Report for Friday, March 8, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

Biden says U.S. not backing away from Ukraine, or bowing to Putin, during State of the Union address

U.S. to build temporary dock to deliver aid into Gaza

Sweden joins NATO

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE BRIEFING — Assessing the Threat Matrix, from the Mideast to Ukraine to an Anti-U.S. Axis

THE ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR

Gaza ceasefire talks show no sign of progress, US says onus on Hamas. Hamas has left ceasefire talks in Cairo with no progress evident just before Ramadan, as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of stalling negotiations for a 40-day ceasefire. Talks, held without an Israeli delegation, are set to resume on Sunday. The US places the responsibility on Hamas to finalize a deal concerning Israeli hostages, while Hamas insists on including terms for ending the conflict entirely. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to continue the military campaign in Gaza until objectives are met, including the release of hostages and the destruction of Hamas. Hamas demands a ceasefire before releasing hostages, insisting on Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and allowing displaced Gazans to return home. The news of stalled negotiations elicits despair in Gaza, already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by months of conflict. Reuters Wall Street Journal New York Times

Netanyahu says Israel will proceed with Rafah offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel will push forward with its offensive against Hamas, including in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. "Whoever tells us not to act in Rafah is telling us to lose the war and that will not happen," Netanyahu said at a graduation ceremony at a training school for Israeli army officers. Israel has faced international pressure to stop its offensive in Gaza and not move into Rafah, where an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge, many of whom fled their homes further north amid Israel’s military advance.  Reuters 

U.S. plans to build “temporary dock” on Gaza coast to deliver aid, other nations join maritime aid effort.  President Joe Biden announced Thursday address that he is ordering the U.S. military to establish a temporary port in Gaza to get more aid to Palestinians in the enclave.  Biden said in his State of the Union address that the plan will “enable a massive increase” in aid entering Gaza.  He also called on Israel to “do its part” to increase aid to Gaza and not use humanitarian assistance as a bargaining chip.  Aid will initially flow from Larnaca port in Cyprus. The port already has high-tech screening equipment that Israeli officials in Cyprus can use to screen aid deliveries.  Officials announced that Britain, the E.U. and the United Arab Emirates will also join the U.S. in opening the maritime route for humanitarian aid to Gaza.  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the first aid ship could leave Cyprus as soon as Friday, with more to follow on Sunday.  It was not immediately clear where the vessels would dock, how the aid would be securely distributed, or how involved Israel and others would be in delivering the aid.  U.N. officials and human rights groups welcomed the maritime aid plan, but warned that the temporary pier could take weeks to construct and that both sea shipments and air drops could not make up for the fact that Israel is not letting enough aid into Gaza via land routes.  Israeli officials said they support the maritime corridor as long as aid can be checked “in accordance with Israeli standards” before being shipped from Cyprus.  Biden separately said in his SOTU address that Israel will open a third border crossing into northern Gaza for aid deliveries.  Politico New York Times Times of Israel Reuters Associated Press Washington Post

Former CIA chief says Israel must get Gaza back up and running to defeat Hamas.  Former CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus (Ret.), a Cipher Brief Expert, said on Thursday that to defeat Hamas, Israel must also get Gaza “running again for Palestinian civilians.” Speaking at the INSS Conference in Tel Aviv, Petraeus said that to ensure Hamas cannot reconstitute, Israel must not only militarily defeat the group but also facilitate stable aid distribution in Gaza, get the enclave’s hospitals back properly running, get Gazans back to their homes, and eventually have a general return of civil society. He also emphasized the need for a two-state solution for an eventual end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He noted that Saudi-Israeli normalization will not occur until this is achieved.  Jerusalem Post 

U.N. hunger expert accuses Israel of deliberately destroying Gaza food system.  "Israel has mounted a starvation campaign against the Palestinian people in Gaza,"  Michael Fakhri, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, said Thursday in a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Genever. Fakhri, a Lebanese-Canadian law professor, accused Israel of destroying 80 percent of Gaza’s fishing business by preventing small-scale fishermen from getting on the water and by wrecking their boats and shacks. He said every boat in the Gaza City port had been demolished by Israeli forces. Reuters  

Turkish Red Crescent sends 3,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkey's Red Crescent dispatched a ship carrying 3,000 tons of food, medicine and equipment to the Egyptian port of Al-Arish Thursday.  The cargo represented the largest shipment from Turkey to date. "This aid, which will be delivered to Gaza with the support and cooperation of the Egyptian Red Crescent, will keep the hopes of Palestinians alive on the eve of Ramadan," Salih Mutlu Sen, Turkey's ambassador to Cairo, said on X.  Fatma Meric Yilmaz, head of the Turkish aid group, said the ship would make two trips to Egypt to deliver the aid, largely collected through donations.   Reuters

IDF, Hezbollah exchange more cross-border strikes.  The Israeli military says it carried out airstrikes Thursday evening against two buildings in the Lebanese town of Zibqin. The IDF said they were being used by Hezbollah. Earlier Thursday,  the IDF said it shot down an armed drone fired into Israeli airspace by a Hezbollah position near Bar’am, Lebanon. A second Hezbollah drone crashed in the Mount Hermon area, causing no injuries, and rockets and missiles were fired at Mount Dov and Metula in northern Israel,  according to the IDF, which said it was shelling the launch sites. Times of Israel 

Israeli media: Netanyahu, in a snit over Gantz’s UK trip, slow-walked security precaution.  Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli ambassador to Britain Tzipi Hotovely and her staff not to help Shin Bet make security arrangements for the visit of Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to London, according to Channel 12, Israel’s biggest commercial TV outlet.  As Gantz was about to travel to London over Netanyahu’s ferocious objections, the British foreign office proposed to give Gantz and his party “official” status so they would have diplomatic immunity in case pro-Palestinian activists harassed them with lawsuits or arrest warrants. To their surprise, British officials in London were stiffed by the Israeli foreign ministry, Channel 12 said.  In the best keep-calm-and-carry-on-spirit, the British embassy in Israel came up with the requisite paperwork to make the trip officially “official,” the Israeli outlet reported.   Times of Israel  Jerusalem Post  

Canada PM Trudeau says no decision on resuming UNRWA funding.  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not confirmed whether Canada will resume funding to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. Canada and over a dozen other countries paused funding for the agency after Israel alleged that some of its staff were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Reports suggested earlier that Canada could restore funding, but Trudeau said Ottawa is awaiting the results of a U.N. internal probe into the Israeli allegations.  Reuters

Spain pledges extra 20 million euros in aid to UNRWA.  Spain is giving an additional 20 million euros ($21.88 million) to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. This is in addition to the 3.5 million euros Spain already pledged in February. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said after a meeting with UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini in Madrid that the funding aims to support the organization’s humanitarian work in Gaza and in the region.  Reuters 

Israel lashes out at South Africa.  Israel accused South Africa Thursday of acting "as the legal arm of Hamas" for asking the International Court of Justice, better known as the World Court, to sanction Israel for human rights violations.  "South Africa continues to act as the legal arm of Hamas in an attempt to undermine Israel's inherent right to defend itself and its citizens, and to release all of the hostages," Israel's foreign ministry said.  It called South Africa’s motions urging World Court action against Israel “yet another cynical exploitation of the International Court of Justice in the Hague, which has already twice rejected the baseless attempts to deny Israel its right and obligation of self-defense.”  "South Africa has spelled out its concerns in its application to the ICJ,” Clayson Monyela of South Africa's department of international relations and cooperation, said. They (Israel) know what they are doing. It is absurd to keep saying that South Africa is acting on behalf of Hamas."  Reuters

Leading NGOs slam Israel’s halt in visa renewals for aid workers in Gaza and West Bank.  The Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA), a coalition of 80 humanitarian and nongovernmental groups, says Israel’s decision to stop renewing visas for international aid workers in Gaza and the West Bank is hindering aid work just when it is needed most. The Israeli welfare ministry made the announcement in February, saying it does not have the capability to investigate aid workers’ potential affiliations with militant groups. Coalition Director Faris Arouri said Wednesday that at least 99 humanitarian aid workers have visas that have expired or will expire within the next six months. In a letter to the Israeli attorney general, AIDA lawyers called on Israel to resume processing of visas. Coalition members include Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children.  Associated Press

THE RED SEA

CENTCOM general says U.S. strikes deter Iran proxies in Iraq and Syria but not Houthis.  U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said that U.S. strikes on Iranian proxies in the Middle East have deterred the militant groups in Iraq and Syria from attacking American forces for over a month. However, the effectiveness of the U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen has been limited as the group continues attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Kurilla appealed to Congress for support, specifically by approving the Senate aid package for Ukraine and Israel, which includes $531 million to strengthen counter-drone defense systems for U.S. troops in the Middle East, specifically to better protect U.S. naval assets in the Red Sea. Separately, he also raised concerns about the terror threat from Afghanistan as focus is directed elsewhere in the region.  Stars and Stripes

True Confidence update: Ship evacuated after Houthi attack killed three crewmen.  India's navy evacuated all 20 crewmen from the Barbados-flagged, Greek-operated merchant vessel True Confidence in the Red Sea Thursday. The previous day, a Houthi missile attack killed three crewmen, the first civilian fatalities inflicted by Yemeni militants, and set the ship on fire.  The vessel is currently adrift, but plans to salvage the ship are underway, according to a statement by the ship's owners. Reuters 

US conducts strikes in Yemen and downs Houthi drones.  The U.S. Central Command said it conducted self-defense strikes Thursday against four anti-ship cruise missiles and a drone in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.  CENTCOM forces shot down three UAVs the Houthis launched toward the Gulf of Aden. Reuters 

Red Sea data cables likely cut by Rubymar’s anchor.   Three vital telecommunications cables spanning the Red Sea were probably severed by the anchor of the Rubymar, a Belize-flagged commercial ship sunk by a Houthi missile attack in mid-February.  The merchant ship, loaded with 41,000 tons of fertilizer, finally sank March 2. “Those cables were cut, most likely by an anchor dragging from the Rubymar as she sank,” US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on CBS News Wednesday.  Bloomberg 

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Evacuation ordered near Kupiansk as Russian attack kills 2.  Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced a mandatory evacuation for residents near Kupiansk, a strategic city recently targeted by intensified Russian attacks. The evacuation will affect 57 settlements, including 110 children from Velykoburlutska and 51 from Vilkhuvatska communities, relocating them within Kharkiv Oblast and to other Ukrainian regions to protect families from Russian aggression. Russian forces struck Kupiansk with multiple rocket launchers on March 7, killing a man and a woman,  Kyiv Independent Kyiv Independent 

War update: 86 combat clashes in Ukraine over past day.  In a single day, Ukraine experienced 86 combat engagements along the frontlines, with the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reporting four missile strikes, 74 airstrikes, and 101 rocket salvos by Russian forces. Civil infrastructure suffered from enemy shelling. Additionally, 37 Shahed-type drones attacked Ukraine overnight, with 33 being destroyed. The airstrikes and artillery fire targeted multiple regions, affecting over 150 settlements. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled numerous enemy assaults across various directions, while the Ukrainian Air Force and missile forces targeted Russian manpower clusters and military assets, emphasizing the ongoing intense conflict and Ukraine's resilience.  Ukrinform 

Ukraine’s sacked military leader named ambassador to U.K. President Volodymyr Zelensky Thursday appointed his former commander in chief Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, to become Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain.  Zaluzhny, a popular war hero was replaced in January because of conflicts with Zelensky.  New York Times Washington Post Associated Press  

Russian general warns Ukraine conflict could ignite full-scale war engulfing Europe. Colonel-General Vladimir Zarudnitsky, head of the Russian army's Military Academy of the General Staff, speaking in the Russia’s Military Thought publication, said the probability of a new conflict involving Russia is increasing "significantly."  "The main source of military threats to our state is the anti-Russian policy of the United States and its allies, who are conducting a new type of hybrid warfare in order to weaken Russia in every possible way, limit its sovereignty and destroy its territorial integrity," Zarudnitsky was quoted as saying. Reuters 

Ukrainian officials court help from senior Chinese diplomat. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential administration, wrote on Telegram that he and his team presented Kyiv's peace proposals to Li Hui, China's special representative for Eurasian affairs.  Yermak said the Ukrainian side "discussed with Li Hui the prospects for establishing a just peace for Ukraine, the restoration of our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty on the basis of the Ukrainian peace formula.”  Ukraine's peace plan, as presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky, calls for removing all Russian troops, restoring Ukraine's 1991 post-Soviet borders and a process to make Russia accountable for its actions.   Reuters Bloomberg  

Europe to supply 800,000 rounds of artillery ammo for Ukraine.  Czech President Petr Pavel said Thursday that 18 countries are contributing to the Czech-led drive to buy $1.5 billion worth of ammunition for Ukraine. The last chunk of funding comes from Norway with a pledge of up to $153 million.   Reuters Kyiv Independent

Britain to send Kyiv 10,000 drones. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, visiting Kyiv this week, pledged a new aid package that will include 10,000 drones.  Shapps says the UK will commit 125 million pounds ($160 million) on top of 200 million pounds ($256 million) previously provided for drones.That package will include 1,000 kamikaze drones and models that target ships. “Ukraine’s Armed Forces are using U.K. donated weapons to unprecedented effect, to help lay waste to nearly 30 percent of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet,” Shapps said.  Associated Press Kyiv Independent Ukrinform

Lithuania sends 155-mm artillery shells to Ukraine.  Lithuania announced Thursday it would send more 155-mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Artillery shells, used daily in high numbers, are desperately needed.  Kyiv Independent Ukrinform

Ukraine's Zelensky to visit Turkey on Friday, Turkish presidency says. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey to discuss Russia’s war, the Black Sea grain deal and bilateral relations. Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal complicates discussions. Turkey, a NATO member with ties to both nations, has supported Kyiv while opposing sanctions on Russia. Reuters 

Ukrainians fight on for devastated villages. In Mala Komyshuvakha, Ukraine, the community grapples with the aftermath of Russian occupation. With only 15 residents left from an initial 140, the village faces severe devastation, including a destroyed village hall, school, and church. Mayor Yuriy Tretiakov emphasizes the urgent need for electricity restoration to prevent the village from dying. Despite the desolation, signs of resilience emerge as locals demine fields and rebuild from ruins. The enduring spirit of villagers like 76-year-old Lidiya Pohozha and others showcases a determined fight to reclaim and rejuvenate their ancestral lands against the backdrop of a harrowing history of conflict and resistance. Wall Street Journal 

E.U. backs another year of access for Ukrainian food. The European Union approved extending tariff-free access for Ukrainian food producers until June 2025, with a trade committee vote of 26 for, 10 against and one abstention. This move, aimed at supporting Ukraine amid the war, introduces an "emergency brake" for poultry, eggs and sugar to address EU farmer protests against cheap imports, particularly from Poland. The decision, which now awaits full parliamentary approval and EU government endorsement, seeks to balance support for Ukraine with protections for EU agricultural interests.Reuters Kyiv Independent  

IAEA Board calls on Russia to leave Zaporizhzhia, two years on. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog's board of governors demands Russia withdraw from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), marking the fourth resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency against Russia's actions since the plant's capture by Kremlin forces two years ago. Despite all reactors being shut down, the need for constant power to prevent a meltdown remains critical, with the plant's safety described as precarious amid the ongoing war. Reuters 

Ukraine's Zelensky issues decree on discharging conscripts. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine issued a decree for the discharge of conscripts who have served in the war against Russia into the reserves within two months, providing some relief to service members active since before the invasion began in February 2022. Those discharged will also be exempt from further call-ups for 12 months. This move comes as Ukraine experiences shortages in manpower and equipment amid ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, a bill on mobilization to ensure sufficient military personnel is under discussion in Ukraine's parliament. Reuters Kyiv Independent 

Yellen says US Congress inaction on Ukraine aid is "gift" to Putin, Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen criticized Congress for not approving new aid to Ukraine, describing the delay as a "gift" to Putin, Iran, and other adversaries. She emphasized that Ukraine is running low on ammunition to combat Russia's invasion and urged for the swift passage of a $60 billion military and economic aid package. Reuters Kyiv Independent 

Biden: We will not walk away from Ukraine. Congress needs to stand up to Vladimir Putin, President Joe Biden said during the annual State of the Union address on March 7. "I say this to Congress," Biden announced. "We have to stand up to Putin. Send me a bipartisan national security bill. History is watching. If the United States walks away, it will put Ukraine at risk. Europe will be at risk. The free world will be at risk...My message to President Putin: We will not walk away. We will not bow down. I will not bow down. And in the literal sense, history is watching." Kyiv Independent 

Italian prime minister on Russia's strike on Odesa: Intimidation has no effect. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned a Russian missile attack on Odesa during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Meloni assured that such acts of intimidation would not weaken Ukrainian resistance, which continues to receive strong support from Italy and its government. The attack resulted in casualties. Ukrinform 

Indians killed in Ukraine were forced to fight for Russia, families say. Several Indian men, lured to Russia under the guise of lucrative job opportunities, were forced to fight in the Ukraine war against their will, leading to deaths and pleas for help. Families and the Indian foreign ministry are striving for their early discharge, highlighting the deceptive recruitment practices that trapped these individuals into combat roles. Cases include individuals attracted by job promises on YouTube, only to find themselves in military training and front-line combat, leaving families grieving and awaiting the return of their bodies for last rites. Reuters 

Polish government blames hooligans for violence at farmer protests. Poland's government attributes violent clashes during farmer protests, which injured 14 police officers, to hooligans and provocateurs. Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledges legal punishment for those inciting violence, distinguishing between law-abiding farmers protesting European Union decisions affecting their livelihoods and the violent minority. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski emphasizes the need to differentiate protestors from those causing unrest, with ongoing investigations and detentions following the protests. Associated Press 

The Americas

Biden delivers State of the Union address. In a feisty, energetic State of the Union address, President Joe Biden positioned himself as a defender of democracy against threats from Donald Trump, his likely rival in the 2024 election. Biden emphasized the dangers of Trump's relationships with figures like Vladimir Putin, restrictive abortion views, China and opposition to gun control. Biden criticized Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, reminding the nation of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. Despite concerns about his age, Biden, 81, showcased vigor, engaging with Republican disruptions. He underscored the urgency of support for Ukraine and other democracies, criticized Republicans for stalling on immigration reform and advocated for strong reproductive rights and healthcare protections. Biden also proposed measures to ease the burden on middle-class Americans through making the wealthy and corporations pay more, alongside initiatives aimed at reducing inflation and drug prices. Analysts say Biden’s address was an attempt to make clear the stark contrasts in policy and direction for the country between Republicans and Democrats as the president heads into a historic rematch with Trump, his predecessor, in November. Associated Press Bloomberg

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE BRIEFING — Assessing the Threat Matrix, from the Mideast to Ukraine to an Anti-U.S. Axis.  The Cipher Brief tapped three deeply-experienced former senior CIA officers — Beth Sanner, former deputy director for National Intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Linda Weissgold, former CIA Deputy Director for Analysis and head head of CIA’s Office of Terrorism Analysis; and Ted Singer, former CIA senior intelligence service officer — to assess today’s most concerning global threats to U.S. security.  The Cipher Brief

Intelligence agencies to brief Trump, though concerns over his handling of classified information persist. The Biden administration plans to brief Donald Trump on national security if he becomes the GOP nominee, despite his ongoing trial in Florida for mishandling classified documents. This decision, adhering to a tradition since 1952, is fraught with unprecedented risks due to Trump's legal issues and allegations of his past mis-handling of classified information. Trump's history of sharing sensitive details with foreign officials and on social media raises concerns among former intelligence officials about the prudence of such briefings. While there's no legal requirement to provide these briefings, they have been a custom to ensure presidential candidates are informed on pressing threats. The intelligence community intends to proceed cautiously, sharing information that does not compromise sensitive sources or methods. Politico

Communications devices found on Chinese cranes at U.S. ports raises espionage fears.  A congressional investigation into Chinese-built cargo cranes at U.S. ports has found communications equipment on cranes that don’t appear to support normal operations. Some of the cranes manufactured by China's ZPMC, which accounts for nearly 80% of ship-to-shore cranes in U.S. ports, were found to have installed components like cellular modems, raising fears of potential remote access and espionage. The Biden administration has pledged over $20 billion to replace foreign-built cranes with U.S.-manufactured ones, citing security concerns. The investigation is ongoing, with a public report expected to focus on ZPMC and potential threats posed by Chinese-manufactured equipment at U.S. ports.  While there have been no reported security breaches related to the cranes, concerns persist about potential espionage risks and the need for enhanced security measures.  Wall Street Journal

U.S. House committee to vote on TikTok crackdown bill. The U.S. House is set to vote on legislation requiring Chinese internet technology company ByteDance to divest TikTok within six months or face a ban, following unanimous committee approval. Despite TikTok's last-minute appeal asking users to protest, the bill reflects  bipartisan national security concerns. The legislation aims to sever TikTok's ties with the Chinese Communist Party amidst spying fears, despite the app's denial of sharing data with Beijing. This move, supported by both parties and the Biden administration, highlights the political and legal challenges in managing tech and data security in U.S.-China relations.Reuters Politico Bloomberg 

U.S. panel postpones meeting to hold Blinken in contempt over Afghanistan.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken has agreed to provide the House Foreign Affairs Committee documents the committee is seeking regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 after the committee threatened to hold Blinken in contempt of Congress for failing to provide the documents. Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said the committee postponed a meeting scheduled for today to consider holding Blinken in contempt after the Secretary agreed on Wednesday evening to provide the material. McCaul issued a statement saying the documents will provide “crucial information for our investigation” of the withdrawal. Republicans and some Democrats say there never has been a full accounting of the chaotic U.S. departure. The State Department says it already has provided thousands of pages of documents to the committee and has made witnesses available for interviews. Reuters

U.S. House Democrats probe alleged Starlink use by Russia.  U.S. House Democrats have begun an investigation of whether SpaceX maintained adequate safeguards to prevent Russia from using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in its war against Ukraine. House Oversight Committee ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) sent a letter to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell on Wednesday demanding that the company report complaints about potential illegal acquisitions of Starlink terminals. Raskin and Garcia said they were alarmed by Ukrainian intelligence officials’ allegations that Russia has deployed Starlink terminals in occupied eastern Ukraine, potentially violating U.S. sanctions and threatening Ukrainian and U.S. national security. Starlink has been vital to Ukraine’s war effort, providing digital communications on the battlefield since early in the war. The lawmaker’s letter said the Defense Department bought 400 to 500 new Starlink terminals for Ukraine in June. Washington Post Axios Reuters The Hill

Russian fake news sites popping up in U.S.  Researchers and government officials say that in recent weeks, at least five websites appearing to be local American news outlets but are actually fakes produced by Russia have appeared on the Internet.  With names such as D.C. Weekly, The New York News Daily, The Chicago Chronicle and The Miami Chronicle, the websites mix Kremlin propaganda with stories about crime, politics and culture.  The officials and researchers say the sites could be the foundation of an online network that Russia will use to spread disinformation during the U.S. presidential campaign. Clemson University Media Forensics Hub Co-Director Patrick Warren, who discovered the effort, said advances in artificial intelligence and other digital tools have made such a disinformation campaign even easier.  One example of the disinformation: Amid some true stories, The Miami Chronicle reported last week that a leaked audio recording of U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland shows her discussing a shift in U.S. support for Russia’s opposition following the death of Alexei Navalny.  Biden Administration officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the recording is a crude fake.  In another example, The New York News Daily ran a story reporting supposed U.S. plans to interfere in Russia’s presidential election next month. Warren’s partner at Clemson, Darren Linvill, said Russia’s goal is not to have readers delve deep into the websites or to subscribe, but to lend an air of credibility to readers’ posts on social media spreading the disinformation. The stories typically result in hundreds of posts on social media platforms. While it is difficult to measure their reach, taken together the posts could reach thousands or even millions of readers.  New York Times

U.S. nuclear missile modernization raises concerns in local communities.  The U.S. Air Force's plan to replace the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with a new missile called Sentinel has raised concerns in local communities, particularly regarding public safety, housing, and environmental impact. The Sentinel project, handled by defense contractor Northrop Grumman, involves refurbishing launch areas, constructing support buildings, communication towers, and utility lines. Local communities, such as those near Air Force bases in Wyoming, North Dakota, and Montana, must adapt to the influx of workers employed at the facilities, property easements, and environmental considerations over fuel waste disposal. The Air Force is engaging in ongoing discussions with local communities to address these concerns.  The Hill

U.S. to push UN on warning against nuclear weapons in space.  The U.S. is drafting a U.N. Security Council resolution, set to be introduced during Japan's presidency, discouraging the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, specifically aimed at dissuading Russia from launching warheads into orbit. The resolution aligns with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons in orbit. While the U.S. faces challenges naming Russia due to its veto power, a broadly worded resolution might gain support from Russia and other nations. The move follows concerns about Russia's potential deployment of a space weapon, which have underscored the need to address space militarization.  Bloomberg 

U.S. Army intelligence analyst charged with trying to sell military secrets to China.  U.S. authorities arrested U.S. Army intelligence analyst Korbein Schultz on Thursday for allegedly conspiring to sell sensitive defense information to China.  A Justice Department press release said Schultz was paid around $42,000 to provide an individual he believed lived in Hong Kong with information about U.S. contingency plans if Taiwan comes under military attack.  Federal prosecutors charged Schultz with conspiracy to disclose national defense information, exporting defense articles and technical data without a license, and bribery of a public official.  Reuters  

Haiti gangs breach capital’s main port.  Haitian gangs have expanded their control over Port-au-Prince, closing the capital’s main port. The loss of the port will cut off critical supplies, including food and medical resources, with potentially devastating consequences for a country already grappling with violence, prison breaks and infrastructure destruction. With 80% of Port-au-Prince under gang control, including roads and the main airport, the nation faces dire shortages and heightened isolation. More people in the Caribbean nation of 11 million will be put at risk of hunger and health crises. Meanwhile, embattled Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry remained stranded in Puerto Rico, unable to negotiate a return to the nation. Henry took over in 2021 after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and has repeatedly postponed elections.  The Biden administration has come under criticism for backing Henry.  The U.S. has few options since there is little appetite for a 1994-style military intervention in which a US-led multinational force of some 25,000 troops restored Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power.  The Kenya-led multinational police force for Haiti also remains stalled.  Washington Post Reuters The Hill  Wall Street Journal Associated Press

Canada must spend 'much more' on military, defense minister says. Canada's Defense Minister Bill Blair announced the country's commitment to increase military spending, acknowledging the country’s current expenditure of just under 1.4% of GDP falls short of NATO's 2% target.  The plan to increase spending includes doubling the defense budget to Canadian $40 billion by 2026-27. NATO and the U.S. are calling on Canada to set a timeline to meet the alliance’s spending goal, with an updated defense policy expected soon.  Blair emphasized the necessity for Canada to urgently improve its defense capabilities due to threats from climate change and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.  He also cited the potential threat of the Arctic ambitions of China and Russia. "The Arctic is becoming more accessible, which means that geography no longer affords us the security it once did," Reuters quoted Blair as saying. "We know that Russia and China both harbor Arctic ambitions, and those have major security implications for Canada. It is incumbent upon us to meet this moment."  Reuters 

Venezuela says it invited international election observers, but concerns persist.  Venezuela’s electoral body said it has invited the E.U., Carter Center, U.N. and five other groups to observe the country’s upcoming presidential elections on July 28.  The participation of the international monitoring missions is part of a U.S.-brokered agreement between Nicolas Maduro’s government and Venezuela's opposition on the vote.  Concerns about the fairness of the election persist since the election date was approved just this week and the opposition’s leading candidate has been banned from the race.  U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols, said Thursday that the Venezuelan government is failing to deliver on some commitments in the electoral agreement and has taken steps in the “wrong direction.”  Bloomberg Reuters  

Asia and Oceania

China’s Xi urges coordination of military and economy strategy at sea. During China's annual legislative session, President Xi Jinping called for the Chinese military to align its maritime strategy with China’s economic goals to “protect maritime interests” and foster economic development. Xi's directives reflect China's strategic approach to assert dominance in the South China Sea, where recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels have occurred.  Bloomberg 

China's top legislators pledge to safeguard sovereignty, security interests.  China's top legislators are planning to introduce a series of new laws aimed at modernizing the country's national security system and capabilities with the aim of safeguarding sovereign interests.  New legislation includes an emergency management law, atomic energy law, financial stability law, and other measures.  A work report presented by Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) and the Communist Party's third-ranked official, added that there are plans to revise laws related to national defense education and cybersecurity.  Reuters 

Hong Kong announces new national security law bill with longer jail terms, tighter control.  The draft of Hong Kong's new national security law, published on Friday, has raised concerns for its expansive definitions of sedition and state secrets, alongside increased penalties for various offenses. The Hong Kong Legislative Council started debating the bill on Friday, with pro-Beijing members Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expecting its passage into law before mid-April.  The proposed legislation’s provisions related to sedition and state secrets are broad, with penalties including life imprisonment for treason and significant terms for espionage and offenses linked to “state secrets.”  Reuters The Guardian Al Jazeera

Trying to contain China will only fuel its grievances, says Malaysian PM. During a speech in Australia, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cautioned against efforts to restrain China's influence, warning that such actions would only provoke Beijing to act out. Speaking at the Australian National University in Canberra, Anwar discussed the importance of understanding China's perspective, highlighting how its leaders view military expansion and diplomatic influence as natural outcomes of its economic progress over time. Anwar also called for the U.S. and China to work together to “conduct themselves in a manner that is conducive to the enhancement of regional cooperation and economic integration.”  Reuters Associated Press

China's state-owned CNOOC makes 100 million ton oilfield discovery in South China Sea. Chinese state-owned oil and gas giant CNOOC Ltd announced on Friday the discovery of a new oil reserve containing over 100 million tons of oil in the South China Sea. The reserve, containing light crude oil, is located at CNOOC's deepwater Kaiping South oilfield in the Pearl River Delta near the Guangdong province.  Reuters

Top official from China's Xinjiang says 'Sinicisation' of Islam 'inevitable’.  The top Communist Party official in Xinjiang said that the process of “Sinicisation” of Islam in is “inevitable”, echoing remarks previously made by Chinese President Xi Jinping about the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang.  This “inevitable Sinicisation” has been criticized amid accusations of human rights abuses in the Muslim-majority region. During a news conference, regional officials signaled Xinjiang's openness to foreign tourism and investment, countering U.S. claims of forced labor and cultural genocide.  Reuters

North Korea’s Kim leads artillery unit drills. North Korean state media reported on Friday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw an artillery firing drill conducted by the Korean People's Army.  The drill, conducted near the border within firing range of Seoul, adds to Pyongyang's ongoing military reaction to joint South Korea-U.S. exercises, known as the Freedom Shield drills.  Bloomberg Reuters

Japan and India agree to step up security and economic cooperation amid regional security concerns. Japan and India have agreed to enhance security and economic cooperation to counter China's growing regional influence. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar discussed expanding bilateral security ties, including defense equipment and technology transfers, and exploring new areas like space and cybersecurity.  The ministers emphasized the importance of joint military exercises and cooperation in economic security, supply chain resilience, and infrastructure development, highlighting the strategic alignment between Japan and India in the Indo-Pacific.  The collaboration, reinforced by shared concerns over China's assertiveness, is part of broader cooperation efforts within the Quad grouping.  Associated Press

Kashmir has been transformed, Indian PM says on first visit since revoking region’s semi-autonomy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded Kashmir’s development after his government’s decision to revoke its semi-autonomous status and instead integrate the region into India. During his first visit to the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley since the revocation in 2019, Modi said that following decades of militant violence and territorial disputes with Pakistan, he envisions Kashmir as a future global success story, particularly with the launch of various tourism and agricultural initiatives.  Many Kashmiris still resist Modi’s decision to impose direct federal rule on the region and have said they have yet to see benefits of projects he promotes.  They also say they face a crackdown on civil liberties and press freedom.  Reuters Associated Press Al Jazeera

Kachin rebels claim attacks in northern Myanmar as offensive gains pace. A rebel faction in Myanmar's northern Kachin state claimed on Thursday that its forces attacked over 10 army outposts along the primary route to the state capital of Myitkyina. The attacks put additional pressure on the ruling military administration amidst resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic minority militias. According to a spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the attacks were directed at military installations and affiliated militia groups across multiple townships, including areas near Laiza, the headquarters of the KIA located on the Chinese border, approximately 200 miles northeast of Mandalay. The military government has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the ongoing conflict in Kachin.  Associated Press

Europe

Sweden joins NATO.  Sweden formally joined NATO on Thursday, marking a historic expansion of the alliance and bolstering its deterrent capabilities in the Baltic and North Seas. With Sweden and Finland's membership, NATO faces a newly assertive Russia with an extended land border. The addition underscores NATO's shift from seeking peace to containing Russian aggression.  Sweden’s membership abandoned the Nordic nation’s 200-year stance of neutrality in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  As a new member, Sweden commits to meeting NATO's defense spending goals, bringing advanced military capabilities and strengthening the alliance's position in the Baltic region and beyond. This move is seen as a strategic failure for Russian objectives, reinforcing NATO's unity and defense posture.  Politico Reuters New York Times Bloomberg

US Embassy in Russia issues warning of potential terror attack in Moscow over next 48 hours. The U.S. Embassy in Russia has warned American citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow for the next 48 hours due to reports of imminent plans by extremists to target such events, including concerts. The advisory highlights concerns over potential terrorist attacks in the Russian capital and urges vigilance and awareness of surroundings.  Kyiv Independent Ukrinform

Swedish police arrest suspected Islamist extremists allegedly planning attack.  Swedish police on Thursday arrested four people suspected of preparing “terrorist offenses” with links to Islamist extremism.  A spokesperson for the Sapo security service and prosecution agency did not say when or where the alleged plan attack were to take place, but said the arrests followed an extensive investigation.  The national prosecution service said separately that the suspects were arrested in the Stockholm area.  Reuters Associated Press  

France, Moldova sign defense deal.  France and Moldova have signed defense and economic cooperation agreements as part of French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to garner Western support for Ukraine and its vulnerable neighbors amid Russian aggression. The defense accord includes the placement of a French military representative in Moldova, training programs, and arms supplies. The economic deal includes French investment in Moldovan energy projects, natural resources, and rail transport. Macron expressed "unwavering support" for Moldova's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Moldova, bordering Ukraine and Romania, has tense relations with Moscow. The recent appeal by Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria for Russian help has raised concerns about further instability.   Financial Times 

Middle East

U.N. probe finds Iran responsible for ‘physical violence’ that killed Mahsa Amini.  A U.N. fact-finding mission has implicated Iran in the “physical violence” that killed Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being arrested for alleged non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws. The report also accused Iran of using "unnecessary and disproportionate" lethal force during ensuing protests, which reportedly resulted in over 500 deaths and 22,000 detentions. The findings highlight a pattern of brutality against those opposing the theocracy. The report adds to international pressure on Tehran but is unlikely to alter its hardline government.  Associated Press

Africa

Senegal court confirms March election date.  Senegal’s constitutional court on Thursday confirmed the country’s delayed election will be held on March 24. President Macky Sall scheduled the vote after his attempt to delay elections from Feb. 25 to December was deemed unconstitutional and the council ruled the vote must take place before his mandate ends on April 2.  Nineteen candidates now have a little over two weeks to canvas for votes before the election.  Reuters 

Turkey signs energy cooperation deal with Somalia.  Turkey and Somalia signed an offshore oil and natural gas cooperation deal on Thursday. The Turkish Energy Ministry said the deal includes exploration, evaluation, development and production, refining, and distribution of oil in land and sea projects in Somalia. The deal further strengthens Turkish-Somali ties. Turkey operates its biggest overseas military base in Mogadishu and provides training to Somali military and police.  Reuters Associated Press 

Gunmen kidnap dozens of students in Nigeria.  Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped over 200 students in the northern town of Kuriga on Thursday, marking the largest mass abduction from a school since 2021. Teachers, parents, and local officials said the number of school pupils taken hostage ranges from at least 227 to as many as 287. Residents blamed lack of security in the area for the kidnapping, and authorities said they will work to rescue the students. The school kidnapping came after suspected Boko Haram jihadists reportedly abducted over 200 displaced people, mostly women, from a camp in Ngala town, near the Cameroon border.  Armed groups often abduct villagers and travelers in northwest and central Nigeria for large ransoms.  Reuters Wall Street Journal New York Times BBC The Guardian Al Jazeera

U.N. chief urges Ramadan truce in Sudan.  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Sudan's warring factions to observe a Ramadan truce as part of efforts to end hostilities and achieve a lasting peace.  Guterres called for a stop to the fighting to avoid an escalation of the conflict which could lead to further regional instability and to get direly needed humanitarian aid into Sudan.  The U.N. Security Council is considering a British-drafted resolution advocating for a truce between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during Ramadan.   Reuters

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN

China accelerates push to “delete America” from its technology.  Chinese government directive Document 79, issued in 2022, aims to reduce China’s reliance on U.S. technology by requiring state-owned companies to replace foreign software in their IT systems with Chinese alternatives by 2027. The directive leverages China's state sector purchasing power to support domestic tech firms, supporting local tech solutions like databases, cloud servers, and business management software. The initiative, part of a broader push for self-sufficiency, impacts American tech giants since it potentially diminishes opportunities for Western companies in the Chinese market.  Wall Street Journal

China’s Mars sample mission progresses onwards.  China is progressing with its plans to collect Martian rocks and return them to Earth by 2030. According to Sun Zezhou, chief designer of the Tianwen-1 spacecraft, all key technologies for the Tianwen-3 mission are "in place," with work progressing smoothly. The mission includes the retrieval of rock samples from the Martian surface and an in-orbit rendezvous and transfer of samples to the return capsule. The successful return of Martian rocks could provide crucial insights into Mars' history, including the presence of water and potential past life. Nasa’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) project has slowed amid budget issues and after an independent review called the project’s timeline “unrealistic.”  South China Morning Post

French defense ministry selects startups to develop quantum technology.  France's defense-procurement agency awarded contracts to five domestic computer-research startups—Alice & Bob, C12, Pasqal, Quandela, and Quobly—to develop technology for two universal quantum computer prototypes by 2032. Valued at up to €500 million, the framework agreements aim to provide quantum systems for defense requirements. The startups will participate in a three-stage competition—proof of concept, maturation, and industrialization. After four years, the three most successful projects will be retained. The program, coordinated by the Defense Digital Agency, aligns with President Emmanuel Macron's national quantum strategy to propel France into the forefront of quantum computing.  C4ISRNET

Dragos CEO warns digitization in critical infrastructure will spur attacks.  CEO and founder of the industrial cybersecurity firm Dragos, Robert M. Lee, warns that the increasing digitization and interconnectedness in critical infrastructure sectors like water systems could lead to a surge in cyber threats. Lee predicts that as outdated analog systems are upgraded into connected digital systems to boost efficiency, these systems will become more attractive targets for attacks by both nation-backed entities and criminal hackers. Homogeneity in systems will also increase the potential impact such attacks have on operations.  CyberScoop

SK Hynix investing $1 billion in key AI memory chip technology.  South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix is investing over $1 billion to advance chip packaging technology, particularly high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a vital component in artificial intelligence development. HBM's advantage lies in its innovative packaging, and further improvements are crucial for reducing power consumption and enhancing performance.  Bloomberg

Google opens Asia cyberdefense hub in Tokyo.  Google has established its inaugural Asia-Pacific cyber defense hub in Tokyo, aiming to address escalating cybersecurity concerns in the region, particularly emanating from China. The facility, situated within Google's Tokyo office, will focus on collaborative research, information sharing, and training programs to bolster cyber defenses across the Asia-Pacific. Engineers from countries including India, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations will participate in joint research at the facility on countering cyberattacks. Google emphasizes that it will not charge for the collaborative efforts, fostering a collective approach to enhancing cybersecurity in the region.  Nikkei Asia

U.S. Army awards Palantir with contract for next-gen targeting system.  Palantir has been awarded a $178.4 million contract by the U.S. Army to produce next-generation targeting nodes as part of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. TITAN is crucial for multi-domain operations, connecting army units to sensors in high-altitude and space to provide targeting data, aiming to simplify soldiers' identification, aiming, and firing processes. The contract includes the development of 10 TITAN prototypes, with five each of the "advanced" and "basic" systems. Palantir's AI-driven software-centric solution is designed to enhance battlefield intelligence collection, processing, and dissemination, supporting the Army's Joint All Domain Command and Control warfighting concept.  DefenseScoop Breaking Defense

Report Info

The data cutoff for this product was 7:00 a.m. E.T.

Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Bruce Wilmot, Elaine Shannon, Allison Brown, Ken Hughes, Brian Bonner, and Katharine Campbell contributed to this report.

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