US News

• The House on Thursday passed the massive $858 billion 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a vote of 350-80, sending the bill to the Senate, where a vote is expected to be held next week. AWC

Russia

• NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned Friday that he fears a full-blown war between Russia and NATO is a “real possibility” in a rare acknowledgment of the dangers of backing Ukraine. AWC
• According to a report from CNN, the Biden administration is considering a request from Ukraine to provide cluster bombs, munitions that are banned by over 100 countries under an international treaty due to the harm they cause to civilians. AWC
• The Biden administration has secured the release of WNBA star Britney Griner from Russia in a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who was serving a 25-year sentence in the US. AWC
• Finland’s foreign minister said Thursday that while there’s been progress alleviating Turkey’s concerns on Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO bids, there is still no “clear date” on when Ankara will ratify their memberships. AWC
• The Pentagon has given its tacit endorsement of Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory and no longer fears such operations could lead to a “dramatic” Russian escalation, The Times reported on Friday, citing unnamed US defense officials. AWC
• The US on Friday announced a new $275 million arms package for Ukraine that includes ammunition for the HIMARS rocket systems, marking the 27th drawdown from US military stockpiles for the Ukrainians. AWC

Middle East

• The Israeli military on Sunday dropped threatening leaflets in southern Syria hours after launching missile strikes in the area. AWC
• US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a press release that US forces carried out a raid in eastern Syria early Sunday morning and killed two “ISIS officials.” AWC
• A group of House Democrats on Thursday released a statement welcoming Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) plan to bring the Yemen War Powers Resolution to the floor of the Senate for a vote next week. AWC