The Cipher Brief Open Source Report: Recent Episodes
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In today’s report we’ve got a number of stories related to the Ukraine war, President Biden’s ongoing visit to Poland and Russian activities in the area. We’re following news that Russia conducted a failed ICBM test during the time that Biden was in Ukraine. This comes as China’s top diplomat Wang Yi is in Russia for a visit where he underscored that relations between Russian and China are ‘rock solid’, a sentiment echoed by Vladimir Putin who added that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia in the near future. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says his forces are holding their defensive positions in the face of constant Russian attempts to break thru, attempts that Zelenskiy says are resulting in ‘staggering’ losses for the Russian military. The Netherlands and Belgium say they are tracking a Russian spy ship in their waters, while further east, Australian and US officials announce plans to begin joint maritime patrol operations with the Philippines. This comes less than two weeks since the latest incident involving a Philippine Coast Guard Vessel and a Chinese Maritime Vessel. There is a lot packed into today’s full report. Let’s dive in now on a few of the major stories.
It's another very big national security news day. Here are just a few of the headlines from today's complete Open Source Report:
- Blinken Postpones China Trip as Chinese Spy Balloon Loiters in US Airspace
- Ukrainian Intelligence Official Says Putin Orders Military to Launch Major New Offensive
- China’s Military Publicly Reveals Capabilities of Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missiles for the First Time.
We're also continuing our conversation with General (Ret) John Allen today in our overtime segment. Gen. Allen weighs in on the Marine Corps's role in today's world and shares his perspective on the challenges facing the US national security community from the rapid advances of technology. Don't miss the conclusion of our week-long conversation with our newest Cipher Brief expert Marine General (Ret) John Allen.
We’re continuing our conversation this week in our overtime segment with the newest Cipher Brief Expert retired General John Allen. Today he shares his views on the relationship between Chinese President Xi Jingping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In this special episode we're continuing our conversation with Cipher Brief Expert General (Ret) John Allen.
"We should be very, very concerned about this conflict because if Russia is successful, it will give in many respects, the leading edge of accomplishment to this redefinition of the global world order. That is, for all intents and purposes, an axis between Beijing and Moscow." General John Allen
Welcome to a special episode of the Open Source Report with two overtime segments. First we're discussing the explosions in Iran. For that we talk with Cipher Brief Expert and former National Intelligence Manager for Iran (NIM-I) at ODNI Norm Roule. Norm breaks down the events and walks us thru the likely thinking on both sides of the issue, and what he says must happen now.
Then, we hear, for the first time from The Cipher Brief's newest Expert, General (Ret) John Allen. General Allen was the former commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where he was the first Marine Corps general officer to command a theater of war.
Today, we’re talking to him about Ukraine and as the US and Germany have both committed tanks to the war effort there, they are also asking for F-16s. We’re going to level set with the General just what he thinks is needed to win this war. That’s in today’s Open Source Overtime section.
Stay tuned at the end of this episode for a special conversation with Cipher Brief Expert General (Ret) Phil Breedlove. We spoke with General Breedlove last night to get his perspective on the breaking news story of the missile strikes inside of Poland. He offered a behind the scenes look at how the NATO process could play out in this scenario, and what he sees as ultimately necessary for Ukraine to acheive victory on the mainland.
In this episode we welcome Cipher Brief Expert Ambassador Joe Detrani for a special segment on Taiwan.
Ukraine claims to have reached the Russian border in a counter-offensive; NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg makes a bold prediction about the Ukraine war and Washington sends an all-star cast to Abu Dhabi to meet with new UAE president.
Major missile strikes across Kyiv as Zelenskiy says no to surrendering the Donbass to achieve peace.
CIA Director William Burns says that while the threat of Russian nuclear weapons being used in Ukraine cannot be taken lightly, so far, the US does not seen any evidence that Moscow is preparing to do so. His comments came during a speech at Georgia Tech in Atlanta on Thursday where he also spoke about the ‘political desperation’ and military setbacks that Russian President Vladimir Putin is experiencing as his forces suffer worse than expected losses in Ukraine.
Today’s Open Source report is brought to you by The Cyber Initiatives Group. New cooperation on cyber requires new thinking. Join CIG experts with public and private sector experience as they engage in a mission to educate and move the needle on national security and cyber. Find out more at cyberinitiativesgroup.com.
If you’re not a Subscriber+Member, you can upgrade your access at the cipher brief website and one more note before we get to today’s report – The Cipher Brief is hosting a live web briefing next Wednesday, April 13th with Principal Deputy Director for National Intelligence Dr. Stacey Dixon, former Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Research The Hon. Ellen McCarthy and former Senior CIA Officer Teresa Smetzer on Disinformation and How Spies Can Help Find Truth. Brad, you and I know that U.S. adversaries are actively driving campaigns that take a nugget of truth to build false and divisive narratives around and it’s impacting national security. We’ll be talking in this brief about how can lessons from the Intelligence Community can help guide a new path for truth.
Today’s top story: Generally Mark Milley says risk of major international conflict is on the rise as the US, G7 and EU Nations announce a new round of sanctions against Russia.
Today’s top story: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to address the UN Security Council today for the first time since the Russian invasion. We’ll have updates on what comes out of that tomorrow but his speech is expected to focus on alleged war crimes by Russian forces including the alleged massacres of civilians in areas near Kyiv. He is also likely to push for further deliveries of military hardware and sanctions against Moscow. The speech is expected to be largely a symbolic move since Russia, as a permanent member would veto any specific measures Ukraine may call for.
Today’s top story comes out of Ukraine where officials there are accusing withdrawing Russian soldiers of committing genocide after finding hundreds of killed civilians. Reporting focuses on the town of Bucha where officials say around 150 civilians were found killed and say that some of them had their hands bound and had gunshot wounds to the head in what some media reports describe as ‘extra-judicial’ executions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says these actions constitute genocide and is forming a new body to investigate Russian atrocities while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling for an independent investigation into the killings. Western nations including the US, UK and Germany have condemned the killings and are expected to announce even more sanctions on Russia, while Moscow calls the allegations a ‘provocation’ by Ukraine.
Let’s get to the rest of today’s stories and remember you can always find links to our original sources and the full report in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Top headlines from today’s report: CIA Director tests positive for COVID; Natural Gas still flowing to Europe; Ukraine strikes target in Russia; India in the crosshairs over relationship with Russia and China blames US & NATO for Ukraine War. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Top headlines from today’s report: US intelligence says Putin badly misinformed by advisors while UK intel chief says some Russian soldiers are refusing orders; Senior French Intel official fired over Ukraine failures and Putin says natural gas must be paid for in roubles. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Today's top stories:
A U.S. General acknowledges a possible 'gap' in intelligence on Russia; Russia intensifies attacks around Kyiv despite words of de-escalation; Germany signals a pending emergency over energy; Ukraine publishes a list of alleged Russian intelligence officers and *South Korea says the North's recent missile launch* was staged. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Topping today's report: Biden seeks $813 Billion for DOD Budget -- US Deploying EW Aircraft to Europe -- Russia says it will scale back combat around Kyiv and Gulf States meet to discuss Yemen.
Topping today’s report: US Nuclear weapons policy under review; US and Europe strike natural gas deal; Ukraine says 300 killed in Mariupol theatre attack; Ukraine’s military takes back territory, and the US indicts Russians on hacking on infrastructure. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
The Open Source Report podcast is on the road today. Topping today’s report: US and European officials kick off a round of emergency summits in Europe; Ukrainian forces score victories against the Russian military; North Korea tests an ICBM and US unsure if Iran talks can reach a deal. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter.
Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Topping today’s report: US President Joe Biden departs on a 4-day trip where he will attend a NATO summit; Poland expels 45 Russian diplomats over espionage charges while the Kremlin warns that a Polish proposal for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine would be reckless and the US Army and Navy announce new efforts to increase cyber capabilities. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Topping today’s report, US President Joe Biden warns of potential Russian chemical attacks in Ukraine and says they will be met with a ‘severe’ response. The White House also warns of imminent Russian cyber-attacks in the US. Ukrainian forces retake a suburb of Kyiv from Russian forces and EU leaders agree to bolster a European ‘Rapid Response Force’. Let’s get right to the full report today and remember you can always find links to our original sources in the Cipher Brief Daily newsletter. Sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Topping the news today: Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy has rejected a Russian demand to surrender the city of Mariupol: US missile defense deploys in Slovakia; Biden to speak with European leaders ahead of Europe visit and Saudi Arabia to boost oil production investment. Let’s get to the rest of today’s report and remember you can always find links to our source material in the Cipher Brief’s free daily newsletter, sign up at thecipherbrief.com.
Today’s top story is the phone call that is underway between President Biden and President Xi, we’re waiting for the first readouts of that call. Also, Russian military continues its attacks in Western Ukraine; Germany announces a new national security strategy and South Africa’s President says NATO to blame for Ukraine war.
Today’s top story is that President Joe Biden called Vladimir Putin a war criminal and the US announces a major new military aid deal for Ukraine. This comes as many experts point to the stalled Russian advances in Ukraine as evidence of Russian military weakness. The White House also says Biden and Xi are set to speak tomorrow, so we'll be watching what comes out of that tomorrow.
Today's top story is Ukranian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy addressed a joint session of congress where he called for more military aid; this comes as Ukraine’s military says it successfully mounted counter-offensive operations against Russia as some media reports suggest signs of compromise are appearing between the two sides. We’ve also got reports of a failed North Korean missile launch and some news related to released prisoners out of Iran. Remember you can find links to all of our source material in The Cipher Brief’s free daily newsletter. Sign up at the thecipherbrief.com
Major headlines from today’s report are: Three EU leaders travel to Kyiv, a city under Russia bombardment as Ukrainian President Zelenskiy calls on Russia troops in Ukraine to surrender. Iran’s Foreign Minister is in Moscow for talks and US military forces conduct readiness drills in the Indo-Pacific region as North Koreas threatens to launch an ICBM. Let’s get to the full report now broken down by region of the world.
Topping today’s Open Source Report:US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says article 5 will be activated if Russia attacks NATO country as he heads to Rome to meet with Beijing’s top diplomat; Germany to buy F35’s; Russia attacks apartment building in Kyiv amid ongoing talks with Ukraine and South Korea warns of an imminent ICBM launch by the North.
Topping today’s report: Cipher Brief Expert and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General (Ret) Phil Breedlove says ‘We in the West are completed deterred right now, Mr. Putin has deterred us.’ General Breedlove is one of 27 foreign policy experts calling for a limited no-fly zone in Ukraine to provide some protection for the humanitarian corridors. Speaking on CNN this morning Gen Breedlove says we need to shift to an ‘active deterrence’ state and retake the initiative from Russia and work to protect civilians in Ukraine. This comes as reports of new Russian attacks in the west of Ukraine, Russian advances on Kyiv and while some European leaders ramp up pressure on Putin for a ceasefire. We’ve also got news out of North Korea and why the US military wants to send commandoes back to Somalia. Let’s get to today’s report.
Topping today's report:
Ukraine’s president says babies are under ruble following reports of a Russian attack on a maternity hospital southern Ukraine. The US says its exploring options after rejecting a Polish plan to transfer jets to Ukraine and a senior Australian intelligence official warns of the risk of a ‘major power conflict’ following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It’s another very big news day with the war in Ukraine dominating the headlines. Let's get to the rest of it in today's episode.
We’re coming to you today from Colorado Springs. We’re out here working with our incredible team on a few projects. It’s an incredibly big news days. Topping today’s open source report is news that President Joe Biden has announced a ban on the US purchase and import of Russian oil. His comments came in a televised address. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also expected to announce a similar ban later today. This comes as US intelligence chiefs are testifying before Congress where they say that estimates are that up to 4000 Russian soldiers have been killed so far in the Ukraine war. Things are very fast moving in the news cycle right now so it’s likely that some of these stories are changing as we speak. Let’s get right to it.
It’s hard to know where to start. If someone would have told me before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 that on Monday March 7 we would be reading the range of headlines that we have in today’s report, I would have said you were insane. In this episode we have reports of US officials traveling to Venezuela, Iranian condemnation of Russia, the UN’s highest court holding a special hearing on Genocide and Saudi Arabia’s plan to leverage oil to get what it wants from the US. All of this is against a backdrop of unthinkable suffering in Ukraine as Russia continues to assault civilian areas and unprecedented economic sanctions against Russia that we are yet to fully understand how they will ultimately impact global financial stability. I have to reference General Hayden’s comments at our threat conference years ago when he said the world has never been more complicated, that was in 2017. I think we’ve now entered a whole new dimension of complicated. Let’s get to the rest of today’s report.
But Western officials are warning that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is turning into a “slow annihilation” of Ukraine’s military and that continued siege tactics will increasingly hit civilian targets. The warning comes as Russia is reportedly deploying heavier weaponry and greater numbers of troops. A Western intelligence official told CNN that Ukraine’s will to resist is “extending” the fighting but “the cruel military math” is that Russia will eventually be able to overwhelm Ukrainian forces, which are already outgunned and outnumbered. Ukrainian officials are calling for even more immediate security aid from the West to keep defenses going.
President Joe Bidensays Russian President Vladimir Putin "has no idea what's coming'in State of the Union Address as the US continues to target Russia with financial punishment to include possible sanctions on Russia's energy sector. This comes as Russia claims controlof major Ukrainian Port while Ukrainian sources say that fighting in those key areas continues.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says reports of violations of human rights by Russia are ‘mounting by the hour’ and that Russian attacks are destroying critical infrastructure and targeting schools, hospitals and residential areas. He called the invasion of Ukraine ‘unprovoked and unjustified’ in a televised speech to the UN Security Council where he urged the members to assign accountability for this conflict to Russia. He also called into question whether Russia should be allowed to remain on the security council. Let's get to the rest of the report.
Our thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine and all those allies already involved in the historic events happening in Europe right now, including our media colleagues who are doing incredible work reporting from Ukraine to share what’s happening with the world.
It has been an incredible 36 hours with fast-moving developments over Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Topping the news today - Germany is signaling its willingness to cut Russia from SWIFT global financial system and Moscow is making new threats toward Finland and Sweden in what appears to be aimed at their signaling interest in joining NATO. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy is telling EU leaders that this may be the last time they see him alive.
The EU has approved a second round of sanctions on Moscow as Putin urges the Ukrainian military to surrender. And Moscow says its open to negotiations with Ukraine
This comes as the Russian military meets with stiff resistance in parts of Ukraine.
Let's get to the rest of today's report.
Today’s news cycle is once again dominated by the crisis in Europe with announcements of major western sanctions against Russia amid news that Russia is evacuating its diplomatic staff from Ukraine while all signs appear pointed towards a further escalation.
There is a lot in today’s report and things are very fast moving right now. Let’s get to it.
Today’s Open Source report is brought to you by The Cyber Initiatives Group. New cooperation on cyber requires new thinking. Join CIG experts with public and private sector experience as they engage in a mission to educate and move the needle on national security and cyber. Find out more at cyberinitiativesgroup.com
Media outlets around the world are showing scenes of Russian military units being moved into Eastern Ukraine this morning and while the US has so far stopped short of calling the moves an invasion, we are starting to get a glimpse of what immediate actions the US and EU are taking in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the breakaway Ukrainian provinces following his televised speech. We’ve got a lot more to tell you about today. Let’s get to the rest of today’s headlines.
In today's report Russia President Vladimir Putin held a televised press conference today as the Russian Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Ukraine. At the conference Putin said "It is clear that the Minsk measures aren't going to be implemented". There's a lot more in today's report, let's get to it.
Today's report is again dominated by news from the Russia-Ukraine crisis with media and the State Department confirming reports that Russia has expelled the #2 US diplomat in Moscow, while senior US officials are signaling publicly that escalation of hostilities is imminent.
Topping today’s Open Source report: President Biden warns Putin in a televised address while US and NATO officials say they see no evidence of a Russian troop withdrawal but instead say Moscow is sending more troops to the Ukraine region.
Today’s report has conflicting accounts of what’s happening in Eastern Europe with Russian officials claiming that some troops are pulling back to their bases following exercises in Belarus, but NATO and US officials saying they don’t see actual evidence on the ground to back up those claims.
There are alot of headlines in today's report starting with another US warning that Russia may be trying to create a false pretext for an invasion of Ukraine. And this is happening amid a flurry of ongoing and urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
It’s Friday, February 11, 2022 and today’s top story is a warning from President Biden for US citizens to get out of Ukraine. In an interview with NBC News, the President warned Americans inside the country that the US will not be able to evacuate them if Russian troops invade the country. NBC’s Lester Holt asked the President whether there would be a scenario where he would send troops to rescue Americans who were fleeing the country and the President responded, “There’s not. That's a world war when Americans and Russia start shooting at one another.” In an advisory issued on Thursday, the US State Department said the warning to evacuate was due to “increased threats of Russian military action” in Ukraine. Russia denies is planning an invasion, despite a consistent build-up of troops along the Ukraine border.
In today's report our top story comes from, no surprise, Europe with reports that Russia's military exercises in Belarus have begun amid a flurry of aggressive western diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
It’s Tuesday, February 8, 2022 and in today’s report…… In today’s report President Joe Biden makes a bold prediction on the Nordstream II pipeline; Confusing narratives follow the Macron-Putin meeting; US approves major new defense package for Taiwan and protests grow in Sudan. If you want to stay up on the latest global news stories then join us each day M-F right here on the Open Source Report Podcast. It’s your best chance of keeping up with the fast paced and rapidly changing global security news cycle in a quick, non-partisan report on the major security stories.
In today’s report…… A flurry of diplomatic efforts underway to stave off war in Ukraine amid a continued Russian troop buildup in Belarus and new US deployments to Poland. Iran draws a red line in nuclear negotiations this week and UN says North Korea’s nuclear program grows stronger. Pakistani security forces battle insurgents and US CENTCOM commander visits UAE to demonstrate US support. It’s a big news day and your best chance of keeping up with the fast paced and rapidly changing global security news cycle is right here with The Cipher Brief.
And, before we move on I’d like to say a special welcome to our newest Cipher Brief Expert John Edwards. John retired from the CIA in September of 2021 where he last served as the CIA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer.
It’s February 4, 2022, and we’re following major cyber stories and Ukraine developments.
US intelligence warns Russia may fabricate an attack by Ukrainian forces to justify an invasion. Oil terminals across Europe suffer cyberattacks. Another Israeli surveillance firm has been found exploiting iPhone vulnerabilities. And Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. These stories and more in today’s episode of The Cipher Brief Open Source Podcast.
In today's report: New developments on the US cyber front; a new Havana Syndrome report is out and US special operations raid kills ISIS leader in Syria. We also have the latest on the Ukraine-Russia crisis and more developments on the spike in attacks on the UAE.
It’s Wednesday, February 2 2022 and there is a lot to talk about in today’s Open Source Report with particular focus on the continued crisis in Ukraine, but also a lot of national security stories today from the Middle East and Africa. Here’s a look at today’s open source report broken down by region of the world. Just a reminder that we provide links to all of our sources in The Cipher Brief’s free daily newsletter. Sign up at The Cipher Brief.com
Today’s report is again dominated by Ukraine-Russia news but we also have headlines about FBI Director Wray’s comments on China, the latest on the fight between some states’ National Guard and the Pentagon over COVID vaccines, Iran nuclear negotiations, a US announcement about Qatar and the most recent developments from Mali. Here’s a look at today’s open source report broken down by region of the world. Just a reminder that we provide links to all of our sources in The Cipher Brief’s free daily newsletter. Sign up at The Cipher Brief.com
In today's report: Senators propose new legislation to sanction Russia; Pentagon seeks to improve record on civilain casualties; Chance encounter between US and Taiwan in Central America; Russia says it doesn't want war but US says otherwise; Denmark withdraws Special Forces from Mali and alot more. Let's get to it.
In this episode we welcome special guest General Phil Breedlove, Cipher Brief expert and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO to discuss how sees the state of play and options moving forward with the Russia-Ukraine crisis. A big episode. Let's get to it.
Global tensions on the rise. In today's report: US threatens to personally sanction Putin while Moscow says it will respond 'quickly' if the US rejects its security demands. Multiple cyber incidents including the North Korea's entire internet service and parts of Canada's federal network; Iran sentences French citizen to 8 years in prison amid approaching moment of truth in nuclear negotiations.
We're joined by special guest Cipher Brief Expert and former Senior Member of the British Foreign Service Nick Fishwick in this episode. We talk with Nick to get his take on the crisis with Russia and Ukraine and what is likely to unfold.
In this episode: Declassified SIGAR report warned in Jan '21 of Afghan Air Force collapse; Blinken set to travel to Ukraine this week; Russian embassy evacuations in Ukraine; Moscow says no more talks until West responds to security demands; Texas hostage taker known to British MI5; Chinese fishermen find underwater devices and North Korea fires tactical guided missiles.
In today’s episode: Moscow reacts to US intelligence assessment while Ukraine says Russia responsible for cyber-attack; North Korea fires more missiles; New think tank report details 2022 risks facing Beijing; Russia-China-Iran cooperation on the rise while Houthi's claim attack in Abu Dhabi.
In this episode: US Senators are seeking action on rare earth minerals; North Korea is launching more ballistic missiles; US and Western officials are raising the alarm on conflict with Russia while Sweden increases military patrols in the Baltic Sea; Ukraine suffers major cyber attack; Russia redeploys more military assets towards Ukraine and rockets target the US embassy in Baghdad.
Today's top story is the continuing negotiations over the Ukraine crisis where Russia now says that the talks have reached a 'dead end' and Moscow sees little point in continuing this week's planned dialogue. This comes as US Democratic Senators propose new sanctions that would target Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Biden administration targets North Korea with fresh sanctions one day after its latest missile test. A lot more in this episode.
Today's top story- North Korea test fires missile that Japan says was a hypersonic, prompting Tokyo to say all options are on the table for bolstering Japan's defenses; Widespread pessimism among US and Europe over Ukraine talks with Russia; Leaders from Middle East on a rare visit to China to discuss bi-lateral energy trade deal and a car bomb kills 8 in Mogadishu.
No progress reported from US-Russia dialogue on Ukraine with Russian officials saying a 'great disparity' exists; CISA Director Jen Easterly warns of more Log4j issues and says the exploit is 'pretty trivial' for hackers to use; a Taiwanese F-16V crashes on an exercise prompting a massive search mission for pilot. A lot more in today's episode.
In this episode: Kazakh President Tokayev authorized lethal force to restore order amid ongoing violent protests; A new report looks at possible signs of tension among the Biden cyber team; Cyberspace Solarium Commission to reboot as a non-profit; US and Russia to meet on Monday for Ukraine crisis talks; South Korea says North Korea missile launch was not hypersonic; Chinese researchers claim breakthrough in laser technology.
In this episode: Russian paratroopers deploy to Kazakhstan to restore order following violent protests; Germany and US issue warning to Russia over Ukraine while Britain says it is working on 'high-impact' sanctions if Moscow invades; Chinese space station conducts successful test of robotic arm and Beijing announces a new diplomatic post for the Horn of Africa.
US Justice Department announce first criminal charges in death of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise; China, France, Russia, UK and the US release rare joint statement on nuclear weapons; NATO calls 'extraordinary' meeting to discuss Ukraine and China says it has developed heat-seeking hypersonic missiles.
As we head into the Christmas weekend we are watching two big issues closely. The first is the crisis in Ukraine and we've got some new stories and developments to talk about today. The second is the Iranian nuclear talks which are expected to resume on Monday, Dec 27. Let's get to today's report broken down by region of the world.
There's a lot to report today with some big statements coming from both the US and Russia related to the Ukrainian crisis; CISA issues an advisory on the Log4j vulnerability; Terrorism threats emanating from Brazil draws US Treasury into action; US policy changes announced for Taliban and a lot more. Here's your open source report broken down by region of the world.
Harvard University Professor found guilty of lying about connection with China; US Army researchers working on a single vaccine to protect against all variants; Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has no where to retreat to over Ukraine while talks between the US and Russia are expected to begin in January; Chinese President Xi Jingping and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discuss deepening economic cooperation in their first call.
The remaining 12 hostages in Haiti have been released, few details have yet emerged as to the specifics of their release; Two Army battalion commanders among the latest to be discharged over COVID vaccine refusals; DJI Technologies among the companies now blacklisted by US Treasury; Details emerge of Russia's demands for de-escalation in Ukraine crisis.
A very big national security news day. US Air Force discharges 27 for COVID vaccine refusals; Space Force begins 10 days of war games; US House passes bill to ban imports from Xinjiang; Britain releases new national cyber strategy; German court sentences Russian to life over 2019 Berlin killing of Chechen; Estonia's PM sounds alarm on Putin's Ukraine trap; Kremlin says US given concrete proposals to de-escalate while Putin touts Russia's relationship with China as a 'model' of cooperation. A lot more in this episode.
In this episode: President Biden hosts 111 world leaders today for a Democracy summit (Beijing angry over Taiwan's attendance); Many questions and few details following major AWS outage on Tuesday; US House passes Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act; US-Mexico restart Remain in Mexico Program; Russia says US to blame for diplomatic row while accusing Ukraine of increase military tensions along border and Harvard's Belfer Center out with new report about China's ability to overtake US in advanced tech.
In this episode: All eyes on Biden-Putin call and what it means for the Ukrainian crisis. We spoke with Former Senior CIA Officer Dan Hoffman to get his take on the issues. Also, three more hostages freed in Haiti; EU to announce a new economic weapon to fight coercion; Ukraine's President says he can defend against Russian invasion; Germany calls on Iran to get real in nuclear talks; Classified US intel says Beijing seeks a new navy base in West Africa.
NY Times reports that almost 9 million Afghans at risk of famine; Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns Beijing of Taiwan invasion; Iran says US sanctions are the reason for lack of progress as Israeli intelligence delegation heads to DC for talks.