Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the U.S. has significantly escalated its support for Kyiv, both militarily and rhetorically, reflecting a growing mission creep that comes with the risk of provoking Moscow. Early on in the invasion, the U.S. was wary of confirming details of military aid, intelligence sharing, and training of Ukrainian forces. But now, U.S. officials are speaking openly about how Washington is helping Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Last week, anonymous U.S. officials speaking to the media claimed U.S. intelligence had helped Ukrainian forces kill Russian...
Germany
Biden Speaks with German Leader Scholz Amid Kiev-Berlin Tensions
The United States and Germany will reject all Russian territorial claims in Ukraine, leaders from both countries said during a recent phone call, as relations between Berlin and Kiev plumb new depths over alleged close ties between the German president and his Russian counterpart.
NATO Is Waging a Proxy War in Ukraine: Russian Foreign Minister
Moscow’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov said NATO is “essentially entering into a proxy war” by supplying weapons to Kiev.
News Roundup 4/25/2022
US News Cuba says the US is attempting to exclude it from the Summit of the Americas. [Link] Russia Finland and Sweden will apply for NATO membership next month. [Link] Germany expelled 40 Russian diplomats. Russia responded by expelling 40 German diplomats. [Link] The US plans to return diplomatic staff to Ukraine next week. [Link] Senator Chirs Coons calls on Congress to get more involved on Ukraine. [Link] The White House rejects a demand from Russia to stop shipping arms to Ukraine. [Link] Poland will transfer tanks to Ukraine. [Link] The Pentagon put out a call to the arms industry...
German Chancellor Warns Intervention in Ukraine Could Spark Nuclear War
Amid mounting pressure to step up military aid to Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that major involvement in the conflict risks escalation that could ultimately kick off a nuclear exchange with Russia.
News Roundup 4/24/2022
Russia Germany will replace Slovokian tanks and other weapons Slovakia is sending to Ukraine. [Link] A Polish official says his country has given Ukraine over $1.6 billion in weapons. [Link] The US is holding Ukraine defense talks next week. The US invited 40 nations and expects 20 to attend. [Link] Zelensky says Ukraine is finally receiving the weapons he has been asking for. [Link] G7 officials walked out of a World Bank meeting once a Russian official started to speak. [Link] Israel US and Israeli officials will meet with week for talks on Iran. [Link] A Palestinian shot by an Israeli...
News Roundup 4/20/2022
Russia-Ukraine Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen walked out of a G20 meeting once a Russian official started talking. [Link] The US imposed another round of sanctions on Russia. [Link] A delegation of Senators pressures Serbia to sanction Russia. [Link] Germany’s foreign minister says her country will phase out Russian oil imports by the end of the year. Germany will continue to import Russian gas. [Link] Germany will send artillery ammunition and provide training to Ukraine. [Link] Germany evicts some Afghan refugees to make room for Ukrainians. [Link] NATO continues to increase security...
News Roundup 4/15/2022
Russia The Pentagon met with leaders of arms makers on Wednesday to discuss increasing the supply ability. [Link] Two US lawmakers travel to Kyiv. [Link] Russia says Ukraine carried out a cross-border helicopter attack. [Link] Russia threatens to deploy nukes to the Baltic region if Finland and Sweden join NATO. [Link] Germany may not invite India to the G7 summit in June over India’s refusal to back the Western campaign to isolate Russia. [Link] The EU is working on a plan to phase out Russian energy imports. [Link] Russia sanctioned hundreds of US lawmakers. [Link] French President...
Poland Says US Should Deploy Nuclear Weapons to its Territory
Poland’s deputy prime minister has called on the United States to station nuclear weapons in his country, arguing they would act as a deterrent against Russia while urging the NATO alliance to significantly boost its presence across Eastern Europe.
NATO Members Deploy Patriot Missiles to Slovakia
NATO states Germany and the Netherlands have moved Patriot missile defense systems into Slovakia, the country’s defense minister said, though insisted they would not replace its S-300 despite a recent proposal to transfer the Soviet-era platform to Ukraine in exchange for a US-made substitute.