In today’s report…… A flurry of diplomatic efforts underway to stave off war in Ukraine amid a continued Russian troop buildup in Belarus and new US deployments to Poland. Iran draws a red line in nuclear negotiations this week and UN says North Korea’s nuclear program grows stronger. Pakistani security forces battle insurgents and US CENTCOM commander visits UAE to demonstrate US support. It’s a big news day and your best chance of keeping up with the fast paced and rapidly changing global security news cycle is right here with The Cipher Brief. And, before we move on I’d like to say a special welcome to our newest Cipher Brief Expert John Edwards. John retired from the CIA in September of 2021 where he last served as the CIA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer.