Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 29 May 2020 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
• 14 Afghan forces killed in Taliban attack Press TV 29 May 2020 -- At least 14 Afghan forces have been killed in an attack by the Taliban militant group on a border post in Afghanistan, the latest since the end of a temporary ceasefire.
• Taliban Attack On Checkpoint Kills At Least 14 Afghan Troops Amid Talks On Prisoner Release RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- Taliban militants have attacked an army checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 14 soldiers in the latest in a series of incidents since a three-day cease-fire that was in effect during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr ended on May 26.
• Taliban Raid Kills 14 Afghan Border Forces VOA 29 May 2020 -- Authorities in Afghanistan said Friday the Taliban has killed at least 14 border security forces and injured several others in eastern Paktia province.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Announces Two Defense Production Act Title 3 COVID-19 Projects to Support the Space Defense Industrial Base: $12.45 Million Investment to Improve Domestic Semiconductor Production and $6 Million to Expand Domestic Production of Satellite Solar Array Panels DoD 29 May 2020 -- "As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense has signed a $12.45 million contract award with 5N Plus Semiconductor to improve semiconductor production processes to support long term business viability and maintain the sole domestic source of critical semiconductor technologies for space programs.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 29 May 2020
• Air and missile defense programs stay on track despite slight delay Army News 29 May 2020 -- Several programs tied to the Army's air and missile defense modernization priority have made timeline adjustments due to COVID-19, but remain on track to deliver capabilities as planned, according to Army Futures Command officials.
• Army's Iron Dome batteries inbound for testing in 2021 Army News 29 May 2020 -- Two Iron Dome batteries will go through initial testing on American soil, says a top air defender, before the short-range air defense system can be fielded to Army formations.
• China's Defence Ministry Urges US, Japan to Refrain From Arms Race in Space Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- China is calling upon countries that have created space military units to prevent space from becoming a new international battleground, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said on Friday.
• USNORTHCOM Leads Large-Scale, Multi-Combatant Command Homeland Defense Exercise with Truman Carrier Strike Group NNS 29 May 2020 -- U.S. Northern Command is leading a major homeland defense exercise today conducted in partnership with North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Strategic Command, and U.S. Space Command, with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) under the operational control of U.S. Northern Command.
• USS George Washington Reaches Homestretch of Ship's Force Work Package NNS 29 May 2020 -- On May 26, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) achieved another significant milestone in her refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) period, as the Sailors of GW, also known as the ship's force, reached the 75 percent completion point of the ship's force work package (SFWP).
• Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Completes Command Sustainment Exercise NNS 29 May 2020 -- Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 successfully completed a command sustainment exercise, May 4-22.
• NAVFAC Pacific Extends Strategic Partnership for Work in Australia NNS 29 May 2020 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded today a $10 million firm-fixed price contract to Icon SI (Aust) Pty Ltd of South Perth, WA Australia for the construction of Earth Covered Magazines (ECM) at Royal Australian Air Force Base, Tindal, Australia.
• AFRICOM commander reaffirms bilateral partnership with Tunisia AFRICOM 29 May 2020 -- EDITOR'S NOTE (from May 30): To clarify, the Security Forces Assistance Brigade referred to by AFRICOM in our press release of May 29, 2020 refers to a small training unit as part of a military assistance program, and in no way implies combat military forces. It is important to understand potential needs and always look for new approaches and ways to partner as part of our ongoing dialogue.
• OMFV adopts new path forward from lessons learned Army News 29 May 2020 -- The Army's G-8 discussed a new strategy for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, following lessons learned after its first request for prototypes was canceled earlier this year.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh DoD 29 May 2020
• Coronavirus response: Poland distributes medical aid across the Western Balkans NATO 29 May 2020 -- Poland dispatched nearly 70 tonnes of medical supplies to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia this week, helping them respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This aid includes more than 10,000 litres of disinfectant and 100,000 face masks for each recipient. A convoy of seven State Fire Service vehicles set off from Warsaw on Tuesday to transport the supplies.
• Coronavirus response: SALIS brings more than 300 tonnes of medical supplies to Germany NATO 29 May 2020 -- The NATO-supported Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) has airlifted more than 300 tonnes of vital supplies needed during the COVID-19 pandemic to Germany over the past two months. Germany has carried out six missions since the beginning of the crisis using SALIS capabilities, with the most recent deliveries on 30 April, 13 May, 15 May and 16 May 2020.
• Deep Trouble: Russia Finally Moves To Raise Radioactive Debris From Arctic Waters RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- The nuclear-powered submarine, built four decades earlier for the Soviet Northern Fleet, was being towed to a Murmansk shipyard to be dismantled when it was hit by a summer storm. The sub sank, killing nine sailors and sending around 800 kilograms of radioactive fuel to the sea bottom.
• MND: PLA Navy new aircraft carrier in sea trials as scheduled PLA Daily 29 May 2020 -- The PLA Navy is conducting sea trials for aircraft carrier Shandong in accordance with the arrangement of the annual trial plan, said Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) at the regular press conference on Friday.
• MND: PLA helps win the battle against poverty PLA Daily 29 May 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will make strenuous efforts both in combat and war readiness and the battle of poverty eradication to live up to the people's expectations, said Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday when answering questions regarding to "the battle against poverty" at the regular press conference.
• US-China strategic rivalry has entered 'high-risk period': top Chinese officer Press TV 29 May 2020 -- A Chinese top military official says the strategic rivalry between his country and the United States has entered a "high-risk period," with Washington having intensified "the suppression and containment" of China since the cornavirus pandemic hit the globe.
• Chinese Army Training Ground Has Full-Scale Model of Taiwan's Presidential Palace Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- At China's Zhurihe Combined Tactics Training Base, People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers can practice storming Taiwan's Presidential Office Building, the seat of government for the autonomous island that has long evaded Beijing's attempts to bring it under communist control.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh speaks with US Defence Secretary over phone; Review progress on bilateral defence cooperation arrangements India PIB 29 May 2020 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defence Dr Mark T Esper this evening at the latter's request.
• INS Kesari at Port Antsiranana, Madagascar India PIB 29 May 2020 -- As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 27 May 2020. The Government of India in these difficult times is providing assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries in dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic and towards the same INS Kesari carried a consignment of COVID related essential medicines for the people of Madagascar.
• Army Commanders Conference: 27 – 29 May 2020 India PIB 29 May 2020 -- The Army Commanders' Conference, an apex level biannual event which facilitates conceptual level deliberations culminating in important policy decisions scheduled for April 2020 and postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic is being organised in two phases. First phase of the Conference was conducted at South Block, New Delhi from 27 to 29 May 2020.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 29, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 29 May 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 May 2020
• Quiet Diplomacy or Inaction: Lessons from a Survey Ship Standoff Radio Free Asia 29 May 2020 -- When a Chinese survey ship deployed close to a Malaysian-contracted oil exploration vessel in Malaysian waters in mid-April, tensions in the South China Sea went up a notch. United States and Australia sent warships to the area to send a message to China – that Southeast Asian nations should be free to exploit resources off their own coasts.
• Syria decries European Union's hypocrisy after sanctions prolonged for another year Press TV 29 May 2020 -- Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has censured the European Union (EU) over prolonging its sanctions against the war-ravaged Arab country for another year, stating such measures expose the hypocrisy of the bloc and spurious statements of its officials.
• US General: Russia Using 'Same Playbook' in Libya as in Ukraine, Syria VOA 29 May 2020 -- Russia is further destabilizing Libya to gain a stronghold in northern Africa, just as it has in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, according to a top official with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
• Seizure by Malta of $1.1 Billion of Counterfeit Libyan Currency US Dept. of State 29 May 2020 -- The United States commends the Government of the Republic of Malta's announcement May 26 of its seizure of $1.1 billion of counterfeit Libyan currency printed by Joint Stock Company Goznak–a Russian state-owned company–and ordered by an illegitimate parallel entity.
• Pakistani Army Claims It Shot Down Indian Drone Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- Earlier this week, Pakistani troops shot down an Indian spying quadcopter in Rakhchikri Sector along the Line of Control.
• Hizbul Militant Owned Explosives-Laden Car Used in Kashmir Suicide Bombing Attempt - Indian Police Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- Thanks to intelligence inputs, Jammu and Kashmir police along with the Army intercepted militant groups that were planning to launch a suicide attack against security forces using an explosive-laden car on 28 May. While the terrorist plot was successfully foiled by the security forces, the driver of the car fled the scene.
• Arakan Army Kills Myanmar Police in Attack on Border Guard Outpost Radio Free Asia 29 May 2020 -- The Arakan Army attacked a paramilitary border guard outpost in western Myanmar's war-ravaged Rakhine state on Friday, capturing six policemen and three of their family members, and killing several others, the Myanmar military and local residents said.
• Beijing Says China, India Need No US Mediation in Border Dispute Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- Beijing and New Delhi do not need US mediation in the border dispute between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a briefing on Friday.

News Reports

• After 3-Plus Years of Wrangling, Transcripts at Heart of Flynn Controversy See Sunlight Senator Grassley 29 May 2020 -- Transcripts of Lt. General Michael Flynn's December 2016 conversations with the Russian ambassador were released today following more than three years of bipartisan requests from Congress and overtures from Flynn's own legal team. Though the transcripts are at the heart of former special counsel Robert Mueller's charges that Flynn had lied to the FBI, they were never made available to his legal team despite repeated requests to evaluate the claim against him.
• US Intelligence Chief Releases Flynn-Kislyak Transcript Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said in a statement that he has released the transcript of the December 2016 call between former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and then-Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak.
• DNI Ratcliffe Statement on Declassification of Transcripts Director of National Intelligence 29 May 2020 -- "As the Director of National Intelligence, it is my obligation to review declassification requests with the overarching priority of protecting sources and methods, while also providing transparency whenever possible. Accordingly, today the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declassified transcripts concerning Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn."
• U.S. Warns Of Russian Hacking Group's Attempts To Gain 'Dream Access' To Computer Systems RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) on May 28 warned government partners and private companies about a Russian hacking operation that it says uses a special intrusion technique to target operating systems often used to manage computer infrastructure.
• In Defense of Democracy in Venezuela US Dept. of State 29 May 2020 -- The United States reaffirms our commitment to Venezuela's legitimate National Assembly and the 100 deputies across all party lines under interim President Guaido's leadership, who daily face threats and intimidation by the illegitimate former Maduro regime.
• US threatens to sanction tankers carrying fuel to Venezuela: WSJ Press TV 29 May 2020 -- The US has threatened to impose sanctions against two tankers carrying Iranian gasoline to fuel-starved Venezuela, a Wall Street Journal report says.
• 'A Single Clenched Fist': Russia Defiant But Anxious As U.S. Seeks To End Its Monopoly On Manned Space Flight RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- As veteran NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken made final preparations aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule for the first manned orbital flight from U.S. soil in almost a decade, the Russian company that operates the famed Soyuz rocket marked a milestone of its own.
• The Week In Russia: Pens, Polls, And A Glaring Exception To Putin's Rule RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin tosses a pen -- and state media outlets pick it up. The murky story of the "absolutely healthy" Chechen leader's reported illness underscores the dark compromises the Kremlin has made with Ramzan Kadyrov. Russia arrests journalists at home and lashes out at Western media over reports on the COVID-19 numbers and the president's poll ratings. Several journalists are arrested, and a dogged activist dies at 66 after spending part of the past decade behind bars.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 29, 2020 PRC MofA 29 May 2020
• US to Begin Steps to End Hong Kong Status over China-Imposed Security Law Radio Free Asia 29 May 2020 -- The Trump administration will begin the process of taking away the special trade and investment status it grants Hong Kong, in response to China's decision to impose a national security law that end the city's status as a separate legal jurisdiction, U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday.
• EU Concerned Over Beijing's Move to Develop National Security Bill for Hong Kong Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- The European Union expresses grave concerns over Beijing's decision to develop a security bill for Hong Kong as it contradicts the Hong Kong Basic Law and China's international commitment under the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday.
• Beijing Urges Foreign Nations to Cease Attempts at Meddling in Hong Kong Affairs Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- The day before, China's parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution to draft a law on national security in Hong Kong that would outlaw secessionism in the territory and hefty fines or jail terms for those ridiculing China's anthem among other things.
• 600m with $140 monthly income worries top Global Times 29 May 2020 -- A group of figures stood out from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's remarks at an annual press conference on Thursday as offering a sobering reminder of challenges to prop up the economy amid the raging pandemic.
• China to Offer 'Guidance, Support' to Hong Kong Police Enforcing Security Law Radio Free Asia 29 May 2020 -- China's public security ministry has said it will offer 'guidance and support' to Hong Kong's police force, in another sign that the city's status as a separate legal jurisdiction is likely at an end.
• Trump Calls China's Actions on Hong Kong 'Plain Violations' VOA 29 May 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says China's actions on Hong Kong are "plain violations of its treaty obligations" in remarks Friday that strongly criticized Beijing on a host of issues including its trade practices, handling of the coronavirus pandemic and dealings with the World Health Organization.
• Experts Fear Impact of China's National Security Laws on Hong Kong's Freedoms VOA 29 May 2020 -- For many Hong Kongers, the Chinese parliament's approval of a plan to impose controversial national security laws on the bustling Asian financial hub this week was a moment of hard decisions.
• Hong Kong Protests China's Vote on Security Law VOA 29 May 2020 -- Protests at shopping centers in Hong Kong were held again Friday, one day after China's National People's Congress approved imposing a national security law on Hong Kong.
• Taiwan's Legislature condemns China law, promotes help for Hong Kongers CNA 29 May 2020 -- Taiwan's Legislature issued a statement Friday, denouncing China's plan to enforce a national security law in Hong Kong and urging the Taiwan government to offer help to Hong Kongers.
• HK prepares for possible US countermeasures in response to national security law Global Times 29 May 2020 -- Hong Kong has made long-term preparations for possible countermeasures launched by the US government on sectors including trade, finance and technology in response to the upcoming national security law for the special administrative region (SAR), Hong Kong's finance secretary told the Global Times on Friday. The city has the confidence as well as the strength to defend its own business and financial stability from external risks and pressure, and is boosted by mainland support.
• Former HK security secretary calls to unify trial standards for judges when national security law takes effect Global Times 29 May 2020 -- In order to ensure Hong Kong's upcoming national security law is implemented effectively, Hong Kong should unify trial standards for judges at all levels. In particular, tenured judges should adhere to more detailed ruling principles to ensure all judges are truly politically neutral and adjudicate in accordance with regulations, a former Hong Kong security secretary told the Global Times.
• HK govt warns US threats of sanctions will hurt itself Global Times 29 May 2020 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government late on Thursday expressed strong opposition to sweeping remarks contained in a report by the US State Department titled US – Hong Kong Policy Act, and warned that the interests of US corporations in Hong Kong will also be affected if the US adopts sanctions on Hong Kong.
• Ministry of Public Security to guide HK police on cracking down on subversive sabotage Global Times 29 May 2020 -- China's Ministry of Public Security vowed to fully guide and support the Hong Kong Police Force in ending riots and violence while severely cracking down on penetration of subversive and disruptive sabotage by hostile forces and resolutely safeguarding national political security.
• 9 responses to concerns about HK national security legislation People's Daily 29 May 2020 -- China's National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, adopted a decision on Hong Kong national security legislation on Thursday. The decision has gained attention in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and abroad. Why should this legislation be carried out at the state level? Will it affect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy? The NPC and relevant departments responded to these questions.
• China adopts decision to make Hong Kong national security laws People's Daily 29 May 2020 -- China is set to make Hong Kong national security laws as a related decision was adopted at the national legislature on Thursday.
• HKSAR gov't objects to U.S. report for meddling in Hong Kong affairs People's Daily 29 May 2020 -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has expressed strong opposition to a report of the U.S. State Department under the Hong Kong Policy Act of the United States.
• National security legislation a guarantee of sound investment environment, prosperity, stability in HK: HK businessmen People's Daily 29 May 2020 -- The decision by China's top legislature on the national security legislation for Hong Kong is welcomed and supported by the business community in Hong Kong, who believe the move is helpful in safeguarding the lawful rights of Hong Kong residents, protecting the investing environment and ensuring long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.
• US taking UN hostage over Hong Kong law: China Press TV 29 May 2020 -- China says the United States is taking the United Nations (UN) hostage by insisting that Beijing's new national security law be put on the world body's agenda.
• Xi stresses significance of Civil Code, better protecting people's legitimate rights, interests Global Times 29 May 2020 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has emphasized the full recognition of the significance of the promulgation and implementation of the country's newly adopted Civil Code and better protection of the people's legitimate rights and interests in accordance with law.
• Government Work Report drafting group explains China's scrapping of GDP target Global Times 29 May 2020 -- This year China did not set a specific GDP growth goal in the Government Work Report released during last week's two sessions due to economic uncertainty in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, said an official from the report drafting group during a press briefing on Friday.
• Xi's "two sessions" messages reassuring at difficult times People's Daily 29 May 2020 -- Eradicating absolute poverty, upholding people-centered philosophy and seeking new opportunities from challenges, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought reassuring messages at times of uncertainty and difficulty.
• China adopts milestone Civil Code People's Daily 29 May 2020 -- China's top legislature Thursday voted to adopt the country's long-expected Civil Code, a milestone legislation that will better protect people's rights and offer strong legal support for the country's development.
• Xi's "two sessions" messages reassuring at difficult times PLA Daily 29 May 2020 -- Eradicating absolute poverty, upholding people-centered philosophy and seeking new opportunities from challenges, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought reassuring messages at times of uncertainty and difficulty.
• China Draws a Blank on 2020 GDP Target Radio Free Asia 29 May 2020 -- China's controversial decision to omit an economic growth target for 2020 has drawn attention to what the government uses targets for.
• 'Enormous space' for peaceful Taiwan reunification: senior official Global Times 29 May 2020 -- The importance of China's Anti-Secession Law must be understood profoundly and Taiwan secessionists' moves must be firmly opposed to push forward the peaceful reunification of the island, a senior Chinese official said at a forum on the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Anti-Secession Law, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.
• Mainland stays open to dialogue on cross-Straits relations PLA Daily 29 May 2020 -- The central government's major principles and policies toward Taiwan have been consistent, adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence", Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday.
• North Korea Accuses Washington of 'Smear' Attempt With Cyberattack Claims Sputnik 29 May 2020 -- In a Friday statement, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) rejected accusations it had masterminded cyberattacks against the United States and other entities, calling it an attempt to "smear our country's image."
• North Korea rejects accusations of posing cyber threat to US Press TV 29 May 2020 -- North Korea has dismissed accusations by the United States that it poses a cyber threat to America, saying the allegations aim to tarnish Pyongyang's image.
• Arcane Art of Kremlinology Remains Relevant for North Korea VOA 29 May 2020 -- A veteran practitioner of the arcane art of "Kremlinology" says the skills honed to decipher what was really happening in the ruling circles of a secretive Soviet Union remain useful today in trying to determine what is up with North Korea's leadership.
• Iran promises 'good nuclear news' in reaction to recent US bans Press TV 29 May 2020 -- Iran says its nuclear progress will not be hindered by recent US sanctions against two of its nuclear scientists.
• This Week in Iran Policy US Dept. of State 29 May 2020
• China firmly opposes US act to end sanctions waiver against Iran IRNA 29 May 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that China firmly opposes US recent decision to end sanctions waiver against Iran.
• China firmly opposes US' ending of Iran nuclear sanctions waivers: Foreign Ministry Press TV 29 May 2020 -- China has censured the United States for ending the last remaining sanctions waivers in a landmark nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015, warning that the move will undermine international non-proliferation progress.
• EU's Borrell expresses regret over US' move to end sanction waivers for JCPOA members IRNA 29 May 2020 -- The European Union's foreign policy chief slammed Washington's move to end sanction waivers for countries remaining in the Iran nuclear accord, warning against the repercussions of the US' act.
• Russia slams US for cancelling sanction waivers IRNA 29 May 2020 -- Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Friday condemned the measure taken by the US to cancel waivers to sanctions against Iran's nuclear facilities, terming the move as unfortunate.
• Iran's Faxon tanker berths at Venezuela's port IRNA 29 May 2020 -- Iranian tanker Faxon carrying fuels berthed at Venezuela's port on Friday morning.
• Three border guards killed in clashes with terrorists in NW Iran Press TV 29 May 2020 -- Three Iranian border guards have been killed during clashes with members of a terrorist group in the country's northwestern province of West Azarbaijan and on the border with Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
• South Korea To Ship $500,000 Worth Of Medicine To Iran As Humanitarian Export Radio Farda 29 May 2020 -- The South Korean Foreign Ministry on Thursday said its first shipment of medicine worth $500,000 will be sent to Iran on Friday.
• Dreams And Nightmares: The Larijani Clan And The Run-Up To Succession In Iran Radio Farda 29 May 2020 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed outgoing Majles Speaker Ali Larijani as his adviser and a member of the Expediency Council, demoting his status to a not-so-influential politician who has to spend his life at a not-so-significant advisory council.
• EU Releases 500 Million Euro Final Loan Tranche To Ukraine RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- The European Commission (EC) has approved the disbursement of the second and final 500 million euro ($555 million) tranche of its macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.
• Ukrainian Interior Minister Says Shooting In Kyiv Region Linked To Corruption RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has said that a mass shooting incident in the town of Brovary near the capital is linked to corruption among Kyiv city and regional authorities.
• Poroshenko Again Fails To Show For Questioning At Ukraine's State Bureau Of Investigations RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has failed for the second time this week to show up at the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) for questioning.
• The Biggest Party In Kyrgyzstan Continues To Splinter Amid Infighting RFE/RL 29 May 2020 -- It is barely four months until Kyrgyzstan holds parliamentary elections and the party that currently has the most seats in parliament -- the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) -- has suffered another split.
• Protesters in Kosovo Oppose President's Nominee for Prime Minister VOA 29 May 2020 -- Protesters supporting Kosovo's ruling Self-Determination Movement, or Vetevendosje!, took to the streets of Pristina, the capital, Thursday to oppose President Hashim Thaci's nominee to be the country's new prime minister after the Constitutional Court upheld his decree for the nomination.