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover. If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.
If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands. Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk. After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.
The security situation throughout Ukraine is highly volatile and conditions may deteriorate without warning. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
Actions to Take: Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately in the event of mortar and/or rocket fire. Regularly monitor local and international news and social media news channels. Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible. Read Full Security Alert
White House Press Secretary Clarifies Biden's Armageddon Comments - White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed U.S. President Joe Biden's comments regarding the "prospect of Armageddon" on Sunday, saying that the President's statement reflects "the very high stakes that are in play”, in relation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats.
Kirby responded to Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week" and said, "The president was reflecting the very high stakes that are in play right now, Martha."
"When you have modern nuclear power and the leader of that modern nuclear power willing to use irresponsible rhetoric the way that Mr. Putin has several times in just the last week or two, as well as the high tension in Ukraine over just the course of the last few days,” he added.
"So the president, I think, was accurately reflecting the fact that the stakes are very high right now."
Kirby said that Biden's statements were not based on any new intelligence, and said that there is no indication that Putin "has made that kind of decision".
He also said that the United States has not "seen anything that would give us pause to reconsider our own strategic nuclear posture.”
"What the president was reflecting was that stakes are high right now, given what’s going on on the battlefield in Ukraine and given the very irresponsible and reckless comments made by Vladimir Putin in just the last few days," Kirby said.
French President Emmanuel Macron scolded Biden for using such rhetoric by saying, "We must speak with prudence when commenting on such matters."
Ukraine Claims To Have Killed 62,500 Russian Soldiers Since Beginning Of Invasion - The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has claimed that Russia has lost 62,500 Russian soldiers from the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 to October 9th, 2022.
A statement put out by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Force said, "The enemy’s total combat losses from Feb 24 to Oct 09 amounted to approximately 62,500 (+440)".
Ukrinform claims Russia has lost the following assets on the battlefield as well: "Since the full-scale invasion, the enemy lost 2,486 (+14) tanks, 5,133 (+22) armored combat vehicles, 1,477 (+18) artillery systems, 348 (+3) MLR systems, 180 air defense systems, 266 warplanes, 235 helicopters, 1,086 (+7) UAVs, 247 (+1) cruise missiles, 15 warships/cutters, 3,890 (+15) trucks and tankers, and 136 units of specialized equipment."
Russia: Both Ukrainian Special Services And Citizens Of Russia and Foreign Countries Participated In Bridge Bombing - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin regarding the explosion on the Crimean bridge and said stated that the bombing, which he called a "terrorist attack" was staged by Ukrainian special services and that both the Ukrainian special services and citizens of Russia and foreign countries participated in the bombing.
Russian state news RIA Novosti reported that the head of the Investigative Committee announced the initiation of a criminal case under the article "terrorism", and has informed the head of state of the suspects allegedly involved in the preparation of the Crimean bridge bombing.
"We have already established the route of the truck where the explosion occurred. These are Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, North Ossetia, Krasnodar… Carriers have been identified. With the help of FSB operatives, we managed to identify suspects from among those who could prepare a terrorist attack,” Bastrykin reportedly stated.
The Russian chairman of the Investigative Committee said that "both the Ukrainian special services and citizens of Russia and foreign countries" participated in the bombing.
The Russian news report also said that although trains had been delayed due to the bombing, they are back on schedule, however trucks and buses have to use a ferry to get to mainland Russia.
IAEA: Power Has Been Restored To Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant After Overnight Shelling - UKRAINE - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put out a statement saying that although recent shelling took out the power at Zaporizhzhya , Ukrainian engineers have restored the external power supply to the currently Russian-occupied nuclear power plant.
The IAEA stated that the nuclear power plant was forced to use back-up diesel generators for cooling the reactor blocks after the shelling.
"The resumption of shelling that damaged the station's only external power line is highly irresponsible," The IAEA sated yesterday.
It had also posted, "The renewed bombing of the plant at night led to the interruption of its connection to all external sources of electricity and its dependence on diesel generators to cool the reactors and in safety and security functions"
"The resumption of shelling, hitting the plant’s sole source of external power, is tremendously irresponsible.” A protection zone “is an absolute & urgent imperative” to prevent a nuclear accident," it said in another statement.
Energoatom stated on its official Telegram account after power had been restored, "After almost two days of operating the emergency cooling pumps of the active zones of the reactors with power from diesel generators, the operational staff are restoring the normal regimen of powering the plant's own needs from the energy system of Ukraine".
Armenia and Azerbaijan Trade Accusations Regarding Being Fired Upon By The Other - Statements from the Armenia and Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense pages are as follows (statements translated from original languages):
Armenian Ministry of Defense Statement October 9th, 2022: "On the evening of October 8, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from rifle weapons of different calibers in the direction of the Armenian positions located in the eastern part of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The units of the RA Armed Forces silenced the enemy's fire with retaliatory actions. The message of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that allegedly the units of the RA Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of the Azerbaijani positions is another misinformation."
Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense Statement October 9th, 2022: "In the evening of October 8, units of the Armenian armed forces fired from positions located in the direction of Yukhari Shorja of Basarkecher district, Khanazakh of Gorus district, Yellice settlement of Kalbajar district, and in the morning of October 9, the positions of Ordumuz located in the direction of Malibey settlement of Lachin district. caught. Adequate retaliatory measures were taken by the units of the Azerbaijani Army.
Ukrainian Intelligence Claims Russia Attempting To Draw Belarus Into War With Ukraine - Ukrainian intelligence claims that Russia is attempting to draw Belarus into an open war with Ukraine.
Ukraine, Vadim Skibitsky, a spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (GUR MO) spoke on the Ukrainian military television program "Under the Gun" said that Russia has been carrying out activities in order to "force the leadership of Belarus to enter an open war".
The press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate quoted Skibitsky as saying, "We see the activities carried out by the Russian Federation in order to force the leadership of Belarus to enter into an open war. Meetings between Putin and Lukashenka are constantly held, where this issue is discussed and Putin is trying to persuade Lukashenka to this decision.
To date, according to the military intelligence of Ukraine, 6 battalions are concentrated near our border. These are mechanized battalions, these are the battalions of the airborne troops of the so-called command of the special operations forces".
A representative of the military intelligence of Ukraine also said, "How long this situation will last will depend on how events develop at the front and, in general, how events develop in Russia’s war against our state".
On October 8th, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus was handed a diplomatic note saying that Ukraine was planning strikes within Belarus territory.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry released a statement regarding the incident in which it said that it rejects "the latest insinuations of the Belarusian regime."
"We do not rule out that the delivery of a diplomatic note may be part of the Russian Federation's plan to carry out a provocation and further accuse Ukraine," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry added.
British Ministry of Defense Intelligence Update For Ukraine, October 9th, 2022 - British Ministry of Defense Intelligence update for Ukraine, October 9th, 2022: "Early on 08 October 2022, an explosion damaged the Kerch Strait Bridge, the road and rail crossing which links Russian-occupied Crimea and the Krasnodar region of Russia.
Two of the four carriageways of the roadway have collapsed in several places over a length of approximately 250m. It is almost certain that some vehicle transits via the other two carriageways have resumed, but capacity will be seriously degraded.
The extent of damage to the rail crossing is uncertain, but any serious disruption to its capacity will highly likely have a significant impact on Russia’s already strained ability to sustain its forces in southern Ukraine.
The rail crossing was only opened to freight in June 2020, but the line has played a key role in moving heavy military vehicles to the southern front during the invasion.
This incident will likely touch President Putin closely; it came hours after his 70th birthday, he personally sponsored and opened the bridge, and its construction contractor was his childhood friend, Arkady Rotenberg.
In recent months, Putin’s former bodyguard, now commander of the Russian National Guard, Viktor Zolatov, has provided public assurances about the security of the bridge."
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Regarding Provocation by Belarus - Statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding alleged provocation by Belarus (accusations by Belarus that Ukraine was planning an attack on Belarus territory):
"On the evening of October 8, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Minsk, Ihor Kyzym, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and he was presented with a diplomatic note.
In the note, the Belarusian side claims that Ukraine is allegedly planning an attack on the territory of Belarus.
This information is not true. We categorically reject the next insinuations of the Belarusian regime. We do not rule out that the handing over of the diplomatic note may be part of the Russian Federation's plan to provoke and further accuse Ukraine.
We call on the Belarusian people not to succumb to provocations. Ukraine has never encroached on foreign territories. We strictly adhere to the fundamental norms and principles of international law and the UN Charter.
The authorities in Belarus should stop following the whims of the Kremlin and immediately stop supporting Russia in its aggression against Ukraine."
US Navy Reconnaissance Plan Spotted In Baltic Hours After Pipeline Began Leaking - NORD STREAM PIPELINE - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022.
Around the time the pipelines began leaking fuel into the Baltic Sea Seismologists registered two explosions in the same area.
Reuters cited a U.S. Navy spokesperson as saying, "The U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft shown in the tracking data conducted a routine Baltic Sea maritime reconnaissance flight, unrelated to the leaks from the Nord Stream pipelines".
When asked if any intelligence was collected that might aid investigators in understanding how the pipeline ruptures occurred, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa spokesperson, Capt. Tamara Lawrence said: "We do not have any additional information to provide at this time."
The crime scene survey by the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) reported in a press release that large explosions had occurred causing the damage to the pipelines.
"The crime scene investigation has shown that there have been detonations near Nord Stream 1 and 2, within the Swedish economic zone, resulting in extensive damage to the gas pipelines," SAPO's statement said.
"The investigation into the Nord Stream events is being conducted by the Swedish Security Service and is headed by a National Security Unit prosecutor. As the crime scene investigation has been completed, the prosecutor has lifted the cordons around the area," the Swedish security service added.
New Senior Commander Appointed For Russia's "Special Military Operation" In Ukraine - Sergei Sorobikin, former commander of Russia in Syria has reportedly been appointed the new senior commander of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant General Igor Konashekov said, "Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu appointed Army General Sergey Surovikin to command the joint group of forces involved in a special military operation in Ukraine".
"Army General Sergey Surovikin has been appointed to command the joint group of forces in the area of the special military operation in Ukraine based on the Russian defense minister’s decision," he added.
HHS purchases drug for use in radiological and nuclear emergencies - According to the ASPR government website, The U.S. Government has purchased $290 million worth of Nplate, from Amgen USA Inc. "as part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies."
Nplate is used to treat radiation sickness during nuclear emergencies. It reduces bleeding during exposure to radiation.
"As part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is purchasing a supply of the drug Nplate from Amgen USA Inc; Nplate is approved to treat blood cell injuries that accompany acute radiation syndrome in adult and pediatric patients (ARS).
Amgen, based in Thousands Oaks, California, developed Nplate for ARS with support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.
BARDA is using its authority provided under the 2004 Project Bioshield Act and $290 million in Project BioShield designated funding to purchase this supply of the drug. Amgen will maintain this supply in vendor-managed inventory.
This approach decreases life-cycle management costs for taxpayers because doses that near expiration can be rotated into the commercial market for rapid use prior to expiry and new doses can be added to the government supply.
ARS, also known as radiation sickness, occurs when a person’s entire body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation, reaching internal organs in a matter of seconds. Symptoms of ARS injuries include impaired blood clotting as a result of low platelet counts, which can lead to uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding.
To reduce radiation-induced bleeding, Nplate stimulates the body’s production of platelets. The drug can be used to treat adults and children.
Nplate is also approved for adult and pediatric patients with immune thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder resulting in low platelet counts. Repurposing drugs for acute radiation syndrome that also are approved for a commercial indication helps to sustain availability of the product and improves healthcare provider familiarity with the drug.
About HHS, ASPR, and BARDA: HHS works to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans, providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services. ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security.
Within ASPR, BARDA invests in the innovation, advanced research and development, acquisition, and manufacturing of medical countermeasures – vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products – needed to combat health security threats." Read Full Statement
US Navy Reconnaissance Plan Spotted In Baltic Hours After Pipeline Began Leaking - NORD STREAM PIPELINE - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022.
Around the time the pipelines began leaking fuel into the Baltic Sea Seismologists registered two explosions in the same area.
Reuters cited a U.S. Navy spokesperson as saying, "The U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft shown in the tracking data conducted a routine Baltic Sea maritime reconnaissance flight, unrelated to the leaks from the Nord Stream pipelines".
When asked if any intelligence was collected that might aid investigators in understanding how the pipeline ruptures occurred, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa spokesperson, Capt. Tamara Lawrence said: "We do not have any additional information to provide at this time."
The crime scene survey by the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) reported in a press release that large explosions had occurred causing the damage to the pipelines.
"The crime scene investigation has shown that there have been detonations near Nord Stream 1 and 2, within the Swedish economic zone, resulting in extensive damage to the gas pipelines," SAPO's statement said.
"The investigation into the Nord Stream events is being conducted by the Swedish Security Service and is headed by a National Security Unit prosecutor. As the crime scene investigation has been completed, the prosecutor has lifted the cordons around the area," the Swedish security service added.
US Navy Reconnaissance Plan Spotted In Baltic Hours After Pipeline Began Leaking - NORD STREAM PIPELINE - A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane (P-8A Poseidon) was spotted flying across the Baltic Sea just hours after the Nord Stream pipeline began leaking into the ocean on September 26th, 2022.
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Regarding Provocation by Belarus - Translated statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding alleged provocation by Belarus (accusations by Belarus that Ukraine was planning an attack on Belarus territory).
"On the evening of October 8, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Minsk, Ihor Kyzym, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and he was presented with a diplomatic note.
In the note, the Belarusian side claims that Ukraine is allegedly planning an attack on the territory of Belarus.
This information is not true. We categorically reject the next insinuations of the Belarusian regime. We do not rule out that the handing over of the diplomatic note may be part of the Russian Federation's plan to provoke and further accuse Ukraine.
We call on the Belarusian people not to succumb to provocations.
Ukraine has never encroached on foreign territories. We strictly adhere to the fundamental norms and principles of international law and the UN Charter.
The authorities in Belarus should stop following the whims of the Kremlin and immediately stop supporting Russia in its aggression against Ukraine."
Russia Reports 3 People Dead In Bridge Explosion - RIA Novosti has reported that three people died in the bridge explosion, according to Russia's investigative committee.
Novosti cited the committee as saying, "These are, presumably, the passengers of a car that was next to the blown up truck. At present, the bodies of two dead men and women have already been raised from the water, their identities are being established"
The Russian state news agency also reported that "according to the documents, the van was owned by a resident of the Kuban".
"Investigators are studying the route of his movement, and are also conducting searches at the place of residence," Novosti added.
Bomb Severely Damages Bridge Linking Crimea To Russia - A 12 mile long bridge linking Russia-annexed Crimea with Russia across the Kerch Strait has been severely damaged by a bomb.
Russia says that the damage was caused by a truck bomb that went on to ignite seven railway cars that had been carrying fuel, which resulted in "partial collapse of two sections of the bridge."
Damage to the bridge, however looks to be far more extensive than Russia has reported it to be.
RIA Novosti reports: (translated) "There are no forecasts for the timing of the restoration of the Crimean bridge yet, Peskov told RIA Novosti".
Zelensky Says Ukraine Has Liberated 940 Square Miles Of Land From Russia - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put out a video address on Friday announcing that Ukraine has liberated 2,434 square kilometers (940 square miles), as well as 96 settlements in Ukraine's east in their recent offensive against Russian positions.
He also announced that last week Ukrainian forces took 776 square kilometers (300 square miles), as well as 29 settlements in Ukraine's east. Thursday, he stated that over 500 square kilometers (190 square miles) of land had been recaptured in Ukraine's south.
IAEA: Power Transmission Line To Zaporizhia Nuclear Reactor Shelled - Posted by official International Atomic Energy Agency account (IAEA): "Yesterday, an industrial zone outside the #Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was shelled, damaging the power transmission line that supplies power to the No. 6 reactor unit, which had to temporarily rely on emergency diesel generators for power."
Five diesel generators at the #zaporozhye nuclear power plant powered the reactor for about an hour and a half, after which the unit was connected to alternative power sources at the other four reactors, keeping the core cool.
"I am very grateful to our two experts who have been working at the plant for over five weeks, as well as the four experts who are currently working there. This is what they have done in extremely challenging conditions. Extremely important work and we are proud of them." Today, IAEA experts replaced colleagues who previously worked at the #Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. Director General@rafaelmgrossi."
Lukashenko: Moscow, Minsk will think about Response To The Nuclear Threat In Poland - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko: Moscow and Minsk will think about the response to the nuclear threat in Poland. (translated)
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying, "You have heard statements that they allegedly have already agreed: we will move nuclear weapons arsenals to Poland. We will think. We have already decided, we will think again how to respond to this. Don’t worry, everything will be fine".
Biden: Threat Of Nuclear Armageddon Highest Since Cuban Missile Crisis In 1962 - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated Tuesday amidst reports that nuclear weapons were being moved to the frontlines that, "We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture, nor do we have indication that Russia is preparing to imminently use nuclear weapons".
U.S. Strategic Command on September 28th also stated, "We haven’t seen any evidence at this time that Russia will use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. We take these threats very seriously, but we have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture at this time."
Putin is "not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons, because his military is, you might say, significantly under performing," Biden said.
He also said, "we have not seen the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis" and said "we have a direct threat of the use of nuclear weapons if in fact things continue down the path they are going".
"We've got a guy I know fairly well..."
"We're trying to figure out what is Putin's off-ramp," Biden stated.
"I don't think there's any such thing as the ability to easily (use) a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon," Biden added.
"Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself in a position that he does not, not only lose face, but lose significant power within Russia?".
Putin has repeatedly pointed to Russia's vast nuclear capabilities, making a statement on September 21st that said, “I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction ... and when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal".
"It’s not a bluff," He added.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last week that the United States has been "clear" to Russia about the "consequences" of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
"This is something that we are attuned to, taking very seriously, and communicating directly with Russia about, including the kind of decisive responses the United States would have if they went down that dark road" Sullivan stated.
Swedish Security Service Concludes Investigations On Nord Stream Pipeline Leaks - Swedish security service concluded its investigation on the four Nord stream pipeline leaks and stated: "There have been detonations at Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Swedish economic zone, which have caused extensive damage to the gas pipelines."
"The crime scene investigation that the Security Police conducted at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines is now complete. The investigation has strengthened the suspicions of serious sabotage."
"Chamber prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist has decided to lift the blockades around Nord Stream 1 and 2. The crime scene investigation is now finished and the suspicion has been strengthened."
"- We can confirm that there have been detonations at Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Swedish economic zone, which have caused extensive damage to the gas pipelines. The crime scene investigation has strengthened the suspicions of serious sabotage. Seizures have been made at the crime scene and these will now be investigated. There is pre-trial confidentiality and the case is very sensitive."
"The cooperation between the Prosecutor's Office, the Security Police, the Coast Guard and the Armed Forces works very well. It is a serious incident and it is a message of strength that the authorities involved fulfill their respective tasks in the best possible way, says chamber prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist, who leads the preliminary investigation."
General Petraeus: US Would Destroy Russia's Troops And Equipment, Sink Black Sea Fleet If Putin Uses Nuclear Weapons - United States - If Russian President Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons, the US and its allies "would destroy Russia’s troops and equipment in Ukraine and will sink its Black Sea fleet," former CIA director and retired four-star general for the United States Army David Petraeus stated in an interview Sunday.
"Just to give you a hypothetical, we would respond by leading a NATO, a collective effort, that would take out every Russian conventional force that we can see and identify on the battlefield in Ukraine and also in Crimea and every ship in the Black Sea," he added.
When asked if Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine would draw America and NATO into the war, the General said that it would not trigger NATO's Article 5, which states that an attack on one member of the NATO alliance is an attack on all NATO members, due to the fact that Ukraine is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but he did say that there would be a NATO response to such an attack.
He said that radiation from such an attack would likely reach NATO member countries protected by Article 5, which could be seen as an attack on a NATO member.
"Perhaps you can make that case, the other case is that this is so horrific that there has to be a response – it cannot go unanswered.”
However, he also added "You don’t want to, again, get into a nuclear escalation here. But you have to show that this cannot be accepted in any way."
He said that he did not speak with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan on what the response from the United States would be if Russia used nuclear weapons, but said that officials in the administration has been communicating the response to Russia in dedicated channels.
General Petraeus claimed that Putin is losing the war in Ukraine, and said that "the battlefield reality he [Putin] faces" is "irreversible".
Nord Stream 2 No Longer Leaking, Equalibrium Reached - EUROPE - The Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea is no longer leaking, according to a Nord Stream 2 spokesman who talked to the AFP news agency.
The Spokesman said that an equilibrium has been reached between the gas pressure, and water pressure.
Nord Stream 2 Spokesman Ulrich Lissek stated, "The water pressure has more or less closed the pipeline so that the gas which is inside can’t go out. The conclusion is that there is still gas in the pipeline."
When he was asked how much gas he believes is in the pipeline, he said "That is the one-million-dollar question."
An explosion, which is believed to have been an act of sabotage caused four leaks to appear in the pipeline in the Baltic Sea, off Bornholm, Denmark.
Two of the leaks are in the Swedish exclusive economic zone, while the other two are in the Danish exclusive economic zone.
Swedish and Danish reports say that they believe the pipeline was ruptured by hundreds of kilograms of explosives.
Danish news The Local cited a joint report by Denmark and Sweden to the United Nations Security Council that said, "The magnitude of the explosions was measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter Scale, respectively, probably corresponding to an explosive load of several hundred kilos".
The Danish and Swedish joint report said, "All available information indicates that those explosions are the result of a deliberate act".
White House National Security Advisor Says Reinforcements Have Been Sent To Europe To Bolster Forces - White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the US military in Europe is ready for "any contingency" and says that multiple reinforcements have been sent to bolster US forces in Europe.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said "We feel we have in place right now the capacity to respond to any contingency".
Russian Nuclear Capable Bombers Spotted Near Finland - The Israeli intelligence firm called ImageSat International (ISI) has spotted an "irregular presence" of Russian TU-160 and TU-95 strategic bomber aircraft at the Olenya Airbase, which is located close to Finland on the Kola Peninsula near Murmansk.
The satellite images show four TU-160s on August 21st, and three TU-95s on September 25th.
“Through ongoing Patterns-of-Life, the system indicates that Engels Air Base is the possible departure point of the strategic bombers detected in Olenya airbase," the ISI report stated.
The Engels Air Base is the only Russian air base near Ukraine that contains strategic bombers, which are able to carry both cruise missiles and strategic nuclear warheads.
The bombers have been "active in the Ukrainian war" since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The reason for the strategic bombers being moved to the Olenya Airbase is unclear, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has been recently threatening that Russia could use nuclear weapons, and then saying "this is not a bluff".
Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Vadym Skibitsky had said that the threat of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine is "very high" during an interview with The Guardian Tuesday.
Skibitsky said that the tactical nuclear weapons would be likely used on the front lines where there is a large number of people, equipment and command centers, as well as critical infrastructure so as to inflict the most damage to Ukraine.
Ukraine Applies For NATO Membership - Ukraine has said that they are officially submitting an application for membership to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Ukrainian President Volodomir Zelensky said in a speech, "De facto, we have already become a NATO ally. We trust each other, we help each other, and we protect each other. This is the Alliance. Today Ukraine submits an application to make this de jure. (Our accession) would be a formal solidifying of the real state of things we've already achieved.."
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense stated, "Today Ukraine is submitting its application for NATO Membership."
"We are taking our decisive step by signing Ukraine's application for accelerated accession to NATO.
"It was our state that repeatedly offered Russia to agree on coexistence on equal, honest, dignified and fair terms. It is obvious that this is impossible with this Russian president. He does not know what dignity and honesty are. Therefore, we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with another president of Russia," he added.
Reports Of Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant Being On Fire False - Multiple reports that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant was on fire and that power unit Number 6 was damaged. Energodar's official channel says that these reports are false. Official looking Telegram channel transcripts are being passed around social media, but Energodar has rejected the claims. Russian state media have also reported that the claims are false.
Energodar Official Statement
"!! As of 15:40 on 29 September 2022, no fires and ignitions were recorded at Zaporizhzhia NPP power units.
False information about a fire at the second power unit of ZNPP is being spread in Telegram channels. We officially inform that this is not true. As of 15:40 on September 29, 2022, no fires and ignitions were recorded at Zaporizhzhia NPP power units.
We assume that this false information appeared as a result of the following event. The perimeter around Zaporizhzhya NPP is mined by the Russian military, who are at the station. There have already been six cases when these mines exploded due to wild boars, dogs, foxes. Today, another explosion occurred on the perimeter - on the line supplying voltage to the nitrogen-oxygen station from power unit No. 6. As a result of the explosion, the line was damaged, due to a voltage surge, one of the voltage transformers at power unit No. 6 was short-circuited with a slight smoke. For safety reasons, a fire brigade was called, but it was not necessary to use it, because it was not necessary.
So, now the greatest danger is posed by the perimeter of the plant and approaches and entrances to it mined by the Rashists. There is only one way to guarantee complete safety of ZNPP and its surroundings - by creating a security zone, de-occupation of the plant and returning it under the control of the state of Ukraine."
Poland Issues New Travel Alert Advising Against Travel To Russia - Poland has issued a new travel alert advising against any travel to the Russian Federation in connection with the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland by the authorities of the Russian Federation as an "unfriendly state".
Although the alert was recently posted over Twitter by the Ministry, it appears to be an ongoing alert.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against any travel to the Russian Federation in connection with the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland by the authorities of the Russian Federation as an unfriendly state."
The readout of the alert on their website states: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against any travel to the Russian Federation in connection with the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland by the authorities of the Russian Federation as an unfriendly state.
We would like to draw your attention to the suspension of direct air connections between Poland and Russia and the very limited possibilities of travel to / from Poland, the lack or extremely limited access to funds allocated in Poland (e.g. the inability to use Polish payment cards), as well as the activities of local services, such as arbitrary detentions, cell phone searches and the potential impossibility of leaving Russia in the event of dual citizenship.
Due to the significantly reduced number of Polish diplomatic and consular staff in Russia, the possibility of providing direct consular assistance to Polish citizens is very limited.
In the event of a drastic deterioration of the security situation, the closure of borders or other unforeseen situations, evacuation may turn out to be significantly difficult or even impossible.
We recommend that you follow the announcements on the website of the Ministry and on the websites of Polish missions in Russia and report your stay in the " Odysseus " system.
We recommend Polish citizens staying on the territory of the Russian Federation to leave its territory with available commercial and private means."
Germany: Leaks On Nord Stream Look Like Targeted Attacks, Explosions Recorded - German authorities say that a pressure drop of both the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines look to be a "targeted attack". Explosions have been recorded in the area before the leaks were detected. Read Full Article
Russian Official Medvedev: Nuclear Weapon Threat "Not A Bluff - Russian official Medvedev said that the United States would not intervene even if Russia uses the "most formidable weapon," and said the country has the right to use nuclear weapons "if necessary," and said that it is "certainly not a bluff". Read Full Article
DOD: Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric - RUSSIA/UKRAINE - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read Full Article
North Korean State News: Country Is Not And Will Not Be Exporting Weapons To Russia - North Korean state media has reported that the country is not exporting weapons to Russia, and does not have any plans at all to do so.
The North Korean military issued a 'rare' statement according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA, where it said, "We have never exported weapons or ammunition to Russia before and we will not plan to export them".
The statement also said, "We condemn the U.S. for thoughtlessly circulating the rumor against the DPRK to pursue its base political and military aim."
"Not only the development, production, possession of military equipment, but also their export and import are the lawful right peculiar to a sovereign state. We have never recognized the UNSC unlawful 'sanctions resolution' against the DPRK, which was cooked up by the U.S. and its vassal forces."
Russia Drafts 300,000 Reservists, Announces Number Of Combat Deaths - MOSCOW - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that Russia will be drafting 300,000 reservists, and says that mobilization is necessary in order to "consolidate" Ukrainian territory that the country has occupied. Read Full Article
White House: Putin Appears To Be On Brink Of Potential Mobilization Measures - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says that President Putin appears to be on the brink of proceeding with plans to hold "sham referenda" in areas of Ukraine and potentially preparing for potential mobilization measures. Russia says, "there will be no general mobilization" but may be martial law. Read Full Article
Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Defense stated that "there will be no general mobilization," but said that martial law "could be introduced in some places".
This, after the White House released a statement saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be on the brink of proceeding with plans to hold "sham referenda" in areas of Ukraine and potentially preparing for potential mobilization measures.
Kartapolov said, "There will be no general mobilization. The president has spoken about this more than once and is directly speaking through his press secretary Dmitry Peskov and many other politicians at the federal level. "Law" is not the same as "mobilization." It is not adopted specifically for a special military operation, it is adopted, to perform it for a long time, at least until the time comes when the need for it disappears".
He also added, "The closest analogue is the counter-terrorist operation regime, which during the first and second Chechen wars was declared in the border areas. In Stavropol, for example. During martial law, all power in the region is completely transferred to the military administration, restrictions on the movement of citizens are introduced the same commandant hour, - a special mode of operation of critical infrastructure facilities, a ban on entry and exit, and so on. That, in fact, all this will happen".
Ukraine Accuses Russia Of Shelling Second Nuclear Power Plant - The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has accused Russia of attempting to shell a second nuclear power plant in the Mykolaiv region. The defense ministry posted a video allegedly showing the shelling taking place.
The shelling is said to have taken place 300 meters from the nuclear power plant, which caused a "powerful explosion".
The statement the ministry posted said, "Last night russian terrorists attempted to strike the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant in the Mykolaiv region. A missile fell 300 meters from the plant. kremlin’s nuclear terrorism continues. russia is the threat to the whole world."
A statement by Ukraine’s operator of the nuclear power stations Energoatom said, "The shock wave damaged the buildings of the nuclear power plant, more than 100 windows were broken. One of the hydraulic units of the Oleksandrivska Hydroelectric Power Plant, which is part of the South Ukrainian power complex, shut down. Three high-voltage power transmission lines also shut down".
Ceasefire Between Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Holding Up - After a ceasefire agreement was reached between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the countries Ministry of Defense is reporting no new activity, indicating that the ceasefire between the two countries is holding up thus far.
Germany Takes Control Of Three Russian Oil Refineries - Germany has taken control of three Russian oil refineries, it said on Friday, September 16th. Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH, it announced will be placed under Germany's Federal Network Agency. Read Full Article
CIA: No Concrete Evidence Russia Planning To Use Weapons Of Mass Destruction - CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that although we should not underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine, the CIA has no concrete evidence that Russia is planning to use "weapons of mass destruction".
"I don't think we should underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine. I don't think we've seen any reason to believe he's given that up," he stated, after being asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin possibly using weapons of mass destruction if his progress in Ukraine is hindered by the Ukrainian military.
He said that although the United States shouldn't underestimate the Russian President's "risk appetite", "We have seen no concrete evidence of planning to use weapons of mass destruction," according to the Radio Free Europe news agency.
Intense Fighting Between Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan - Fighting has been reported between Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, in which both countries have blamed each other for violating the ceasefire agreement. Read Full Article
DOD: $600 Million Additional Aid To Ukraine - DoD authorizes the Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $600 million to Ukraine. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first drawdown since August 2021. Read Full Article
Ongoing Report: Azerbaijan And Armenia Exchange Fire, And Blame - Ongoing Report: Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire, with each side's Ministry of Defense putting out a version of events that conflicts with the other's. The below statements from each respective Ministry of Defense has been translated to English. Updated September 14th, 2022. Read Full Article
Greece Fires On Turkish Vessel, Says It Entered Territorial Waters - Greece has fired on a Turkish vessel and said that it entered territorial waters. Turkey, on the other hand, says that the incident happened in international waters, and that Greece shot at it with 'harassment fire'. Read Full Article
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Reestablished To Ukrainian Power Grid - UKRAINE - After the six-reactor Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor, the largest nuclear reactor in Europe, and one of the top 10 largest in the world had been disconnected from power for around a weeks time, it has now had its connection to Ukraine's power grid reestablished. Read Full Article
DOD: Biden Administration Announces Another $2.68 Billion Assistance To Ukraine - DOD - The Defense Department has put out a statement saying that the Biden administration has approved another assistance package valued at $675 million in "U.S. assistance to Ukraine", along with another $2 Billion in long-term military financing to "European countries threatened by Russia". Read Full Article
Russia: Gas Supplies To Europe Won't Be Resumed Until Western Sanctions Lifted - Gas supplies to Europe won't be resumed until the West lifts sanctions against Moscow, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who said that Western sanctions against Russia are to blame for the Nord Stream pipeline being taken offline. Read Full Article
Queen Elizabeth II Has Now Passed On - Queen Elizabeth II Has Now Passed On. The official Royal Family Twitter account has released a statement saying that the Queen Elizabeth II has now passed on. The statement said, "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Putin Confident Russia Hasn't Lost A Thing From Ukraine Conflict | Brief Conflict Overview - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is "confident" that Russia hasn't lost a thing during Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Brief overview on what started the conflict in 2014. Brief conflict overview.. Read Full Article
Invasion Of Taiwan Would Give Emboldened China Edge Over Microchip Industry - China has been increasingly aggressive about controlling the microchip industry and emboldened in its aggressive stance towards Taiwan since the U.S. pullout of Afghanistan, and the lack of direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict by the United States. Read Full Article
Gazprom Signs Deal With China To Pay For Gas In Yuan And Rubles Rather Than US Dollar - Russian energy giant Gazprom has said that it has signed a deal with China to pay for Russian gas in the Chinese yuan and Russian ruble, rather than paying with the U.S. dollar. Read Full Article
Declassified Intelligence: Russia Requested Ammunition From North Korea - According to a newly declassified U.S. Intelligence, Russia could be purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. The White House has indicated that Moscow looking to purchase arms from North Korea and claims that it is further evidence that Russia is desperate, and that its ammunition supplies are running low as its "special operation" on Ukraine passes its six and a half month mark. Read Full Article
Zaporizhzhia Power Plant Forced Offline, As The IAEA Team Reports Risks - ZAPORIZHZHIA - One day after a visit by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) team, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was forced offline after an artillery shell fell between two reactors, damaging the main power line on Saturday morning, September 3rd. Read Full Article
Siemens Energy Says Leak Not A Reason To Stop Nord Stream Pipeline - RUSSIA - Siemens Energy corporation has put out a statement saying that an engine oil leak is no reason to stop the Nord Stream gas pipeline, and said that the leak should have been able to be sealed on site. Read Full Article
IAEA Team Mission To Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Successful - ENERHODAR - The UN IAEA Team, led by Director-General Rafael Grossi, has arrived, conducted their intended safeguarding mission, and left the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Read Full Article
Russia Initiates Wargames With China And Others Amid Tensions With The Western World - KREMLIN - On Thursday, September 1st, Russia initiated the Vostok 2022 exercise. Being held in the far east of Russia and the Sea of Japan, The wargames are intended to demonstrate to western countries that Russia still has enough military to hold these massive exercises while it is still engaged in Ukraine. Read Full Article
As IAEA Proceeds To The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Tensions Mount - KYIV - On Wednesday, August 31st, The United Nations International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) dispatched its team to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), amid rising tensions between The Russian Federation and the sovereign state of Ukraine. Read Full Article
IAEA Team On It's Way To Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant - Amid renewed shelling at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the UN's IAEA has decided to go ahead and visit the plant and has dispatched a team of nuclear specialists. The facility, which has a total of six nuclear reactors, has already been taken completely offline during shelling the previous week, according to the IAEA website. Read Full Article
Security Alert – Montenegro, (Near Kosovo) - A security alert has been released by the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, which is located near Kosovo. Event: A persistent and ongoing cyber-attack is in process in Montenegro. The attack may include disruptions to the public utility, transportation (including border crossings and airport), and telecommunication sectors. Actions to take: Be aware of your surroundings, Limit movement and travel to the necessities, Review your personal security plans, Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, Monitor local media for updates. Read Full Article
BRICS: Russia & India No Longer Need U.S. Dollar - The president of the BRICS International Forum, Purnima Anand told reporters on Thursday that both Russia and India no longer need the U.S. dollar, as they have turned to national currencies to conduct mutual settlements. Read Full Article
Final Agreement At UN Nuclear Treaty Conference Blocked By Russia - Final review and agreement of the U.N. Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which is its foundation for nuclear disarmament, was blocked by Russia due to its critical statements regarding Russia's invasion in nation of Ukraine. Read Full Article
U.S. Threatens Sanctions on Turkey For Russia Connections - The United States Treasury Department has issued a letter that contains a threat of possible sanctions for Turkey's leading business organization on the grounds of Russian Collaboration. Read Full Article
Ukrainian Train Station Attacked By Russia On Ukraine's Independence Day - CHAPLYNE, UKRAINE - On Ukraine's Independence Day, Wednesday, August 24th, A Russian missile strike hit a civilian train station in the small town of Chaplyne, which is in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Originally it was reported that 15 were deceased and 50 were wounded. The death toll has risen to 22. Read Full Article
Gazprom Announces Nord Stream Shutdown For 3 Days - Gas flow from Nord Stream will be stopped for three days, from August 31st to September 2nd, according to Russian state news agency TASS, who says that the downtime is needed in order to repair the only fuel compressor unit that currently remains in operation. Read Full Article
Russian And Ukrainian Nationals Arrested Trying to Enter Albanian Military Plant - Three foreign citizens, 2 from Russia and 1 from Ukraine, have been arrested while trying to enter an Albanian Military Plant, with 2 Albanian soldiers injured in the event. Read Full Article
Independence Day Gatherings Banned In Ukraine For Safety Concerns - KYIV - Wednesday, August 24th, will mark 31 years free from Soviet rule in Ukraine, but the date will come and go, without celebration, in fears of safety concerns, due to Russia's "special military operation." Read Full Article
US Embassy In North Macedonia: Flyover Of B-52s Today - The US Embassy in North Macedonia put out a message saying, "Look up! Today at 2:30 pm there will be a low-altitude flyover of two B-52s in Skopje. The purpose of the flyover is to demonstrate U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and Partners in the Balkans." Read Full Article
US Embassy In North Macedonia: Flyover Of B-52s Today - The US Embassy in North Macedonia put out a message saying, "Look up! Today at 2:30 pm there will be a low-altitude flyover of two B-52s in Skopje. The purpose of the flyover is to demonstrate U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and Partners in the Balkans." Read Full Article
US State Department Deeply Concerned About Turkish Military Activity In Syria - The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that they are deeply concerned about increasing tensions in Northeastern Syria regarding a suspected Turkish drone attack that killed four teenage girls and injured 11 other people who were playing volleyball at a girl's center in Hasakah, Syria. Read Full Article
Daughter Of Famous Russian Public Figure Alexander Dugin Killed In Car Explosion - The daughter of famous Russian public figure and political scientist Alexander Dugin was killed in a vehicle explosion on a highway near Moscow according to authorities and Russian state media.
The daughter of famous Russian public figure and political scientist Alexander Dugin was killed in a vehicle explosion near on a highway near Moscow according to authorities and Russian state media.
The vehicle that Darya Dugina was in at the time exploded on the Mozhayskoye highway at about 9:45 pm Saturday, with preliminary reports saying that she had died instantly in the blast, along with another woman who was the driver of the vehicle at the time the blast took place.
According to a Russian Investigation Committee, "The crime was planned in advance and committed on order, according to information received."
US Military B-52 Nuclear Capable Bombers Return To Base In United Kingdom - On August 18th US military B-52 nuclear-capable bombers returned to the 'RAF' Fairford US Air Force base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom from the Minot Air Base in North Dakota.
B-52 bombers can travel up to 8,800 miles without needing to refuel, up to 70,000 lbs of equipment and fly up to 50,000 feet. The RAF Fairford base is a forward operating base for the United States while carrying out missions with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies.
The United States Air Force stated that "Regularly integrating with our allies improves our cooperation and operational capacity, capability and interoperability. Occurring since 2018, bomber rotations through Europe maintain our readiness to execute a wide variety of missions across two continents, sustaining peace through deterrence."
Mykolaiv, Ukraine Puts Out Official Radiation Exposure Notice For Population - Ukraine's Mykolaiv Regional State Administration has put out a radiation exposure notice on its official Facebook page for the Ukrainian population outside of the NPP surveillance zone. Read Full Article
Major US Security Assistance Package Of $775 Million To Ukraine To Be Unveiled - The United States Department of Defense has released a statement regarding another major security assistance package to be sent to Ukraine valued at $775 million. View DOD Statement
China Holds Joint 2022 International Military Exercises Co-Hosted By 12 Countries - The Chinese Ministry of Defense has reported that their military is carrying out joint military exercises that are co-hosted by 12 countries, with 37 countries in total participating. Read Full Article
Gazprom Says Gas Prices In Europe Could Go Up Over $4,000 This Winter - Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy corporation says that gas prices in Europe could go over $4,000 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time in history on Tuesday. Read Full Article
United States at Edge of War With China and Russia, Weighs In Henry Kissinger - Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, in an analytical statement of world events, states that the U.S. is "Teetering on the brink of war" with China and Russia and owns some responsibility for its manifestation. Read Full Article
Market In The Capital of Armenia Hit With Huge Explosion - ARMENIA - A series of explosions hit the Surmalu shopping center in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on August 14th, leaving 20 people injured and 1 person dead. Fires have now broken out and an unknown number of people are reportedly trapped under debris, according to the Yerevan Mayor's office. Read Full Article
Russian Federation Begins Using Out-Of-Date Aircraft As It Loses Fighters At An Alarming Rate - CRIMEA - Approximately 24 Su-35 aircraft have been lost during the special military operation in Ukraine, resulting in the Russian Federation resurrecting old and outdated fighter jets, according to a social media post from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Read Full Article
NORAD: Alaskan Defense Zone Breached By Russian Surveillance Aircraft - From the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), For the last two days, there have been two known incursions into the Alaskan Air Defense Zone, a buffer zone that sits between the airspace of Alaska and international air space, by Russian surveillance aircraft, which were detected, identified, and tracked off the coast. Read Full Article
Fighting Around Russia-Controlled Nuclear Plant In Ukraine Raising Concerns - SOUTHERN UKRAINE - Caught in crossfire, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, on the Dnieper River, near the town of Enerhodar, is being watched very closely by international eyes as the power plant receives heavy artillery rounds, causing fears of a Chernobyl-like nuclear incident. Read Full Article
Large Explosion At Russian Air Base In Russian-Controlled Crimea - NOVOFEDOROVKA, CRIMEA - On August 9th at 3:20 pm local time, a very powerful explosion shook Crimea, as the Saky Russian air base in the annexed region explodes into flames, marking a major escalation in the war in Ukraine. Plumes of smoke filled the sky, causing residents and tourists to flee the city as first responders raced towards the blast. Read Full Article
The Russian Federation Leaves the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty - Russia stated on Monday, August 8th that they would no longer allow inspection of weapons under the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty for an unspecified time due to restrictions on travel implemented by the United States and the west. Read Full Article
China Responds To G7 Joint Statement Regarding The Taiwan Strait - The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign ministers released a joint statement regarding Taiwan calling an end to China's provocative exercises around the island of Taiwan, after which the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) condemned the statement and called it scrap paper. Read Full Article
Putin and Erdogan Meet In Sochi, Russia For Negotiations On Food Crisis And Other Topics - SOCHI, RUSSIA - Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, met today to secure an end to the global food crisis and resume exporting Ukrainian grain. Read Full Article
14 Bulgarian Diplomats Kicked From Russia - Russia has kicked 14 Bulgarian diplomats from the country and declared them persona non grata, in what looks to be a response to Bulgaria expelling 70 Russian diplomats over the summer.
Bulgaria had expelled the Russian diplomats due to espionage concerns and set a limit on the amount of Russian diplomats are allowed to represent Russia in Bulgaria.
U.S. Department Of State: Worldwide Travel Alert - The U.S. Department of State has put out a worldwide travel alert, advising against traveling abroad after Sunday's drone strike where two R9X Hellfire missiles killed al-Qaeda leader, and Osama bin Laden successor, Ayman al-Zawahri.
R9X Hellfire are "kinetic kill" missiles, meaning rather than cause an explosion that kills the target, these missiles deploy six metal blades that do the job.
"Following al-Zawahri's death, supporters of al- Qa'ida, or its affiliated terrorist organizations, may seek to attack U.S. facilities, personnel, or citizens," the State Department said.
A second worldwide travel alert was also put out for a "Global Level 3 Health Advisory" that said that citizens should "reconsider travel" abroad due to COVID-19.
The statement put out by the State Department was as follows:
Caution: August 2nd, 2022 - Worldwide Caution: Worldwide Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for possible contingencies, receive information on breaking security events and ensure that travelers can be contacted in an emergency. This version replaces the Worldwide Caution dated January 15, 2019.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. The Department of State believes there is a higher potential for anti-American violence given the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022. Current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions across the globe. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
As terrorist attacks, political violence (including demonstrations), criminal activities, and other security incidents often take place without any warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad. U.S. government facilities worldwide actively monitor potential security threats and may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
When planning a trip and prior to departing the United States, U.S. citizens should consult country specific Travel Advisories and information pages on travel.state.gov. Travelers are also urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and to make it easier to locate them in an emergency. The Department uses these security messages to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate or call the following numbers: 1 (888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Private U.S. citizens should not travel to any country to participate in armed conflict. U.S. citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of, or providing other forms of support to, designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties, including prison time and large fines.
White House Statement On Senate Ratification of the NATO Accession Protocols for Sweden and Finland - White House: "Today, the Senate overwhelmingly endorsed our close partners Finland and Sweden joining NATO. This historic vote sends an important signal of the sustained, bipartisan U.S. commitment to NATO, and to ensuring our Alliance is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
I thank the members of the Senate – especially Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Senator Menendez and Senator Risch — for their leadership and for quickly advancing the ratification process, the fastest Senate process for a NATO protocol since 1981. Finland and Sweden joining the Alliance will further strengthen NATO’s collective security and deepen the transatlantic partnership.
As I told Prime Minister Andersson and President Niinistö when I hosted them at the White House in May, the United States remains committed to the security of Sweden and Finland. We will continue working to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression.
I look forward to signing the accession protocols and welcoming Sweden and Finland, two strong democracies with highly capable militaries, into the greatest defensive alliance in history."
Russia: US Directly Involved In Ukraine Conflict, Could Trigger Nuclear Response - At the United Nations, Russia said that although the conflict in Ukraine does not require the use of nuclear weapons, Moscow might decide to resort to a nuclear response as a result of what it says is direct involvement in its conflict with Ukraine by the United States. Read Full Article
Current Tensions At Boiling Point Between Serbia & Kosovo - On July 31st, Serbs blocked roads that were located close to high-level border crossings with its neighbor Kosovo. On August 1st, new regulations in Kosovo, regarding ID documentation and license plates issued in Serbia were to come into force. The mood on the border has increased ever since. There have also been reported sightings of NATO peacekeeping forces flying in northern Kosovo. Read Full Article
New Nuclear Power Plant Being Built in Turkey, Financed By Russia - The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is being built near Mersin, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is being constructed by the Russian state-owned nuclear power company, Rosatom, and is set to come online with its first two reactors in 2023. Even though Russia has invaded Ukraine in a special military operation, and NATO is the official nation group to stand against Russia for its actions, Turkey is still on track with its Russian collaborated nuclear energy contract. Read Full Article
First Shipment of Grain Leaves Odessa, Ukraine Monday 5:30 GMT - The first shipment of grain left Odessa, Ukraine on Monday, August 1st, at 5:30 GMT, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Read Full Article
International Support For China's One-China Policy Amid Escalation With US Over Taiwan - As Pelosi is expected to arrive in the Asia Pacific, growing concerns come from other countries who are in support of China instead of the United States and an independent Taiwan. Read Full Article
Neutral Zurich No Longer Neutral, Sanctions Possible If China Invades Taiwan - In the event China invades Taiwan, the director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs expects Switzerland to adopt any measures that are implemented by the European Union against China. Read Full Article
Turkish Consulate In Mosul, Iraq Targeted By Missiles - The Turkish consulate in Mosul, Iraq was targeted by missiles on Wednesday, after the Iraqi government claimed that Turkey had carried out artillery strikes in the Zakho District, in the Duhok Governorate that killed eight people, which Turkey has denied involvement in.
Four mortar missiles were reported to have been used in the attack. There were no casualties reported from the missile attack on the Turkish consulate, but damages to cars that were parked on the street near the consulate were reported by lawmaker Shirwan Dobardani, who spoke to AFP.
Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that a group who calls itself "Ababil Brigades" claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said, "We condemn this attack, in which no casualties were reported, in the strongest terms. We firmly request from the Iraqi authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting diplomatic and consular missions."
It was a "grave and noteworthy development that this attack was carried out during the UN Security Council meeting, which was held upon the call of the Iraqi authorities," the ministry added.
- Alert Put Out By Donald Standeford
USTRANSCOM Moves 2,700 Pieces Of Army Equipment In Europe - The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has announced that they have offloaded 2,700 pieces of U.S. Army equipment at the port Antwep-Bruges, Belgium, for onward movement by rail, commercial line-haul and barge in "response to Russia's aggression" in Ukraine.
Russia Set To Withdraw From International Space Station After 2024 - Yuri Borisov, who is head of the Roskosmos, Russia's state space agency has said that Russia will be withdrawing from the International Space Station (ISS) project after the year 2024. Read Full Article
USTRANSCOM Moves 2,700 Pieces Of Army Equipment In Europe - The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has announced that they have offloaded 2,700 pieces of U.S. Army equipment at the port Antwep-Bruges, Belgium, for onward movement by rail, commercial line-haul and barge in "response to Russia's aggression" in Ukraine.
Russia Set To Withdraw From International Space Station After 2024 - Yuri Borisov, who is head of the Roskosmos, Russia's state space agency has said that Russia will be withdrawing from the International Space Station (ISS) project after the year 2024. Read Full Article
Russian Gas Giant Gazprom To Cut Gas Flows To Europe Down To 20% - Russian state owned energy corporation Gazprom had stated that it will reduce gas flows through the Nord Stream to 20% of its normal capacity on July 27th, 2022, taking injection down to 33 mln cubic meters of gas per day. Read Full Article
92 Ukrainian Armed Forces Personnel Charged With Crimes Against Humanity by the Kremlin - MOSCOW - Alexander Bastrykin, Russian investigative committee head, has told the government news site Rossiiskaya Gazeta, that over 1,300 criminal investigations have begun, regarding war crimes in Ukraine. Ukraine also said it was examining more than 21,000 war crimes which it alleges were carried out by Russian forces. Read Full Article
The Ongoing Turkish Operation: Claw-Lock, In Syria & Iraq - SYRIA/IRAQ - IRAQ - An ongoing military operation by the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq, against the Kurdistan Workers' Party ( PKK ) in the Duhok Governorate, is the next phase of many operations utilizing the code word 'claw' aimed at the PKK. Other operations, beginning in 2019, prior to Claw-Lock include the following: Claw-Eagle, Claw-Tiger, Claw-Lightening, & Claw-Thunderbolt. Read Full Article
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Off To Africa Seeking Non-Western Allies - Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister is setting out on a trip to Egypt where he will meet with officials and solidify their relationship with Russia. Rosatom, a Russian state-owned energy corporation began construction on Egypt's first nuclear power plant. Read Full Article
White House Announces $270 Million In Defense Aid To Ukraine - White House Spokesperson John Kirby has announced $270 million in defense aid to Ukraine, including rocket systems, which will bring the total of US military assistance to Ukraine to $8.2 billion USD. Read Full Article
DOD: $270 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine - DOD: $270 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine. Immediate release from the Department of Defense. Included: 20 Soviet designed Mi-17 helicopters originally purchased by the US military to aid the Afghan military. Read Full Article
Department Of State: On Resuming Ukrainian Exports Through Black Sea - U.S. Depeartment of State - Quadrilateral Deal for Safe Passage of Agricultural Goods on the Black Sea. The United Nations, the Republic of Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia have committed to a plan for resuming Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea.
The United Nations, the Republic of Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia have committed to a plan for resuming Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea and getting millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to those who need it around the world. The United States welcomes this deal and commends UN Secretary-General Guterres and Turkish President Erdoğan for their committed diplomatic efforts to mediate these discussions.
Today's UN-brokered deal is a positive step towards addressing the far-reaching impacts of Russia's war. The international community must now hold Russia accountable for this deal, ending its effective blockade of Ukraine's ports and ensuring Ukrainian agricultural goods -- including grain, oilseeds, and sunflower oil -- reach world markets. Russia has weaponized food since the beginning of this crisis.
An end to Russia's blockade of Ukraine's agricultural exports through the Black Sea is, therefore, only one of the many steps Russia needs to take to ensure that food from Ukraine makes it to global markets. Global food security will remain at risk for as long as Russia continues its unjustified and brutal aggression against Ukraine. The world's hungry cannot wait, and we expect the implementation of today's deal to commence swiftly and proceed without interruption or interference.
Russia Restarts Gas Supply To Europe Via Nord Stream At Limited Capacity - Russia restarted its gas supply to Europe via the Nord Stream pipeline on Thursday after 10 days of being closed off, according to Nord Stream AG, the pipeline's operator, who said: "gas is flowing". Gas flow is well below full capacity, however, and expected to fall even further. Read Full Article
CIA Estimates 15,000 Russians Killed So Far In Ukraine - CIA Director William Burns stated on Wednesday that the United States intelligence community estimates that around 15,000 Russian forces have been killed in Ukraine during the Russian invasion on the country since the war began.
The latest estimates from the U.S. intelligence community would be something in the vicinity of 15,000 [Russian soldiers] killed and maybe three times that wounded. So a quite significant set of losses," he said at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado.
He also added that the "Ukrainians have suffered as well -- probably a little less than that. But, you know, significant casualties."
Presidents Putin, Erdogan, & Supreme Leader Khamenei, Meeting in Iran - TEHRAN - Today there was a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayhip Erdogan, and the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. The topics of discussion were Ukrainian grain exports as well as peace in Syria. Read Full Article
New York National Guard Deploying To Train Ukrainian Soldiers - The New York National Guard are deploying to train Ukrainian soldiers. 140 troops Syracuse-situated 27th Infantry Brigade Combat squad deployed to Germany on Friday to assist Ukrainian military members..
The service members will reconstitute 160 Army National Guard from Florida from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Task Force Gator; who are included in the Joint Multinational Training Group mission in Ukraine.
These soldiers have been instructing Ukrainian personnel at the Combat Training Center Yavoriv near Lviv in westernmost Ukraine since November of 2021.
The troops from team Gator were ordered to exit Ukraine for Germany in February of 2022 before Russia's invasion. The Gator team is the primary instructor for Ukrainian forces in Germany and other locations.
The New York team will prepare at Fort Bliss in Texas before situating in Germany. It is anticipated they will relieve the Gator team in September, according to American Military News.
New York's National Guard delivered 220 soldiers to Ukraine in 2017 for a 10-month training cycle involving Ukrainian forces in Yavoriv. That squad was accompanied by the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station; but included service personnel from all over New York.
The Joint Multinational Training Group has continually provided instruction and consultation to Ukrainian armed forces since 2015. The Army National Guard unit conflict affiliates supply direct support to the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine operation in 9-month revolutions as a factor for the army’s rotational guideline.
Some of the other countries that have participated in the JMTG-U missions while at Yavoriv are the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland.
- Alert Put Out By Matt Pepple
Ukrainian Antonov-12 Aircraft Crashes In Greece, Suspected Of Carrying Dangerous Material - A Ukrainian owned, soviet made Antonov-12 (An-12Bk) plane carrying 8 crew members is reported to have crashed in Kavala, Northern Greece while flying from Serbia to Jordan, carrying 12 tons of dangerous material. Read Full Article
Russian Offensive Intensifying Overnight Striking Odesa and Others - ODESA - The Russian offensive in Ukraine intensified overnight following instruction from Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shoigu announcing an intensified effort on all fronts in Ukraine to shore up military groups in the south and center. Read Full Article
British Aid Worker Captured By DPR Separatists Dies In Their Custody - A British aid worker who was captured by Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Russian separatists in April and accused of being a mercenary has died while in detention, according to BBC News. Read Full Article
Security Alert For US Embassy In Ukraine – Missile Threat Awareness - Event: The security situation throughout Ukraine continues to be violent and unpredictable due to ongoing military attacks by Russia, with active fighting in country and uncertain safety conditions. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens not to enter Ukraine and those in Ukraine to depart immediately using privately available ground transportation options if it is safe to do so. Avoid large gatherings and organized events as they may serve as Russian military targets anywhere in Ukraine, including its western regions.
If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover. If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.
If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands. Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represent a significant risk. After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.
The security situation throughout Ukraine is highly volatile, and conditions may deteriorate without warning. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar and/or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.
Actions To Take: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv’s webpage to view the most recent safety and security alerts for U.S. citizens. Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible. Review your personal security plans and always have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website for current Travel Advisories. Read the Country Specific Information for Ukraine. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis. Visit Website for US Embassy In Ukraine.
Russia Says It Can't Guarantee Nord Stream Will Go Back Online After Repairs - (Based on translation) The Russian state gas giant Gazprom says that it can't guarantee that the Nord Stream pipeline will go back online after the major maintenance that is currently being done on it, according to Dutch daily newspaper Trouw.
Gazprom says that they have not seen any documents that allow the gas turbine that had been maintained by Siemens industrial manufacturing company in Canada to be returned to Russia.
Russia's gas company says that the turbine is required for the safe operation of the pipeline. Germany, however says that Gazprom still has a spare turbine that it could use, and blamed Russia for playing political games.
Russia Says It Can't Guarantee Nord Stream Will Go Back Online After Repairs - (Based on translation) The Russian state gas giant Gazprom says that it can't guarantee that the Nord Stream pipeline will go back online after the major maintenance that is currently being done on it, according to Dutch daily newspaper Trouw. Read Full Article
Ukraine Cuts Diplomatic Ties With North Korea - Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that they have cut ties with North Korea as a result of North Korea recognizing the "independence" of Ukrainian territories under the occupation of Russia.
The statement put out by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that they strongly condemn the decision by North Korea to recognize the "so-called "independence" of the territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine".
"We consider this decision as an attempt by Pyongyang to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a gross violation of the Constitution of Ukraine, the UN Charter and the fundamental norms and principles of the international law," it added.
The DPR, or Donetsk People's Republic pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk, Ukraine had stated that it was in discussions with Pyongyang regarding North Korea's recognition of its independence.
After the North Korean embassy in Moscow reportedly confirmed their recognition of the DPR and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had announced that they were cutting diplomatic relations with North Korea.
"In response to such an unfriendly act, Ukraine announces the severance of diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea [North Korea's official name]".
EU Lifts Restrictions On Sanctions For Russian Goods Being Transported Through Lithuania - The European Commission has released new guidelines that state sanctions against Russia do not apply to rail transit through Lithuania to Kaliningrad, Russia and that rail transit can only be used for essential goods. Read Full Article
European Commission: Guidance to EU Member States - The European Commission has today published further guidance to Member States on the transit of goods from Russia. This is part of regular technical exchanges on the practical implementation of EU restrictive measures. Read Full Article
White House: Iran Providing Russia With "Hundreds" Of Drones - The White House has said that the U.S. has "information" that indicates Iran is preparing, or already has given Russia "hundreds" unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and said that Iran plans to train Russian forces on using the drones as early as this month.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said, "Our information indicates that the Iranian government is preparing to provide Russia with up to several hundred UAVs, including weapons-capable UAVs on an expedited timeline".
He added that this is proof that Russia's attack on Ukraine is "coming at a cost to the sustainment of its own weapons".
Sullivan also said that Iran has likewise given similar UAVs to the Houthi rebels in Yemen so that they could be used against Saudi Arabia, before the ceasefire was reached earlier this year.
- Alert Put Out By Donald Standeford
Russian Parliament to hold an uncommon session - LONDON - The lower tier of the Russian parliament will assemble on July 15 for an unaccustomed meeting, its convention decided on Monday, just days after President Vladimir Putin warned that he had not even started to get serious about the conflict in Ukraine. Read Full Article
Germany And Europe Worry Russian Gas Might Be Cut Off For Good - Russian gas to Germany from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been completely stopped for the next 10 days, and shipments from the pipeline to .Europe are due to stop today. The West fears the gas flow may never come back. Read Full Article
Boris Johnson Resigns His Post Along With Others In The UK - UNITED KINGDOM - Boris Johnson's most well-known achievement was uniting the Conservative Party and Brexit, where the United Kingdom exited the European Union, and he just made a speech at 10 Downing Street, posting his resignation, according to The Washington Post. Read Full Article
Pentagon Looking To Send Weapons Inspectors Into Ukraine - The Pentagon is considering sending weapons inspectors to Ukraine in order to monitor the U.S. weaponry being sent to the country, according to Jed Royal, deputy director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Read Full Article
Young Russian Men Are Avoiding Military Service - Increased number of young Russian men are looking to avoid nations' obligatory military service since the conflict began in February. Read Full Article
Belarus Gives Russia Full Control Of Zyabrovka Air Field Near Ukrainian Border - Belarus has given Russia full control of the Zyabrovka air field located about 19 miles from the Belarusian border with Ukraine in the Gomel region, according to Oleksiy Gromov, deputy chief of the Main Operative Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Just recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that "unprecedented sanctions" and "political pressure from the collective West" had pushed both Russia and Belarus toward unification.
Nexta reported that Gromov said there are currently "activities to equip [a] Russian military base" at the location.
Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzianyk had said on June 21st that there were up to seven battalions from Belarus on the Belarusian and Ukrainian border in both the Brest and Gomel regions, according to Ukrainian Interfax.
(Translation) of what Motuzianyk had stated, "This is up to 4,000 personnel. But you must understand that there are also Russian troops there. Considering that today the Belarusian side provides Russia with all the logistics, it is quite possible that the Russians will be able to quickly transfer some additional reserves to the territory of Belarus and, possibly, prepare an offensive, but they need to prepare for this. As of this day, we do not see it yet".
Putin: "War In Ukraine Just Beginning", Hints That Peace talks Will Become More Difficult with Time - Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the "special military operation" in Ukraine "has not started anything in earnest," and said that the "war in Ukraine just beginning; hints that peace talks will become more difficult with time."
Any chances for peace arrangements will grow darker the longer the war continues on, the Russian leader said in a disturbing speech to parliamentary leaders. Putin states, "Today we hear that they want to defeat us on the battlefield. What can you say, let them try. We have heard many times that the West wants to fight us to the last Ukrainian.
"This is a tragedy for the Ukrainian people, but it seems that everything is heading towards this," he said, and added "Everyone should know that, by and large, we haven’t started anything yet in earnest. At the same time, we don’t reject peace talks. But those who reject them should know that the further it goes, the harder it will be for them to negotiate with us."
It should be noted that this is the first reference to statecraft negotiations in several weeks after statements from Moscow saying that arbitration had completely collapsed.
UK Warship Seized Iranian Missiles Headed To Gulf Of Oman - A British Royal Navy vessel had seized a shipment of Iranian missiles in the Gulf of Oman earlier this year. British officials also said that the seizure is proof that Iran is supporting Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The British embassy to the United Arab Emirates said that the seizure of surface-to-air missiles, as well as cruise missile engines is "the first time a British naval warship has interdicted a vessel carrying such sophisticated weapons from Iran".
James Heappey, who is the minister for the British Armed Forces released a statement saying, "The UK will continue to work in support of an enduring peace in Yemen and is committed to international maritime security so that commercial shipping can transit safely without threat of disruption".
Ukraine Disappointed In Turkey's Decision To Release Russian Vessel - Ukraine cited an "unacceptable situation" as they summoned the ambassador of Turkey, after Turkish authorities released the Zhibek Zholy, a Russian vessel which Ukraine has accused of smuggling stolen Ukrainian grain.
After Turkey released the vessel, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry put out a statement saying that, "The Ukrainian side has received this information with deep disappointment" and called for an investigation and a "comprehensive answer" as to what transpired.
UK: Iranian Report Of Detained British Citizen 'Completely False' - The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that they arrested several foreigners, including the British deputy ambassador to Iran Giles Whitaker for spying. The UK says that the reports are "completely false".
Iranian state television said, "These spies were taking earth samples in Iran's central desert where the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace missile exercises were conducted" and said that "Whitaker was expelled from the city after apologizing".
Representative of the British Foreign Office, Samuel Heath said that "Reports of the arrest of a British diplomat in Iran are completely false. He is not even posted in Iran any more".
One of those that the IRGC says that they detained was claimed by Iranian state TV as being the huhsband of Austraia's cultural attache in Iran.
A third foreigner which was allegedly shown by Iranian state television was Maciej Walczak, who is a university professor in Poland, who the state TV said was visiting Iran as a tourist.
Iran's state TV allegedly showed Walczak and three of his colleagues collecting earth samples after they visited Iran during a scientific exchange program.
Iranian state television said that the collection of the earth samples coincided with a missile test that was carried out in the Kerman province in Iran.
Russia Starts Constant Nuclear Explosion Detection At Its New Facility - RUSSIA - A newly constructed nuclear facility in Russia, which opened on the 1st of June, 2022, has begun constant nuclear explosion detection, says The 12th Chief Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry as of the 1st of July 2022. Read Full Article
Russia Says It Could Destroy Half Of Lithuania's Economy - Kaliningrad's Region Governor said that Russia could take out "half of the Lithuanian economy" if Russia implements counter-sanctions on goods coming in and out of the Baltic states.
Anton Alikhanov, the regional Governor told Russian newspaper Vedomosti Monday that, "The transport sector of the Baltic states could be destroyed if Russia implements counter-sanctions on the goods coming in and out of the Baltic states".
"Russia could make half of the Lithuanian economy disappear. There’s an impression that Lithuania doesn’t understand that Kaliningrad Region is part of Russia, and that we have someone to come to the rescue. We’re not alone in the face of the problem." He stated.
Last month, Lithuania banned certain goods from transiting through its territory in order to comply with sanctions against Russia levied by the European Union, but the ban did not include food items.
Alikhanov, who called the ban a "blockade" said that although food items weren't banned, it still hurts the region which relies heavily on building materials and other non-food items.
"Yes, the ban doesn’t include food, but without concrete we can’t build schools or hospitals. So it’s an issue for the normal existence of more than a million people and for the economy of our region.” he said.
Russian state news RT says that Russia has re-routed the sanctioned goods to the Baltic Sea rather than transiting the goods via rail or road, but Alikhanov said that the dispute must be "resolved as quickly as possible".
Russia Announces Large Discovery Of Oil In Arctic - Russia's oil company, Rosneft has announced that they have discovered a 'huge oil deposit' in the Pechora sea, containing around 82 million tons of oil according to Russian state news RT.
Russia Announces Large Discovery Of Oil In Arctic - Russia's oil company, Rosneft has announced that they have discovered a 'huge oil deposit' in the Pechora sea, containing around 82 million tons of oil according to Russian state news RT.
The Russian news agency attributed the discovery to a drilling campaign in the Medynsko-Varandeysky region. Rosneft announced, "During the tests, a free flow of oil was obtained with a maximum flow rate of 220 cubic meters a day," and said that the oil is "oil is light, low-sulfur, low viscosity".
Rosneft also said that their exploration in the Pechora Sea proved that there are "significant oil potential of the Timan-Pechora province on the shelf and became the basis for continuing the study and development of the region.”
Russia Claims Full Control of Luhansk Region in Eastern Ukraine - MOSCOW - After fully capturing the city of Lysychansk, which was Ukraine's last stronghold, Russia is claiming full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, after intense fighting and resistance from Ukrainian forces. Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu has informed Russian President Vladimir Putin, that the Luhansk region has now been "liberated." Read Full Article
Western Stocks Of Soviet Era Military Equipment For Ukraine Depleting - EUROPE - The United States and Western allies have been giving Ukraine Soviet-era military equipment due to the fact that Ukraine's military was once part of the Soviet Union and Soviet-era weapons are not interchangeable with those of the West. Western stocks of Soviet-era weapons however are running out. Read Full Article
Russian State Media Talks Of WW3, Says Other Countries Will Be Invaded After Ukraine - Russian state media Channel 1 talks of world war 3 which it calls Russia's Second Great Patriotic War and said that countries that decided to play with Westernness neutrality are next, once the special military operation in Ukraine concludes. Read Full Article
Russia Responds To Explosions Heard In Belgorod, Russia - Russian state news Gazeta and the Russian Ministry of Defense have put out a statement regarding explosions captured on video from Belgorod saying that three people died and four were injured in the explosions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has also put out a statement claiming that Ukraine had launched Tochka-U missiles with cluster munitions on residential areas of Belgorod and Kursk.
The Russian MOD however, claimed that all three Tochka-U missiles launched by Ukraine were intercepted and destroyed while they were still in the air and that the 'wreckage' of one of the missiles fell on a residential building in Belgorod.
The MOD also said that two Ukrainian Tu-143 flight drones were flying to Kursk and were packed with explosives and that they were shot down by air defense as they were approaching the city.
Russian state news TASS reported that "Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that three people were killed and four injured overnight. He added that 11 apartment buildings and at least 39 smaller houses were damaged".
"Gladkov later said that the death toll had grown to four. Three of the victims are Ukrainian nationals and one is a Russian citizen, he added".
TASS also reiterated that, "The Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Ukraine of shelling cities and villages close to the border. Moscow previously warned that it would hit Ukrainian “decision-making centers, including Kiev” if attacks on Russian territory did not stop".
Russian Vessels Turning Off Their Transponder Trackers - Russian and Syrian vessels have been turning off their transponders and have been accused of deceptive shipping practices in order to sell crude oil and stolen Ukrainian grain while evading the heavy sanctions placed on Russia due to its war on Ukraine. Read Full Article
Belarus Accuses Ukraine of Attempted Missile Strike After Claims of Missile Intercept - BELARUS - On Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that 3 days ago, Ukraine attempted a missile strike on Belarusian military installations, but said that the missiles had been intercepted, through the Belarusian state-run media Belta news. Read Full Article
Chip Shortage: New U.S. Vehicle Sales Drop But Demand Still Greater Than supply - UNITED STATES - Although new vehicle sales in the United States have dropped by over 21 percent in the second quarter, versus a year ago, demand is still greater than supply due to a global shortage of semiconductors in spite of rising inflation, fuel prices and interest rates.
Ukraine produces around 70% of the world's neon gas, which is used to operate the lasers used in manufacturing semiconductors. While Russia's invasion on Ukraine is greatly influencing the global microchip shortage, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which we have covered extensively in the past would greatly exacerbate shortages. Read Full Article
Putin: Western Response To War Pushing Russia And Belarus Towards "Unification" - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that sanctions and political pressure on Russia from the West is pushing Russia and Belarus towards "unification".
Putin told a bilateral forum in Grodno, Belarus on Friday, "Unprecedented political and sanctions pressure from the collective West is pushing Russia and Belarus to speed up the unification process".
"After all, it is easier to minimize the damage from illegal sanctions, it is easier to master the production of demanded products, develop new competencies and expand cooperation with friendly countries," he added.
On March 14th, after a meeting with the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said, "We are taking coordinated measures to protect our economic security and the technological sovereignty of Russia and Belarus. Above all, we consider it necessary to strengthen integration in the union state".
The day before, Put had spoke to Lukashenko and told him that Russia would be providing Belarus with Iskander missiles systems that "can use both ballistic and cruise missiles, both in conventional and nuclear versions".
Putin had also promised Lukashenko that Russia would retrofit Belarusian Su-25s in order to upgrade them to "carry nuclear charges".
Russia: Sanctions Could Be Justification For War - Russia's Deputy Security Council Chairman and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated on the Thursday that 'under certain circumstances' such 'hostile measures' as the sanctions placed on the country could be seen as an act of international aggression, or even as a casus belli [a provocation that is a justification for war] and said that Russia has a right to defend itself.
Medvedev said that Western restrictions were "boorish and cynical" and said they could border on "economic war". "I would like to point out once again that under certain circumstances such hostile measures can also qualify as an act of international aggression. And even as a casus belli (justification for war)," Medvedev stated.
"In response to them, a state receives the right for individual and collective defense," he added, and said that Western sanctions due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine "have a clear goal — to inflict as much pain as possible to as many citizens of our country as they can… to ordinary citizens, not the country’s leadership or business elites".
"The main aim is to punish the Russian people by trying to reduce economic activity and to provoke hyperinflation," he said.
Australian Bank Collapses, Urging Customers To Pull Their Funds - Australian bank, Volt has collapsed in the midst of rising inflation and the bank has urged their customers to pull their funds from their accounts before it closes them on Tuesday. Inflation in Australia and US on the rise. Read Full Article
Biden Announces Another $800 Million In Aid To Ukraine - U.S. President Joe Biden has announced another $800 million military aid package to Ukraine, which will be including modern air defense systems, HIMARS missile systems and ammunition, and other "offensive weapons".
"We plan to announce new advanced Western air defense systems for Ukraine, more artillery & ammunition, anti-battery radars, ammunition to HIMARS" Biden stated at the NATO summit in Madrid.
At the Summit, Biden said, "This summit was about strengthening our alliance, meeting the challenges of our world as it is today and the threats we’re going to face in the future".
"Putin thought he could break the transatlantic alliance. He tried to weaken us. He expected our resolve to fracture. But he’s getting exactly what he did not want," Biden stated.
He also pointed out the decision by Finland and Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and said, "He [Putin] wanted the Finland-ization of NATO. He got the NATO-ization of Finland".
When Biden was asked whether American citizens should be prepared for the United States to support Ukraine indefinitely, Biden replied, "We are going to support Ukraine as it takes" and added "As long as it takes to in fact make sure that they are not defeated by … Russia".
Putin: Operation In Ukraine Going As Planned, No Need For Deadlines - Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the "special military operation" in Ukraine is going according to plan, and that there is no need to meet any deadlines to end it.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is claiming to have killed 35,450 Russian military personnel, destroyed 1,572 tanks, 3,720 armored personnel vehicles, 781 artillery systems, 246 MLRS, 103 anti-aircraft warfare systems, 217 aircraft, 185 helicopters, 640 UAVs, 142 cruise missiles, 14 warships/boats and 2,598 vehicles and fuel tanks.
Putin claimed that the goal of the special military operation is to "liberate Donbas" to "defend the people living there" and to "create conditions that will guarantee the security of Russia itself".
"The work is proceeding in a calm and rhythmic way. The troops are advancing and reaching those endpoints that are assigned as a task at a certain stage of this combat work. Everything is going according to plan", he said.
Russian state news agency TASS reported that when asked about a deadline for the "operation", Putin said, "There is no need to talk about any deadlines. I never talk about it, since this is life and these are real things. It is not right to squeeze that into any deadlines".
"It is linked to the intensity of combat operations, which is directly linked to potential casualties, and we must think above all things about protecting our guys’ lives," he said.
Russian And Chinese Vessels Working Together In Waters Near Japan - The Japanese defense ministry reported around 10 Russian Chinese navy vessels earlier this month in Waters Near Japan, leaving analysts to believe that the two countries are sending a message to Japan, the United States as well as Taiwan.
A high-ranking Defense Ministry official said that "It was a clear demonstration of cooperation between China and Russia".
What confused officials and analysts, however, is how both China and Russia staggered their voyages so that each country's voyages were slightly separated from one another. "China may have wanted to avoid openly working with Russia, especially at a time when it is facing international criticism for its invasion of Ukraine" the official stated.
The Defense Ministry official said that Japan must "view the situation calmly and not go beyond the limits of provocation," as there hasn't been any confirmation that their vessels or aircraft ever entered Japanese waters or airspace.
Russia Confirms Transfer Of Nuclear Capable Missile Systems To Belarus - Russian state news Izvestia, and TASS have confirmed reports that Russia plans to send Belarus nuclear capable Iskander-M missile systems, capable of carrying "a nuclear warhead" and promised to "retrofit Belarusian Su-25s in order to upgrade them to "carry nuclear charges". Read Full Article
China Expresses "Serious Concern" And "Resolute Protest" Regarding NATO's New Strategic Concept - Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian on Thursday expressed "serious concern" and "resolute protest" on behalf of the CCP regarding the NATO's new 'Strategic Concept', saying that it ignores facts, distorts the truth and vilifies China's foreign policy.
"The so-called NATO’s new Strategic Concept ignores facts, distorts the truth, vilifies China's foreign policy, makes irresponsible statements about China’s natural military development and its national defense policy, promotes confrontation and conflict, it is filled with the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices", he stated.
"China expresses serious concern and resolute protest over this", claiming that China has always strived for global peace, defended the international order and facilitated global development.
He also claimed that China has never invaded another country, or joined or formed any military blocs, always following the path of a peaceful development.
Wednesday, during the Madrid summit, NATO alliance leaders had approved the new Strategic Concept which declares that the Russian Federation is the most Significant Threat to the security of NATO Allies, and also gave China a mention for the first time in the history of the Alliance.
Putin: Multipolar World Order Evolving Globally, Process Irreversible - In an address to the 10th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (SPBILF), Putin stated that a multi polar world order is "evolving globally", and said that the process is "irreversible". He also said that it should be built upon "international law" and the "UN charter".
"A multipolar system of international relations has been actively evolving. The process is irreversible, it has been unfolding in front of our eyes and it is objective in its nature", Putin said.
"The position of Russia and many other countries is that this democratic, more just world order should be built on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and, of course, on the generally accepted principles of international law and the UN Charter" he added.
NATO Says Russian Federation Significant Direct Threat To Allies - EUROPE - NATO leaders have declared that the Russian Federation is the most significant "direct threat" to the security of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. According to the Lithuanian ministry of defense, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders at the NATO summit agreed that "Russia is a direct threat to NATO", on "new strategic concept" being adopted, reinforcement of NATO's eastern flank with Forward Presence Brigades, increased support for Ukraine, as well as other "security enhancement" measures. Read Full Article
Putin: BRICS Countries Setting Up Global Reserve Currency To Cut Financial Reliance On West - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 21st that the BRICS countries, which include Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa (Iran and Argentina have applied but not yet accepted) are currently working on setting up a global reserve currency to cut their financial reliance on the West.
Putin stated at the BRICS business forum, "The issue of creating an international reserve currency based on a basket of currencies of our countries is being worked out". The Russian President also said that the BRICS member states are in the process of developing reliable alternative mechanisms for making international payments.
The BRICS group had previously stated that it was working on setting up a payment network that would cut financial reliance on the West, and have been increasing using local currencies in mutual trade with one another, according to the Economic Times.
Russia Warns Of Consequences From Finland And Sweden Joining NATO Alliance - Member of the Russian state Duma Leonid Slutsky said that while Sweden and Finland's choice to join NATO is their choice, it will have consequences on their relationship with Russia, and on the general security architecture in Europe which is already in deep crisis. Read Full Article
Ukraine Cuts All Diplomatic Ties With Syria After It Recognizes The Two Separatist Regions - Due to Syria's recognition of independence of the two separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Lugansk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that all relations between Ukraine and Syria are now cut off.
After Syria publicly recognized the regions, Zelensky put out a video on Telegram saying, "There will no longer be relations between Ukraine and Syria" and stated that there will now be stronger sanctions put upon Syria.
Syria's foreign ministry had told the Syrian state news agency SANA, "The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of both the Lugansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic".
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also claimed the United States is under the charge of terrorists and neo-Nazis, and said that Syria and its ally Russia are "fighting the same enemy" and said "both terrorists and neo-Nazis are controlled by the same country: the US".
Assad continued to claim that, "the main and the biggest battle is being fought against the policy of [imposing its] hegemony, which is being implemented by the West, which considers itself the center and seeks to rule the world in accordance with its interests".
In addition, he called on "countries defending their sovereignty" to build "strong relations with each other in order to help to strengthen their own positions and realize the interests of their peoples".
Britain Adding 1,000 More Soldiers, Aircraft Carrier To NATO's Eastern Flank - Britain, who already has 2,000 soldiers stationed in Estonia has committed to add 1,000 more service members to the country, as well as sending one of its new aircraft carriers to defend NATO's eastern flank.
Britain has also announced another 1 billion British pounds ($1.2 billion USD) in additional aid to Ukraine, on top of the already 1.3 billion pounds in military aid that it pledged in May equaling to 3.8 billion in total support to Ukraine thus far since the start of Russia's invasion.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "UK weapons, equipment and training are transforming Ukraine's defenses against this onslaught. And we will continue to stand squarely behind the Ukrainian people to ensure Putin fails in Ukraine".
NATO's defense secretary Jens Stoltenberg said, "we are going to allocate a brigade" and "dedicate one of the carrier groups to it".
While speaking at a the NATO summit in Madrid, Ben Wallace said that Britain would "allocate a brigade" to Estonia, bringing the number of British troops 'available' to around 3,000.
He said that it would be more efficient to base some of the troops at home with their equipment being in Germany. Of the British commitment to the defense force that had been announced at the NATO summit, Wallace said "We will put in a huge amount of the Navy. I think we’ll dedicate one of the carrier groups to it".
Washington Supports Sale Of F-16 Jets To Turkey - Washington has shown support toward the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey just one day after Turkey withdrew its objections regarding Sweden and Finland joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read Full Article
British Intelligence Confirms Russian Strike On Ukrainian Shopping Center Possibly Accidental - In an intelligence update, the British Ministry of Defense has agreed that the strike on the Kremenchuk shopping center may have been an accident, and that the intended target may have been, as Russia says a nearby infrastructure target. Read Full Article
US Giving Metal Shark Patrol Boats To Ukraine - Metal Shark, an American company that developer and builder of aluminum-hull vessels have put out a statement saying that they are providing six maritime combat vessels to Ukraine.
The patrol boats will be part of the $450 million military aid package that the White House had announced last week which included 18 patrol boats. The type of patrol boats were not previously announced, however.
Metal Shark's Vice President of of International Business Development Henry Irizarry said in the statement, "Metal Shark has been working closely with the US Embassy in Kiev since 2019 to develop the strategy now being implemented to support Ukraine’s maritime capabilities, so it is fulfilling to see that the vessels will arrive when they are most needed".
"Metal Shark provides next-generation, proven platforms to partner nations, but most importantly, we create long term partnerships with end users to train boat crews and provide seamless technical support to assure 24/7 operational readiness" he added.
The manufacturer, and type of the other 12 patrol bothers have still not yet been revealed, however. A senior defense official said that the 18 patrol boats the U.S. is sending will be used for patrolling rivers, and for protection.
Russian Space Agency Publishes Satellite Photos And Coordinates Of Western Decision Making Centers - The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos has Published Satellite Photos and coordinates of Western decision making centers, all publicly known locations in an apparent statement to the West.
"Today, the NATO summit opens in Madrid, at which Western countries will declare Russia their worst enemy. Roscosmos publishes satellite photographs of the summit venue and the very 'decision centers' that support Ukrainian nationalists".
The satellite photos included the location of the U.S. Pentagon, White House, British government buildings, German Chancellery, Reichstag parliament building in Berlin, and location of NATO's summit, as well as the place of residence of Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, along with French government buildings.
Dmitry Rogozin, head of Roscosmos, told the Russian RIA Novosti news agency: that Western satellite operators are working for Ukraine, Russia's enemy, "The entire conglomerate of private and state orbital groupings is now working exclusively for our enemy".
Rogozin said "At the same time, we are giving the coordinates of the objects, just in case".
Turkey Agrees To Support Finland And Sweden In Joining NATO Alliance - Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Jens Stoltenberg has announced that Turkey has agreed to support both Finland and Sweden in joining the NATO alliance.
A joint memorandum was reportedly signed on Tuesday regarding the matter by Turkey, Finland and Sweden.
Stoltenberg told reporters at the NATO summit in Madrid, "I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO"."Turkey, Finland and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey's concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism," he added.
Iran Applies To Become A Member Of BRICS - Iran has applied to become a member of the BRICS, a group of emerging world economies that include: Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil and India.
Iran's Foreign Ministry said that the move "would result in added values for both sides".
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Argentina has also applied to join the BRICS group. Zakharova stated in Telegram "While the White House was thinking about what else to turn off in the world, ban or spoil, Argentina and Iran applied to join the BRICS".
At the moment the BRICS group has a combined population of about 3.2 Billion. Iran has a population of around 85 to 86 million people, while Argentina has a population of around 45 million people.
If both Iran and Argentina join BRICS , it would bring the total combined population of the group to around 3.3 billion.
US Now Has Over 100,000 Troops Stationed In Europe - The United States now has over 100,000 troops stationed in Europe, which has increased from the 70,000 U.S. troops that were stationed in Europe when Russia's invasion on Ukraine began at the end of February.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that the United States "increased the number of U.S. troops in Europe from roughly 70,000 to more than 100,000 over these last months".
In May, during a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price had said that the US was planning to have an ongoing presence of around 100,000 troops in Europe. "Before that invasion, we were clear that we would do a few things if [Russian President Vladimir Putin’s] aggression went ahead," Price had stated.
"We made clear that we would provide unprecedented levels of security assistance to support our Ukrainian partners so that they could effectively defend their freedom, defend their democracy, defend their country from what was then the potential of Russian aggression. We made clear that we would impose severe consequences on the Russian economy, on the Russian financial system".
"We also said that we would reinforce and take steps to reassure the Alliance, the member states of the Alliance, and particularly those on the eastern flank of the NATO Alliance, and that’s what we’ve done."
"We have – there are now some 100,000 U.S. service members on the European continent. That number has risen in recent weeks precisely because we are fulfilling the pledge that we made prior to Russian – prior to Russia’s invasion".
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is also increasing the number of its NATO Response Force troops at high readiness from 40,000 to "well over 300,000", according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday.
NATO Increases Number Of Rapid Response Forces On High Readiness To Over 300,000 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is increasing the number of its NATO Response Force troops at high readiness from 40,000 to "well over 300,000", according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday.
NATO now says that Russia has walked away from dialogue, and has now become a direct threat, choosing "confrontation instead of dialogue". "Russia has walked away from the partnership and the dialogue that NATO has tried to establish with Russia for many years," he stated. "They have chosen confrontation instead of dialogue. We regret that - but of course, then we need to respond to that reality".
"I expect the allies will state clearly that Russia poses a direct threat to our security, to our values, to the rules-based international order" Stoltenberg said. "Together, this constitutes the biggest overhaul of our collective deterrence and defense since the Cold War".
Russian State Media Talks About Lithuania, NATO Article 5 - Russian state media Channel 1 talks about Lithuania, NATO Article 5, military presence being established on the Belarusian border and targeting oil tankers in the Netherlands.
Russian state media Channel 1 talks about Lithuania, NATO Article 5, military presence being established on the Belarusian border and targeting oil tankers in the Netherlands. Article 5 is the cornerstone of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) treaty signed in 1949 that states that if one member of the alliance is attacked, it is seen as an attack on all members of the NATO alliance.
Transcript from the Russian state media video: ""We understand perfectly well that when the Armed Forces achieve the goals set by the president, and reach the western borders of Ukraine, the rest will certainly not be about Ukraine.
And now about Europe and its survival. A military presence has to be established on the border with Belarus, in Kaliningrad, it already exists and is combat ready. It can potentially create a safe corridor for our supply chain to Kaliningrad. It has to be created, without a doubt.
Those who are waving their Article 5 in the air [NATO] should roll it up and shove it you-know-where. It's our territory and we'll decide what to bring in, regarding Europe, and appropriate measures that could be taken.
Yes, the taming of Lithuania is being considered, but it's really not about Lithuania. No one asks them, they are given commands. The issue is with their owners. No less than 40% of crude oil is imported and processed by Netherlands in its coastal areas. It's such a small spot that it would be hard to miss.
When we say that nuclear weapons might be used, maybe, maybe not from another side. I assure you that when a spigot closes from here, and crashes over there, the main supply chain is via oil tankers. We don't even need a Kalibr, a torpedo would do it. Especially if it's docked at a port. It will burn along with all of the port's infrastructure.
Europe will not only freeze, but totally croak. Go ahead and send an F-35 to Ukraine. We'll show you what our S-300, S-400 are capable of. Then, Lockheed Martin will be carried out feet first. We're ready to take you all down".
Russia Supplying Nuclear Capable Missile Systems To Belarus - Russian President Vladimir Putin told the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko that Russia will be providing Belarus nuclear capable Iskander missile systems in the "next few months".
The Iskander missile system is able to launch both cruise missiles, as well as short-range ballistic missiles with either conventional or nuclear warheads. According to the readout on the Russian presidential website, this is a response to concerns of "training flights of aircraft of the United States of America and NATO, which are trained to carry nuclear warheads".
Germany's BMWK Announced The Gas Emergency Plan On Alert - Germany's Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) has announced the second stage of the gas emergency plan, or alert stage, according to the ministry, putting the gas emergency plan 'on alert'. Read Full Article
China Ready To Supply Aircraft Components To Russia - Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui told Russian state news TASS that they are ready to supply aircraft components to Russia, noting that there are no restrictions from the Chinese side.
"We are ready to supply components to Russia, we are organizing such cooperation. [Airlines] are currently addressing [it], they have certain channels, there are no restrictions from the Chinese side".
TASS noted that the European Union had prohibited the sale and supply, including leasing of aircraft, as well as components for Russian air carriers over the situation in Ukraine, but said that Russian authorities responded by 'taking a number of actions' including allowing local carriers "to continue exploiting aircraft leased or rented from foreign companies".
Key Takeaways From Meeting Between Putin And Lukashenko - RUSSIA - Russian President Vladimir Putin and the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met at the Constantine Palace and talked about issues such as the economy, the situation with Poland and Lithuania, and NATO training and nuclear weapons in Europe. Read Full Article
Iran Expanding Nuclear Program While Expanding Cooperation With Russia - Iran’s top security official Ali Shamkhani stated during a meeting with a top diplomat from the European Union that Iran will continue developing its nuclear program until the West changes what it calls "illegal behavior" according to Iranian state news IRNA.
"Iran’s retaliatory actions in the nuclear sector are merely legal and rational responses to US unilateralism and European inaction and will continue as long as the West’s illegal practices are not changed" Shamkhani stated. Shamkhani did not however divulge what those "illegal practices" were.
Meanwhile, on June 22nd Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov traveled to Iran in order to discuss a nuclear deal and cooperation between Iran and Russia.
Russia's Foreign Ministry had posted a clip of the meeting where he said "In all the countries experiencing the negative influence of the selfish line taken by the United States and its satellites, there arises the objective need to reconfigure their economic relations so they can avoid relying on the whims and vagaries of our Western partners".
The month before, Russia and Iran had spoken of exchanging supplies for oil and gas, as well as creating a logistics hub in the region. Regarding the visit, Iranian state media said "During Lavrov's visit, Iran's 2015 nuclear deal, boosting bilateral and energy cooperation, as well as international and regional issues will be discussed".
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov's visit was aimed at "expanding cooperation with the Eurasian region and the Caucasus".
China Says "We'll Take Taiwan By All Means", Says US Is Starting Wars - China says that they "can't leave Taiwan independent" and that they will "retake Taiwan by all means, including military ones" if they can't reunify the island using peaceful methods. They also said that the United States wants two wars, one in Europe and one in Asia.
Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye said "We can’t leave Taiwan independent. We’ll retake Taiwan by all means, including military ones. If we can’t reunify the country by peaceful means, what else are we left to do?"
"The Americans want to start two wars in the world: one in Europe, the other in Asia" he also said. "Taiwan is not a sovereign state. It has been an integral part of China since ancient times".
Meanwhile, Taiwan has been spotted by Alert 5 on Flight Radar flying a UAV around the island for 10 hours straight, likely on the lookout for activity around the island by Chinese forces.
Lukashenko Says Lithuania's "Blockade" Against Kaliningrad Declaration Of War On Russia - The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko said that what Russia calls the 'blockade' against Kaliningrad by Lithuania is akin to a declaration of war on Russia.
Lukashenko said, "We are very concerned by the situation and the policy being pursued by our neighbours. You know in general terms: this is the leadership of Poland and the leadership of Lithuania. The policy [is aimed - UP] at confrontation… And there is enough of that, especially in Ukraine.
These days most of the mercenaries are from Poland. I don’t understand why they need this confrontation. But it’s clear that they are behind this and pushing it, and so on. But the policy is abhorrent and the behaviour is aggressive.
It’s the same with Lithuania. There is a growing flow of information about their plan to suspend transit from Russia through Belarus to Kaliningrad, to isolate Kaliningrad. Well, listen, that’s akin to a declaration of war! That sort of thing is unacceptable in the current conditions."
Lithuania however, says that the restrictions that they placed against transporting certain goods through their country into Russian controlled Kaliningrad is not a blockade, but that they are simply complying with sanctions put upon Russia by the European Union.
Russia Fires Rockets Directly From Belarus Into Ukraine - Russia has fired rockets directly from Belarus into Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence, and the New York Times who says that over 40 missiles were launched from Belarus into Ukraine.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine posted on their Facebook page, "Rocket strikes from the territory of Belarus - a large-scale provocation of Russia for the purpose of further dragging Belarus into the war against Ukraine".
"On the night of June 25, a mass rocket-bomb strike was launched across Ukraine. In particular, Russian bombers "worked" directly from the territory of Belarus. For this, six tu-22m3 aircraft were involved, which performed the launches of 12 winged missiles x-22. Rim of launch - area of the city of petrikov, which nearby mozyrâ, probably for 50-60 kilometers from the state border of Ukraine. Bombarduvalʹniki took off from the airport "Shaikkovka" of the Kaluz region of Russia. Further through the territory of Kaluz and Smolensʹkoí сі regions entered the airspace of Belarus. After the launch of the rockets returned to the airport "Shajkova" in the territory of Russia. The blow was carried out in Kiev, Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
This is the first case of an air strike across Ukraine directly from the territory of Belarus. Today's shelling is directly related to the efforts of the Kremlin authorities to drag Belarus into the war in Ukraine as a direct participant.
We remind you that yesterday it became known about the arrival of the Belarusian Mozyr of Russian sabotage groups planning to undermine the city of residential buildings, schools and hospitals. Possible provocations can be presented as Ukraine's response to the air strikes".
The Chief Directorate of Intelligence says that this is the first time Russia has launched airstrikes on Ukraine from Belarus, and said "Today’s attack is linked to the Kremlin’s attempts to drag Belarus into the war with Ukraine as a direct participant".
The New York Times has reported that Russia launched over 40 missiles from Belarusian airspace into Ukraine, hitting 'mostly military targets' just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin was set to meet with Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus.
Russian State Television Says There Will Be Other 'Special Operations' Elsewhere - A Russian state television Channel 1 speakers indicates that conflict in Europe will never end, and that the struggle is against the West, not just Ukraine, saying that there will be other 'special operations' elsewhere, aside from the one in Ukraine.
"Let's have a serious discussion. Not everyone amongst our people feels secure. Every day I hear the same phrase: 'When will all of this end?". And then I ask, "When will what end?", they say "All of this".
This will never end, the old live will never return. This is a long struggle that will determine the place of Russian civilization, the Russian world, among the new humanity. To the contrary, this is a long struggle that will answer the question as to how much of the West we'll allow to remain.
There is a special operation in Ukraine, and there will be other operations elsewhere, because the situation at our borders is worrisome. This is a confrontation between different systems; most importantly, against the united West".
Travel Advisories: June 1st - June 24th, 2022 - List of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State from June 1st, 2022 to June 24th, 2022. KEY: Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 4: Do Not Travel. For a clickable list visit the OSLINT Advisories post.
Cabo Verde Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 23, 2022
Hong Kong Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 22, 2022
Ecuador Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 22, 2022
Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 22, 2022
China Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 22, 2022
Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 22, 2022
Moldova Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 21, 2022
Ethiopia Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 21, 2022
El Salvador Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 21, 2022
Tanzania Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Tanzania Travel Advisory Level 2 -June 21, 2022
Kenya Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Guinea Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Ghana Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Bolivia Travel Advisory Level 2 -June 21, 2022
Sweden Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Sint Eustatius Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Romania Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Fiji Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Comoros Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Botswana Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Bhutan Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
United Arab Emirates Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 14, 2022
Mexico Travel Advisory Other -June 13, 2022
Iraq Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 13, 2022
Belarus Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 13, 2022
Honduras Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 13, 2022
Maldives Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 13, 2022
Cuba Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 13, 2022
Saba Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 13, 2022
Saba Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 13, 2022
Malawi Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 10, 2022
The Bahamas Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 8, 2022
Suriname Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 8, 2022
French Guiana Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 8, 2022
Denmark Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 7, 2022
Libya Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 6, 2022
Iran Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 6, 2022
Lebanon Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 6, 2022
Guyana Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 6, 2022
Guatemala Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 6, 2022
Zimbabwe Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 6, 2022
Saint Kitts and Nevis Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Poland Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Namibia Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Mongolia Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Russia Travel Advisory Level 4 -June 1, 2022
Russia: London Will Be Bombed First If World War 3 Breaks Out - Andrey Gurulyov, who is a member of the Russian defense committee spoke on Russian state television Channel 1, and said that if world war 3 breaks out, London will be the first city that Russia Will Bomb, and that all power sites in Western Europe will be destroyed.
First, he said "We'll destroy the entire group of enemy's space satellites during the first air operation. No one will care if they are American or British, we would see them all as NATO. Second we'll mitigate the entire system of anti-missile defense, everywhere and 100%. Third, we certainly won't start from Warsaw, Paris or Berlin. The first hit will be London.
It's crystal clear that the threat to the world comes from the Anglo-Saxons. As part of the operation to destroy critically important sites, Western Europe will be cut off power supply and immobilized. All power supply sites will be destroyed. And on the third stage I shall see what the USA will tell Western Europe on continuing their fight in the cold, without food and electricity.
I wonder how they [the United States] will manage to stay aside. This is the rough plan, and I deliberately leave out certain moments because they are not to be discussed on TV".
Ukraine And Moldova Recognized As Candidates For EU Membership, Russia Compares With Hitler - EUROPE - Ukraine and Moldova has now formally been recognized as candidates for EU membership, while the EU is ready to grant candidate status to Georgia "once priorities will be addressed". Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has compared the EU and NATO to Hitler, and said they are building a coalition to fight Russia. Read Full Article
Belarus Conducts Military Mobilization Exercises In The Gomel Region - Release from the Belarus ministry of defense regarding the pre-planned military mobilization exercises in the Gomel region that will last until July 1st, 2022.
"From June 22 to July 1, 2022, in accordance with the Training Plan of the Armed Forces in the 2021/2022 academic year, under the leadership of the Chief of the main organizational and mobilization department - Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, a mobilization exercise with the military commissariats of the Gomel region is held.
The exercise is held annually. Last year, a similar exercise was held with military commissariats of Mogilev region. The aim was to test the readiness of the military commissariats to carry out tasks.
During the exercise, the issues of recruitment of reserve conscripts to the military commissariats will be worked through. During their stay at the military training camp the military personnel will be trained.
In the course of the exercise, the military commissariats will carry out measures to notify and submit persons liable for military duty to the points of dispatch to military units. After the formation of appropriate teams, the draftees will be sent to their place of residence, thus the issue will be checked - controlling notification.
In order to carry out the notification and collection of persons liable for military service, appropriate points of notification and collection will be deployed at the points of dispatch.
In order to create a situation close to the real one, during the exercise the participation of units of special operations forces of the Armed Forces is planned.
The main feature of the upcoming mobilization exercise, in contrast to past mobilization exercises in the military commissariats of other regions, is that the supply of mobilization resources to military units is not planned, and the persons called up to military commissariats for training will participate in the mobilization exercise in the military commissariats
NATO Aims To Get Finland And Sweden Into Alliance But Cannot Guarantee It Will Be Swift - Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg says that he "aims" to get both Finland and Sweden into the alliance "soon" regardless of objections by Turkey, but said that he "cannot guarantee" that it will be done swiftly.
"My aim is still to make sure that they [Sweden and Finland] can join soon. I cannot guarantee, but I’m saying that’s still my aim".
While the vast majority of the alliance has supported the two countries joining the NATO organization, Turkey has objected on grounds that both countries support Kurdish groups that Turkey sees as terrorists.
"This is not the first time we see one or just a few allies is not agreeing with the rest," Stoltenberg said and added that NATO allies have the ability to continue providing Ukraine with weapons "as long as it takes," as NATO allies, Stoltenberg stated have a "political and moral obligation" to keep supplying Ukraine with arms.
"We should maintain support deliverables of modern weapons, heavy weapons, as NATO allies have now done for a long time, and also that NATO has a role to play in providing support", he stated.
He said that the ongoing war in Ukraine will be a "long-haul" effort, and said that the war was actually started in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea.
Finland: If Russia Attacks, We Are Ready To Fight - Finnish Armed Forces Chief of Defense, General Timo Kivinen says that Finland has been preparing for a Russian attack for decades and says that Finland would be a "tough bite to chew" for Russia if they decided to attack the country.
During an interview, Kivinen said "The most important line of defense is between one's ears, as the war in Ukraine proves at the moment. We have systematically developed our military defense precisely for this type of warfare that is being waged there (in Ukraine), with a massive use of firepower, armored forces and also air forces".
"Ukraine has been a tough bite to chew (for Russia) and so would be Finland" he declared. (Quoted as "Ukraine has proved to be a strong nut, so it will be the same with Finland", from the Ukrainian ministry of defense).
The General said that since the Second World War, Finland has developed a military sphere in order to resist the enemy using massive firepower, armored vehicles and aircraft.
The commander also approved of the decision for Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Finnish Defense Forces have 280,000 active troops and 870,000 people in the reserves.
In the end of June NATO will be holding a summit with member states in Madrid where they will be considering the application of both Finland and Sweden to join the alliance.
Governor Of Kaliningrad Says Retaliatory Steps For Transit Restrictions Down The Road - Russian state news TASS reported that the Kaliningrad Region Governor Anton Alikhanov stated restrictions put in place on freight transit by Lithuania "looked like a mistake at first" but then said, "it's now clear that it's deliberate policy".
TASS reported that during an interview the Governor said "Honestly, I was hoping they would say: ‘We made a mistake, let’s clarify.’ But no. In any case, the rhetoric that’s seen in the media suggests that this is a deliberate policy. ‘Sanctions are sanctions’ - that’s what it is".
He said that 'in this situation' Kaliningrad will be organizing a sea corridor and "offer tit-for-tat measures".
"I believe that this should be met with a response. Our country has not yet taken any retaliatory steps that are quite serious, in my opinion. But that’s down the road".
Russia Says They Have Received No Requests About US Mercenaries - The Russian embassy in Washington says that they have received no requests from the United States regarding two "US mercenaries" reported to have been captured in Ukraine.
Russian state news TASS reported that US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price had stated on Tuesday that the US administration has been "in touch with Russian authorities regarding U.S. citizens who may have been captured while fighting in Ukraine".
Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said that "There were no requests to the embassy. I do not confirm receiving a request of this kind from the US side".
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke to journalists Tuesday and said that the two Americans that had been captured recently in Donbas are being accused of mercenarism and are, therefore "not subject to the Geneva Convention".
He also said that the captured Americans "should be investigated and they should be brought to justice". TASS noted that he did not count out the possibility that the court would sentence them to "capital punishment", also known as the death penalty.
Denmark MOD: Russia Behind Cyberattack On Satellite Equipment Leading Up To Ukrainian Invasion - Denmark's Ministry of Defense says that they have credible information that attributes a cyberattack on satellite equipment operated by the Viasat satellite company to Russia prior to the invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. Read Full Article
Three NATO Members Report Incursions By Russian Aircraft Into Territory - Estonia, Lithuania, and Denmark which are all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance have reported incursions into their airspace by Russian forces who filed no flight plan and turned off their transponder. Read Full Article
Russian Analyst: Lukashenko Will Never Give Order To Attack Ukraine - Russian scientist, political writer, and analyst Andrey Andreyevich Piontkovsky said that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko would never dare to give the order for his troops to go to war with Ukraine.
Piontkovsky said that "Lukashenka will never order the Belarusians to attack Ukraine. And he gathers the so-called militia just in case so that sometimes Russian troops do not enter Belarus and drive it out".
Lukashenko would only worry about staying in power, he said. Though, he added that the Belarusian president is even now in a very difficult situation.
24tv.ua newspaper has said that Lukashenko 'could not dare to order his troops to go to war against Ukraine" because he understands that it would be a catastrophe for him.
"Under the threat of execution, Lukashenko refuses to bring troops into Ukraine not because he is a 'friend of the Ukrainian people, but because he understands that this army will immediately turn into the Belarusian National Legion and will drop it" the paper quoted Piontkovsky as saying.
Lithuania Bans Goods From Transiting To Kaliningrad, Russia - NATO member, Lithuania has banned some goods from traveling to the Kaliningrad, Russia enclave from Lithuania which has angered Russia who said the move was unprecedented and unlawful as well as threatening to respond saying the situation is more than serious. Read Full Article
British MOD Defense Intelligence Update On Ukraine - June 19th, 2022 - British MOD intelligence update for June 19th, 2022 reports that entire Russian units are refusing orders and having armed standoffs with their own officers and troops.
"In recent days, both Russia and Ukraine have continued to conduct heavy artillery bombardments on axes to the north, east and south of the Sieverodonetsk pocket, but with little change in the front line.
Combat units from both sides are committed to intense combat in the Donbas and are likely experiencing variable morale.
Ukrainian forces have likely suffered desertions in recent weeks, however, Russian morale highly likely remains especially troubled. Cases of whole Russian units refusing orders and armed stand-offs between officers and their troops continue to occur.
The Russian authorities likely struggle to bring legal pressure to bear on military dissenters, hampered by the invasion’s official status as a ‘special military operation’ rather than as a war.
Drivers for low Russian morale include perceived poor leadership, limited opportunity for rotation of units out of combat, very heavy casualties, combat stress, continued poor logistics, and problems with pay.
Many Russian personnel of all ranks also likely remain confused about the war’s objectives. Morale problems in the Russian force are likely so significant that they are limiting Russia’s ability to achieve operational objectives".
NATO: War In Ukraine Could Last Years, British Army Prepares Troops To Fight - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a German newspaper that Russia's war on Ukraine could take years, but that 'we must not let up in supporting Ukraine' he said. Even if the costs are high. The head of the British army also told troops they must prepare to fight in Europe. Read Full Article
DOD: Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine - Department Of Defense: "The United States has committed approximately $6.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $5.6 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked invasion on February 24".
"On June 15, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced $1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes an authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $350 million, as well as $650 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. This authorization is the twelfth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021". List Of Items Included
Russia Launches 3 Cruise Missiles At Oil Depot In Novomoskovsk, Ukraine - Ukrainian Pravda has claimed that Russia launched three cruise missiles at an oil depot in the Novomoskovsk district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast which wounded 11 people, one of whom is reported to be in "serious condition" with seven others suffering "minor injuries".
The Ukrainian paper quoted Olena Lukash, Former Minister of Justice of Ukraine saying "In the evening we have several ‘arrivals’ [strikes] in the Novomoskovsk district. According to preliminary data, there are victims and large-scale destruction. All information is currently being clarified".
Pravda said that "around 20:45 Reznichenko said that three Russian missiles hit an oil depot in the Novomoskovsk region. Three people were hospitalized with burns".
The newspaper reported that Reznichenko said the oil depot was destroyed 'as a result of the attack' and that rescuers are putting out the flames.
Lukashenko Warns Ukraine Against Attacking Cities In Russia - The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko has given a warning to Ukraine against any possible attacks on Russian cities and said that if Ukraine does this then Russia will use "brand-new weapons" according to Russian state news agency TASS.
"Ukrainians, Zelensky are asking for long-range weapons to hit Russian cities such as Kursk, Rostov, Orel, Belgorod, and neighboring cities. But I once said in public that under no circumstances must it be done" Lukashenko reportedly stated.
TASS reported that the Belarusian President referenced the $1.5 billion that U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to Ukraine on a monthly basis and said "What for? For war. So it is just the beginning. They, the powerful of this world, have loads of work to do - to re-divide the world. Americans feel they are losing, but they do not want to lose, since it is their wealth. They want to be on top and to rule the whole world".
Putin Says He Believes The US Sees Itself As A Messenger Of God On Earth - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he believes the United States sees itself as a "messenger of God on Earth", who has "no interests" but "no responsibility".
He went on to say "After claiming victory in the Cold War, the United States declared it was the messenger of God on Earth, who has no obligations, but only interests - and these interests are sacrosanct," he said during a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
"The United States is ostensibly unaware that over the past decades new powerful centers have emerged around the globe and their voice is heard ever louder. Each of them is developing its own political system and public institutions and implements its own model of economic growth and, of course, has the right to protect them and to ensure national sovereignty," he added.
"we are witnessing objective processes and truly revolutionary tectonic changes," he added.
Belarus: We Will Have To React To Poland's Desire To Take Western Ukraine - The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko says that his country will have to react to Poland's "desire to take Western Ukraine" because it poses a "threat to the security of the republic" on Friday.
"We will have to react here. Because we cannot allow the Poles to surround us completely. It is a dangerous option. I said it back in the day: the Ukrainians and the Russians will ask us to help preserve the integrity. So that nobody would chop something off" Lukashenko stated at a meeting with workers in Bobruysk, according to TASS and BelTA.
TASS reports that Lukashenko sees a 'danger of escalation' of the situation due to the fact that he says 'Poland is being pushed to take action by the US.
"We see it. This is why I have to keep armed forces ready in the west and in the south. I deployed ten units along the border behind the border guard so that [enemies] could not infiltrate Belarus. And they had such ideas," he stated.
Russia: It Is No Longer Possible For Ukraine To Return To Previous Borders - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that it is no longer possible for Ukraine to return to its previous borders, and added that "this is obvious".
"The Ukraine that you and I had known, within the borders that used to be, no longer exists, and will never exist again. This is evident" she stated.
Ivanovich Pasechnik, the leader of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic said that the country may hold a referendum on accession to Russia, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
TASS also stated that "The head of another Donbass republic, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), said the issue on joining Russia will "become the number one issue" once the republic restores its constitutional borders".
Two Russian Missile Frigates Patrolling Off Romania's EEZ - Two Russian Project 22160 missile frigates were spotted patrolling off of Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near the country's natural gas platforms around 140 km (87 miles) from Romania's coastline.
The frigates were loaded with an ASW helicopter and ground-based Tor-M2KM air defense system and around 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the Uranus and Ana platforms.
Gazprom Reduces Energy Supplies, Says 'Our Product, Our Rules' - After reducing energy output to Germany by over half the previous output, Russian energy giant Gazprom was accused of artificially pushing up energy prices by cutting off supplies.
Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller then stated "our product, our rules", but said that the reduced supply was a result of the delayed return of equipment serviced by Siemens Energy in Canada.
Germany isn't the only country reporting that Russia has cut gas supply, however. Italy and Australia have also reported large decreases in energy supply from Russia, though Russia says that the limited energy output was not premeditated.
Miller said "Our product, our rules. We don't play by rules we didn't create" but said that does not see a solution to the equipment issue at the Portovaya compressor station and blamed the equipment that had not been returned on the sanctions that have been placed on Russia by the West, but Germany has called this claim "unfounded".
The Eni energy corporation in Italy said that it would only be receiving 65% of the gas that it had requested from Gazprom on Thursday due to the issues at Portovaya. Italy says, however, that they have counter-measures in place if the supply of gas from Russia continues to be cut. "The gas situation is under control, we are monitoring flows day and night, damages are so far limited, Roberto Cingolani stated.
Germany on the other hand has had its energy supply from Russia cut down to 40% of its normal capacity.
Both Italy and Germany rely heavily on Russian energy. Poland, Finland, Bulgaria, Denmark and the Netherlands on the other hand refused Russia's demand for "unfriendly countries" to pay for their energy in Russian rubles and have already been completely cut off by the Kremlin.
Iranian Terror Cells Activated In Turkey "Looking For Israelis" - Iranian terror cells have been activated in Turkey and are roaming the streets of Istanbul "looking for Israelis" after having been given an order to carry out attacks against Israelis located in the country, according to an Israeli official who spoke to Ynet on Friday.
The official has put out an advisory to all Israelis vacationing in Turkey to leave the country immediately and return home from their vacations. They were also advised to lock their hotel rooms and not allow any strangers into their rooms, not even housekeeping.
The threat to Israelis in Turkey has been flagged as an 'ongoing incident' and Israeli security officials are concerned that Iranian cells in Turkey will carry out an immediate attack.
Earlier in the week Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had called on Israelis to avoid traveling to Istanbul after the Israeli National Security Council had raised the threat level for trips to Turkey after reports had come out that both Israel and Turkey had botched an attempted terrorist attack on Israeli tourists in the city last month.
The Islamic Republic has vowed to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Colonel Hassan Sayad Khodayari in Tehran last month.
Russian Ships Spotted Transporting Grain From Ukraine To Syria - U.S. Satellite images have spotted Russian-flagged vessels Carrying Grain from Ukraine to Syria, according to the satellite imagery company Maxar, reported by Reuters.
The images by Maxar showed two vessels flying the Russian flag docked in the Russian-controlled port of Sevastopol in May loaded with grain, and then the same ships days later docked in Syria with the vessel's hatches open and semi-trucks waiting to haul the grain away, according to Maxar.
Another satellite image taken in June showed another vessel being loaded with grain in Sevastopol, corroborating reports by Ukraine that Russia had been transporting grain from occupied portions of the country out of the country.
Being one of the world's breadbaskets, the Russian war in Ukraine is contributing to the grain shortage being Reported worldwide.
Russia carries Out Airstrikes On U.S. Base Near Syria's Border With Jordan - Russia carried out airstrikes at the al-Tanf garrison U.S. military base on Wednesday after first notifying the United States of their intentions. The base is located near Syria's border with Jordan in southeast Syria. Read Full Article
Netherlands Accuses Russian Spy Of Infiltrating ICC Investigating War Crimes In Ukraine - According to the Dutch intelligence service, a Russian spy tried to infiltrate the International Criminal Court (ICC) that was investigating allegations of war crimes carried out in Ukraine by Russia using fake identification and spent over a decade building up his cover story.
Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, who is linked to the Russian military secret service was accused by the agency of creating an elaborate cover story that dated back years in an attempt to enter the Netherlands posing as a man with Brazilian nationality, the intelligence service told Reuters.
Dutch intelligence chief Erik Akerboom stated, "It clearly shows us what the Russians are up to - trying to gain illegal access to the information within the ICC. We classify this as a high-level threat".
Dutch intelligence agency chief Erik Akerboom said that "This was a long-term, multi-year GRU operation that cost a lot of time, energy, and money", using the acronym for the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (formerly known as the Main Intelligence Directorate).
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) put out a statement that said the man, whose alias was Viktor Muller Ferreira was picked up at a dutch airport and was declared an undesirable alien. He was then put on a flight back to Brazil where he will be facing court proceedings.
Akerboom said that "It clearly shows us what the Russians are up to - trying to gain illegal access to the information within the ICC. We classify this as a high-level threat".
ICC spokesperson Sonia Robla said that "The ICC takes these threats very seriously and will continue to work and cooperate with The Netherlands".
The Dutch intelligence agency gave out a four-page document detailing Cherkasov's cover story, including details about their troubled family history and a club where he listened to trance music. It even included his favorite restaurant in Brasilia where it stated he would eat cheap brown bean stew.
"Cherkasov used a well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular" according to the statement.
If Cherkasov had been able to succeed in infiltrating the ICC, he may have been able to access and even destroy or tamper with documents and emails related to the investigations of the alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine.
Russian State Television Talks Of NATO Sending Weapons To Ukraine And Nuclear Strike - Russian state television Channel 1 spoke of NATO sending weapons to Ukraine and a nuclear strike. Translation of the conversation: "If everything keeps progressing the way it is, only a couple of mutants in Lake Baikal will survive. The rest will be destroyed in a massive nuclear strike. [laughing]. Everything is moving in that direction, regardless of what either side wants. Because if NATO decides they can place whatever they want at our borders, they'll be sending more and more of American weapons to Ukraine. Everything is moving in that direction, regardless of what either side wants. Because if NATO decides they can place whatever they want at our borders, they'll be sending more and more of American weapons to Ukraine. Ukraine will fire and end up hitting one of our nuclear power plants, and here we go".
Urengoy, Russia's Largest And Main Gas Pipeline On Fire, Germany Accuses Russia Of Pushing Up Energy Prices - A fire has started at a 1400mm pipeline in Russia. The Urengoy is the largest gas extraction facility in the country, and the second-largest natural gas field in the world, after South Pars/North Dome Gas-Condensate field in the Persian Gulf which is shared between Iran and Qatar.
A fire has started at a 1400mm pipeline in Russia. The Urengoy is the largest gas extraction facility in the country, and the second-largest natural gas field in the world, after South Pars/North Dome Gas-Condensate field in the Persian Gulf which is shared between Iran and Qatar.
Germany has accused Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom of attempting to push up energy prices by cutting its gas supplies in half.
While Russia claims that the reason is due to service equipment in the Nord Stream pipeline, German economy minister Robert Habeck said that it's 'a political decision' not a technical decision. "It is obviously a strategy to unsettle and drive up prices," he said.
Gazprom had previously said it would be cutting the Nord Stream 1 gas flow from 167 cubic meters a day to 100 cubic meters. Then on Wednesday, it said that it would be cutting it again to 67 cubic meters.
Gazprom limited its gas to Italy by about 15% on Wednesday according to the ENI energy firm. About 40% of Italy's imports are from Russia.
Ukraine Reports Wheat Field Burned Down, Along With Houses And Warehouses - The Mikolavska District Administration of Ukraine has claimed that on June 15th the Russian military burned down a wheat field and destroyed houses and warehouses in Nikolaev, Ukraine.
The statement said "On June 15 the Russian occupiers fired at the residential quarter of Nikolaev from jet systems of volley fire, preliminary, the Hurricane system. Aimed at a four-story apartment building. The roof, floors from the fourth to the second floor were destroyed, the load-bearing wall was damaged and the windows were broken, 6 apartments were destroyed. According to preliminary information, five people were injured".
China To Russia: Beijing To Keep Backing Russia On Sovereignty And Security - Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Wednesday that Beijing will keep backing Moscow on "Sovereignty and security", according to Chinese state media.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported Xi Jinping ans saying that China is "willing to continue to offer mutual support (to Russia) on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security".
China has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine since Putin began his war on the country and has continued to criticize sanctions placed on Russia by the West, as well as weapons and arms sales to Ukraine from Western countries.
According to CCTV, the Chinese President applauded the "good momentum of development" in bilateral relations between the two countries since the beginning of the year "in the face of global turmoil and changes".
He also reportedly said that China is ready to "strengthen communication and coordination", as well as "push the international order and global governance towards more just and reasonable development".
He added that Bejing is willing to "intensify strategic coordination between the two countries" according to the report.
Two U.S. Veterans Suspected Captured In Ukraine, White House Urges Americans Not To Travel To Ukraine - Alexander Drueke, 39 years of age, and Andy Tai Huynh, 27 years of age, both Alabama residents have gone missing within the last few days near Kharkiv, Ukraine which is located near the Russian border, according to their families. U.S. State Department has reported that two Americans have been captured in Ukraine but did not identify who they were.
After reports of the soldiers being captured by Russian soldiers, the White House put out a statement advising Americans not to travel to Ukraine.
Drueke’s mother, whose name is Lois said that she received a phone call from another American citizen who had told her that intercepted communications suggested that the two Americans had been taken prisoner by Russian forces.
Before his disappearance, Drueke had told his family that he was in Ukraine teaching troops how to use American made weapons, according to his mother, who said "Alex felt very strongly that he had been trained in ways that he could help the Ukrainians be strong and push Putin back. He went over there not to fight but to train".
Huynh’s fiance, Joy Black said that Huynh had volunteered to fight along with Ukrainian forces and also received a phone call saying that Huynh had gone missing. She said "The response that we’ve gotten from our government has been very helpful. They have been taking it very seriously. We got the call on Monday morning, and this has just gone up so high, so quickly".
The U.S. State Department said "We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with Ukrainian authorities. ... We also once again reiterate U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict and the singling out of U.S. citizens in Ukraine by Russian government security official".
US Sending Another $1 Billion In Military Aid To Ukraine - Washington is sending another $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including howitzers, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) ammunition and harpoon coastal defense systems. Germany is also sending MLRS systems.
This will be the 12th shipment of military equipment from the United States Department of Defense to Ukraine since August 2021. The shipment will include 18 155mm Howitzers, 36,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, 18 tactics vehicles capable of towing the 155mm Howitzers, more ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Four Tactical Vehicles that will be used to recover equipment, and spare parts.
Under the USAI, the Department of Defense will be providing Ukraine with near-term priority capabilities in order to defend against Russian attacks. The package includes two Harpoon coastal defense systems, thousands of secure radios, thousands of night vision devices, thermal sights and other optics, and funding for training, maintenance, sustainment, transportation, and administrative costs.
Germany will also be sending three Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Slovaks will be sending Mi-17s.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated during a press conference in Brussels that "General Milley and I have been in a number of fights. And when you’re in a fight, you can never get enough. I certainly understand where the Ukrainians are coming from, and we’re gonna fight hard to give them everything they need".
Ex Russian Prime Minister Says War In Ukraine Could Last Years, Baltic States Will Be Next - Mikhail Kasyanov, who served as Russia's Prime Minister from 2000 to 2004 stated during an interview with Agence France-Presse that the war in Ukraine could last two years, and if Ukraine falls, the Baltic states will be next. Read Full Article
50 Detained In Russia Due To Planned Protests Over Ukrainian War - 50 people were detained in Moscow, including activists, journalists and other citizens due to planned protests over the Ukrainian war on Sunday according to Russian Radio Svoboda.
The detention of the 50 Russians occurred after information circulating around various Telegram channels had been intercepted regarding a protest against the war in Ukraine which was allegedly supposed to take place on June 12th (Russia Day).
Iran Tests New Trade Route Linking Russia To Asian Export Markets - According to the Iranian state's shipping company, Iran has commenced its first shipment of Russian goods to India using a new trade route that uses Iran to link Russia to Asian export markets.
The first shipment, which consists of wood laminate sheets weighing about 41 tons which began its departure at Saint Petersburg, Russia to the port city of Astrakhan. From there, the shipment will cross the Caspian Sea to the Iranian port of Anzali, where it will be transported by road to the port of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf. After this it will be loaded back onto a ship and transported to the Indian port of Nhava Sheva, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA.
Dariush Jamali, director of a joint-owned Iranian-Russian terminal in Astrakhan said that the initial shipment is a 'pilot' transfer in order to test the corridor.
Jamali said that the transfer is being coordinated and managed by the Iranian state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines Group along with its regional offices in Russia and India, and expects that it will take 25 days.
After heavy sanctions were placed on Russia, Iran has been Iran has been wanting to revive the North-South Transit Corridor that had previously been stalled. The Times of India reports that eventually the plan will be to build a railroad that transfers goods "arriving at Iranian Caspian Sea ports to the southeastern port of Chabahar".
Russia And China Build First Bridge Between The Two Countries As Ties Grow - Russia and China have finished building and opening up a cross-border bridge that they stated in February will bring the two countries closer together in their "no limits' partnership, before Russian President Vladimir Putin began his invasion of Ukraine.
The bridge, which is a little over half a mile in length and costs about $342 million has two lanes and links Russia's Blagoveshchensk city to the Chinese city of Heihe together across the Amur river (also called Heilongjiang river in China) according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.
In February, Russia said that the bridge, which had been started in 2016 and completed in May of 2020 would bring both China and Russia closer together by increasing trade. The construction had been delayed by COVID-19 restrictions, however, according to BTS-MOST, which is the construction firm that participated in building the bridge on the Russian side.
Deputy prime minister of Russia Yuri Trutnev said "In today's divided world, the Blagoveshchensk-Heihe bridge between Russia and China carries a special symbolic meaning".
During the opening ceremony for the bridge, Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua said that China seeks to deepen practical cooperation with Russia in all areas, while Russia's Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev said that the bridge will boost bilateral annual trade to over 1 million tons of goods.
According to BTS-MOST, the bridge should shorten the distance that Chinese goods have to travel to get to Russia by about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). Vehicles traveling across the bridge have to pay a toll fee of 8,700 rubles ($150) but the fee should go down in price after the costs for constructing the bridge have been covered, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Turkey Announces Military Operation In Northern Syria After Russia Withdraws Troops - After Russia withdrew a large number of troops from Syria in order to re-focus them on its war in Ukraine, Turkey has announced that it will be carrying out a military operation in northern Syria. Read Full Article
U.S. Inflation At 40 Year High In May, Gas Prices Soaring - WASHINGTON - U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high of 8.6 percent in the month of May according to data given by the U.S. government on Friday. This makes it the 12th month in a row that the inflation percentage has been above 5%. Food and fuel prices are also soaring up, while China, India and other countries benefit from Cheap Russian Oil at discounted prices. Read Full Article
China And India Benefit From Cheap Russian Oil While Oil Prices Surge For West - Both India and China have drastically increased their imports of Russian oil at greatly discounted prices, with Indian purchases of Russian oil up by 400%, while countries buying from Russia benefit from discounted prices, the price for oil for the rest of the world is surging. Read Full Article
Lukashenko Says Belarus May Have To Fight In Western Ukraine - [Based on translation] Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus has said that he believes Belarus may have to fight for "Western Ukraine so that it is not cut off [or pulled away] by the West".
"They [the West] have not yet abandoned the goal of leveling the front so that it passes: SmolenskPskov, Smolensk-Bryansk-Kursk and there to Rostov. They need to level the front. And we, almost a thousand kilometers, this balcony, it must be cut off".
He also said "This is their goal - they [the West] will not stop before this, they will come from Western Ukraine or from somewhere else. Western Ukraine will have to fight in order not to be chopped off. Because it is like death for us, not only for Ukrainians. Terrible processes are taking place around".
NATO Conducts Live-Fire Exercises In Poland To Test Readiness - NATO forces conduct live-fire exercises in Poland in order to test their readiness and ability to respond to missile attacks from enemy drones and aircraft.
Russia Begins Naval Exercises In Baltic Sea With 60 Warships - Russia has begun naval exercises in the Baltic Sea with around 60 warships. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) said that the exercises are "planned operational exercise with groups of the Baltic".
The Russian MOD said that the exercises involved around "about 60 surface warships, boats and support vessels, over 40 aircraft and helicopters, as well as up to 2,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment of the Baltic Fleet".
In a Thursday statement, the MOD said "In the Baltic Sea and at the combat training ranges in the Kaliningrad region, a planned operational exercise with groups of the Baltic Fleet has started".
"As part of the exercise, naval tactical groups of the Baltic Fleet left their bases and deployed fleet groupings in designated areas" they stated. They added that they will be "will perform training tasks for the protection and defense of sea lanes and fleet bases".
Russian Banks Begin To Charge Service Fees For Foreign Currency Accounts - Russian banks, one after the other are beginning to implement service charges and service fees for accounts held in foreign currencies due to what the Russian banks are calling the unreliability of foreign currency partners for Russia. Read Full Article
U.S. Military Training Ukrainian Troops How To Use Multiple-Launch Rocket Artillery - The U.S. military is training one platoon of Ukrainian soldiers at a time how to use the multiple-launch rocket artillery systems, paving the way for possibly more of the systems to be sent to Ukraine.
An initial group of Ukrainian soldiers have been training and learning how to use the systems with U.S. soldiers stationed in Germany and are showing proficiency according to Army General Mark Milley.
"We’ve got to start this thing with a program that is rational and deliberate and gets them trained to a standard where they become effective. It will do no good to just throw this weapon system into the battle. You’ve got to be trained on it to get the maximum effective use out of the weapon as a precision system" Milley told reporters.
Washington had approved sending four M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARs) to Ukraine shortly after the UK announced that it would be sending three M270 multiple-launch rocket systems which perform similarly, though the version that the British will be sending has a greater range.
Milley said that Russia has "demonstrated that they are outgunning and outranging Ukrainian artillery" in spite of the dozens of M777 howitzers the United States has already shipped to Ukraine. Milley said that although the Ukrainians have used the artillery to great effect, they need "some longer-range artillery system" that have more distance.
"The Ukrainians have very good artillerymen. Very good gunners. They’re excellent at artillery. But they have been using Soviet-era systems, and then transitioning to different [Western] systems" Milley stated.
Russian Senator Proposed Missile Strikes On U.S. Military Bases In Europe - A Russian senator has proposed that Russia carry out missile strikes on U.S. military bases located in Europe in response to the decision by the United States to go ahead and send longer ranged rocket systems to Ukraine. Read Full Article
Russia Suspends Fishing Deal With Japan As Japan Strengthens Ties With NATO - Russia's Foreign Ministry says that it is suspending a fishing agreement allowing Japan to have fishing rights near the disputed Kuril Islands, which are called the Northern Territories by Japan.
Russia says that Tokyo failed to make payments that were stipulated in the agreement, according to a statement by Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
While the failed payments were given by Russia as the reason for the suspension, many media reports blame the war in Ukraine for being the real reason behind the decision, due to the fact that Japan has been strengthening ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and has welcomed increased cooperation between Tokyo and NATO.
This comes as Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted naval exercises with NATO in the Mediterranean Sea, and also conducted joint flight drills with the United States over the Sea of Japan with fighter jets.
Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said that "The security of Europe and Asia are closely intertwined, especially now with the international community facing serious challenges".
World Bank: Less Developed Countries Facing Major Recession - The World Bank put out a statement saying that less developed countries in the world face a major recession as a result of the war in Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns as the cost of energy and food continue to rise globally.
David Malpass, the President of the World Bank says that there is also a major risk of high inflation and small growth, which is also called 'stagflation'.
Malpass said that "The war in Ukraine, lockdowns in China, supply-chain disruptions, and the risk of stagflation are hammering growth. For many countries, recession will be hard to avoid".
"Subdued growth will likely persist throughout the decade because of weak investment in most of the world. With inflation now running at multi-decade highs in many countries and supply expected to grow slowly, there is a risk that inflation will remain higher for longer".
Although the countries that will be immediately affected in 2022, according to a World Bank forecast are Russia and Ukraine, it warned of long term effects [from the war and COVID lockdowns] that will likely have much wider effects.
Malpass said "Even if a global recession is averted, the pain of stagflation could persist for several years - unless major supply increases are set in motion".
Turkey To Russia: We Will Respond To Destabilizing Actions In Syria - Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a phone call, and said that Turkey would be responding to actions meant to destabilize northern Syria.
A couple of weeks ago Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had stated that the country would be carrying out new offensives within northern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia. Turkey considers YPG a terrorist organization.
Akar informed Shoigu that "the necessary response will be given to actions aimed at disrupting the stability achieved in the region and the presence of terrorists in the region is not acceptable", according to a statement released by Turkey's defense ministry.
The statement also said that Turkey "reminded that previous agreements on this issue need to be adhered to".
Russia Continues Effort To Revert Back To Gold Standard - Russia is continuing its efforts to revert back to the 'gold standard' for the first time in over a hundred years, purchasing gold at a fixed price of 5,000 rubles ($59) per gram until June 30th. Read Full Article
UK Sending Long-Range M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems To Ukraine - Britain is sending Ukraine M270 multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine a week after U.S. President Joe Biden authorized sending M142 High Mobility Artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) after Kyiv gave assurances that they would not be used to strike Russian territory.
The missiles used with the M270 multiple-launch rocket systems Britain plans to send to Ukraine have a range of about 50 miles, while the missiles given with the M142 HMARS that the United States agreed to send have a range about about 40 miles.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that British support for Ukraine will change as Russia's tactics change, when he explained the reasoning behind giving the M270 multiple-launch rocket systems.
"These highly capable multiple-launch rocket systems will enable our Ukrainian friends to better protect themselves against the brutal use of long-range artillery, which (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's forces have used indiscriminately to flatten cities" he stated.
Although Russian President Vladimir Putin had said that the shipments of the M142 HMARS from the United States was "nothing new", he had warned that there would be a response of the United States gave longer-range missiles for the HIMARS systems that will be given to Ukraine.
Britain said that Ukrainian soldiers will be trained how to use the new systems in Britain.
Russia: If US Missiles In Ukraine Strike Russia, Moscow Will Strike Outside Ukraine - MOSCOW - Former Russian President and current head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has warned that if Ukraine uses any of the missiles given to them by the United States to strike Russian territory, Russia will have 'no choice' but to strike 'decision making centers' which are 'not even located on the territory of Kyiv'. Read Full Article
U.S. Adds 71 More Russian, Belarusian Companies To Trade Blacklist - The United States, on Thursday blacklisted 71 more Russian and Belarusian companies, which included institutes for ship building and research, and aircraft plants along with other sanctions and restrictions in response to Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine.
Among those blacklisted were the Russian Academy of Sciences. The wave of new sanctions and restrictions is meant to restrict Russia's access to technology.
U.S. Intelligence Report: Putin Was Treated For Cancer In April - According to a classified U.S. intelligence report, Russian President Vladimir Putin was treated for advanced cancer in April 2022, Newsweek said that they were privy to the information given by U.S. intelligence leaders reported. Read Full Article
Russian Official Threatens US With Satan-2 Nuclear Missiles - Alexei Zhuravlev, who is a lawmaker and a member of the Russian parliament has threatened the United States with Satan-2 nuclear missiles over U.S. support for Ukraine. Read Full Article
Biden Authorizes 700M To Ukraine, Including MQ-1C Gray Eagle Drones - The Biden administration has authorized another $700 million to go to Ukraine, along with MQ-1C Gray Eagle Drones. Read Full Article
Russia Carries Out Nuclear Drills After the US Announces Sending Rockets To Ukraine - RUSSIA - Around 1,000 servicemen of the Russian nuclear forces began exercises with over 100 vehicles in the Ivanovo province northeast of Moscow, Russia, according to the Russian defense ministry. Read Full Article
Russian State TV: World War 3 Has Started, Ukraine Was A Rehearsal - Russian state television Channel 1 said that world war 3 has already started, and that the war in Ukraine, which was a rehearsal for a 'bigger conflict' in the future. Read Full Article
Biden Will Not Send Long-Range Rocket Systems To Ukraine - The U.S. will not be giving long-range rocket systems to Ukraine that can be used to target locations within Russia, according to U.S. President Joe Biden.
"We’re not going to send to Ukraine rocket systems that can strike into Russia" Biden stated on May 30th while talking to reporters, prompting Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev to state that Washington's decision not to send the long-range rocket systems to Ukraine is a 'rational' one.
EU Agrees To Reduce Oil From Russia By 90% By End Of 2022 - The European Union has agree to cut about 90% of Russian oil imports by the end of 2022, according to the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The ban on Russian oil exempts oil from pipelines and allows dependent states such as Hungary to continue to import Russian oil, but ban oil shipped from the sea.
Both Germany and Poland will be stopping their oil imports from the Druzhba oil pipeline by the end of 2022 as well.
Russian Lawmakers Branded As Traitors For Demanding Putin End Ukraine Invasion - Two Russian lawmakers who acted as regional officials have been branded as traitors and ordered out of a legislation meeting after they called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion on Ukraine. Read Full Article
Israel Says No To US About Transferring Missiles To Ukraine - Israel has said no to a request by the United States to allow Germany to supply Ukraine with anti-tank missiles manufactured in Germany using Israeli technology, according to an Israeli official, and two U.S. officials. Read Full Article
Russia Extends Military Service Age To 65 Years Of Age - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that abolishes the age limit of those allowed to join its military. The age limit to serve in the Russian military has now been extended to up to 65 years of age for men and 60 years of age for women, which is the age of retirement. Read Full Article
Russia Successfully Tests Hypersonic Nuclear Capable Zircon Cruise Missile - Russia has successfully tested a hypersonic nuclear capable Zircon cruise missile which was fired from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense on Saturday.
The missile, which was launched from the Barents Sea hit a target in the White Sea from a distance of about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). The ministry released a video showing a missile being launched from a vessel.
The Zircon hypseronic missile can travel at 9 times the speed of sound, or mach 9 and travels at a maximum speed of 11,000 km/h, or roughly 6835 miles per hour.
Russian state news agency TASS reported "Today, the lead frigate of Project 22350 Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov fired a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile at a sea target position in the White Sea from the Barents Sea".
Russia Loads Caliber Cruise Missiles Onto Two Submarines - Russia loaded two of their six Varshavyanka submarines anchored in the South Bay of Sevastopol with Kaliber class cruise missiles. Ukraine says they will be used to strike targets within Ukrainian territory. Read Full Article
World Only Has 10-Week Supply Of Wheat Left, Expert Tells UN - A food insecurity expert has told the United Nations Security Council that the world only has a 10-week supply of wheat left stored, and that global food insecurity has now reached levels that hasn't been seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Read Full Article
DAVOS: Soros Says Russian Invasion May Have Been Beginning Of World War 3 - DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros said on Tuesday that the Russian invasion on Ukraine may have been the beginning of World War Three, and that the best way to preserve free civilization was for the West to defeat Russia. Read Full Article
Lavrov: Russia To Focus On Ties With China And Cease Being Dependent Upon The West - On Monday, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia must cease being dependent upon the West, and that the 'dictator's position' of the West will lead economic ties with China to grow 'even faster'.
On Monday, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia must cease being dependent upon the West, and that the 'dictator's position' of the West will lead economic ties with China to grow 'even faster'.
Lavrov said that Russia is working to replace goods imported by Western countries, and that the country would only rely on 'reliable' countries that aren't beholden to the West.
"If they (the West) want to offer something in terms of resuming relations, then we will seriously consider whether we will need it or not" he stated, according to Russia's foreign ministry.
"We must cease being dependent in any way on supplies of absolutely everything from the West for ensuring the development of critically important sectors for security, the economy or our homeland's social sphere" he said.
"Now that the West has taken a 'dictator's position', our economic ties with China will grow even faster. In addition to direct revenue for the state budget, this is a chance to develop (Russia's) far east and eastern Siberia".
Lavrov said that China has information and communications technology that is "in no way inferior to the West. A great deal here will ensure mutual benefits" and said that Russia would count on "only ourselves and on countries which have proved themselves reliable and do not 'dance to some other piper's music'. If Western countries change their minds and propose some form of cooperation, we can then decide".
Japan Scrambles Jets After Russian And Chinese Warplanes Approach Airspace - Japan scrambled fighter jets after warplanes from both Russia and China approached its airspace on Tuesday. Japan called the action a "provocation" that was likely planned while it hosted an informal gathering of Quad nations.
The informal meeting consisted of leaders of four nations, Fumio Kishida, Joe Biden, Anthony Albanese and Narendra Modi. Japanese defense minister Nobuo Kishi expressed Japan's 'grave concerns' to both Russia and China regarding their actions and threatening its airspace, according to AFP.
Kishi said that two Chinese bombers had joined two Russian bombers in the Sea of Japan and "made a joint flight to the East China Sea". "After that, a total of four aircraft, two presumed (new) Chinese bombers – which replaced the two Chinese bombers – and two Russian bombers, conducted a joint flight from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean" he stated.
He also said that the aircraft hovered over Northern Hokkaido to the Noto Peninsula in central Japan.
Kishi said that Japan has lodged its concerns to both Russia and China through diplomatic channels. "As the international community responds to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the fact that China took such action in collaboration with Russia, which is the aggressor, is cause for concern. It cannot be overlooked" he said.
South Korea Scramble Jets As Russian Warplanes Enter Air Defense Zone - South Korea has scrambled fighter jets after at least four Russian warplanes and four Chinese warplanes entered the country's Air Defense Identification Zone without giving notice.
The Russian and Chinese aircraft entered and left the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (Korea ADIZ) in the Sea of Japan, or East Sea several times throughout the day, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The aircraft that entered into South Korea's ADIZ included fighter jets and bombers from both the Russian side and Chinese side, but they did not violate South Korea's airspace, according toe the JCS.
South Korea deployed fighter jets to "implement tactical measures" in order to brace for a potential contingency.
Russia does not recognize the Korean ADIZ, and China says that the airspace is not territorial and that all countries should enjoy freedom of movement in the region.
Russia And China Hold Joint Aerial Patrol Over Japanese And East China Seas - Russia and China have held the first joint exercise since Russia's war on Ukraine began as a part of the two countries "annual military cooperation plan" over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and Western Pacific, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.
Both country's Air Force held 'regular joint strategic patrols' on Tuesday, with the Chinese Defense Ministry saying, "Air forces of China and Russia held regular joint strategic patrols above the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the West Pacific Ocean on Tuesday according to the two sides’ yearly military cooperative plan".
In addition to the joint aerial patrols, the Chinese Navy also sent warships through both of the strategically important straits in Northwestern and Southwestern Japan simultaneously, according to Chinese state media, Global Times.
Global Times claims that the move comes as US and Japanese leaders made, what they call "provocative" remarks to China.
Russia had also confirmed that there would be a joint patrol with China. The patrol lasted for 13 hours and involved Russian Tu-95 and Chinese Xian H-6 strategic bombers over the Japanese and East China seas.
A senior US administration official said that the joint exercise shows the depth of the two countries alignment. "We think it shows that China continues to be willing to closely align themselves with Russia, including through military cooperation" the official stated.
"China is not walking away from Russia. Instead, the exercise shows that China is ready to help Russia defend its east while Russia fights in its west".
Milley: US Still A Ways Away From Reintroducing Troops Into Ukraine - General Mark Milley, who is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on Monday that although there is low-level planning currently underway, the United States is still "a ways away" from re-introducing U.S. troops back into Ukraine, but that the decision ultimately lies with U.S. president Joe Biden.
The United States withdrew troops from Ukraine on February 24th, just before Russia's invasion on the country in order to avoid direct conflict with Russia.
The re-opening of the U.S. embassy in Ukraine has caused some to question whether the United States should also be bringing its troops back into the country in order to ensure the security and safety of the diplomats within Ukraine.
Milley said that to some extent staff is planning ahead of a possible decision to send American troops back into the country, but that the planning hasn't made it to his level for review, or to the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
"At the end of the day, any reintroduction of U.S. forces into Ukraine would require a presidential decision. So we're a ways away from anything like that. We're still developing courses of action, and none of that's been presented yet to the Secretary [of defense]" Milley stated.
U.S. officials did tell the Wall Street Journal however, on Monday that the Biden administration is currently considering sending special forces to Ukraine in order to guard the embassy in Kyiv.
Pentagon: Ukrainian Official's Claim That US Has Plans To Attack Russian Fleet Untrue - The Pentagon has said that the claim by a Ukrainian official that the United States has plans to attack the Russian naval fleet in the Black Sea is not true and said that there has been no change in maritime posture in the Black Sea. Read Full Article
Russia Adds 963 Americans On Russian Travel Ban, Including Biden And Blinken - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that they have declared a Russian travel ban on 963 Americans, including U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in retaliation for what it calls hostile US actions.
The Foreign Ministry also said that they have added 26 new names to their list of Canadians that it has banned from traveling to Russia, including Canadian defense chiefs, defense industry executives and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.
Russia had already previously banned Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and hundreds of others from entering the country.
The Russian Foreign Ministry published the list of banned Americans publicly for the first time and stated, "We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff".
It also said that Russian counter-sanctions were a necessary response that is aimed at "forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial 'rules-based world order' on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognizing new geopolitical realities".
Russia To Establish New Military Bases In Western Regions In Response To NATO Expansion - Russia will be establishing new military bases in western regions of the country in response to the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as both Finland and Sweden apply to join the NATO alliance, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
In addition to the new military bases, Shoigu says that Russia will also be establishing 12 new units and divisions in response to the move by the Nordic countries to join NATO.
"Tension continues to grow in the zone of responsibility of the Western Military District. We are taking adequate countermeasures" Shoigu said. "By the end of the year, 12 military units and divisions will be established in there".
On May 18th, both Finland and Sweden formally applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as concerns grew in both countries that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be eying them for invasion next.
Putin had stated on May 16th that Finland and Sweden joining NATO was no threat to Russia, but said that Moscow would respond if NATO began to bolster military infrastructure within the two countries.
Ukrainian Parliament Extends Martial Law For Another 90 Days - The Ukrainian parliament has extended martial law, which was initiated on February 24th of this year, in Ukraine for another 90 days as a result of the continued Russian invasion of the country.
The Verkhovna Rada made a statement on May 22nd saying that the decision to extend martial law for another three months, until at least August 23rd, had been requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The parliament received the bill seeking to extend martial law from Zelenksy on May 18th. A general mobilization order was also given. On May 10th, AFP and Kyiv Independent reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is also likely to declare martial law in Russia.
U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines had said, "We assess President Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas".
Lithuania Declares It Is Now Independent From Russian Energy - The government of Lithuania has put out a statement saying that the country is now completely independent from Russian gas, oil and electricity.
The Lithuanian government stated this, while quoting the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, Dainius Kreivys, who said "As of Sunday, Lithuania will have completely cut import of Russian energy supplies, i.e. oil, electricity or natural gas, due to Nord Pool's decision to stop trading Russian electricity from its only importer in the Baltic States, Inter RAO".
Biden Signs $40 Billion Aid Package To Ukraine While U.S. Inflation At 40 Year High - WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $40 billion dollar aid package to Ukraine during his visit to Seoul, the capital of South Korea after the Senate passed the package with an 86-11 vote, while inflation in the United States sits at a 40-year high. Read Full Article
Italy And Germany Agree To Approve Payments For Russian Gas In Rubles - EUROPE - Both Italy and Germany have authorized companies to open ruble accounts in order to purchase gasoline from Russia without violating the current sanctions that have been placed on Russia, according to Reuters and Radio Free Europe. Read Full Article
Russia Says It's Not Ukraine They Are Fighting, But The West - Russia said that it is not Ukraine Russia is fighting, but the West fighting Russia on Ukrainian territory and said that their opponent is not Ukraine, but a united West through the hands of the Ukrainians. Read Full Article
Russia Takes Key Port City Of Mariupol, Ukraine - After 3 months of fighting, Russia has now captured the port city of Mariupol, Ukraine which not only gives Russia a land bridge corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, it also takes a key port away from Ukraine.
Ukraine formally declared that its combat mission in Mariupol has ended on Monday. Evacuations of Ukrainian soldiers from the Azovstal steel plant began being carried out that day.
The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that almost 1,000 soldiers have surrendered since. It is not clear how many Ukrainians are now left in the port city of Mariupol.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Wednesday, "The evacuation mission continues, it is overseen by our military and intelligence. The most influential international mediators are involved".
Ukrainian officials have expressed their desire for the evacuated soldiers to be exchanged in prisoner swaps, but Russian politicians have voiced that they are against this and called the soldiers that were defending Mariupol "Nazi criminals".
US Reopens Its Embassy In Kyiv, Ukraine After 3 Month Closure - After a three month closure as a result of the Russian war on Ukraine, the United States has reopened its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Russia Responds To Finland's Decision To Join The NATO Alliance - Maria Zakharova, the director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the response of the Russian Federation to Finland's decision to join NATO will be a "surprise" and will be taken primarily by the military.
She also said that a whole range of factors and features will be taken into account that will accompany the country's membership in the NATO alliance.
NATO Chief: Finland, Sweden Have Officially Applied For Alliance Membership - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that both Finland and Sweden have officially handed in their applications for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
On May 18th, after receiving both applications Stoltenberg told reporters, "I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners. The applications you have made today are an historic step. Allies will now consider the next steps on your path to NATO".
The application process should take around two weeks, although membership requires that all NATO alliance members are in agreement.
Turkey however has expressed the desire to block the bid due to their belief that both Finland and Sweden are supporting the PKK and YPG Kurdish groups which Turkey considers terrorist organizations.
Russian MOD Announces Russia Is Shutting Down Moscow Bureau Of CBC Broadcaster - The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that Russia is shutting down the Moscow Bureau of Canadian broadcaster CBC. They are also withdrawing their journalist's accreditations and Visas.
The Russian MOD put out a statement saying, "In response to the Canadian authorities' ban on the broadcasting of Russian TV channels @RT_com and @RTenfrancais, a decision was made to close the Moscow office of the Canadian State Broadcasting Corporation @CBC, including the cancellation of accreditations and visas of its journalists".
Russia Expels 34 French Diplomats In Retaliation For Russian Diplomats Expelled From France In April - Russia has expelled 34 French diplomats. The diplomats have been declared non grata and have been told to leave the country within two weeks time according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The expulsion by Russia was in retaliation for the Russian diplomats that were expelled from France back in April for security reasons. The French Foreign Ministry says that France condemns Russia's decision to expel the diplomats and staff from the country.
USS Harry S. Truman Under NATO Command Once Again - The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group, along with other United States naval vessels have come under NATO command once again for Neptune Shield Drills in the Baltic, Adriatic, and Mediterranean Seas.
The drills were announced by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on May 17th and places the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in the Mediterranean Sea, the USS Kearsarge amphibious ready group in the Baltic Sea, and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit under NATO operational control to the end of May.
Neptune Shield is the third exercise, in a series of exercises involving the United States and NATO allies.
Kirby stated that "This activity increases the pace and flexibility of command and control of US naval and amphibious forces between Sixth Fleet the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, operating in the Mediterranean Sea, USS Kearsarge amphibious ready group that’s operating in the Baltic Sea, along with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit".
Switzerland Considers Joining Military Exercises With NATO Countries - Switzerland's Defense Ministry is drawing up a report on security options which include joint military exercises with NATO countries. It also includes "backfilling" munitions to countries sending Ukraine aid. Read Full Article
Russia Says US Has Become A Hostile State To Russia - Dmitry Peskov, who is a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the Western countries, including the United States which it says is currently conducting a hybrid war against Russia, have become hostile states to the country. Read Full Article
Russia: NATO Has Long Taken Finland And Sweden Into Account For Plans Of Expansion - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has, for many years taken Finland and Sweden into account for its plans for eastward expansion. Read Full Article
Four NATO Warships Spotted Through English Channel - Four NATO warships that had departed from Hamburg, Germany were spotted traveling through the English Channel just off the Kent coast on May 17th.
The four vessels included A833, F802, 330, and F262. A833 and F802 flew the Netherlands flag, 330 flew the Canadian flag, and F262 flew the flag of Germany with F802 and F262 leading the other two vessels.
The two vessels leading are headed south-west, having passed Deal and currently nearing the coast of Dover, while the two trailing vessels are near the coast of Margate and Ramsgate.
All of the ships are military vessels, though the reason for the voyage is currently unknown, as is their destination which is not listed on the Marine Vessel Traffic website.
The Marine Vessel Traffic website does list a number of the ship's ports, however, which include Poland, Sweden, Latvia, and Estonia.
Sweden Formally Signs Request To Join NATO, Turkey Moves To Block Bid - On Tuesday Sweden formally signed their request to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), one day after they had announced the intention to join the alliance.
Finnish lawmakers are expected to also formally endorse the decision by the leaders in Finland to join the NATO alliance.
The majority of the members of the NATO alliance have openly supported the two countries joining the alliance, but Turkey has thrown a wrench in the process by saying that they will not be allowing them to join.
Turkey has blocked the bid due to their belief that both Finland and Sweden are supporting the PKK and YPG Kurdish groups which Turkey considers terrorist organizations.
For a country to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, all NATO members must be in agreement so that the requesting country may be allowed into the alliance.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Finland and Sweden are refusing to extradite what it calls 'terrorists' that are currently wanted by Turkey.
Russian Air Defenses Fire On Israeli Planes In Syria - SYRIA - Syria, Channel 13 news has reported that Russia , for the first time fired on Israeli aircraft in Syria using S-300 anti-aircraft missiles last week citing 'foreign publications'. Read Full Article
Russia Moving Nuclear-Capable Iskander Missiles Toward Their Border With Finland - There have been reports that Russia is moving nuclear capable missiles toward their border with Finland, after Finland and Sweden stated that they have decided to seek NATO membership. Read Full Article
U.S. Senator Delegation Visits Kyiv, Ukraine And Meets With Zelensky - U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, as well as a delegation of Republican senators traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine unannounced and met with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine in order to show bipartisan support for Ukraine from the U.S. Congress.
The senators who traveled to Ukraine included Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, John Barrasso and John Cornyn and called the visit a "strong signal of bipartisan support for Ukraine from the United States Congress and the American people".
Sweden Officially Announces It Will Apply For NATO Membership With Finland - EUROPE - Sweden's president and government have officially announced on Sunday that it will be joining Finland in applying for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Turkey however has raised objections and has threatened to veto the request. Read Full Article
Reports That Ukrainian Troops Reached Russian Border Confirmed - Reports that have been circulating that Ukrainian troops have reached the Russian state border to the North-East of the Kharkiv Oblast have now been confirmed.
On May 14th a Ukrainian journalist had posted a photo showing that the Ukrainian military had taken control of the territory north of Kharkiv all the way up to the Russian border.
US Strongly Supports NATO Application By Sweden And Finland - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States would "strongly support a NATO application by either Sweden or Finland, should they choose to formally apply to the alliance. We'll respect whatever decision they make".
Russian State TV Says Finland Joining NATO Means Russia Will Have No Choice But To Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons - Russian Channel 1 state TV said that the reason Finland is joining NATO is fear, but that when NATO bases begin popping up in Sweden and Finland, Russia will have no choice but to deploy tactical nuclear weapons.
Russian state television stated, "Their official reason is fear. But they’ll have more fear in Nato. When Nato bases appear in Sweden & Finland, Russia will have no choice but to neutralize the imbalance & new threat by deploying tactical nuclear weapons".
Finnish Government Agrees Finland Will Apply For Membership Of NATO - The President of the Finnish Ministerial Committee has agreed that Finland would apply for membership for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the Parliament has been heard, according to the Finnish Government.
The Finnish Government stated that "The report on Finland’s accession to NATO will proceed to Parliament once the government has endorsed it".
The Finnish government website stated, "On Sunday 15 May, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy finalized a report on Finland’s Accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The report will be submitted to Parliament once it has been endorsed in the government plenary session".
"In the meeting, the President and the Ministerial Committee agreed that Finland would apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after Parliament has been heard" it added.
Russian Lawmaker Says Poland Should Be Next For 'Denazification' After Ukraine - MOSCOW - Top member of Russia's Kremlin party "United Russia's Superior Council" and Duma deputy Oleg Morozov stated that "Poland should be the next in the line for denazification process after Ukraine". Read Full Article
Russia Carries Out Drills With Fighter Jets After Finland Announced Plans To Join NATO - Russia carried out drills with fighter jets repelling a mock airstrike against Kaliningrad, Russia which sits between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Coast after Finland announced plans to join NATO, with Sweden likely to follow suit.
The drills, which included Su-27 fighter jets took place just two days after Finland announced its plans to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The jets simulated destroying mock enemy aircraft during the drills according to Interfax, which said that over 10 crews of the Baltic Sea fleet's Su-27 were included in the exercises.
US Intelligence Director: Putin Preparing For Prolonged Conflict In Ukraine - WASHINGTON - U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers on May 10th that the U.S. believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Read Full Article
Russia: We Did Our Best To Avoid Direct Confrontation, But If Challenged We Certainly Accept - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that the consequences of the "total hybrid war against Russia declared by the West" will be felt by everyone without exception, and said that Russia did its best to avoid direct confrontation, but that if the challenge has been posed, they certainly accept it.
During a meeting of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, Interfax quoted Lavrov as saying that "the collective West has declared a total, hybrid war on us (Russia), and it is difficult to predict how long it will be, but it is clear that the consequences will be felt by all without exception".
"we did everything to avoid a direct confrontation, but since the challenge has been thrown, we, of course, accept it. We are used to sanctions, in one form or another they have almost always been around" he added.
France Calls For New 'Community' Of Non-EU European Democracies - EUROPE - French President Emmanuel Macron stated that it would take years for Ukraine to join the European Union, and called for a new 'community' of non-EU European democracies which would not only include Ukraine, but other countries in Europe, including Britain to join the "European core values". Read Full Article
Pentagon Says It Will Not Define Russia's Fighting In Ukraine's East As Stalemate - The Pentagon says that they will not define Russia's fighting in East Ukraine as a stalemate, as they are still making progress, though incremental.
The Pentagon has also stated that the United States has seen indications of Ukrainians being moved into Russia from Ukraine against their will.
As far as the second Russian ship that is said to have been hit by Ukraine, a U.S. official has said that U.S. intelligence does not have any evidence that a second ship was actually struck by Ukraine.
Russian battalion tactical groups within Ukraine have also increased from 92 last week, to 97 according to a U.S. official.
Russia Redirecting Soldiers From Syria To