Lawmakers with the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus have introduced a bill in the House and Senate that will require the Pentagon to coordinate missile defense upgrades for Israel and several newfound Arab allies, pointing to potential “attacks from Iran.”
Biden Reaffirms Support for Regime Change in Venezuela, But Says US Could ‘Calibrate’ Sanctions
President Joe Biden held a call with Juan Guaido and discussed possible sanctions relief for Venezuela. The White House recognizes Guaido as the country’s interim president, though he holds no power in Caracas. Biden phoned the opposition leader from Air Force One while en route to the Summit of the Americas conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, with a White House summary of the call stating that the president underscored “the United States’ recognition of and support for the 2015 democratically-elected National Assembly and Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela.” Guaido first...
New US Sanctions Bar Americans From Buying Russian Debt & Stocks
The Treasury Department has issued a new decree prohibiting money managers from trading in Russian debt or stocks in US secondary markets. The latest round of sanctions comes as Washington attempts to further isolate Moscow in retaliation for its attack on Ukraine.
Turkey Offers to Host Russia-Ukraine Talks to End War
As the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine slowly progresses, Ankara is offering to host another round of talks between Kiev and Moscow. Turkey is among a few nations that have attempted to broker a diplomatic end to the conflict.
80+ Senators ‘Fully Committed’ to NATO Membership for Sweden & Finland, Demand Shortened Process
A significant majority of the US Senate has signed a letter welcoming Finland and Sweden into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with the group of 82 senators urging for expedited membership for the two Nordic states.
Russia Will No Longer Depend on West, Deepen Trade Ties with China – Lavrov
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country would pivot its economic relationships away from the West and towards China, suggesting Moscow could even rebuff an offer to reopen trade with the US and its allies. Speaking with reporters in Moscow on Monday, the Russian diplomat said that while his country would consider rebuilding ties with Western states, it is inclined to stick with more dependable partners going forward. "If they [the West] want to offer something in terms of resuming relations, then we will seriously consider whether we will need it or not," he said, adding...
Sen. Cruz, Gen. Milley, Zelensky Say Ukraine Is Vital to National Security
As the costs of supporting Ukraine’s war effort soar well beyond $50 billion, high-level officials are seeking to sell Americans on even more military spending, with senators, generals and the Ukrainian president himself each insisting aid to Kiev is vital to American interests, amid rampant inflation, mounting shortages and monumental public debt in the US.
UK & Allies Plan to Arm Ukraine, Moldova with ‘NATO Standard’ Weapons
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that London and a number of allies are developing a scheme to supply NATO-grade weapons to Moldova and Ukraine, as Kiev urges for increasingly advanced arms from Western partners despite billions in lethal aid already provided.