Report for Thursday, November 21, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

Thursday, November 21, 2024

ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel's Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader

Ukraine accuses Russia of ICBM attack

Ukraine Uses Storm Shadow Missiles to target Russian Commanders

China’s Xi Jinping, Brazil's Lula sign 37 trade and development pacts.

Denmark detains Chinese-registered vessel in Baltic Sea amid sabotage prob

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES

NATO Prepares for Trump, and His Plans for Peace in UkraineThe Cipher Brief 

Wanted: A Plan to Secure America's Railroads Against Cyberattacks The Cipher Brief

THE MIDDLE EAST AT WAR

Ball is in Israel’s court for truce with Hezbollah.  U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein said he has made progress towards a deal during his trip to Beirut and Israel and hopes to “bring this to a close if we can.” The current proposal aims to create a demilitarized buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Hochstein told reporters the gaps between the warring sides have narrowed significantly.  He spent two days in Beirut, wrapping up Wednesday, and is scheduled to meet with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.  In a televised address during Mr. Hochstein’s visit to Lebanon, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that  a truce depended on Israel’s response and the “seriousness” of Mr. Netanyahu.  Wall Street Journal  New York Times  Reuters 

ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel's Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader.  The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense chief, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri (also known as Mohammed Deif) on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This decision follows ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's request to address crimes tied to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel's subsequent military actions in Gaza. Despite Israel's rejection of the ICC's jurisdiction and denial of war crimes, the court clarified that Israel's consent to its jurisdiction is not required. Israel claims to have killed Al-Masri in an airstrike, although Hamas has not verified this claim. Reuters

Israel won’t back down on right to fight.  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insisted Wednesday that Israel must be able to strike Hezbollah if the group violates any ceasefire deal. “In any agreement we will reach, we will have to maintain our freedom to act,” Saar told diplomats; Katz said any deal must include the right for the Israeli military “to act and protect the citizens of Israel from Hezbollah” as needed.  Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the prospect of Israel being able to strike Hezbollah even after a truce is reached, saying that Israel should not be allowed to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty. The Lebanese government has likewise rejected this Israeli demand.  Associated Press  Reuters

U.S. vetoes another U.N. Security Council Gaza ceasefire resolution.  The U.S. on Wednesday vetoed the latest U.N. Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. Backed by 10 non-permanent members of the council, it called for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” and separately demanded the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Robert Wood, deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said the U.S. has made clear that the release of hostages must be part of a ceasefire. “This resolution abandoned this necessity, and for that reason, the United States could not support it,” Wood said, adding that the proposed text would have sent a “dangerous message” to Hamas that “there’s no need to come back to the negotiating table.” Israel’s U.N. ambassador Danny Danon said the proposal was “a resolution for appeasement” of Hamas. The U.S. has blocked four previous resolutions demanding a ceasefire. Washington received widespread criticism for today’s move. France’s ambassador to the U.N. Nicolas de Riviere said the resolution “very firmly” required the release of hostages. Malta’s U.N. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier said it “was by no means a maximalist one” and was the “bare minimum” to address the situation in Gaza.  Reuters  New York Times

Israel strikes homes in north Gaza, killing dozens.  The Israeli military bombed at least five crowded homes in northern Gaza early Thursday troops moved deeper on the enclave’s northern edge.  Hamas media said at least 57 died, but many people were missing or trapped under rubble. Israeli operations have focused on the northern edge for weeks. The military has surrounded three major towns and ordered residents to flee. On Wednesday, Gaza health officials said Israeli military strikes killed at least 48 people across Gaza. A school sheltering displaced people in central Gaza was hit, along with a hospital in northern Gaza and the humanitarian-designated area of Al-Mawasi and Rafah in the south. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, said the hospital "was bombed across all its departments without warning, as we were trying to save an injured person in the intensive care unit" on Tuesday. "Following the arrest of 45 members of the medical and surgical staff and the denial of entry to a replacement team, we are now losing wounded patients daily who could have survived if resources were available," he told Reuters by text message. “Unfortunately, food and water are not allowed to enter, and not even a single ambulance is permitted access to the north."  Abu Safiya said 17 children had arrived with signs of malnutrition and a man died of dehydration a day ago.  Reuters 

US Senate refuses to stop military sales to Israel. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly against three resolutions that would have halted the transfer of some U.S. weapons to Israel.  Progressives concerned the human rights in Gaza introduced them. A resolution to block sales of tank rounds to Israel got 79 of 100 “no” votes and 18 “yes” votes, with one “present” vote.  A measure to stop a shipment of mortar rounds, got 78 “nos,” 19 “yes” votes and one “present.  And 80 voted against a measure that would have stopped shipments of joint direct attack munitions (JDAMS) kits, with 17 in favor and one voting present. All votes in favor of the resolutions came from Democrats.  The "no" votes were mixed, Democrats and Republicans. Reuters 

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Ukraine accuses Russia of ICBM attack. Kyiv said Russia launched an RS-26 "Rubezh" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro on Thursday morning. However, ABC News, citing an unnamed Western official, said it did not appear that an ICBM was used in the attack that damaged an industrial site and rehabilitation center, caused fires, and injured two people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a missile used “matches the speed and altitude” of an ICBM. The Kremlin refused to comment on the strike. If confirmed, Bloomberg reported, this would appear to be the first use of an ICBM in combat since the weapon was developed at the inception of the Cold War. Since then, Moscow and Washington have given each other advance notice about ICBM launches to prevent the other side from perceiving a test launch as a nuclear attack, the Associated Press reported. Designed for nuclear strikes at ranges exceeding 5,500 kilometers, ICBMs like the RS-26 are optimized for strategic deterrence rather than tactical battlefield use. The missile, apparently armed with a conventional payload, was launched from Astrakhan by the Caspian Sea, a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers, according to Ukraine. Russia also fired a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were shot down, the Ukrainian air force said. Analysts described the use of ICBMs as ill-suited for such a target. They cost at least $10 million each and, while capable of very high speeds, are sometimes less accurate than shorter-range cruise missiles. “This strike is not for military value, this is purely, purely for political purposes," Fabian Hoffmann, a defense expert at the University of Oslo, told the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's U.S.-supplied Patriots are effective at intercepting shorter-range missiles but are not optimized to intercept ICBMs. If Russia began to regularly launch ICBMs, Ukraine's air defenses would need to be bolstered, Defense Express reported. The attack follows Ukraine’s use of U.S-supplied. ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles – with ranges of 300 kilometers or less – on Russian territory, prompting Moscow to lower its nuclear strike threshold. As tensions escalate, both sides maneuver for leverage ahead of potential peace talks. Dnipro is the nation’s third-largest city, with a pre-war population of more than 1 million residents in southeastern Ukraine. Financial Times Reuters Kyiv Independent NV Ukrainska Pravda Defense Express ABC News Bloomberg Politico Washington Post Associated Press Associated Press

Ukraine Uses Storm Shadow Missiles to target Russian Commanders. Ukraine launched 10 British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles Wednesday at a target in Maryino, part of Russia’s Kursk Oblast, 25 miles from the border. The missiles, known for their 880-pound warhead designed to destroy fortified structures, are likely aimed at a high-value, potentially underground, command site. Reports suggest the target might have been a command post where Russian and North Korean officers were coordinating 50,000 troops. The strike followed recent U.S. authorization for Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, with the UK and France also permitting their advanced munitions' use. Russia reported missile fragments near Kursk. Forbes Bloomberg  Financial Times Sky News Reuters New York Times 

ANALYSIS–Why Ukraine’s war is in a bad place. Ukraine’s war effort is faltering due to attrition, slow weapons deliveries, and troop shortages. Exhaustion among soldiers, limited well-trained reserves, and insufficient arms have hampered Kyiv’s ability to counter Russia's advances, especially in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russia’s “meat wave” strategy, bolstered by North Korean troops, allows it to sustain heavy losses while Ukraine cannot. Slow international military aid, often delayed by fears of provoking Moscow, has left Ukraine playing catch-up. Meanwhile, Russia adapts quickly to counter new weapons like Storm Shadows. Western hesitation has prolonged the war, and Ukraine now faces rising Western pressure to negotiate, though Moscow demands capitulation. Politico EU

Alleged Russian plan sees Ukraine 'cut' into 3 parts, intelligence source says. A Ukrainian intelligence source claims to have uncovered a Russian Defense Ministry plan to divide Ukraine into three parts. The alleged scheme envisions Moscow annexing eastern Ukraine, the creation of "disputed territories" in the west potentially claimed by neighboring countries, and forcing central Ukraine, including Kyiv, to become a Russian-controlled puppet state. The plan aligns with Russia's broader goals of regime change in Kyiv and reshaping the global order. While the document's authenticity remains unverified, it suggests Moscow’s long-term strategies include undermining Western dominance and fostering a multipolar world. Kyiv Independent

Zelensky says Crimea can only be restored to Ukraine through diplomacy. In a Fox News interview broadcast on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, must be restored to Ukrainian sovereignty through diplomacy. Speaking on a train in Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized the unfeasibility of retaking Crimea militarily due to the potential loss of tens of thousands of lives. While rejecting any acknowledgment of occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian, he reiterated his readiness to pursue Crimea’s return through negotiations, aligning with his broader peace formula and calls for NATO membership. Reuters

Russia and Ukraine battle for advantage ahead of Trump's return. Russia and Ukraine are maneuvering for advantage ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. Russia resumed large-scale missile strikes, loosened its nuclear doctrine, and deployed thousands of North Korean troops to intensify its offensive. In response, Ukraine launched U.S.-provided ATACMS missiles into Russian territory and prepared to use anti-personnel landmines, aiming to hold its ground. Analysts suggest Russia seeks a stronger position for potential negotiations, but skepticism surrounds Trump’s ability to broker a lasting peace. Ukraine remains firm against territorial concessions, viewing any major loss as a betrayal and preparing for a prolonged struggle. BBC Kyiv Independent Axios

US reopens Kyiv embassy late Wednesday. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv reopened late Wednesday after temporarily closing earlier in the day due to a reported threat of a major air attack. U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink confirmed the resumption of services, urging vigilance and preparedness during air alerts. Other Western embassies also temporarily closed, while France remained open with cautionary advice for its citizens. Reuters

US embassy’s temporary closure in Kyiv reflects a starkly escalating war in Ukraine. Kyiv experienced heightened tension on Wednesday as the U.S. Embassy temporarily closed, citing "specific information" about a potentially major Russian airstrike. Several Western embassies followed suit, fueling anxiety and prompting warnings from Ukrainian officials about Russian psychological operations aimed at spreading panic. Air raid sirens blared throughout the day, with many residents seeking shelter in metro stations. Ukrainian military intelligence described the warnings as a mix of legitimate threats and misinformation, emphasizing vigilance but cautioning against hysteria. Despite the fears, no major attack materialized by evening. CNN CBS News Kyiv Independent Reuters

Latest Russian airstrikes on Ukraine threaten ‘catastrophic power failure.’ Greenpeace has warned that Russia’s recent missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have placed the country’s three operational nuclear power plants at heightened risk of catastrophic failure. Targeting substations connected to these plants threatens cooling systems vital for reactor safety. Though Ukraine has backup diesel generators, extended outages could lead to a disaster akin to Chornobyl or Fukushima, with widespread radiological release. Ukraine’s energy capacity, already reduced to half its pre-war level, faces further instability. Greenpeace urged the International Atomic Energy Agency to monitor critical substations and called on Russia to cease attacks, citing risks to Europe and beyond. The Guardian

Ukraine has success in building clean energy, which is harder for Russia to destroy. Ukraine has accelerated its transition to clean energy amidst war, showcasing resilience against Russian attacks on centralized energy systems. Renewable energy, like wind and solar, has proven harder to destroy and quicker to restore. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, rebuilt solar farms within a week compared to months for traditional plants. International partnerships, including GE and Honeywell, support renewable projects, highlighting Ukraine’s innovative energy strategy. “Ukraine has done something no one has ever done before—maintain the grid in a war-torn environment,” said GE Vernova’s Roger Martella at COP29. Associated Press

Biden administration moves to forgive $4.7 billion of loans to Ukraine. The Biden administration has forgiven $4.7 billion in U.S. loans to Ukraine, a step authorized by a funding bill passed in April. The move aims to provide support as Ukraine resists Russia’s invasion. While Congress could block the decision, bipartisan support for Ukraine makes that unlikely. The decision comes amid concerns that President-elect Donald Trump may restrict U.S. assistance. President Joe Biden has directed officials to expedite aid delivery before leaving office on Jan. 20. The forgiven loans are part of a $61 billion U.S. package approved in April. Reuters

Some US weapons may be delivered to Ukraine after Biden's term ends. The Pentagon has confirmed that some U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine may extend beyond President Joe Biden’s term, particularly under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which involves longer procurement times. While the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) enables quicker deliveries from existing U.S. stockpiles, some equipment requires refurbishment or manufacturing, delaying arrival by months. As of November, the U.S. has $9 billion in remaining military aid, including $7 billion for PDA and $2.2 billion for USAI. The latest $275 million package includes munitions and anti-tank weapons. A future Donald Trump administration could halt some deliveries but would need to reverse Biden’s obligated aid. Voice of America 

UN World Food Program allocates $2.1 billion to Ukraine until 2027. The United Nations World Food Program will provide $2.1 billion to Ukraine from 2025 to 2027 to support humanitarian aid, demining, and agricultural exports. Russia’s war has caused $80 billion in agricultural damage, disrupting supply chains and raising global food prices. Pre-war, Ukraine's agriculture fed 400 million people worldwide. Kyiv Independent

12 European countries and Ukraine establish a new format of defense cooperation. Ukraine and 12 European nations have launched the Northern Group-Ukraine defense cooperation format, focusing on Ukraine’s urgent military needs and investments in its defense industry. Nordic, Baltic, and key European states, including Germany and the UK, are involved. The next meeting will be held in Ukraine, advancing collaborative military efforts. Ukrainska Pravda

Gen. Ben Hodges: 'Russia only wins if the West quits.' In an interview with the Kyiv Independent, retired U.S. General Ben Hodges emphasized that Ukraine’s success hinges on sustained Western support, asserting, “Russia only wins if the West quits.” He praised Ukraine’s use of ATACMS to target Russian logistics but criticized delays in delivering aid: “This should have happened two years ago.” On Donald Trump’s potential impact, Hodges warned against unrealistic claims of ending the war in “24 hours,” stressing that Ukraine and Eastern European nations would not accept concessions to Russia. He highlighted Europe’s economic capacity and urged greater political will to counter U.S. isolationism, adding, “Ukraine’s resilience is something we’ll study and admire for years.” Kyiv Independent

Putin’s Offer to Talk to Trump Is Unlikely to End Fighting Soon. Russia has signaled willingness to discuss a ceasefire with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, though skepticism abounds about Moscow’s intentions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Vladimir Putin’s readiness for talks but insisted on recognizing Russia’s claimed annexation of four Ukrainian regions. Ukraine, however, remains firm on sovereignty and NATO aspirations, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating, “No concessions on sovereignty or territory.” Meanwhile, the U.S. decision to supply Ukraine with ATACMS missiles enhances Kyiv’s leverage. Bloomberg

Fighting in Ukraine could wind down in 2025. The war in Ukraine, nearing its fourth year, has caused over 200,000 deaths and devastated Ukraine’s economy and population. Both sides are exhausted, and with Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, pressure for negotiations in 2025 will likely increase. Analysts predict Ukraine may have to accept territorial losses, including Crimea and parts of Donbas while securing security guarantees, though NATO membership seems unlikely under Trump. Like 2014’s partial truce, a frozen conflict or ceasefire may emerge as a pragmatic, albeit imperfect, solution to wind down the fighting. The Economist

Germany delivers new military aid to Ukraine. Germany has delivered new military aid to Ukraine, including Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers, Gepard anti-aircraft guns, MRAP vehicles, reconnaissance drones, and ammunition. While Berlin remains a major military supporter, next year’s aid budget is set to halve. Chancellor Olaf Scholz resists supplying Taurus missiles, but February snap elections could influence future policy. Kyiv Independent

The Netherlands delivers the final two F-16s for Ukrainian training. On Wednesday, the Netherlands delivered its final two F-16s to a Romanian training center for Ukrainian pilots and ground staff, completing a pledge of 18 jets. Additionally, 24 F-16s are set to go directly to Ukraine. President Zelensky hailed the move as a “breakthrough” for air defense and counter-offensive efforts. Reuters

North Korean troops have joined Ukraine war battles as part of Russian units, Seoul says. South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, citing the National Intelligence Service (NIS), said Wednesday that approximately 10,900 North Korean troops had been deployed to Russia's Kursk region, with some actively engaged in battles in Ukraine. North Korea has also supplied additional arms, including howitzers and rocket launchers. Reuters  Business Insider

Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 3, injure 22 over the past day. Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day killed three people and injured 22, including a child, according to regional authorities on Nov. 21. Missile strikes hit Dnipro, damaging an industrial enterprise and a rehabilitation center. Fatalities were reported in Donetsk, Kherson, and Sumy oblasts, with injured civilians in Kharkiv and Kupiansk. Strikes included ballistic and cruise missiles, causing widespread damage and fires. Local officials continue to assess casualties and destruction across affected areas. Kyiv Independent

Russian troops killed 2 Ukrainian POWs near Pokrovsk, prosecutors say. Russian troops killed two Ukrainian prisoners of war on Nov. 10 near Novodmytrivka in Donetsk Oblast, prosecutors said Wednesday. The soldiers were stripped and shot after being led at gunpoint through a forest. Reports of POW killings and abuse have surged recently. Kyiv Independent

Russia’s ally Belarus targets hundreds for showing solidarity with Ukraine during the war. Belarus has intensified its crackdown on dissent, targeting those showing solidarity with Ukraine. At least 1,671 Belarusians have been detained, with over 200 imprisoned on charges of "extremism" or "conspiracy against the state," according to the Viasna human rights center. Reports allege torture, inhumane conditions, and forced psychiatric treatment. Ukrainians in Belarus have also faced convictions. Meanwhile, President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 32 political prisoners amid his bid for a seventh term. The regime has conducted anti-riot drills and arrested over 200 people in November alone, heightening repression ahead of January’s presidential election. Associated Press

Ukraine makes a Trump-friendly pitch to the American heartland. Ukrainian officials, including Kateryna Smagliy, have launched a campaign targeting U.S. heartland communities to secure support amid Donald Trump's return to the presidency. Speaking in Louisville, Kentucky, Smagliy emphasized Ukraine’s resilience and warned against equating peace with surrender, highlighting the atrocities linked to Russian occupation. Ukraine's strategy now seeks to align its messaging with Trump’s rhetoric, balancing appeals for victory with pragmatism to resonate with his base. Backed by groups like the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, efforts aim to localize Ukraine’s cause, fostering understanding and bipartisan support. Smagliy stressed the importance of educating Americans on Ukraine’s history and struggle. Politico

Spiegel: The saboteurs who blew up the Nord Streams planned the explosion of the Turkish Stream. A recent investigation by Der Spiegel sheds light on the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022, revealing the operation’s extraordinary risks and implications. Ukrainian saboteurs, allegedly led by ex-intelligence officer Roman Chervinskyi, used a rented yacht, amateur divers, and improvised explosives in a $300,000 mission to destroy the pipelines that supplied Russian gas to Europe. Despite prior U.S. and German intelligence warnings, the attack proceeded, causing seismic-recorded explosions. The team also aimed to target the Turkish Stream pipeline in the Black Sea, but logistical challenges derailed the plan. Germany’s investigation has linked the operation to Ukraine but faces diplomatic and legal hurdles. While Kyiv denies involvement, the attack has sparked debates about its legitimacy as a wartime strategy. Poland’s refusal to cooperate with Germany’s arrest warrants underscores the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the incident. Babel NVDer Spiegel

No decision on Crimea can be made without Ukraine and Crimean Tatars, Mejlis leader says. Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, told Euronews on November 20 that any peace deal involving Ukrainian territorial concessions, including Crimea, would embolden Russian aggression and devastate Ukraine and the Crimean Tatars. Declaring Crimea "the homeland of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people," he rejected compromises, echoing Ukraine’s stance that "the war is not over until Ukraine liberates Crimea." Chubarov criticized Western responses to Russia’s 2014 annexation, highlighting former French President François Hollande’s call to halt Russian energy imports as key to curbing aggression. Crimea remains a non-negotiable issue for Kyiv and a "red line" for Moscow. Euronews

Hungary to install air defense system near Ukraine border. Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced Thursday that Hungary will deploy an air defense system near its northeastern border, citing heightened risks from the Ukraine-Russia war. This follows Russia’s lowered nuclear strike threshold after Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles. Hungary, modernizing its military, recently purchased Mistral and NASAMS systems. The minister emphasized hopes for peace through diplomacy but stressed preparedness. Hungary's military is on high alert as tensions escalate near the NATO member's border with Ukraine. Reuters

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment for Wednesday, Nov. 20. Ukraine conducted successful strikes on Russian military targets on Nov. 19-20 using drones and Western-supplied long-range weapons like Storm Shadows. Ukrainian and Russian forces are adapting tactics but remain constrained by operational and resource limitations. The US and Germany announced new military aid packages for Ukraine on Nov. 20. Ukrainian officials are investigating Russian executions of POWs. Poor conditions for Russian troops and reliance on "meat assaults" are reportedly driving mass desertions within Russian ranks.

Battlefield update: Ukrainian forces regained lost positions near Pokrovsk while Russian troops advanced near Kupyansk Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar and in Kursk Oblast. Institute for the Study of War

Opinion: Europe’s 2% defense benchmark is an illusion, not a solution. Alexandre Krauss argues in The Kyiv Independent that Europe must move beyond NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending benchmark to prioritize defense capabilities amid evolving threats and Donald Trump’s skepticism toward NATO. He emphasizes Europe’s untapped strength—its strong economy, advanced defense industry, and capacity for strategic autonomy. Supporting Ukraine is not merely a cost but an investment in stability and values. Krauss warns that diminished U.S. involvement risks emboldening authoritarian states like Russia and China. Kyiv Independent

Opinion: Sanctions are working, but not enough. Elizaveta Yasko argues that sanctions are crucial in weakening Russia's economy and military ambitions but require strengthening to close loopholes and maximize their impact. She highlights the successes of the sanctions, including Russia’s reduced trade surplus, devaluation of the ruble, and struggles in weapon production. However, gaps remain as third countries like China and Kazakhstan aid Russia in circumventing restrictions. Yasko proposes tighter export controls, tracking violations, and stricter penalties for non-compliance. Emphasizing sanctions as tools for justice and deterrence, she calls for expanded international cooperation to pressure Russia, curb its aggression, and hold it accountable for war crimes. Ukrainska Pravda

AMERICAS

Florida man charged with planning attack on New York Stock Exchange.  Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, of Coral Springs, Florida, was arrested by the FBI Wednesday and charged with a plot to plant a bomb at the New York Stock Exchange this week. The FBI began investigating Yener in February. Agents searched his storage unit and found bomb-making sketches, watches with timers, electronic circuit boards and other electronics that could be used for building explosive devices, according to the FBI. He had looked online for bomb-making information, according to the FBI. Yener, who was described as “unhoused,” wanted to bomb the stock exchange in order to “reboot” the U.S. government, explaining that it would be “like a small nuke went off,” killing everyone inside the building, according to court documents. In the last month, he had rewired two-way radios to work as remote triggers. He posted videos on YouTube channels about making explosives and fireworks from household items, and had a history of making threats, according to court documents. He was fired last year from a restaurant in Coconut Creek, Florida, after his former supervisor said he threatened to “go Parkland shooter in this place.”  He tried to join the far-right anti-government group “Boogaloo Bois ” and extremist group the Proud Boys but was rejected when he said he wanted “to pursue martyrdom,” according to court documents.  Associated Press BBC New York Times Reuters  

Capitol rioter convicted of planning to kill investigators. A Tennessee man arrested for involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot was convicted Wednesday of planning to kill FBI agents. Edward Kelley, 35, of Maryville, had been arrested on charges of illegally entering the U.S. Capitol. While awaiting trial, Kelley drew up a “kill list” and videos  of FBI agents and others who participated in the investigation, according to prosecutors. He gave the list to another person. A cooperating defendant who pleaded guilty in the conspiracy testified that he and Kelley discussed attacking the FBI’s Knoxville office with car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones and assassinating FBI employees. Associated Press 

U.S. Army picks Teal Drones, an underdog Utah supplier, for military’s drone program. The U.S. Army has awarded a major contract to Teal Drones, a small Utah-based company acquired by Red Cat Holdings in 2021, to supply thousands of backpack-sized surveillance drones for its Short-Range Reconnaissance program. The purchase could generate around $260 million in revenue for Teal Drones in the coming years and marks a significant win for the little-known company in a competitive U.S. drone market dominated by larger, well-funded players. Teal’s Black Widow drone is lightweight, autonomous, and equipped with anti-jamming technology, allowing it to operate without GPS or emitting detectable signals. These features were developed after testing earlier models in Ukraine, where they struggled against electronic warfare. The Army plans to use these drones to enhance infantry reconnaissance capabilities, echoing similar strategies seen in Russia’s conflict. The Army’s decision underscores a shift in U.S. military drone procurement, which has historically been limited, accounting for only a small percentage of domestic drone sales. The contract could signal increased interest in homegrown drone technology for defense applications. Wall Street Journal

Mexico’s Sheinbaum proposes fragile balance on migration issue with Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is navigating a delicate approach to working with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. While Trump has vowed mass deportations and stricter border controls, Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that she plans to propose a "humanistic" strategy that addresses the root causes of migration while protecting migrant rights. She emphasized her commitment to maintaining strong U.S.-Mexico relations, despite Trump's tough rhetoric and threats to impose tariffs on Mexican goods. Sheinbaum described initial communications with Trump’s team as cordial and noted that she’d received no opposition to her ideas so far. She aims to balance support for migrants with collaboration on U.S. demands to curb immigration. Analysts predict trade relations with the U.S., Mexico’s largest export market, will be a major challenge under Trump’s presidency, but Sheinbaum’s optimistic attitude has not shifted. Reuters

3 police officers, 4 drug cartel suspects killed in shootout in northern Mexico. Seven people, including three state police officers and four cartel suspects, were killed this week in a series of violent confrontations in Tamaulipas, Mexico, near the Texas border. Five officers were wounded in the shootouts, some of which occurred near San Fernando, a town historically marked by extreme cartel violence. Cartel gunmen set up roadblocks, attacked police patrols, and later ambushed a funeral convoy for one of the victims. Tamaulipas is controlled by the Gulf cartel and the Cartel del Noreste, formerly the Zetas cartel. San Fernando was infamous for massacres of migrants and bus passengers during the 2010-2011 drug war. In a separate incident on Wednesday in Sonora, a border state near the Arizona border, cartel suspects killed a detective, injured two others, and wounded a marine. The suspects rammed police vehicles and fired on authorities before three of them were killed in a shootout. Sonora is a major hub for smuggling drugs and migrants. All injured officers were reported in stable condition. Associated Press 

FAA relaxes Haiti flight ban, permits U.S. airlines to go north of country. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday partially lifted its ban on U.S. airlines operating in Haiti, now allowing flights over northern areas, including Cap-Haitien. The ban was originally imposed after three commercial planes were struck by gunfire amid escalating gang violence near Port-au-Prince. Reuters

Russia & China oppose U.N. peacekeeping force for Haiti. The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday discussed converting Haiti's Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission to combat escalating gang violence. Most diplomats expressed support or openness to the idea, but both Russia and China opposed it, citing the nation’s instability and lack of peace as reasons why the Haitian government's request for help was invalid. Haiti's security crisis has worsened significantly, with gangs attacking previously safe areas, shooting at planes, and prompting the replacement of the prime minister. Haitian leaders have called for a fully resourced peacekeeping mission, as the MSS, with only 400 of 3,100 pledged troops and insufficient funding, struggles to address the crisis. Russia and China suggested funneling resources into the existing MSS mission instead. Haiti’s U.N. ambassador highlighted the inadequacy of current resources and stressed that a peacekeeping mission must avoid mistakes of past interventions, which were criticized for human rights abuses and introducing cholera. Reuters Associated Press 

China’s Xi Jinping, Brazilian president Lula meet in Brasilia, sign 37 trade and development pacts. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Brasilia on Nov. 20 to meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. The two leaders signed 37 agreements focused on health, energy, culture, education, industrial modernization, ecological transformation and infrastructure development, including connecting Brazil with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-funded projects, though Brazil chose not to formally join the BRI in order to maintain its geopolitical balance with the U.S. It was also announced that China Development Bank agreed to loan 5 billion yuan ($690 million) to Brazil's National Bank for Economic and Social Development BNDES, which is BNDES's first foreign currency operation. Trade relations between the two nations have strengthened, with trade reaching a record $157 billion last year. Both leaders emphasized multilateral cooperation on global issues, including climate change, poverty, and conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. Brazil's decision not to fully embrace BRI reflects its strategy to balance between Washington and Beijing, particularly as Trump's expected return to the White House could heighten trade tensions with China, potentially benefiting Brazil's agricultural exports. Analysts view Brazil’s approach as pragmatic, leveraging its position as a regional powerhouse while navigating between competing global powers. South China Morning Post Reuters Associated Press Reuters 

EUROPE

Danish navy detained Chinese-registered vessel in Baltic Sea amid sabotage probe. Danish navy vessels detained a Chinese ship, the Yi Peng 3, late on Tuesday as part of an international investigation into the severing of two fiber-optic data cables in the Baltic Sea, which authorities suspect may be an act of sabotage. The cables connected Denmark to Lithuania and Finland to Germany and were cut on Sunday and Monday, causing minor internet disruptions and prompting a multinational investigation involving Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Germany. The Yi Peng 3, which is owned by a Chinese shipping company and departed a Russian Baltic port on Nov. 15, was stopped after it entered Danish waters. Russia is suspected of orchestrating the sabotage, potentially having used the Chinese vessel to create plausible deniability, though the Kremlin staunchly denied these allegations on Wednesday. There is no evidence suggesting Chinese government involvement, and Beijing previously cooperated in similar investigations. The detention reflects a significant shift in policy by NATO allies, which have typically refrained from detaining merchant ships in such incidents. The Danish navy's decision to detain a foreign vessel under centuries-old maritime law signals an effort to hold parties accountable for such acts and prevent further incidents. The incident resembles prior cases of maritime sabotage, such as the infamous 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. Wall Street Journal 

Germany to sell Czech military 14 Leopard tanks in $167 million deal. The Czech Defense Ministry intends to purchase 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany for $167 million as part of its military modernization amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. The deal, expected to be finalized by year-end, will see tanks delivered by 2026, replacing outdated Soviet-era T-72s. Germany previously donated 28 Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Czech Republic in exchange for weapons sent to Ukraine. Defense Minister Jana Černochová emphasized the effort to modernize the military and phase out Russian-made equipment. The Czech government, earlier this year, agreed to acquire up to 77 advanced Leopard 2A8 tanks in a broader cooperation deal and approved purchases of 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets and 246 CV90 armored combat vehicles from Sweden. Associated Press 

THE MIDDLE EAST

IAEA chief Grossi says he hopes that Iran maintains cap on highly enriched uranium stock. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, expressed hopes on Wednesday that Iran's recent move to cap its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%—just below weapons-grade—will hold. This decision, brokered by Grossi, came ahead of a Western-backed resolution condemning Tehran for lack of cooperation with the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog. However, Iran's commitment may be conditional on Western powers abandoning the resolution. Britain, France, Germany, and the U.S. are pushing forward with the resolution, aiming to pressure Iran into negotiating new restrictions on its nuclear program, as terms from a 2015 deal are set to expire in October. This deal has been in disarray since the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under then-President Trump. While Grossi described Iran's move as "a concrete step in the right direction," he did not confirm whether its decision was binding. Historically, Tehran has reacted to criticism by escalating its nuclear activities or limiting the IAEA’s oversight, making the outcome of these developments uncertain. Reuters Al-Monitor 

ASIA & OCEANIA

Economists say unlikely that China will retaliate harshly against new Trump tariffs. China is more likely to focus on boosting domestic demand, diversifying supply chains, and strengthening trade ties with other countries rather than to respond “aggressively” to potential tariffs proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, according to economists. Trump has threatened to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports, which could disrupt American supply chains and deepen Beijing’s trade cooperation with other nations. But China is already diversifying its supply chains and investing in global markets, notably through its Belt and Road Initiative. Though economists believe that Washington’s tariffs could harm the country’s economy, reducing growth by over 1.5%, Beijing is prepared to use fiscal policies, such as infrastructure spending and currency depreciation, to mitigate the impact. Economists also warn that ending the Asian giant’s preferential trade status, an idea being pushed by GOP lawmakers, could isolate U.S. supply chains and lead to higher production costs, ultimately harming the American economy more than China’s. Beijing is likely to remain open to trade talks while avoiding broad retaliation, focusing instead on targeted measures such as duties on specific U.S. products. Analysts caution that isolating the nation economically would drive other global markets, including the Global South, closer to Beijing and increase its influence in alternative trade routes and investments. South China Morning Post 

Chinese strategists urge fresh approach to nuclear deterrence as global tensions roil. Experts argue that the divergence in thought between the U.S. and China regarding nuclear deterrence, driven by differing definitions and strategic approaches, could lead to dangerous miscalculations. For the West, the concept of deterrence can be described as discouraging an adversary from doing something; Chinese deterrence theory, however, includes both preventing actions and compelling them. This bifurcation of the notion creates mistrust, particularly as the U.S. employs tailored and advanced deterrence strategies that China perceives as coercive, aggressive, and negative. One expert explained that certain Chinese scholars may associate the term “with disrespect or even humiliation and bullying,” and could be prompted to “prepare for some worst-case scenarios.” Beijing’s nuclear strategy, shaped by historical experiences of "nuclear blackmail" and its diplomatic focus on peaceful development, contrasts with Washington’s emphasis on practical battlefield applications of nuclear weapons. And China's longstanding "no first use" policy, while consistent, is viewed skeptically by the U.S. due to cultural and strategic differences. Experts say that as China's nuclear capabilities grow, there is an urgent need for a new strategic deterrence framework. This outline would help China articulate its intentions, reduce global mistrust, and address challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI and space systems. China's younger generation of strategists advocates for an independent approach to deterrence theory, and stresses the importance of creating doctrines tailored to China's geopolitical realities and modern security dynamics. South China Morning Post

China’s defense minister rejects meeting with Pentagon head Austin. Chinese defense minister Dong Jun declined a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the ASEAN-Plus defense ministers’ summit in Laos, a decision Austin described as unfortunate on Wednesday. These multilateral gatherings have previously facilitated dialogue between American and Chinese defense leaders, and Austin stressed that open communication between the two powers is important for regional stability. Although the Pentagon chief noted that the rejection does not necessarily indicate long-term implications, he expressed disappointment, stating that the opportunity for dialogue could have benefited the region. Earlier this year, he met Dong Jun in Singapore. Reuters Associated Press Straits Times 

Chinese military power demonstrated by its advanced arsenal. For nearly ten years, China’s PLA has been actively working to bring about President Xi Jinping’s vision for a monumental upgrade of the world’s largest military. At the Zhuhai Air Show this month, China showcased several advanced weapons systems that reflect a decade of efforts to overhaul the Chinese military. Here are the top five. The J-20 stealth fighter reaches a max speed of Mach 2.5 and includes new thrust vectoring that enables pilots to conduct maneuvers at high angles of attack. The J-35 stealth fighter jet, with a max speech of Mach 1.8 and a maximum take-off weight of 28,000kg, has the capacity to hold six medium-range air-to-air missiles, four supersonic air-to-surface missiles, and presumably eight 500kg deep-penetration bombs or 30 wing-mounted smaller bombs. The J-15T carrier-based fighter, a jet with an advanced AESA radar system and WS-10 turbofan engines, is designed for electromagnetic catapult take-offs (EMALS) and reaches speeds higher than Mach 2.1. The HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile system has a range of 1,000 - 3,000km, reaches a speed of around Mach 8, and is equipped with a Type 610A radar, with 4,000 km of detection range. The SS-UAV drone, designed for both reconnaissance and attack, has a maximum takeoff weight of 10 tons and is equipped with a central payload section capable of being configured for drone swarm launches, allowing swarm tactics for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance or strike missions. South China Morning Post 

AFRICA

Mali's PM sacked after criticizing military junta’s prolonged rule. Mali's junta chief, Colonel Assimi Goita, dismissed civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government on Wednesday, following Maiga's rare public criticism of the military rulers. Maiga, who was appointed in 2021, had condemned the lack of clarity regarding the transition to civilian rule, warning that it could lead to setbacks. Mali has been under military control since coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta initially pledged to hold elections by March 2024 but later postponed them indefinitely, adding to political uncertainty. Maiga's removal deepens instability in a country already grappling with jihadist violence, separatist conflicts, and ongoing security crises since 2012. France 24 Reuters Deutsche Welle CNN Le Monde 

Seven Nigerian officers missing, at least 50 insurgents killed after attack on convoy. At least seven members of Nigeria's Security and Civil Defence Corps are missing after Boko Haram militants ambushed their convoy in Shiroro, Niger state on Monday. The 80-member team, tasked with protecting the power network, was attacked by around 200 insurgents, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 Boko Haram fighters. Boko Haram, which primarily operates in northeastern Nigeria, has cells in Niger state and is known for sabotaging power infrastructure, including an incident last month in which it caused a week-long blackout. The group has waged an insurgency since 2009 to impose its radical interpretation of Islamic law, leading to over 35,000 civilian deaths and displacing more than 2 million people. The conflict has spread to neighboring countries and includes high-profile attacks, such as the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping. In September, suspected Boko Haram fighters killed 100 villagers in northeastern Nigeria in a brutal assault on a market and homes. Associated Press Reuters

Southern African bloc prolongs troop deployment in Congo by a year. Southern Africa's regional bloc, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), on Wednesday extended its troop deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by one year to support the government in combating insurgent groups. The mission, originally launched in December 2023 with a one-year mandate, aims to address the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the Congo, one of SADC's 16 member states and a major producer of cobalt and copper. The decision follows a summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, in which regional leaders expressed concern over the persistent instability in the Congo. Conflict in the country’s eastern region has churned for years, driven by rival armed groups fighting over territory and resources, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displacements despite repeated ceasefires. Reuters Associated Press 

Malian Islamist sentenced to 10 years by ICC over Timbuktu war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday sentenced Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz, a key member of Mali's Ansar al-Dine group, to 10 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Timbuktu during 2012. He was convicted on charges of torture, mutilation, and the destruction of religious and historic buildings. While serving as police chief under the al-Qaeda-linked group’s rule, he contributed to an oppressive regime marked by fear, brutality, and severe human rights abuses. Al Hassan was also found responsible for brutal public punishments, including amputations and floggings, and the detention of women who were later raped. However, he was acquitted of charges of rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage, as the court did not find sufficient evidence of his direct responsibility for those crimes. The ICC emphasized the gravity of his actions and their traumatic impact on Timbuktu’s population. Al Jazeera Reuters International Criminal Court France 24 

CYBER, TECH & MARKETS

China’s Xi notes AI’s ‘challenges’ in speech to Wuzhen internet conference — Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in a televised speech to the country’s annual internet conference, said AI technology has brought transformational change to the world while also introducing “a series of unpredictable risks and challenges.”  In his speech to the World Internet Conference, which is sponsored by the Cyberspace Administration of China, Xi said Beijing will seek safe and “inclusive” cyberspace advances.  He committed to working with other countries in building “a shared future in cyberspace.”  Speaking at the same event, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang endorsed a global approach to internet development and governance.  Ding noted that across the world “the digital divide is still widening, and the cyberspace security situation remains grim.”   The conference agenda has a heavy concentration on AI-related topics, including panels discussing “responsible” development of the technology along with AI governance and the technology’s potential to propel “new productive forces.”   A special AI expert committee is expected to be created during the proceedings.  South China Morning Post

TSA cybersecurity oversight of key industries criticized in House hearing, GAO report – A representative of the U.S. natural gas industry challenged the need for companies to provide detailed cybersecurity information to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  Speaking at a hearing of a House Homeland Security subcommittee, Kimberly Denbow, a vice president of the American Gas Association, cited the potential for breaches of TSA systems and warned that “we might as well just give it (data) to China or to Russia.”  Cybersecurity rules proposed this month by TSA would require pipeline and railroad firms to disclose details of company cybersecurity programs, including architecture, cyber software, and incident response plans.  Denbow said that Congress should “place guardrails” on data reporting regulation “to reduce its potential for future abuse or misuse.”  A TSA spokesperson said the agency “recognizes the sensitivity of this information.”   Coinciding with the House subcommittee hearing, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Tuesday released a report criticizing TSA for failing to address four out of six cybersecurity recommendations made since 2018.  GAO pointed in particular to a recommendation that the agency examine transportation systems’ adoption of cybersecurity protections against ransomware attacks.  According to the GAO report, “as of November 2024, this recommendation was not yet implemented.”  Wall Street Journal   CyberScoop   The Record

U.S., Philippines defense secretaries’ welcome drone, technology cooperation – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippines counterpart, Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro, attended demonstrations of uncrewed surface vessels under development by both country’s militaries during a visit to the Philippines Western Command headquarters.  Austin said the growing collaboration between the two countries includes “deepened information-sharing, combined maritime activities, joint training and capacity building.”  The DoD chief was shown drone and interoperability technologies under development during a stop at the C2 Fusion Center, which was created by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.  A Marine Corps representative described the T-12 unmanned surface vessel, which features a over-the-horizon communications pathway, autonomous avoidance, and cameras for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.  Austin noted that “many more platforms like this” are due to be delivered to the Philippines through a $500 million foreign military allocation to Manila.  He added that additional uncrewed systems will help ensure “our supply chains are protected, and that we meet the demands as conditions change and things evolve.”  For his part, Teodoro pointed to maritime challenges from China, declaring that “we should be calling out what [Chinese President Xi Jinping] is thinking about in so far as China is concerned — because the alternative factor, a positive factor, which has caused this alliance to be as robust as it is, is Chinese overreach and aggression in this party of the world.”  DefenseScoop

Replicator, Army drone programs yield autonomous, reconnaissance platforms – The Replicator drone initiative launched by the DoD last year is beginning to bear fruit.  Anduril and other defense tech firms are delivering both aerial and maritime uncrewed vehicles, including Anduril’s Altius-600 and Ghost-X drones and its autonomous Barracuda-500 missile.  AeroVironment is providing Switchblade-600 loitering munitions.  In a recent interview, Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf observed that the Pentagon doesn’t have “a five-year research program to figure out exactly what they need. They assessed what worked, are scaling it, and are moving out."  Separately, Ryan Gury, CEO of Performance Drone Works, told Axios, "we're starting to see a huge swell in small robotics.  …We want truly tactical assets capable of kinetics and [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and signals intelligence] in the hands of every soldier."  Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Army has selected Utah-based Teal Drones to supply thousands of compact surveillance drones.  The program will provide troops with backpack-size drones that are similar to those used in Ukraine.  Teal Drones is in line to receive $260 million over several years from the Army order.  Teal’s 3lb, foldable drone is capable of autonomous fight and is equipped with anti-jamming technology developed through drone testing in Ukraine.  Axios   Wall Street Journal

Defense tech startups in U.S., Europe attract record investments in 2024 — Investments in defense tech startups already have set a record in 2024, raising $3 billion compared to the previous record of $2.6 billion in 2022.  Even as new funding levels have peaked, the number of deals has fallen, from 113 in 2022 to 85 so far this year.  The Anduril weapons firm raised a $1.5 billion Series F in August while an autonomous maritime vessel firm founded by Anduril alumni raised $175 million this year.  The growth in the U.S. defense tech sector has been matched by increases in Europe, with the German AI firm Helsing raising $487 million in 2024.  Mikolaj Firlej, general partner of Europe-based Expeditions Fund, described the environment, observing that “we are living in an increasingly dangerous world.  “Many are now feeling a sense of urgency and mission to use money and networks to invest in early-stage companies that could move the needle and help protect us.”  Meanwhile, Nathan Mintz, cofounder of the CX2 electronic warfare startup, said “the close relationships between [vice president-elect J.D] Vance, Elon (Musk) and the defense VC and startup ecosystem will create a huge opening for real defense acquisition reform and widening of the number of players.”  TechCrunch

Commerce secretary describes final Chips Act push, hope for program’s future – Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, referring to the funding available through the Biden administration’s Chips and Science Act, told Politico that she intends to have “almost all of the money obligated by the time we leave (office,).”  If successful, Politico says the Commerce Department plan “would effectively cement a massive industrial legacy.”  The Commerce Department still needs to finalize multi-billion-dollar contracts with Intel, Micron, Samsung and SK Hynix.  Under Raimondo, the department has pursued initiatives ranging from microchip subsidies to AI governance.  Raimondo noted that “so far as everything we’ve done and are doing is bipartisan, and the CHIPS Act is a national security program and still has great bipartisan support to this day.”  She said that the transformation of Commerce has stemmed from the fact that “we are very much a national security-focused agency, now more than ever.”  She added that U.S. security “now more than ever revolves around technological security… I mean, national security isn’t just tanks and missiles. It is semiconductors. And AI models.”  As for the future of the Chips program under the Trump administration, Raimondo said the initiative had its roots “in some ways in the (first) Trump administration. [Former Commerce] Secretary Wilbur Ross and [former Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo sent a letter to TSMC to ask them to come here. … Anything’s possible, but I don’t worry too much about that.”  Politico   Wall Street Journal

Senate bill seeks to bolster defenses against supply chain risks – Bipartisan Senate legislation would strengthen oversight powers to be exercised by an interagency federal council responsible for ensuring security in the government’s IT supply chain.  Sens. Gary Peters and Mike Rounds introduced the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) Improvement Act.  In Sen. Rounds view, the proposed bill “equips the Federal Acquisition Security Council with the tools it needs to eliminate the risk posed by foreign adversaries like China who seek to infiltrate our critical infrastructure.”  If passed, the bill would shift authorities for FASC operations from the Office of Management and Budget to the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD).  In addition, ONCD and the State Department would be added to the FASC membership roster.  The new bill defines a process for how Congress would empower the revamped council to investigate issues that could pose threats to national security.  The FASC would be authorized to ban government purchases of products from foreign-owned companies deemed to pose national security risks. CyberScoop

Microsoft, Atom Computing reach quantum milestone with 24-qubit machine – A Microsoft-Atom Computing high-performance computing collaboration has resulted in a successful effort to process 24 quantum bits, a milestone in creating fault-tolerant quantum computing.  Atom’s neutral atom technology joined to Microsoft’s qubit virtualization software created a 24 logical qubit entangled state, a significant step that addresses the chief issue with quantum computing – noise.  Through the use of chargeless neutral atoms, Microsoft has been able to identify errors in qubits and correct them in the computing process, which yields accurate outputs from quantum machines.  Krysta Svore, a technical fellow at Microsoft’s Advanced Quantum Development, explained that “for the first time, we correct what's called loss. This is a type of error and noise, and we show, for the first time, that we can correct that loss.”  Svore added, “this really paves the path as we advance towards demonstrating scientific quantum advantage.”  Gartner analyst Chirag Dekate projected that accessing quantum computing technologies from cloud services is the likely direction for the quantum computing industry.  NextGov

South Korea police claim North Korean hackers responsible for 2019 Ethereum heist. South Korean police confirmed on Thursday that North Korean military intelligence hackers were behind a 2019 Ethereum cryptocurrency theft worth 58 billion won ($41.5 million at the time). The hackers stole 342,000 Ethereum tokens, now valued at over 1.4 trillion won ($1 billion), by infiltrating a crypto exchange. They laundered the stolen assets through three of their own exchanges and 51 others. The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the FBI, marked the first time Pyongyang was officially identified as the source of a cyberattack on a South Korean crypto exchange. Police linked the crime to North Korean hacking groups Lazarus and Andariel, both of which are affiliated with the Reconnaissance General Bureau. The probe also recovered 4.8 Bitcoin, now worth 600 million won, in October. A U.N. report estimates that the North executed 97 cyberattacks on cryptocurrency companies from 2017 to 2024, amassing $3.6 billion. Pyongyang denies involvement in such cybercrimes. Reuters

U.S. charges five individuals linked to the 'Scattered Spider' hacking group. U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday charged five suspected members of Scattered Spider, a hacking group accused of infiltrating dozens of U.S. companies and stealing confidential information and cryptocurrency. The suspects, aged in their 20s, allegedly conducted phishing attacks by sending fake text messages to employees to harvest log-in credentials. Victims include at least 12 companies in gaming, telecommunications, and cryptocurrency sectors, as well as individual cryptocurrency investors. The defendants face charges of conspiracy, identity theft, and wire fraud. Their activities reportedly spanned from September 2021 to April 2023. One of them, 22-year-old Tyler Buchanan of Scotland, was linked to the crime through domain registration records and arrested in Spain, where he is awaiting extradition. Scattered Spider has been blamed for uncommonly aggressive cybercrimes, including a 2023 attack on casino operators Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, in which Caesars reportedly paid a $15 million ransom. However, it is unclear if these defendants were involved in that incident. Law enforcement officials are intensifying efforts to thwart cybercrime, warning young people to leave online crime networks to avoid prosecution. Reuters Axios The Record Cyberscoop 

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

Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Elaine Shannon, Brian Bonner, Ken Hughes & Katharine Campbell contributed to this report.

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