Report for Wednesday, February 21, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

Yemen’s Houthis can still fight despite US-led airstrikes, leaving U.S. with stark choices

Ukraine military spy chief says Russia will struggle to advance

Ukraine downs seventh Russian military aircraft in recent engagements

Ex-FBI informant charged with lying over claims that Bidens had Russian intelligence contacts, prosecutors say

Dutch court rejects final argument in legal battle over former Russian oil giant Yukos

SpaceX growing ties with U.S. intelligence, military units

Cipher Brief EXCLUSIVE Subscriber+Reporting: Can Drones Help Ukraine Turn the Tide of War?

Cipher Brief EXCLUSIVE Opinion: Biden has a Secret Weapon for Ukraine.  Will he use it? 

THE ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR

US vetoes Security Council resolution for Gaza ceasefire.   The U.S. on Tuesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the resolution, introduced by Algeria on behalf of Arab nations, “would send the wrong message to Hamas” and “would actually give them something that they have asked for without requiring them to do something in return.” The exercise, though certain to lose, isolated the U.S. in the eyes of the world:  the Algerian resolution won 13 votes in the Security Council; the U.K. abstained, and the U.S. cast the lone “no” vote and veto. “The human toll and the humanitarian situation in Gaza is intolerable, and Israeli operations must stop,” French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière said. “It is not that the Security Council does not have an overwhelming consensus, but rather it is the exercise of the veto by the United States that has stifled the Council consensus,” China’s envoy, Zhang Jun, said.  Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. would soon offer an alternative resolution demanding that Israel would abide by a “temporary ceasefire as soon as practicable,” providing all hostages were released.  Israel would also have to shelve its plan to send ground troops into Rafah and take “immediate measures” to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The grim conditions for Palestinian civilians drew condemnation from almost every corner of the globe.  Prince William, the heir to the British throne, spoke out Tuesday to plead for help for Gazans.  “I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible,” he said. “There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. It’s critical that aid gets in and the hostages are released.”  Axios BBC  The Hill Reuters Associated Press  Wall Street Journal  New York Times  Washington Post

Netanyahu says Israel won’t ‘pay any price’ for release of Gaza hostages.  Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that the return of the 100-plus hostages still held in Gaza was "very important" but that they could not be released "at any cost."  He said that in order to secure the hostages’ release, Israel had to intensify military pressure and defeat Hamas.  Smotrich was rebuked by opposition leader Yair Lapid,  minister Benny Gantz and some hostage families, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that backed Smotrich.  "There is a lot of pressure on Israel from home and abroad to stop the war before we achieve all of our goals, including a deal to release the hostages at any cost," Netanyahu said. "We are not willing to pay any price, certainly not the delusional cost that Hamas demands of us, which would mean defeat for the state of Israel."  Reuters

IDF chief says Israel not on revenge spree in Gaza. In a letter sent to Israeli military commanders and made public Tuesday, Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi wrote, “We are not on a killing, revenge or a genocide spree. We have come to win and defeat a cruel enemy who deserves a bitter loss.” The letter, entitled “commanding challenges in a prolonged war,  alluded to Israel’s losses in the court of world opinion. The suffering endured by Palestinian civilians as they struggle to survive Israel’s bombardments is receiving worldwide coverage, severely tarnishing Israel’s image.   “We will not allow the enemy accomplishments in the international arena,” Halevi wrote.  “A true warrior is the one whose values do not alter in the face of a challenging reality.”  He added that the IDF would soon begin investigating Hamas's October 7 attack to determine what went wrong inside Israel’s defense measures.  Jerusalem Post 

Israel is cutting Gaza in two with a wider gravel road. The Israeli army is bisecting Gaza with an expanded east-west road across the central part of the enclave.  The road construction is meant to enable the IDF to exert tighter control over the territory. The east-west route will be patrolled by the Israeli military until it pulls out of Gaza, which could take years according to Israeli officials. Israel’s military will be able to move rapidly across the enclave along a secure route, even after most troops pull out. The Israeli military already controls major north-south roads in Gaza.  Wall Street Journal 

Top Biden envoy headed to Israel, Egypt.  Brett McGurk, President Biden's top Middle East adviser, is on an urgent mission to convince Israel to hit the brakes on its plan for a  ground offensive into Rafah. The White House is deeply worried that mass casualties will result when the Israeli military descends on Rafah, where more than half the population of Gaza has taken shelter.  “We are again in very sensitive negotiations that we hope will bear fruit soon, to be able to get these hostages out and get an extended pause [to the Gaza war] in place,” White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said Tuesday.  McGurk’s main mission, Kirby said, “is to try to get that hostage deal in place.” McGurk is expected to meet Wednesday with Abbas Kamel, head of the Egyptian intelligence service, and other Egyptian officials. On Thursday, he plans to meet with Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other Israeli officials. "We are still over two weeks away from Ramadan," State Department spokesperson Matt Miller in a daily briefing. "We would like to get that humanitarian pause before Ramadan begins. We'd like to get up before the end of the week.  Reuters  Axios  Jerusalem Post 

US, Russia to debate Israeli occupation at World Court.  Envoys from the U.S., Russia, France and Egypt are scheduled to speak Wednesday before the International Court of Justice on the legality of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.  These proceedings arise from a   2022 directive from the U.N. General Assembly asking the ICJ, also known as the World Court, for a non-binding opinion on the law and the occupation. On Tuesday, 10 states including South Africa strongly criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians even before the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7.  The World Court’s 15-judge panel is reviewing Israel's "occupation, settlement and annexation ... including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and from its adoption of related discriminatory legislation and measures."   Reuters 

Food aid to north Gaza halted,  hunger, violence worsen.  Israel’s military ordered two neighborhoods of Gaza City to evacuate on Tuesday as fighting flared up, indicating Hamas fighters have filtered back into northern Gaza.  Meanwhile, the World Food Program stopped deliveries in the north Tuesday because of looting, chaos, hungry crowds and gunfire. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza has been cut by half over the past two weeks, according to U.N. figures.  U.N. and relief workers say Israel has failed to assure the safety of aid convoys. On Monday a convoy “faced complete chaos and violence due to the collapse of civil order,” a World Food Program statement said, adding that several trucks were looted, and a driver was beaten.  The WFP, the World Health Organization and the children's agency UNICEF  said Monday food and safe water were "incredibly scarce and diseases are rife...resulting in a surge of acute malnutrition.”  In January one in six children under the age of two in north Gaza were reported as acutely malnourished.  "The situation is likely to be even graver today," the agencies said.  Reuters New York Times Associated Press

Israel-Brazil name-calling continues.  First, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva compared Israel's war in Gaza to Hitler's treatment of Jews.  Then Israeli officials said that Lula is not welcome in Israel until he takes back the comments.  Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira counterattacked Israel Tuesday, saying that Israel’s denunciations of Lula mark a ”shameful page in the history of Israel's diplomacy.”  Reuters

THE RED SEA

Houthis fire on humanitarian aid ship bound for Yemen.   Houthi militants fired two missiles at M/V Sea Champion, as it was delivering humanitarian assistance to Aden Tuesday, the U.S. Military’s Central Command said. One of the missiles exploded near the vessel, causing minor damage, but the ship continued on its way.  “Houthi aggression in the region has exacerbated already high levels of need in conflict-impacted Yemen, which remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 80% of the entire population needing humanitarian assistance,” Centcom said in its statement.  Bloomberg 

U.S.-owned ship attacked by Houthis arrives in Aden. The U.S. military's Central Command said late Tuesday that the Houthis had fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Sea Champion, a U.S.-owned, Greece-flagged bulk carrier, causing only  minor damage. The Sea Champion arrived in the southern Yemeni port of Aden on Tuesday. Reuters  

Yemen’s Houthis can still fight despite US-led airstrikes, leaving U.S. with stark choices. Despite ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to launch significant attacks, damaging ships in the Red Sea and downing an American drone. These assaults, amid Israel's conflict with Hamas, highlight challenges in halting the guerrilla-style tactics used by the Houthis since 2014. The attacks elevate the rebels' standing regionally despite rights abuses. A recent strike targeted the Rubymar ship, though conflicting reports emerged regarding its sinking. The Houthis also claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. Such actions, alongside disruptions to international shipping, pose risks to the global economy. The EU has joined efforts to protect shipping, exemplified by France shooting down Houthi drones in the Red Sea.  New analysis by the Wall Street Journal examines the difficult choices facing the Biden administration on how to rein in the persistent threat.  Analysts say that Tehran lacks the ability to rein in Houthi attacks, should they choose to in the same way they apparently have with armed militia groups in Iraq that have reportedly agreed to scale back targeting American interests.  Experts, including Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan say that ending the war in Gaza would be effective in de-escalating tensions in the Red Sea.  Associated Press Wall Street Journal 

U.S. military drone downed near Yemen.  Houthi militants shot down a U.S. military MQ-9 drone near Yemen, two U.S. officials confirmed Tuesday. It’s the second time a U.S. drone has been taken down during the current conflict. The first also involved a MQ-9, shot down last November. This time, the officials said, the U.S. MQ-9, made by General Atomics, was hit near Hodeidah on Monday.  Reuters  

Oil rises as investors weigh Red Sea attacks, US rate cut outlook.  Global oil prices extended losses due to expectations that cuts to U.S. interest rates will take longer than anticipated, outweighing concerns over attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Brent crude futures fell by 41 cents to $81.93 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped by 39 cents to $76.65. The decline followed a correction from near three-week highs on Tuesday. Concerns about delayed rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have impacted oil demand outlook. Ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have also heightened freight flow concerns. Additionally, U.S. vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, pushing for a ceasefire tied to the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas. Reuters 

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Ukraine military spy chief says Russia will struggle to advance.  Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military-intelligence chief, spoke with the Wall Street Journal about the challenges Ukraine faces in countering Russia’s invasion, but noted that Russia also has problems. He highlighted issues in the Russian army, stating that the professional army was largely destroyed in the first year of the invasion, leading to the use of untrained conscripts in suicidal assaults. He also noted that Russia uses more artillery shells than it makes, is fielding refurbished tanks, and has reduced missile attacks due to dwindling supplies. Budanov acknowledged that Russia continues to have strong manpower, deploying 510,000 military personnel in and around Ukraine and recruiting about 30,000 a month. But he said Russia has inefficiently used its troops, demonstrated in the mass casualties Russia suffered over nearly two years to finally capture Avdiivka. Budanov asserted that because of these issues, Russia will struggle to achieve its main strategic goal of seizing eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions in 2024. In addition to military assaults, Budanov said Russia is launching disinformation campaigns and assassination attempts against prominent Ukrainians to weaken resolve. He cited a recent claim by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that French President Emmanuel Macron canceled a trip to Kyiv over assassinations fears as an example. For Ukrainian forces, Budanov acknowledged how critical — and uncertain — new Western military aid is for Ukraine amid concerns of lack of manpower and equipment.  Wall Street Journal

Ukraine downs seventh Russian military aircraft in recent engagements. The Ukrainian Air Force has reportedly shot down two more Russian aircraft, a Su-34 fighter-bomber and a Su-35, in a significant series of engagements on Monday morning. The planes had targeted Ukrainian troop positions with guided bombs before being brought down. The Ukrainian military confirmed the success of the engagement, emphasizing their defense of their land and sky. This comes after another Russian Su-34 was brought down in the Luhansk region on Sunday, Feb. 18. Kyiv Post  

Ukraine downs 13 drones, 1 missile overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that its air defense units successfully intercepted 13 out of the 19 Shahed drones and one Kh-59 guided missile launched by Russia overnight on Tuesday. The attacks originated from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, while the Kh-59 missile was launched from Russia's Belgorod Oblast.  Kyiv Independent 

February 20 Russian offensive campaign assessment from the Institute for the Study of War.  ISW

February 20 combat report from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.  Ukrinform 

Ukraine denies Russia's claim that it captured village in Kherson Oblast. Ukraine's Southern Operational Command refuted Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's assertion that Russia had captured the village of Krynky in Kherson Oblast on Feb. 20, stating that Russian forces resorted to manipulation and falsification of facts after failing in their assault operations. Shoigu claimed to have "mopped up" Krynky in a Tass interview, aiming to depict Russian military strength, but Ukraine's Armed Forces affirmed holding their positions around the village. Geolocated visual evidence supports Ukraine's claim, indicating continued Ukrainian control. Analysts suggest Russia's premature claim aims to bolster Putin's image ahead of the 2024 presidential election, despite Russian forces facing setbacks and significant losses in their attempts to seize Krynky amidst ongoing heavy fighting in Kherson Oblast.  Kyiv Independent 

Putin says Russia to push further into Ukraine after fall of Avdiivka.  President Vladimir Putin asserted on Tuesday that Russian troops would continue their advance into Ukraine following the capture of the town of Avdiivka. He described the Ukrainian withdrawal from Avdiivka as chaotic and emphasized the need to build on the success in Avdiivka. The fall of Avdiivka is considered the most significant Russian advance since the capture of Bakhmut in May 2023. Ukrainian officials note that it took Russia nearly two years to seize Avdiivka and that Russian forces suffered massive casualties before doing so. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba attributed the loss of Avdiivka to delays in Western military aid, such as the stalled aid package in the U.S. Congress. He emphasized the need for further support, warning that Russia will soon target another Ukrainian city.  Reuters

Ukraine seeks to expand military drone coalition.  Ukraine is actively seeking to expand its military "drone coalition" with allies, aiming to involve at least 20 additional countries. Deputy Defence Minister Kateryna Chernohorenko said that so far, eight countries have joined the coalition, initially launched by Ukraine, Latvia, and Britain. The goal of the coalition is to increase supply of drones and drone components, as well as boost cooperation on drone technology development. Ukraine has rapidly increased drone production and aims to produce one million "first-person view" (FPV) drones guided this year. It has also established a separate armed forces branch dedicated to drones.  Reuters

Syrskyi, Umerov discuss ammunition supplies with Pentagon chief. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a Facebook post that he and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi briefed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin yesterday about the current situation on the front line and Ukraine’s ammunition supply amid reports that with U.S. assistance stalled, Ukraine is running out of ammo as Russian forces are making a push in the east and the south. Umerov said Ukraine and the U.S. are working on the “urgent needs” of Ukraine’s military and on long-term planning within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group capability coalition. Kyiv Independent 

First group of Ukrainian pilots to complete US F-16 training by summer. The Arizona National Guard says that the first four Ukrainian pilots being trained to fly F-16 fighter jets are scheduled to complete their training by summer. The pilots began training with the 162^nd Fighter Wing in Tucson in mid-October Capt. Erin Hannigan said a second group of four pilots began training in January and a third group of four is undergoing English language training, which is required to fly the jet. Hannigan said all of the pilots are expected to complete their training by August. A coalition of countries led by Denmark began training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s last summer, and Denmark, The Netherlands and Norway, along with the U.S., have promised to provide Ukraine with F-16s once the training program is complete. CNN Kyiv Independent Ukrainska Pravda 

Pentagon watchdog says U.S. failed to plan for long-term sustainment of weapons given to Ukraine.  The inspector general for the U.S. Defense Department, Robert Storch, reports that the Pentagon failed to create adequate plans for Ukraine forces to maintain fighting vehicles, including M1 tanks and Patriot air defense interceptors. According to Storch, the Pentagon provided the military equipment to Ukraine without a comprehensive plan for their long-term usefulness. He cited examples like the lack of advanced training for maintenance tasks, a process for anticipating sustainment needs, a supply system for replacement parts, and necessary facilities for maintenance tasks. Storch's reports emphasize the importance of planned sustainment support for weapons systems already sent to Ukraine, in addition to the need for new military aid.  Bloomberg

U.S. Ambassador: 'There's no time to lose' on Ukraine aid.  U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink emphasized the U.S.'s singular focus on securing the supplemental aid package for Ukraine, stating that there is no "plan B." The urgency surrounding U.S. military assistance intensified with Ukraine's withdrawal from Avdiivka, a city under heavy bombardment. Brink highlighted Congress's role in determining the aid's fate, acknowledging Senate approval of $60 billion for Ukraine but expressing concerns over hurdles in the Republican-led House. Brink also addressed concerns from Ukraine's business community regarding law enforcement pressure, emphasizing the need for a favorable business environment to attract Western investment, citing the importance of transparent regulations, ethical governance, and the rule of law for post-war reconstruction efforts. Kyiv Independent 

Ukraine opens probe into alleged Russian shooting of Ukrainian PoWs. Prosecutors in Ukraine have launched an investigation into the reported shooting of three Ukrainian soldiers by Russian troops along the southern front line The soldiers were allegedly shot dead near Robotyne, a village reclaimed from Russian invasion forces during a Ukrainian counteroffensive last year. The office stated on Telegram that they are launching a criminal investigation to examine “the violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder.”  Reuters

Ukraine plans Danube export route amid Poland border blockade. Ukraine plans to establish an additional export route through the Danube River to overcome obstacles caused by a dispute with Poland over agricultural deliveries, which has blocked a key land border with the European Union. Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov revealed plans for container transportation via the upper Danube, aiming to utilize Romania's ports as a more predictable alternative to the Polish border. This move follows a significant decline in Ukrainian exports last year, attributed to disruptions in trade routes after Russia exited a UN-backed safe corridor in the Black Sea. The proposed route, which involves transporting goods from the port of Izmail to Romania's Constanta and then to Danube ports in Germany, seeks to alleviate the impact of the border blockade on both Ukrainian and European exporters.  Bloomberg Reuters Ukrinform

Russian Foreign Ministry says G20 discussion on Ukraine is 'destructive,’ politicizing.  Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized the inclusion of the Ukraine topic in the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) meetings in Brazil, deeming it destructive and the politicization of the group unacceptable. Ahead of the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Russia emphasized that Ukraine is a "non-core" issue for the G20, which should focus strictly on socio-economic challenges. Russia blamed the West for instigating the inclusion of non-core issues like Ukraine, while also accusing the United States and its allies of arming and financing Kyiv. Despite the tensions, no meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been scheduled. The G20 previously refrained from condemning Russia for its actions in Ukraine during its last leaders summit in September, with Lavrov attending in place of President Vladimir Putin. Reuters  Bloomberg

How the Kremlin weaponized Russian history — and has used it to justify the war in Ukraine. In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Vladimir Putin delved into Russian history, spending over 20 minutes discussing historical events to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Putin's historical narrative aims to assert that Ukrainians and Russians are one people and that Ukraine's sovereignty is illegitimate. The Kremlin's manipulation of history serves its political agenda, magnifying past victories while downplaying darker episodes. Putin's regime has rewritten textbooks, funded historical exhibitions, and suppressed dissenting voices to promote its worldview. This propaganda extends to "universal" history textbooks and state-funded "history parks," criticized for glorifying Russian rulers and conquests. The narrative of an invincible Russia, anchored in the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, is central to Putin's leadership, fostering patriotism and loyalty to the regime. Associated Press

OSCE will hold a special meeting on anniversary of full-scale invasion. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will convene a special meeting on Feb. 23, marking the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as announced by Ukraine's delegation. The meeting will be held at the OSCE Permanent Council, the organization's primary decision-making body, in Vienna, Austria. Additionally, the UN General Assembly and Security Council will also address the situation in Ukraine on the same day, with Ukraine requesting the Security Council debate, supported by Slovenia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is anticipated to deliver a speech during the proceedings. Kyiv Independent

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD

The Americas

Biden administration to impose new Russia sanctions over Navalny’s death.  The Biden administration will announce a “major sanctions package” against Russia on Friday in response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, according to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. The sanctions aim to hold Russia accountable for Navalny's death and its invasion of Ukraine. Kirby did not disclose more details on the package, saying only that it aims to increase pressure on the Kremlin. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the package will target various elements of the Russian defense industry and revenue sources for the country's war machine.  Politico Reuters

Biden administration tried to dissuade Russia from testing space weapon.  U.S. officials refrained from widely sharing intelligence about Russia's development of a space-based anti satellite weapon, citing ongoing efforts to initiate talks with Russia to dissuade them from proceeding with tests. The administration had been discreetly engaging Russia, India, and China as potential intermediaries for weeks before the information became public, fearing that public disclosure might hinder negotiation efforts or compromise intelligence sources. Despite the outreach, Russia has shown no willingness to engage on the issue since the program's exposure. Concerns are rising that Russia may proceed with testing, potentially endangering satellites crucial for communication and military operations. While the administration downplayed the urgency of the threat, it engaged in private diplomatic efforts to deter Russia's advancements, including discussions with China and India, both possessing significant stakes in satellite technology. National security adviser Jake Sullivan planned to brief lawmakers on these diplomatic efforts before the issue was publicly revealed, prompting further scrutiny. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has since engaged counterparts in China and India, with lawmakers acknowledging the seriousness of the threat and supporting administration action. Despite the administration's downplaying of the urgency, the intelligence community advises against broad declassification, advocating for private engagement to be a more effective approach.  Politico

Putin denies plans to deploy weapon.  President Putin reiterated Russia's opposition to nuclear weapons deployment in space and denied U.S. claims of Russia developing such capabilities, asserting there are "no such projects." He emphasized adherence to existing agreements on space and proposed strengthening joint efforts. Putin dismissed the allegations as an attempt to secure more funds for Ukraine and initiate a dialogue on strategic stability. Shoigu, Russia's defense minister, echoed Putin's denial and accused the U.S. of seeking unilateral advantages. Despite the ongoing tensions, Putin didn't rule out talks with the U.S. at defense and foreign ministry levels on strategic stability. BBC Reuters

Donald Trump again compares his criminal indictments to imprisonment and death of Putin’s top rival.  During a Fox News town hall in Greenville, South Carolina, Donald Trump compared his criminal indictments to the circumstances of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, blaming politics for his legal troubles. Trump expressed sympathy for Navalny's death and suggested his own prosecution reflects a communist trend in the U.S. He criticized his indictments as ridiculous and likened them to Navalny's situation. Trump didn't directly answer if he'd pay the $454 million judgment against him. He avoided condemning Putin. The remarks come amid GOP reluctance to fund Ukraine and Putin's preference for Biden. Ingraham asked if Trump feared becoming a "political prisoner," to which he evaded a direct response.  Associated Press 

Ex-FBI informant charged with lying over claims that Bidens had Russian intelligence contacts, prosecutors say.  Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, charged with fabricating a bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, and a Ukrainian energy company, reportedly had contact with Russian intelligence-linked officials, prosecutors revealed. Despite this revelation, U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts permitted Smirnov's release on electronic monitoring. Smirnov allegedly misled the FBI, falsely claiming that Burisma executives paid the Bidens $5 million each in 2015, a claim pivotal in the Republican impeachment inquiry. Prosecutors noted Smirnov's admitted contacts with Russian officials, his biased motive against Joe Biden, and routine dealings with Burisma from 2017. Smirnov faces charges of making false statements and fictitious records, with his claims fueling GOP investigations and a House impeachment inquiry into Biden. Associated Press

Ospreys could resume flying again in coming weeks.  The U.S. military's Osprey tiltrotor aircraft fleet, grounded after a crash off Japan in November killed eight airmen, may resume flying within weeks, according to military officials. Preliminary findings suggest equipment failure possibly involving the propeller rotor gearbox caused the crash. The grounding, affecting 400 Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps Ospreys since December, was initially expected to last up to a year, but officials now suggest a quicker return to flight operations.  Stars and Stripes Associated Press  

Texas Gov. Abbott reveals plan to build military base at border in Eagle Pass amid immigration tensions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced plans for a new military base in Eagle Pass intended to accommodate increased numbers of National Guard members. During a news conference, Abbott disclosed that the facility, designed as a “base camp,” will have a capacity for up to 2,300 soldiers, with initial expectations to house 300 personnel by mid-April, followed by incremental increases monthly until completion. Last week, the Texas National Guard discussed plans to enhance operations and construct additional border barriers, notwithstanding the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing Border Patrol agents to dismantle razor wire fencing. ABC 

Colombia could resume bombing campaigns against armed groups.  Colombian Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said yesterday the government could resume aerial bombardment of illegal armed groups as long as intelligence shows minors would not be affected. The government and human rights groups say the armed groups are forcibly recruiting minors in part to discourage bombing of their camps. President Gustavo Petro suspended the bombings shortly after taking office in August 2022 to avoid civilian deaths in an armed conflict that has left more than 450,000 dead. The government is engaged in peace talks with Estado Mayor Central (EMC) and Segunda Marquetalia, both dissident factions that reject a peace deal signed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) in 2016, and with the National Liberation Army (ELN). Valasquez said the government has agreed to ceasefires with the EMC and ELN, excluding them from any bombing campaign. Reuters

Russian foreign minister visits Caracas and reaffirms support of Venezuela’s Maduro.  During a visit to Venezuela yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed the Kremlin’s support for President Nicolas Maduro’s government, saying Russia is committed to strategic cooperation with Venezuela in several areas, including technology, energy and culture. Support from Russia and China has eased the burden of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Venezuela and Russia are both victims of “illegal, irrational, illegitimate application of unilateral coercive measures” by countries on the international stage. Associated Press 

Honduran ex-president accused of running his country as a ‘narco-state’ stands trial in NYC.  Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, once praised by U.S. authorities for his anti-drug efforts, faces trial in a Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, accused of running Honduras as a "narco-state" by collecting millions from cartels. His trial marks a dramatic turn for a leader previously considered beneficial for U.S. interests. Prosecutors allege Hernández profited from drug trades for nearly two decades, using drug money to fuel his political ascent. The case underscores Honduras' institutional weakness, as Hernández faces trial in the U.S. due to concerns about Honduran democracy and separation of powers.  Associated Press

Asia and Oceania

Taiwan reports it has not boosted military deployments on frontline islands. Taiwan’s defense ministry said today that Taiwan has not increased military deployments on frontline islands facing China and that there is nothing unusual about the military situation around Taiwan. The statement comes a day after Taiwan’s coast guard said it drove away a Chinese coast guard boat that entered its waters near the frontline Kinmen islands. The Chinese coast guard began regular patrols around the Kinmen islands Sunday after two Chinese nationals died trying to flee Taiwan’s coast guard when their boat entered Taiwanese waters. On Monday, China’s coast guard boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat in waters close to Kinmen, a move Taiwan said caused “panic”. Taiwan’s defense ministry reiterated that it would not intervene in the situation around Kinmen but that it is making plans for possible “new scenarios.” The U.S. State Department said yesterday that it is closely monitoring China’s actions, and it urged restraint and no change to the status quo. Security sources in Taiwan have told Reuters they do not expect China to escalate the situation around Kinmen but that its actions appear to be part of Beijing’s increased pressure campaign ahead of President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration in May. Su Tzu-yun of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, Taiwan’s leading military think tank, said China’s use of its coast guard in the area was an act of “relatively low intensity.” Reuters Reuters 

North Korean missile made with U.S. and European parts.  A report by Conflict Armament Research found that a North Korean missile used by Russia in Ukraine had over 290 non-domestic electronic components, demonstrating North Korea's ability to evade sanctions on missile parts. Approximately 75% of these components were linked to U.S. companies, 16% to European firms, and 9% to Asian companies. The missile's production dates indicate assembly post-March 2023. The U.S. and South Korea allege North Korea's shipment of munitions and missiles to aid Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow and Pyongyang deny, though satellite imagery indicates a continuous flow of cargo between them, presumed to be weaponry.  Bloomberg 

Kremlin confirms Putin gave North Korea’s Kim a Russian limo.  The Kremlin confirmed on Tuesday that Vladimir Putin gifted Kim Jong Un a luxury Russian Aurus limousine. During Kim's last visit to Russia in September 2023, Putin personally displayed one of his black armored limousines to Kim. According to the Kremlin, Kim expressed his appreciation of the vehicle as he sat with Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome.  Reuters 

Chinese national arrested in Australia facing extradition to U.S. in North Korea smuggling case. Australian authorities announced on Wednesday that a Chinese national arrested in March is awaiting extradition to the U.S. for his alleged role in a North Korean scheme to profit from counterfeit cigarette sales. According to the FBI, Jin Guanghua and two other Chinese nationals acted as intermediaries, procuring tobacco for North Korean military and government-owned companies. North Korea is one of the largest global producers of contraband cigarettes, creating fake Western and Japanese brands to sell in Asia to evade U.N. sanctions.  Reuters 

China hopes France continues role in stable Sino-European relations, foreign minister says. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China's desire for France to maintain a constructive role in fostering Sino-European relations in a foreign ministry statement released on Wednesday following Wang’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. Wang expressed his hope for French contributions to establish an equitable and impartial business environment for Chinese firms.  Reuters 

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to travel to South Korea, discuss AI. Meta announced CEO Mark Zuckerberg's upcoming visit to South Korea. According to reports from the South Korean newspaper Seoul Economic Daily, Zuckerberg is anticipated to hold discussions with Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee regarding AI chip supply as well as potentially meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during his visit.  Reuters 

Major Pakistan parties agree to coalition government. Following inconclusive national elections that failed to yield a clear majority, two of Pakistan's major political parties, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), have formally agreed to establish a coalition government. The power-sharing agreement, announced on Tuesday, designates Shehbaz Sharif as their joint candidate for prime minister. Shehbaz Sharif said that the coalition now possesses the “required numbers” to form a government, a sentiment confirmed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former foreign minister and PPP chairperson, during a joint news conference of both parties in Islamabad. This coalition, which includes support from smaller parties, emerged after 10 days of intense negotiations following the February 8th elections that resulted in a hung National Assembly due to no party securing the 134 seats needed for a simple majority. Bhutto Zardari said the coalition will expedite the formation of the government, as per the country's constitution, which mandates that a parliamentary session be convened by February 29, followed by a vote for a new prime minister.  Reuters BBC Al Jazeera Deutsche Welle Associated Press 

Europe

Russia arrests dual-U.S. citizen on treason charges.  Russian authorities have arrested Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russia citizen,  in Yekaterinburg on charges of “treason” for allegedly fundraising for the Ukrainian army. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claims she participated in pro-Ukraine activities and wired $51.80 to the Ukrainian 'Razom' charity. The FSB alleges that these funds were used for military purposes. At the time of Karelina’s donation in February 2022, ‘Razom’ was openly fundraising for medical supplies, according to its website. Court documents show Karelina was arrested for a minor public disturbance near a movie theater. Records also show that Karelina's pretrial detention appeal was declined. The arrest follows a trend since March 2023 of Russians supporting Ukrainian charities facing accusations of treason. It also adds to Russia’s arrest of individuals over espionage charges.  Politico Wall Street Journal

E.U. summons Russian envoy, demands independent investigation into Navalny’s death.  The European Union has called for an independent international investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and summoned Russia's representative to the EU for discussions. Michael Siebert, a senior EU official, urged Russia to release Navalny's body to his family promptly. The EU expressed outrage, placing responsibility on President Vladimir Putin and Russian authorities for Navalny's death. The Kremlin denies involvement and rejects Western accusations against Putin. Navalny died suddenly in a Russian penal colony where he was serving a prison sentence. The EU and the US are considering sanctions against Russia in response to Navalny's death. Reuters

EU Commission seeks anti-drone defenses at Brussels headquarters. The E.U. Commission is considering the installation of anti-drone technology at its headquarters in Brussels to counter potential espionage and physical threats from unmanned aircraft. Brussels hosts the E.U. Berlaymont building, home to top Commission officials and over 32,000 E.U. staff members, including President Ursula von der Leyen. Previously, the E.U. Commission has issued strategy documents cautioning against “malicious” and “non-cooperative” drone activities, alongside introducing airspace regulations to regulate drone traffic, operational since last year, with authorities largely restricting unauthorized drone flights in the Belgian capital.  Politico 

Finland says thousands of migrants seeking to enter from Russia. Finland says “thousands” of migrants are seeking to cross its border from Russia. Helsinki closed all crossings along its 1,340 km border with Russia late last year due to an influx of arrivals lacking valid E.U. entry documents, accusing Moscow of orchestrating the movement, a claim denied by the Kremlin. The Finnish government is working to introduce legislation to bolster border security and counter Moscow's alleged attempts to exploit migration for political leverage, with the proposal set to be presented to parliament next month.  Reuters 

Hungary’s governing party says it’s ready to approve Sweden’s NATO accession on Monday. A senior member of Hungary’s governing Fidesz party said that a vote on ratifying Sweden’s NATO membership could occur as soon as Monday. Máté Kocsis, head of the Fidesz caucus, urged the parliament speaker in a letter on Tuesday to schedule the vote for the opening day of the spring session that starts on Monday. Kocsis indicated that Fidesz, which had previously obstructed the vote, would now support Sweden’s accession to the trans-Atlantic military alliance. Hungary is the only NATO member yet to ratify Sweden’s bid.  Associated Press

Estonia detains 10 people suspected of committing sabotage on orders from Russia. Estonia's domestic security agency said it arrested 10 individuals suspected of sabotage and “spreading fear and creating tension” as part of a coordinated “hybrid operation” from Russia. The suspects, apprehended between December and February, include individuals accused of vandalizing the car windows of Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets and a local journalist in December, according to the Estonian Internal Security Service. The suspects will be held in Estonia until the investigation concludes. Associated Press 

Russia rebuilding capacity to destabilize European countries, new U.K. report warns. The Royal United Services Institute, a U.K.-based think tank, warned on Tuesday that Russia is enhancing its capacity to disrupt European nations and expand its influence in the Middle East and Africa. The institute’s report emphasized the need for Western nations to enhance their efforts against Moscow's influence in the Middle East and Africa, while also stressing the imperative for “sustained vigilance” over threats in the West that necessitate the collaboration of NATO members and targeted states.  Associated Press 

Dutch court rejects final argument in legal battle over former Russian oil giant Yukos. An Amsterdam court has dismissed Russia's final appeal in a long-standing legal dispute over a $50 billion arbitration award related to the dissolution of Russian oil giant Yukos. The ruling stems from claims by former shareholders that Russia orchestrated Yukos' bankruptcy to silence its CEO, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. The court rejected Russia's argument alleging fraud by former shareholders, stating it was raised too late in the proceedings and wouldn't have affected the outcome. Tim Osborne, representing the former majority shareholders, emphasized the need for Russia to comply with the arbitration decision, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts in the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. Associated Press

As Belarus votes in tightly controlled elections, its leader accuses the West of fueling unrest. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused the West of attempting to incite protests during the upcoming parliamentary and local elections, labeling them as a tactic to destabilize his regime. The early balloting, which commenced Tuesday, featured tightly-controlled participation, with only candidates aligned with Lukashenko's policies allowed to compete. The election is the first since the contentious 2020 presidential vote, which sparked mass demonstrations and a subsequent crackdown on dissent, resulting in thousands of arrests and closures of independent media outlets and NGOs. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, exiled in Lithuania, urged a boycott of the election, denouncing it as a "cynical farce" devoid of democracy. Meanwhile, Lukashenko alleged Western countries, notably Poland, of plotting a coup or power seizure through coercion, though no evidence was provided. Security measures have been heightened across Belarus ahead of the vote. Associated Press

Belarus leader Lukashenko calls for armed street patrols, warns of 'extremist' crime. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko called for law enforcement agencies on Tuesday to conduct armed patrols in Belarusian cities to protect against a potential rise in “extremist crimes.” Lukashenko's call for increased security measures follows recent detentions of individuals, including Ukrainian and Belarusian nationals, along the border in what he described as “counter-terrorist operations” that allegedly occurred regularly.  Reuters

Opposition protesters hurl petrol bombs at Albania government building. Opposition protesters in Albania hurled petrol bombs and rocks at the government building in Tirana, accusing state officials of corruption and ties to organized crime after opposition leader, Sali Berisha, was placed under house arrest. Berisha addressed protesters remotely from house arrest, denying corruption charges and accusing Rama of a political vendetta. The Democratic Party, Albania's main opposition, alleges nepotism and corruption under Prime Minister Edi Rama's leadership, which has prompted many Albanians to emigrate.  Reuters Associated Press

Middle East

Turkey arrests Syrian activist for allegedly spying for French intelligence.  A Turkish court has arrested Syrian activist and businessman Ahmed Katie on charges of spying for the French intelligence agency in December, following his disappearance in late November. Turkish security forces informed his lawyers of his whereabouts in mid-December, prompting an official questioning on his activities. According to Sabah newspaper, Katie was recruited by French intelligence, particularly the DGSE, with promises of asylum for him and his family in exchange for services. He was allegedly tasked with providing "false" information on Turkey's treatment of Syrian refugees to put Turkey in a difficult situation in Europe. Katie's lawyer denied the espionage allegations, stating they will contest them in court. Despite incomplete examinations of his phone and computer, the court ordered his continued detention. Turkish officials have refrained from commenting on the matter. Middle East Eye

Turkey detains six suspected of spying on Uyghurs for China. Turkish authorities arrested six individuals suspected of spying on Uyghurs for China's intelligence service, as reported by the police and state-run news agency on Tuesday. According to prosecutors in Istanbul, seven individuals were identified as allegedly gathering information on prominent figures within the Uyghur community and associated organizations in Turkey. An estimated 50,000 Uyghurs live in Turkey.  Reuters 

Africa

Russia claims to send 200,000 tonnes of free grain to six African nations.  Russia's Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev claimed on Tuesday that Moscow has sent 200,000 metric tonnes of free grain to six African countries, as promised by President Vladimir Putin in July. Patrushev claimed that Russia shipped 50,000 tonnes each to Somalia and the Central African Republic and 25,000 tonnes each to Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe and Eritrea. Putin promised to deliver free grain to the six countries at a summit with African leaders, soon after Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal. Patrushev additionally told Putin that Russia expects to export up to 70 million metric tonnes of grain in the 2023-2024 agricultural year, marking an increase from the 66 million tonnes of grain worth almost $16.5 billion that Russia exported in the previous season.  Reuters

DR Congo PM resigns.  Democratic Republic of Congo's Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, resigned, leading to the dissolution of his government, as announced by the presidency. Lukonde tendered his resignation to President Felix Tshisekedi eight days after the validation of his. He will now join parliament as a member of the assembly. The presidency stated that Lukonde’s resignation has been accepted and that the current government will handle current affairs until a new government is formed. The reasons for Lukonde's resignation were not specified. Lukonde assumed the position of prime minister in February 2021. In December, Tshisekedi named a representative to identify a majority coalition within the National Assembly for the formation of the next government.  Reuters

Congo rebels linked to Islamic State kill dozens.  Extremist rebels, associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has ties to the Islamic State, have carried out separate attacks in eastern Congo this week, killing at least two dozen civilians. In the Mambasa territory of Ituri province, the ADF killed 13 people on Tuesday, according to Christophe Munyanderu, coordinator for the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights. In the neighboring North Kivu province, the ADF killed at least 11 people with machetes and guns in Beni territory on Monday, as reported by Col. Charles Ehuta Omeonga, the area's administrator. Civilians were targeted in their homes, and the death toll is expected to be higher due to missing persons.  Associated Press

U.N. sanctions Congo insurgents, U.S. urges end to violence.  The U.N. Security Council sanctioned six people from five armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sanctions impose an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze on two leaders of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a leader of the Twirwaneho armed group, a leader of the National People’s Coalition for the Sovereignty of Congo (CNPSC) rebels, the military spokesperson for the M23 rebels, and a leader of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood supported the sanctions and called on Congo and Rwanda, which is accused of backing M23, to “walk back from the brink of war.”  Reuters Deutsche Welle  Associated Press

Nigeria to report on air strike that killed civilians. Nigeria's defense chief General Christopher Musa said on Tuesday that reports on a military drone attack that killed at least 85 civilians in northern Kaduna state in December will be released by the end of the month. President Bola Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation of the incident, which occurred during an operation targeting insurgents and bandits. Separately, General Musa said Nigeria is seeking to manufacture weapons as most countries are reluctant to sell armaments to Nigeria due to human rights concerns. He added that Niger has withdrawn its troops from a Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), made up of forces from Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria, to defend its own borders. The troops were part of an army seeking to counter insurgents in the region.  Reuters

South Africa to hold national and provincial elections on May 29.  South Africa is set to hold national and provincial elections on May 29, anticipated to be the most competitive since the end of apartheid. Analysts predict the ruling African National Congress (ANC) may lose its parliamentary majority due to issues like power cuts, poor service delivery, and high unemployment rates. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took office in 2018, is seeking a second term amid these economic challenges. The elections coincide with South Africa's 30 years of freedom and democracy, with Ramaphosa urging full voter participation. Reuters Associated Press

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN

LockBit infrastructure takedown expected to yield intelligence on operations, clients – A massive intelligence haul is anticipated from the takedown of LockBit’s ransomware infrastructure by a multinational law enforcement coalition on Monday. NCA reported that the operation gathered decryption keys, information on LockBit users, and the crimes they committed. NCA chief Graeme Biggar described the operation as yielding “unprecedented and comprehensive access to LockBit’s systems.” The NCA, FBI, and Europol judged that the “LockBit service was completely destroyed” in the operation. TAt least 200 cryptocurrency accounts were frozen in the operation, though their contents remain unknown. The NCA plans to use the LockBit website to publish daily updates on insights gleaned from the gang’s digital infrastructure. Regarding Lockbit members, more arrests beyond those that took place on Tuesday in Ukraine and Poland are expected. The U.S. Justice Department also unsealed indictments against two alleged affiliates of the ransomware group. They were also sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department.  The Record The Record Cybernews Treasury.gov

China launches nationwide survey to detail data resources in government, private sector.  China’s new National Data Administration (NDA) launched an expansive nationwide survey of holders of Chinese data resources.  The survey of government and private sector entities includes companies, police and public security departments, Internet platforms, AI firms, and national laboratories.  Participating organizations are asked to describe procedures for producing, storing, distributing, developing, and using data as well as their data security measures.  The NDA said the survey will “provide data support for future policymaking and the establishment of data application demonstration zones.”  The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Ministry of Public Security are also involved in the survey effort.  The survey comes after the NDA issued a three-year plan issued at the end of 2023 that called for development of over 300 “typical” data applications, a few data application demonstration zones, and an array of “innovative and influential” data providers and third-party agencies by 2026.  China is second only to the U.S. in the amount of data generated annually, with 8.2 zettabytes in 2022.  South China Morning Post

House leaders form AI task force to develop recommendations for legislation.  Bipartisan leaders of the House of Representatives announced the creation of a task force on legislation to respond to concerns about artificial intelligence. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the group will focus on developing "guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats" regarding AI.  The task force is expected to release a comprehensive report including “guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations and bipartisan policy proposals developed in consultation with (congressional) committees."  Jay Obernolte and Ted Lieu, representing the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively, will co-chair the task force.  Obernolte said the final report will detail "the regulatory standards and Congressional actions needed to both protect consumers and foster continued investment and innovation in AI."  Reuters

Microsoft continues European AI investments with $2.1 billion commitment in Spain.  Microsoft President Brad Smith announced in a post on X that the company will expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in Spain with a $2.1 billion investment over the next two years.  The move continues a string of Microsoft investments in Europe, including a $3.45 billion commitment in Germany and $3.2 billion in Britain.  AI and cloud service expansions are the common theme across the investments.  Regarding the plans for Spain, Smith said “our investment is beyond just building data centers, it’s a testament to our 37-year commitment to Spain, its security, and development and digital transformation of its government, businesses, and people.”  TechRadar Reuters Microsoft

SpaceX growing ties with U.S. intelligence, military units.  SpaceX ties with U.S. military and intelligence organizations are broadening with the company’s addition of a major classified contract and continued work for national security clients on the Starshield satellite program.  In 2011, SpaceX signed a $1.8 billion contract with an unnamed government agency according to the Wall Street Journal, which described the deal as a sign of “a growing interdependence between SpaceX…and the national-security establishment.”  These collaborations add to SpaceX’s role in providing launch services for intelligence and military satellites and the Pentagon’s payments for Starlink operations in Ukraine.  Details on the Starshield program are sparse, but SpaceX says it will provide secure satellite communications, monitor and collect data on activities on Earth, and perform sensor-based observations in orbit.  Wall Street Journal

China increasing power production in northwestern deserts in boost for tech competitiveness.  China is setting up major energy facilities in northwestern China, with a combined projected capacity for power generation of 600GW. Over half of the facilities will produce wind and solar energy. Chinese scientists say the massive regional power production, which will service other parts of China through a transmission network, will not only improve the country’s living standards, but also help Beijing’s competitiveness in high-tech races. An AI entrepreneur told the South China Morning Post that the increased energy supply will allow China to use less advanced chips that require more power as a replacement for cutting-edge AI chips that the U.S. has banned for sale to China.  South China Morning Post 

X ‘mistakenly’ suspends Navalnaya’s account. X announced on Tuesday that it will update spam filters after it “mistakenly” suspended a new account belonging to Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalnaya’s account was suspended one day after she pledged to continue her late husband’s anti-corruption efforts in Russia. The account was reinstated approximately 30 minutes after being suspended. The Anti-Corruption Foundation, initiated by Navalny, raised concerns about the suspension on Tuesday, querying the specifics of her account's alleged rule violations in a tweet directed at Elon Musk.  The Hill

Report Info

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

Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Ken Hughes, Elaine Shannon, Allison Brown, Bruce Wilmot, Katharine Campbell, Leighton Durham, and Tiffany Krueger contributed to this report.

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