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22 February 2022 Military News

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Biden Shifts U.S. Troops in Europe to Defend Frontline NATO States DoD News 22 Feb 2022 -- President Joe Biden ordered U.S. troops already based in Europe to shore up the defenses of nations bordering Ukraine.
FACT SHEET: Posture Updates in Support of Allies in Europe - February 22, 2022 DOD 22 Feb 2022
DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Feb. 22, 2022 US Air Force 22 Feb 2022
New Fighter Training Enhances Joint Lethality with Hawaii ANG, Navy Reserve US Navy 22 Feb 2022 -- The Hawaiian skies cleared for Total Force Airmen and Navy Reserve exercise participants as they took part in a first-of-its-kind fighter exercise here January 18-26. While the Hawaii Air National Guard routinely hosts large-scale combat exercises through it's Sentry Aloha program, this training marked the first time EA-18G Growlers combined their electronic attack (EA) capabilities with the locally-based F-22 Raptors within the joint venue.
Jackpot! George H.W. Bush and CVW-7 Complete Cyclic Flight Ops US Navy 22 Feb 2022 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 completed cyclic flight operations for the first time since each command completed their last deployments, Feb 20. They are at sea to train and complete Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP).
RIMPAC '22 Commanders' Conference Solidifies Planning Partner-Building Efforts US Navy Press Release 22 Feb 2022 -- U.S. 3rd Fleet and the Royal Canadian Navy hosted the Commanders' Conference for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 at Naval Base Point Loma, Feb. 14-18.
USAFRICOM response force keeps skills sharp Army News 22 Feb 2022 -- Members of the U.S. Africa Command's North and West Africa Response Force conducted a series of crisis response training exercises in multiple locations throughout Italy, Feb. 16-20.
USS Charleston concludes extended period in South China Sea US Navy 22 Feb 2022 -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) arrived in Guam, Feb. 14, following an extended underway period, including 19 straight days in the South China Sea.
CNO Gilday Media Availability During WEST 2022 US Navy 22 Feb 2022
DoD Awards $35 Million to MP Materials to Build U.S. Heavy Rare Earth Separation Capacity DoD 22 Feb 2022 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) awarded a $35 million contract to MP Materials Corp. (MP) of Las Vegas, Nevada to design and build a facility to process heavy rare earth elements (HREE) at the company's Mountain Pass, California production site. This project will establish the first processing and separation facility of its kind for HREEs in support of both defense and commercial applications in the United States.
US Announces Steps to Bolster Critical Mineral Supply Chain VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- The Biden administration announced actions taken by the federal government and private industry that it says will bolster the supply chain for rare earths and other critical minerals used in technologies from household appliances and electronics to defense systems. They say these steps will reduce the nation's dependence on China, a major producer of these elements.

UK and partners publish vision for responsible space operations UK MOD 22 Feb 2022 -- As part of the Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO), the UK has published a vision affirming a commitment to lead as responsible actors in space.
DoD and Partners Release Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 DoD 22 Feb 2022 -- The United States joins Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in the joint release of the "Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Vision 2031" today.

NATO Secretary General: this is the most dangerous moment in European security for a generation NATO 22 Feb 2022 -- The NATO-Ukraine Commission met in Brussels on Tuesday (22 February 2022) for an extraordinary meeting to address the security situation in and around Ukraine.

China's Type 055 large destroyer Lhasa conducts live-fire drills, enhances combat capabilities Global Times 22 Feb 2022 -- The Lhasa, the second Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, recently conducted live-fire drills against sea, air and land targets, effectively enhancing the warship's comprehensive combat capabilities.

Australia - LAIRCM Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) DSCA 22 Feb 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of LAIRCM Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $122 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Chinese ship lasing of P-8A Poseidon on 17 February 2022 Australia DOD 22 Feb 2022 -- On 17 February 2022, an Australian Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-8A Poseidon detected a laser illuminating the aircraft while it was conducting a routine surveillance flight over Australia's northern approaches.
Australia, China trade accusations over laser use against aircraft Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2022 -- A war of words between Australia and China intensified Tuesday as Canberra accused Beijing of violating international law when a Chinese navy ship allegedly pointed a laser at an Australian surveillance airplane.

Saudi-Pakistani Al-Samsam military exercise 8 kicks off SPA 22 Feb 2022 -- Al-Samsam 8, a joint military exercise between the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and Pakistan Army, started in Pakistan today, in the presence of the Military Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad Major General Pilot Awad bin Abdullah Al-Zahrani, the Commander of the 37th Brigade Major General Javed Dost and senior officers from both sides.

Taiwan to retire M41A3 'Walker Bulldog' tanks after over six decades CNA 22 Feb 2022 -- Taiwan's military will officially decommission its M41A3 "Walker Bulldog" tanks this Friday after more than six decades of service, a military officer told CNA Tuesday.

Kuwait - Design and Construction of the Kuwait Ministry of Defense Headquarters Complex DSCA 22 Feb 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving the potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Design and Construction of the Kuwait Ministry of Defense Headquarters Complex and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics and Deputy NEC Director Daleep Singh, February 22, 2022 The White House 22 Feb 2022

Defense Industry

Contracts For Feb. 22, 2022

Other Conflicts

22 February 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Feb 2022

India Sends Wheat to Afghanistan through Pakistan VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- India on Tuesday sent the first consignment of 50,000 tons of wheat that it has pledged to give Afghanistan, where more than half the country is grappling with hunger.

Foreign Ministry Statement Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2022
Statement from Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić on the military attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine Council of Europe 22 Feb 2022 -- The Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, Luigi Di Maio, has made the following statement:
Council of Europe Congress President condemns the recognition of the so-called 'people's republics' of Donetsk and Luhansk by the Russian Federation Council of Europe 22 Feb 2022 -- The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, has made the following statement:
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: By recognizing "independence" of certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russia is creating a legal basis for further armed aggression against Ukraine President of Ukraine 22 Feb 2022 -- The decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the terrorist groups operating in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is another manifestation of aggression against Ukraine and requires an immediate response from our partners, including the imposition of tough sanctions. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following talks with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.
Ukraine to consider severance of diplomatic relations with Russia and other effective steps to respond to recent events - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 22 Feb 2022 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had received a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding the severance of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The Head of State said this during a conversation with the media following the talks with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.
Ukraine qualifies Russia's latest actions as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 22 Feb 2022 -- By its decisions to recognize the "independence" of the occupied districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russia is violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and legalizing its troops in Donbas, which have been there since 2014. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address following a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.
Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 17.00 February 22, 2022 Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022
Foreign Ministry Statement Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2022
Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 17.00 February 22, 2022 Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022
Ukraine: Senior UN officials decry growing risks of dangerous breaches UN News 22 Feb 2022 -- Following Russia's decision to recognize the independence of certain areas of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday added her voice to the UN's growing chorus of alarm.
Ukraine crisis testing 'entire international system' - UN chief UN News 22 Feb 2022 -- The latest developments in Ukraine are testing "the entire international system", Secretary-General António Guterres said at a media stakeout on Tuesday, adding "we must pass this test."
Biden Cuts Off Russia from International Financing Over Ukraine Action VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden cut off the Russian government from international financing on Tuesday and imposed sanctions on two large banks, declaring that its actions in Ukraine were "a flagrant violation of international law."
World Reacts to Russia's Actions Toward Ukraine VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- Governments around the world have responded to Russia's recognition of breakaway areas in eastern Ukraine as independent states, with many condemning the move and urging a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
PM call with President Macron: 22 February 2022 Gov.UK 22 Feb 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron this afternoon about the chilling developments in Ukraine last night.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba DoD 22 Feb 2022
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks at a Meeting in Honor of Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine DoD 22 Feb 2022
America 'Unwavering' in Support for Ukraine, Austin Says DoD News 22 Feb 2022 -- During a meeting in the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that American support for Ukraine's self-defense, sovereignty and territorial integrity is "unwavering."
Remarks by President Biden Announcing Response to Russian Actions in Ukraine The White House 22 Feb 2022
Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Foreign Minister Kuleba of Ukraine The White House 22 Feb 2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba At a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2022
U.S. Treasury Imposes Immediate Economic Costs in Response to Actions in the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions US Treasury 22 Feb 2022 -- "Today, the United States is taking action to respond to President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognize the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DNR and LNR) as "independent" states and to deploy troops to these regions by sanctioning two major Russian state-owned financial institutions, imposing additional restrictions on Russian sovereign debt, and sanctioning five Kremlin-connected elites."
Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official on Russia Sanctions The White House 22 Feb 2022
Fact Sheet: United States Imposes First Tranche of Swift and Severe Costs on Russia The White House 22 Feb 2022
U.S. Announces Sanctions Cutting Russia Off From Western Financial Institutions RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- The United States will impose its "first tranche" of sanctions on Russia in response to what U.S. President Joe Biden said was the beginning of an invasion of Ukraine.
Biden Announces 'First Tranche' of Sanctions Targeting Russia's Sovereign Debt, State Dev. Banks Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he was imposing the first tranche of economic sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to Moscow's recognition of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics and deployment of peacekeeping forces to the Donbass.
EU Foreign Minister: European Sanctions to Hit Russian Gov't's Access to Capital, Financial Markets Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- Earlier, the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission announced that the EU would sanction several Russian banks and restrict the Russian state's access to the EU's financial markets over Moscow's decision to recognise the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) on 21 February.
Britain Slaps Sanctions on Five Russian Banks, Three Individuals Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- The imposition of sanctions comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday that Moscow has recognised the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.
UK hits Russian oligarchs and banks with targeted sanctions: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 22 Feb 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has designated the initial tranche of sanctions on Russia in response to Russia's further violation of Ukraine's sovereignty.
Germany suspends Nord Stream 2 project with Russia over Ukraine Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia in response to Moscow's recognition of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.
Scholz Says Germany Is Putting Nord Stream 2 On Hold, Following Putin's Actions On Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country is putting the certifying process for the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia on hold in reaction to Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
German Regulator Confirms Suspension of Nord Stream 2 Certification Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- The German Federal Network Agency told Sputnik on Tuesday it is suspending certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas project due to the country's economy ministry withdrawing its positive assessment of the pipeline after Russia's recognition of the self-declared republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR).

G7 Chair's Statement on today's G7 call on Russia and Ukraine Germany Federal Foreign Office 22 Feb 2022
Biden to issue executive order after Russia recognizes independence of Ukraine's breakaway territories People's Daily 22 Feb 2022 -- White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that U.S. President Joe Biden will soon sign an executive order banning Americans from doing business in the two Ukrainian regions that Russia has recognized as independent states.
Biden says 'this is the beginning of a Russian invasion' as he announces sanctions Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- US President Joe Biden has said that the United States would impose financial penalties on Russia because of its deployment of troops into two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, which Moscow has already recognized as independent republics.
Reinforced OSCE meeting on the situation in and around Ukraine: UK statement, 22 February 2022 UK FCDO 22 Feb 2022 -- UK Minister James Cleverly condemns President Putin's decision to recognise so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, and calls out Russia for undermining the Minsk process.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office summons Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin UK FCDO 22 Feb 2022 -- The UK has summoned the Russian Ambassador following its recognition of 2 so-called 'people's republics', and the movement of military forces into Ukraine.
PM statement on the situation in Ukraine: 22 February 2022 Gov.UK 22 Feb 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons on the situation in Ukraine.
Joint statement by Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force UK MOD 22 Feb 2022 -- Meeting in the UK, Defence Ministers from the ten Joint Expeditionary Force nations have issued a joint statement on the situation in Ukraine.
US, EU to impose new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- The United States and its Western allies have announced plans to impose new sanctions against Russia after Moscow recognized two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent republics and sent "peacekeeping" forces there.
Trump Says Developments in Ukraine Would Never Have Happen During His Administration Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- Former US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the current developments in Ukraine would never have happened during his administration.
US Lawmakers Condemn Russian Incursion into Eastern Ukraine VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- U.S. lawmakers stepped up calls Tuesday for sanctions against Russia, urging the Biden administration to act swiftly to penalize Russian President Vladimir Putin for recognizing the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as independent states.
Western Allies Impose Sanctions Against Russia After Putin Sends Troops into Eastern Ukraine VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- Western allies quickly moved Tuesday to punish Russia with economic sanctions after President Vladimir Putin recognized the Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as independent states and sent what he described as "peacekeeping forces" over the Ukrainian border.
China handles complex Ukraine crisis with caution, principle Global Times 22 Feb 2022 -- The Ukraine crisis sees new change as Russia has decided to recognize two regions in eastern Ukraine as "independent and sovereign states," and the UN Security Council has met on the issue, with China calling on all parties to continue dialogue and consultations and seek reasonable solutions.
Chinese Foreign Minister calls on all parties on Ukraine issue to remain restrained, resolving disputes through peaceful means Global Times 22 Feb 2022 -- China is concerned about the evolution of the situation in Ukraine and China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a phone call upon request on Tuesday. The legitimate security concerns of any country should be respected, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld, Wang said.
Chinese FM calls on all parties to remain calm, resolve Ukraine issue through dialogue Global Times 22 Feb 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called on all parties on the Ukraine issue to remain calm, ease tensions and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation.
Chinese envoy urges diplomacy to resolve Ukraine issue People's Daily 22 Feb 2022 -- China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, on Monday called on all parties concerned to seek "reasonable solutions" to the Ukraine issue.
Address by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022
Ukraine qualifies Russia's latest actions as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state - Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022 -- By its decisions to recognize the "independence" of the occupied districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russia is violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and legalizing its troops in Donbas, which have been there since 2014. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address following a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.
Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 11.00 February 22, 2022 Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022
Briefing on operative information in the JFO area Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022
Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 07.00 February 22, 2022 Ukraine MOD 22 Feb 2022
Ukraine considering cutting ties with Russia Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- The president of Ukraine says he is considering breaking off relations with Russia, in response to President Vladimir Putin's recognition of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.
Ukrainian President Seeks 'Clear, Effective' Support In Face Of Russian Actions RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Kyiv expects "clear" signs of support and action from its allies and not just words as his country faces the threat of invasion from Russia.
Rumors, Disarray Dominate As Ukraine's Separatist-Held Areas Conduct Evacuation RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- In the late afternoon of February 18, the Russia-backed separatists controlling parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine announced the evacuation of residents, setting off a weekend of confusion, fatigue, and fear.
Russian Parliament's Upper Chamber Greenlights Use of Military Abroad After DPR, LPR Recognition Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the recognition of the two Donbass republics after noting that Kiev had failed to take steps to make peace with them in accordance with the Minsk agreements. Moscow also signed friendship treaties with the republics, which include provisions for joint defence and security.
Russia's upper house votes to allow Putin to deploy armed forces abroad Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- Russia's upper house of parliament has unanimously voted to approve a request by President Vladimir Putin to deploy armed forces outside the country in support of ethnic Russians in two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, which Moscow has already recognized as independent republics.
Russia says 'open to diplomacy' over Ukraine, defends recognition of breakaway regions Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- Russian envoy to the United Nations has reaffirmed Moscow's "openness to diplomacy", noting that President Vladimir Putin's move to declare two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine independent was aimed at foiling the new "Ukrainian military adventure".
Putin's Recognition Of Separatist Formations In Eastern Ukraine Embraces All Their Territorial Claims Against Kyiv RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- Along with many other concerns, Russian President Vladimir Putin's quickly implemented decision to recognize the separatist entities Moscow supports in eastern Ukraine as independent states on February 21 immediately raised this question: What, exactly, has Moscow recognized?
Foreign Ministry statement on recognising the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2022
Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko's remarks at the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on the ratification of the Treaties of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the Russian Federation and the Donetsk People's Republic and between the Russian Federation and the Lugansk People's Republic Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2022
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from Rossiya 1 TV channel, Moscow, February 22, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2022
Putin Orders Troops Into Ukraine; U.S. Calls Decision A 'Clear Attack On Sovereignty' RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian troops into two separatist-held regions in eastern Ukraine in a military escalation that Western leaders have warned could lead to massive consequences for Moscow.
Vladimir Putin submits proposal to Federation Council to approve resolution authorising use of Armed Forces abroad President of Russia 22 Feb 2022
President signed Federal Law On Ratifying the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Between the Russian Federation and the Donetsk People's Republic President of Russia 22 Feb 2022 -- The document reads:
President signed Federal Law On Ratifying the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Between the Russian Federation and the Lugansk People's Republic President of Russia 22 Feb 2022 -- The document reads:
Vladimir Putin answered media questions President of Russia 22 Feb 2022 -- The President took a number of questions from reporters about recognition of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics.
Russia Recognises DPR, LPR Within Borders in Which They Proclaimed Independence, Kremlin Says Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- Russia's recognition of the two Donbass republics came on 21 February following calls to do so by the Russian State Duma and the DPR, LPR leadership. The decision was made by President Vladimir Putin amid the continuing shelling of cities in the Donbass region by the Ukrainian armed forces in violation of the Minsk agreements.
Foreign Ministry: Moscow Recognises DPR and LPR Within Borders Where Republics Exercise Their Powers Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic as independent nations and called on Ukraine to "cease hostilities" in Donbass.
Russia Recognised DPR, LPR to Avoid More Casualties Due to Escalation of Situation by Kiev - MFA Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill to recognise the independence of the two Donbass republics citing continuing shelling of the two entities by Ukraine's armed forces and Kiev's systematic failure to uphold its part of the Minsk agreements. The latter were signed in 2015 to end the conflict in Donbass.
Putin Says Kiev's Actions 'Killed' Minsk Agreements Long Before Recognition of LPR, DPR Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- Russia has recognised the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, pointing to Ukrainian authorities' failure to end the conflict in the east by adhering to the Minsk agreements that were signed in 2015 specifically for this purpose. President Vladimir Putin argued that Kiev chose to resolve the conflict via military means.
Ukraine urges int'l talks over Russia's decision on Donetsk, Luhansk People's Daily 22 Feb 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said early Tuesday that Kiev has been urging the international community to hold emergency talks over Russia's decision on the status of Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern Ukraine.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Putin Request To Use Military Force Outside Russia RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- Russia's upper house of parliament has voted unanimously on February 22 to grant President Vladimir Putin's request to use military force outside the country, a move further inflaming a crisis with Western countries over Ukraine.
Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl Call with U.K. Ministry of Defence Director General, Security Policy, Dominic Wilson DoD 22 Feb 2022
Russia has brought us to the brink. We urge Russia to step back. UK FCDO 22 Feb 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the emergency Security Council meeting on Ukraine
Putin signs decrees recognizing two "independent republics" in east Ukraine's Donbass People's Daily 22 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed two decrees recognizing "the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR)" and "the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)" as independent and sovereign states.

Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Libya The White House 22 Feb 2022
Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Libya The White House 22 Feb 2022

UN expert raps China, Russia for arming Myanmar despite 'atrocity crimes' Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2022 -- UN Security Council members China and Russia have continued to provide Myanmar's military junta with weapons used to attack civilians a year after a coup deposed the elected government, a U.N. rights expert said Tuesday.
Human Rights Expert: Myanmar Junta Using Weapons from Russia and China Against Civilians VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- An independent United Nations human rights expert says Russia and China have been supplying Myanmar's military junta with weapons that have been used against civilians.
Stop weapons supply to Myanmar, rights expert urges UN News 22 Feb 2022 -- Weapons exports to the military rulers in Myanmar by UN Member States must stop, the UN independent expert on the human rights situation in the country said on Tuesday.

Reports of Atrocities in the Amhara Region US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2022 -- The United States is gravely concerned by the reports of atrocities, including sexual violence, committed by fighters affiliated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front in the Amhara region of Ethiopia in late August and early September 2021, as described in a recent Amnesty International report.

South Africa Sending Fresh Troops to Mozambique to Fight Islamist Insurgents VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- South Africa is sending fresh troops and armored vehicles to Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province as part of efforts to fight Islamic State-connected insurgents.

Police in Central African Republic Arrest 4 French Soldiers VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- Police in the Central African Republic have detained four French soldiers who are with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSCA). The arrests sparked false rumors that France had attempted to assassinate the C.A.R.'s president.
Continued violence in the Central African Republic undermines the chance for inclusive political dialogue UK FCDO 22 Feb 2022 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on the Central African Republic
Long-awaited local elections will offer Central Africans opportunity to expand political space UN News 22 Feb 2022 -- Local elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), which have been pending since 1988 and are slated for September, will deepen efforts to decentralize power and expand political space, the UN envoy for the country told the Security Council on Tuesday, encouraging the new Government to "deploy all possible efforts" to calm the political climate.

News Reports

Talks with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 22 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who is on an official visit to Russia.
'It Does Not Make Sense to Go Forward': Blinken Calls Off Thursday Meeting With Lavrov Sputnik 22 Feb 2022 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called off a Thursday meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two were expected to try and find diplomatic middle ground over the Ukraine crisis.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 22, 2022 PRC MofA 22 Feb 2022
Interview: 'It began with a secret trip by Kissinger and myself' Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2022 -- Winston Lord, the U.S. ambassador to China from 1985-1989, played an important early role in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and China in the early 1970s. As a member of the planning staff of the U.S. National Security Council and special assistant to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, Lord accompanying the famed statesman on his secret trip to Beijing in 1971 and was he part of the U.S. delegation during President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China the following year. Lord, 84, spoke to Rita Cheng of RFA's Mandarin Service on the 50th anniversary of Nixon's Feb. 21-28, 1972 visit to China. Following are excerpts of the interview:
China and Russia Vowed Closer Ties, Ukraine is Challenging That VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- Russia's decision to send troops into two separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine is forcing a difficult choice for China, which has aligned itself closer with Moscow but could face blowback if it is seen as supporting the unilateral redrawing of international borders, analysts say.

Iran nuclear work must hang over violators' heads like sword of Damocles: Security chief Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- Iran's top security official lashes out at the parties that have failed to fulfill their commitments as per the 2015 Iran deal, saying the Islamic Republic should always use its peaceful nuclear capability as a "sword of Damocles" over the heads of those who violate the agreement.
There serious will on part of Qatar to expand relations with Iran: President Raisi ISNA 22 Feb 2022 -- Pointing out that Iranians abroad are the assets of Islamic Iran, President Ebrahim Raisi said, "Today, in the negotiations with the Emir of Qatar and in the conversation I had with the Prime Minister of this country, there is a serious will to expand trade and economic relations".

Iran agrees to overhaul Venezuelan oil, gas refinerie IRNA 22 Feb 2022 -- Iranian Minister of Petroleum Javad Owji said on Tuesday that Iran has signed agreements with Venezuela for overhauling the oil and gas refineries of the Latin American country.
Iran commits to oil and gas projects in Venezuela: Minister Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- Iran has committed to development and renovation projects in the Venezuelan oil and gas industry, according to the Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji.

Large 'Six Twos' crowds protest Myanmar junta, marking resistance anniversary Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2022 -- Protesters gathered in cities across Myanmar on Tuesday as part of the "Six Twos Revolution" nationwide strike in a show of resistance to the ruling military regime despite the junta's brutal crackdown on critics, protest leaders said.

Former Kazakh Defense Minister In Pretrial Detention Over Deadly January Unrest RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- Kazakhstan's former defense minister, Murat Bektanov, who was detained last week over deadly unrest in January, has been placed in pretrial detention.

Pakistani PM Set To Travel To Moscow For Meetings With Putin RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Feb 2022 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Moscow this week for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a meeting set up prior to the most recent crisis in Ukraine.
Pakistan's PM Urges Peaceful End to Ukraine Crisis Ahead of Visit to Russia VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to travel to Russia on Wednesday to meet with President Vladimir Putin, as the West condemns the Russian leader over the deepening Ukraine crisis.

Sudan slams Ethiopia's launching of electricity production at controversial dam Press TV 22 Feb 2022 -- Sudan has lashed out at Ethiopia over launching a massive hydropower plant at a controversial dam on the Blue Nile without the agreement of downstream nations, namely Sudan and Egypt.

More Candidates Seen As Loyal To Turkmen President Registered In Election RFE/RL 22 Feb 2022 -- Election officials in the tightly controlled Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan have registered three more presidential candidates known as being loyal to authoritarian President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov.

Nigerian Activists Push Buhari to Sign Election Reform Bill VOA 22 Feb 2022 -- A coalition of Nigerian activists demonstrated Tuesday in the capital city Abuja, demanding President Mohammadu Buhari sign a bill that aims to improve transparency, inclusion, and planning for national elections.

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