Russia

• CNN reported Tuesday that the US has secretly provided Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), munitions that typically have a range of about 190 miles and can be fired from the HIMARS rocket systems. AWC
• Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to China to meet with President Xi Jinping as the two countries are developing a historically strong relationship. Xi and Putin describe each other as close friends. The robust ties between Moscow and Beijing grew as Washington provoked Russia and China with military buildups that threatened their core interests. The Institute
• A Congressional report on nuclear policy warned that Russia and China pose an existential threat to the US and action must be taken now to prepare for conflicts with the two superpowers. The commission called for Washington to prepare to fight simultaneous wars with Moscow in Europe and Beijing in Asia. The Institute 

Israel/Ukraine

• Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen insisted on Monday that the US could “certainly” afford to fund the war in Ukraine and Israel’s onslaught on Gaza as the White House is looking for more military aid for both conflicts. AWC
• Axios reported Monday that four House Republicans walked away from conversations with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) under the impression that he would allow a vote linking military aid for Ukraine and Israel if he becomes the new House speaker. AWC
• Israel has rejected a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the country that was made in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack, The Times of Israel reported on Monday. AWC

Gaza

• On Monday, a group of progressive Democrats in the House introduced a resolution calling for de-escalation and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. AWC
• The Pentagon has selected 2,000 troops to prepare for a potential deployment to support Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. AWC
• The Jerusalem Post reported Monday that Israel has yet to launch a ground invasion of Gaza over fears that Hezbollah could launch a major attack from the north. AWC
• Egyptian officials said Monday that Israel is not cooperating on allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza as the enclave is being pushed to the brink due to relentless Israeli airstrikes and a total siege. AWC
• Israel has asked the US for an additional $10 billion in military aid amid its onslaught in Gaza, The New York Times reported on Monday night. AWC
• The White House has discussed the possibility of using military force against Hezbollah if the Lebanese Shia group launches a significant attack on Israel, Axios reported on Tuesday. AWC
• Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told CNN on Monday that he was drawing up an authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups in the region if the Gaza war escalates. AWC
• Israeli airstrikes targeted the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday night, killing hundreds and wounding many more, Middle East Eye reported. AWC
• On Monday night, the US and its allies voted down a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as civilians in the enclave are under a brutal siege. AWC