Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia AFRICOM 23 Feb 2022 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Duduble, Somalia, February 22.
• National Guard to back law enforcement at DC demonstrations Army News 23 Feb 2022 -- As many as 700 members of the National Guard will be available to help local law enforcement during First Amendment demonstrations expected in the nation's capital.
• Pentagon approves National Guard deployment ahead of DC trucker convoy Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- The Pentagon has approved the deployment of hundreds of unarmed National Guard troops to the nation's capital, ahead of a truck convoy protest against pandemic restrictions planned for the next week.
• Pentagon Approves 700 National Guards to Help Washington Police During Truckers Protest Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- The US Defense Department has approved deploying 700 National Guard troops and equipment in Washington to assist police control the truckers' protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates during the State of the Union address on March 1, spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 23 Feb 2022
• NATO's advanced anti-submarine warfare Exercise Dynamic Manta Underway in Italy US Navy 23 Feb 2022 -- NATO exercise Dynamic Manta (DYMA22) began off the Sicilian coast on Feb. 21. Ships, submarines, as well as aircraft and personnel from nine Allied nations converged in the Central Mediterranean Sea for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare training.
• NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Bahrain Supports International Maritime Exercise 2022 US Navy 23 Feb 2022 -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain, and its detachments in Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE), provided contracting and logistics support to U.S., allied and partner maritime forces during U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's (USNAVCENT) International Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMX22) from January 31 - February 17.
• NAVWAR Highlights the Need for Information at Speed and Scale at WEST 2022 US Navy 23 Feb 2022 -- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) joined eleven other Navy commands at the U.S. Navy Information Warfare (IW) pavilion to provide a glimpse into the IW community's mission to advance, align, deliver, support and sustain capabilities that enable the future fleet during WEST 2022 at the San Diego Convention Center, Feb. 16-18.
• Firebolt Crew Marks End of Ship's U.S. Navy Service at Decommissioning US Navy 23 Feb 2022 -- USS Firebolt (PC 10) crewmembers marked the end of the patrol coastal ship's U.S. Navy service during a decommissioning ceremony Feb. 23 at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
• Barksdale AFB first to implement upgrade to nuclear enterprise 'in more than 30 years' US Air Force 23 Feb 2022 -- Air Force Global Strike Command is modernizing older infrastructure by implementing the largest upgrade to its Nuclear Command, Control and Communication systems in more than 30 years.
• Readout: Australia, Japan, U.S. Trilateral Engagement US Navy 23 Feb 2022 -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo hosted a trilateral engagement with the chiefs of navies from Australia and Japan in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Feb. 21-22.
• ROV Makes 'Splash' With Demo Aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) US Navy 23 Feb 2022 -- Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) hosted a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) tank inspection demonstration aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Feb. 16 to assess how the technology could be used to improve maintenance availability efficiency.
• Virginia National Guard unit prepares for overseas mission Army News 23 Feb 2022 -- Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 576th Engineer Utilities Detachment, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, trained Feb. 3-19 for an overseas federal mobilization this spring.
• NATO Secretary General stresses the importance of partnerships in today's competitive world NATO 23 Feb 2022 -- Faced with the most dangerous crisis for European security in a generation, NATO's partnerships are fundamental to defend our shared values and security, NATO Secretary General said in his virtual address to a seminar on NATO's future Strategic Concept on Wednesday (23 February).
• Release of the Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 statement Australia DOD 23 Feb 2022 -- Senior Defence officials from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, have come together to release the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Vision 2031 statement.
• PLA Army and Air Force troops carry out joint parachute jump training over sea PLA Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- Recently, the PLA Army Special Operations Academy joined hands with an air force unit to carry out parachute jump training over the sea. The fully armed special operations soldiers took helicopters and parachuted over the designated sea area.
• PLA Navy's corvette transfers to coast guard 'reflect development of both forces' Global Times 23 Feb 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is reportedly transferring a batch of Type 056 corvettes to the China Coast Guard, with the ships now undergoing retrofitting work. Analysts said on Wednesday that this reflects that the navy has developed to a stage where it no longer needs so many coastal defense vessels, and the coast guard will receive a significant power boost in safeguarding key sea regions, islands and reefs.
• PLA vessels to wrap up relief supplies delivery to Tonga Global Times 23 Feb 2022 -- After more than a week's intensive unloading work, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels carrying disaster relief supplies are about to wrap up the delivery mission to Tonga, as they have started to provide additional fresh water to ease the high local demand.
• New contract for fast-jet training aircraft Australia DOD 23 Feb 2022 -- Minister for Defence Peter Dutton announced on February 21 that the Australian Government has committed $1.5 billion to upgrade and extend in-service support for the Royal Australian Air Force's Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Training System, based in the Hunter region and Perth.
• INDIAN NAVY'S MULTI-NATIONAL EXERCISE MILAN-2022 TO COMMENCE 25 FEBRUARY 2022 India PIB 23 Feb 2022
• IAF TO PARTICIPATE IN EXERCISE COBRA WARRIOR IN UNITED KINGDOM India PIB 23 Feb 2022 -- Indian Air Force will participate in a multi nation air exercise named 'Ex Cobra Warrior 22' at Waddington, UK from 06 to 27 March 2022
• Turkey to Use Russia's S-400 Systems in Event of Missile Attack on Country - Erdogan Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized renewed attempts to create a controversy around Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems, saying they were ready to be deployed in an event of an attack on the country just as intended.
• Department Press Briefing – February 23, 2022 US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 23, 2022 The White House 23 Feb 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 23, 2022

Other Conflicts

• 23 February 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Feb 2022
• As Security Council meets on Ukraine crisis, Russia announces start of 'special military operation' UN News 23 Feb 2022 -- "President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance," Secretary-General António Guterres urged Russia's president said on Wednesday night during the second emergency Security Council meeting on Ukraine in three days.
• Statement by President Biden on Russia's Unprovoked and Unjustified Attack on Ukraine The White House 23 Feb 2022
• Explosions Heard in Ukraine as Putin Announces Military Operation VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a military operation in eastern Ukraine early Thursday, saying he was acting in response to threats from Ukraine and warning other countries not to intervene.
• Putin Authorizes Special Operation in Donbass Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics after a new spike in violence by Kiev forces.
• Russian Forces in Position to Attack Ukraine, Kirby Says DoD News 23 Feb 2022 -- Russian forces are in position to launch an attack against Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said here today.
• Defense Official Says Russian Forces Ready to Launch Attack on Ukraine DoD News 23 Feb 2022 -- A large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine is imminent with Russian forces arrayed against the country "as ready as they can be," a senior defense official said today.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: I know exactly how our army will act - we are ready for anything President of Ukraine 23 Feb 2022-- "Only I and our army will know the clear steps regarding the defense of our state. And believe me, we are ready for anything," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
• Update on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area as of 07.00 February 23, 2022 Ukraine MOD 23 Feb 2022
• Briefing on operative information in the JFO area Ukraine MOD 23 Feb 2022
• NSDC chaired by Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to declare a state of emergency Ukraine MOD 23 Feb 2022
• During the past day, 166 units of military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces were located in the temporarily occupied territory Ukraine MOD 23 Feb 2022
• Britain Set To Provide Ukraine With Additional Weaponry, Loan Guarantees RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Britain says it is ready to provide Ukraine with additional military support, including lethal defensive weapons, and major loan guarantees to help Kyiv "weather the storm of Russian aggression."
• READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen's Call with United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak US Treasury 23 Feb 2022
• Ukraine Urges Citizens To Leave Russia 'Immediately,' Citing Potential Loss Of Consular Service RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Ukraine is urging its citizens to avoid travel to Russia and for those in the country to leave immediately, citing a possible disruption of consular services in the face of rising tensions with Moscow.
• Ukraine Broadens State Of Emergency, Calls Up Military Reservists RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Ukraine has begun calling up military reservists aged 18-60 for service of up to one year following a decree issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as the country faces the threat of a full-sale invasion by Russia.
• Donetsk leader seeks to 'peacefully' settle borders with Ukraine Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- The Russian-backed leader in the breakaway Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine says he would prefer to resolve questions about border demarcation with Kiev peacefully.
• DPR, LPR Ask Putin's Assistance to Repel 'Aggression of Ukrainian Forces' - Kremlin Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- The heads of the people's republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR), Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik, have asked for Russian President Vladimir Putin's assistance in repelling an "aggression of Ukrainian forces" to avoid casualties among civilians, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
• Zelensky: Ukraine Ready for Talks With Russia in Various Formats Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a fresh appeal to Moscow on Thursday morning for dialogue to resolve the simmering crisis in the region.
• Ukraine Minister to UN: 'Russia Will Not Stop at Ukraine' VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Ukraine's foreign minister appealed to the international community on Wednesday to "take swift, concrete and resolute actions" to help preserve his country from Russian military aggression.
• Ukraine Urges More Sanctions Against Russia, Calls for National State of Emergency VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Ukraine on Wednesday welcomed the range of Western sanctions imposed against Russia for its menacing actions in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv's security council called for a national state of emergency and the government recalled its ambassador to Moscow.
• US Sanctions on Russia Draw Praise, Criticism VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- White House officials have called the latest package of sanctions against Russia "a severe action," with President Joe Biden saying the economic restrictions will "cut off Russia's government from Western financing" — powerful claims that some critics and even some Biden allies say are overblown and will do little to stop President Vladimir Putin on his military push toward Ukraine.
• U.S. sanctions Russia after Putin sends troops to Lugansk, Donetsk People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced "the first tranche" of sanctions against Russia after Moscow deployed troops in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions.
• China says US creating 'fear and panic' over Ukraine Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- China says the United States is creating "fear and panic" over the Ukraine crisis, calling on the Biden administration to immediately start the talks for de-escalation.
• EU Leaders To Meet Amid Rising Fears That Russian Invasion Of Ukraine Is Imminent RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- European Union leaders were set to hold an emergency summit on February 24 in Brussels to discuss next steps on how to deal with Russia as Ukraine and the world brace for a possible large scale Russian military offensive.
• Ukraine Deserves EU Candidate Status, Polish and Lithuanian Leaders Tell Zelenskiy RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- The leaders of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania on February 23 signed a joint declaration in Kyiv on February 23 saying Ukraine deserves to be granted candidate status for membership in the European Union.
• UN chief vows to find peaceful solution to Ukraine's crisis People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vowed on Tuesday that the world body will never give up on finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis.
• At dedicated Assembly session on Ukraine, UN chief calls for 'restraint, reason and de-escalation' UN News 23 Feb 2022 -- The world is facing "a moment of peril," UN Secretary-General António Guterres told a General Assembly session on Wednesday dedicated to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
• Taiwan condemns Russia for violation of Ukraine's sovereignty CNA 23 Feb 2022 -- Taiwan's government condemns Russia for undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and calls for peaceful means to resolve disputes, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with EU High Representative Josep Borrell US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoana, the OSCE Chair-in-Office represented by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Przydacz, OSCE Secretary General Schmid, and EEAS Secretary General Sannino US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Hasler US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With David Muir of ABC World News Tonight US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Norah O'Donnell of CBS Evening News US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• Blinken cancels meeting with Lavrov, US to supply more weapons to Ukraine Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called off a planned meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in a move that will further escalate the rising tensions over Ukraine and make an immediate diplomatic solution to the crisis become less likely.
• Websites Of Ukrainian Government Agencies, Banks Targeted Again By Cyberattack RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Several Ukrainian government websites and the websites of some Ukrainian banks were offline on February 23 in what the government said was another apparent cyberattack.
• US Lawmakers: Russia Incursion Into Ukraine Is Assault on Democracy VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Top U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday called Russian President Vladimir Putin's incursion into the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine an assault on democracy.
• Republicans blame Biden for Ukraine crisis Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- Republican lawmakers have blamed US President Joe Biden for the Ukraine crisis, saying the Biden administration cleared the way for Russia's actions in Ukraine with a series of foreign policy blunders.
• Business roundtable on Russian sanctions: 23 February 2022 Gov.UK 23 Feb 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson attended a roundtable at Downing Street to discuss limiting Russian access to UK financial services.
• UK's support for Ukraine: Lord Ahmad statement to the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 23 Feb 2022 -- Statement by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the General Assembly debate on Ukraine
• Nothing is off the table in our response to Putin's aggression towards Ukraine: article by Liz Truss UK FCDO 23 Feb 2022 -- In The Times, the Foreign Secretary writes that the UK is standing with Ukraine in defence of its right to decide its future.
• UK sets out new multi-million dollar economic package of support for Ukraine UK FCDO 23 Feb 2022 -- The UK government has announced a new economic package that is designed to support Ukraine's continued stability.
• US Warns Of Russian Cyberattacks Against Ukraine VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- The United States and Britain warned Wednesday of new malware that attacks network devices, which the U.S. says has been commonly used by Russia.
• Zelenskyy Under Pressure to Mobilize Ukrainians, Start Serious Defense Planning VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called up army reservists and ordered military exercises for volunteers in newly created territorial defense brigades, but senior opposition lawmakers and former ministers fear the country is ill-prepared for war with Russia — despite their pleas to the government to get organized.
• War in Ukraine Expected to Trigger Higher Fuel Prices VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- As Russia moves troops into the Donbas region of Ukraine, experts warn that the prospect of a shooting war erupting in Europe, combined with heavy sanctions on Russia, is likely to cause instability in the energy market, possibly translating into significantly higher costs for both gasoline and natural gas.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022
• NATO chief urges Russia to choose diplomacy in Ukraine crisis People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- The chief of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has urged Russia to "choose the path of diplomacy" in the conflict with Ukraine.
• EU readies sanctions against Russia, urges Moscow to return to diplomacy People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- The European Union (EU) is set to adopt the first set of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday after Moscow recognized the independence of eastern Ukraine's Lugansk and Donetsk regions.
• EU agrees Russia sanctions package, warns of further action People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- The European Union (EU) is ready to take further action against Russia if it continues to escalate the crisis, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned here on Tuesday.
• British PM announces sanctions against Russia over Ukraine People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday a range of sanctions against Russia in response to the latest development in Ukraine.
• Italy's PM calls for dialogue on Ukraine crisis People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Tuesday said dialogue was key to solving the Ukrainian crisis, warning that the European Union (EU) was preparing sanctions against Russia.
• Restraint urged on Ukraine issue People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- China called on all parties concerned in the Ukraine issue to exercise restraint, avoid any action that might fuel tensions and seek reasonable solutions to the situation.
• UN agencies in Geneva concerned over situation in Ukraine People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- Various agencies of the United Nations (UN) in Geneva on Tuesday expressed their concern over the latest development in Ukraine, calling on all sides to cease hostilities and to pave the way for dialogue instead of setting the stage for further violence.
• Russia's parliament ratifies friendship treaties with 2 "independent republics" in east Ukraine's Donbass People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- Russia's State Duma, the lower house of parliament, ratified the treaties on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with "the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR)" and "the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)" during a plenary session on Tuesday.
• Russia recognizes "republics" in Ukraine, UN calls for peaceful settlement People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday evening signed decrees recognizing the independence of two self-proclaimed regions in eastern Ukraine's Donbass as "the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR)" and "the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)."
• Russia's upper house approves use of military abroad People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- The Russian Federation Council, or the upper house of parliament, on Tuesday approved Russian President Vladimir Putin's request for the use of military abroad.
• What Russian aggression in Ukraine means for Southeast Asia Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2022 -- Russia is attacking Ukraine, an act of aggression that could upend the global order. This is a clear violation of the sovereignty of a state, a central principle of international law.
• Detained Women Activists In Afghanistan Apparently Forced To Confess Before Release RFE/RL Gandhara 23 Feb 2022 -- For months, Afghan women have challenged the Taliban by demonstrating for their rights.
• Indian Wheat Heads To Afghanistan After Transit Deal With Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 23 Feb 2022 -- India has sent tons of wheat to help relieve food shortages in Afghanistan after it reached a deal with bitter rival Pakistan to allow shipments across their common border.
• New Wave of COVID-19, Measles Outbreak Stretch Fragile Afghan Health System VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Aid groups warned Wednesday that a spike in COVID-19 infections and an alarming measles outbreak have compounded the health emergencies in Afghanistan, stretching the impoverished, war-torn country's fragile health care system.
• United States Designates Houthi Finance Network in Coordination with Gulf Partners US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022 -- The United States is designating members of an international network funding the Houthis' military forces, which have routinely attacked civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen and in neighboring states, while intensifying Yemen's humanitarian crisis.
• Treasury Targets Key Houthi Finance Network in Coordination with Regional Gulf Partners US Treasury 23 Feb 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating members of an international network funding the Houthis' war against the Yemeni government and increasingly aggressive attacks threatening civilians and civilian infrastructure in neighboring states.
• At Least 3 Syrian Soldiers Killed After Air Defenses Engage Israeli Strikes - State Media Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- Several explosions were reportedly heard in Damascus, Syria, early Thursday morning as air defense systems of the Syrian Arab Army forces engaged hostile targets over the capital city.
• Gambia Urges UN to Reject Myanmar's Legal Actions Regarding Rohingya VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Gambia appealed to the United Nation's highest court Wednesday to reject Myanmar's legal effort to end a case alleging genocide by the Southeast Asian country against its Rohingya Muslim minority.
• Crucial that all parties avoid exacerbating tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories UK FCDO 23 Feb 2022 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
• Israel-Palestine: No substitute for legitimate political process, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 23 Feb 2022 -- The destabilizing deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory continues in the absence of political solutions that would "reset the trajectory", the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said on Wednesday.
• Lebanon has made no concessions in indirect talks over maritime border dispute with Israel, President Aoun says Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun has categorically dismissed as untrue the allegations that representatives from the Arab country have made concessions to Israel in the course of indirect US-mediated talks over their disputed maritime border to allow for offshore energy exploration.
• Ethiopia's Abiy Says Will Not 'Rule Out Possibility' of Negotiation With TPLF Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- A key requirement for peace as laid out by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to recognize the legitimacy of his government. So far, the group has postured as an equal state actor to Addis Ababa instead of as a militant group in rebellion, so talks have not begun.
• UN pledges more support for internally displaced persons in DR Congo's Ituri province UN News 23 Feb 2022 -- The United Nations will work together with the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as other partners, in ensuring security in the eastern part of the country, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN's top peacekeeping official.
• Guterres strongly condemns arrest of UN personnel in Central African Republic UN News 23 Feb 2022 -- Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the release of four members of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) who were arrested in the capital, Bangui, earlier this week, his spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• UN Rejects Central African Republic Suspicions Against Peacekeepers VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- The U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic has rejected accusations that four of its personnel who were arrested Monday were engaged in suspicious activity. The C.A.R.'s public prosecutor said the four men, arrested at the airport shortly before the arrival of the country's president, were heavily armed.

News Reports

• Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen Delivers Remarks on Countering Nation-State Threats US Dept. of Justice 23 Feb 2022
• Three Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to a Plot to Attack Power Grids in the United States US Dept. of Justice 23 Feb 2022 -- Three men pleaded guilty today to crimes related to a scheme to attack power grids in the United States in furtherance of white supremacist ideology.
• Three Men Plead Guilty in Plot to Attack US Power Grids VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- The U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday that three men pleaded guilty to crimes linked to plans to attack power grids in the U.S. to promote white supremacist ideology.
• Portugal Extradites Notorious Russian Crime Lord RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Russia says Portugal has extradited Stepan Furman, a notorious criminal figure, to Moscow for being a "thief-in-law," the highest title in the criminal world's hierarchy in the former Soviet Union.
• Foreign Ministry statement regarding the rhetoric about Russia's recognition of the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Feb 2022
• Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania share the view that the future of European security is now being decided in Ukraine - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 23 Feb 2022 -- During a meeting with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the consequences of the Russian Federation's actions for European and regional security and coordinated efforts to counter Russian aggression.
• Concrete steps by the EU on full membership of Ukraine would support our country in the current difficult conditions - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 23 Feb 2022 -- During a meeting in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda discussed cooperation between the three countries within international organizations.
• Joint statement by the President of Ukraine, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the President of the Republic of Poland on the Russian Federation's decision to recognise the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" President of Ukraine 23 Feb 2022 -- We, the Presidents of Ukraine, the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Poland - the Lublin Triangle, gathered in Kyiv on 23 February 2022, express our strongest condemnation of the decision by the Russian Federation to recognise the quasi-entities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine - the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" and "Donetsk People's Republic".
• NSDC chaired by Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to declare a state of emergency President of Ukraine 23 Feb 2022 -- President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, during which a decision was made to impose a state of emergency on the entire territory of Ukraine, except the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where Joint Forces Operation is underway.
• READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen's Call with Canada Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland US Treasury 23 Feb 2022
• Foreign Ministry statement on new US sanctions against Russia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Feb 2022
• US imposes sanctions on company building Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline Press TV 24 Feb 2022 -- The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on the company in charge of building Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a day after President Joe Biden 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.
• Moscow Vows Strong Response to US Sanctions That Will Be Painful For Washington Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- The US introduced a new round of sanctions against Russia after President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognised the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics in Donbass.
• Putin says Russia's interests, security 'non-negotiable' Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the Kremlin is ready to resolve the current tensions over Ukraine through "diplomatic solutions," but warned the West that his nation's interests are "non-negotiable."
• Statement by President Biden on Nord Stream 2 The White House 23 Feb 2022
• Sanctioning NS2AG, Matthias Warnig, and NS2AG's Corporate Officers US Dept. of State 23 Feb 2022 -- The United States applauds Germany's decision to take administrative steps to halt the certification process for Nord Stream 2, which will prevent the pipeline from becoming operational. After consultations with Germany and the EU, I have terminated the waiver and imposed sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG (NS2AG), its CEO Matthias Warnig, and NS2AG's corporate officers. This action is in line with the United States' longstanding opposition to Nord Stream 2 as a Russian geopolitical project and the President's commitment that Nord Stream 2 would not move forward following the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Biden Clears Way For U.S. Sanctions On Operator Of Russia's Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has directed his administration to impose sanctions on the operator of the Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
• US warns to cut off Russia from technology, resources over Ukraine Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- A senior US government official on Wednesday warned Russia of withholding technology and resources if it moves to militarily invade neighboring Ukraine amid soaring tensions between the two sides.
• As West Ratchets Up Economic Pain on Moscow, Will Unity Hold? VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Europe is facing calls to impose immediate tougher sanctions on Russia following President Vladimir Putin's recognition of the separatist-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine and his pledge to send in what the Kremlin called "peacekeeping" troops.
• UK to stop Russia selling sovereign debt in London: Truss Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- The United Kingdom will stop Russia selling sovereign debt in London in response to its deployment of troops into two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says.
• EU Sanctions Hit Top Russian Government Officials, Lawmakers RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- EU sanctions against Russia took effect on February 23 as the bloc responded to Russia's aggression against Ukraine by targeting government officials, lawmakers, and businesses.
• Russian Defence Minister, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Put on EU Sanction List Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- The European Union has approved sanctions against Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Defense Minister, Maria Zakharova, director of the foreign ministry's Information and Press Department, and Sputnik and RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, as well as 555 individuals and 52 entities.
• U.S. Says Biden-Putin Summit Off The Table Following Russia's Actions In Ukraine RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Chances for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine narrowed after the United States said a potential summit between President Joe Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin was off the agenda after Moscow's latest aggression.
• Blinken Cancels Meeting With Lavrov Over Russia's Actions Against Ukraine RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he has canceled a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that was planned for later this week.
• German Economy Minister Says Country May Completely Abandon Russian Gas Sputnik 23 Feb 2022 -- Germany may completely abandon the consumption of Russian gas, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck said on Wednesday, given the crisis surrounding Ukraine.
• Blinken Cancels Meeting With Lavrov Over Russia's Actions Against Ukraine RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he has canceled a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that was planned for later this week.
• Germany suspends certification of Nord Stream 2 pipeline People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Tuesday the suspension of the certification process of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline citing Russia's course of action over Ukraine.
• Sudan's Leader Visits Moscow as West Isolates Russia over Ukraine VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Sudan's military leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, is flying to Moscow to hold meetings with senior Russian officials. Dagalo's embrace of Kremlin leaders comes as western countries are punishing Russia over its actions in Ukraine and amid tensions with Sudan's military government.
• Russia-Ukraine Crisis Will Put Economic Strain On Kyrgyzstan, And China Could Benefit RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- The Western sanctions applied against Russia in an effort to prevent an invasion of neighboring Ukraine will have a trickle-down effect on many smaller countries with close economic ties to Moscow, experts say.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on February 23, 2022 PRC MofA 23 Feb 2022
• China bans online criticism of Russia, blames US for fueling Ukraine 'tensions' Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2022 -- Internet censors in China have ordered news outlets and social media accounts to avoid posting anything critical of Russia or favorable to NATO, after Russia began moving troops across the border into Ukraine, prompting a flurry of international sanctions against the country's leaders.
• Putin's Escalation In Ukraine Leaves China Walking A Diplomatic Tightrope RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Though Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared having a "no limits" partnership at a meeting in Beijing on February 4, the Kremlin's massive military buildup around Ukraine and threat to invade is testing Moscow-Beijing ties.
• China Expands Influence in Central America VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- With a library here, a power station there, China is using aid and investment to increase its presence in Central America, posing a challenge to the United States' 2-century-old diplomatic dominance in the region.
• US called on to match its words with action in ties People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- China warned the United States on Tuesday not to bring the two countries to a point of full confrontation as it urged the US to return bilateral ties to sound and stable development through concrete actions.
• DPP's Taiwan-Ukraine comparison self-indulging: mainland official Global Times 23 Feb 2022 -- The secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan is self-indulging in expressing so-called empathy for Ukraine's situation, which hides the DPP's malicious intent to "internationalize" the Taiwan question, a purely internal affair, and hype anti-mainland sentiments on the island, mainland authorities said Wednesday.
• DPP's so-called sympathy for Ukraine 'self-serving': spokesperson Global Times 23 Feb 2022 -- The secessionist DPP authority's so-called "sympathy" for Ukraine's situation is 'self-serving,' Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, commented on Wednesday.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry: Taiwan Is 'Not Ukraine' RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- China's Foreign Ministry has said that Taiwan is "not Ukraine" and has always been a part of China, following Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's call to bolster vigilance in the face of the territorial crisis in Eastern Europe.
• 'Taiwan not a provocateur,' foreign minister says to ex-U.S. official CNA 23 Feb 2022 -- Taiwan will not be a "provocateur" across the Taiwan Strait but continues to beef up its defense capabilities to protect its democratic way of life in the event of a Chinese invasion, its foreign minister told a former United States defense chief Tuesday.
• Taiwan's DPP urged to stop obstructing Kinmen-Xiamen ferry links People's Daily 23 Feb 2022 -- A State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson on Wednesday urged Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority to stop obstructing ferry links between Kinmen and Xiamen.
• North Korea Turns to Crypto Theft to Fund Weapons Programs VOA 23 Feb 2022 -- Experts say North Korea is exploiting the lack of global regulatory controls on cryptocurrency to steal digital currencies to fund its nuclear weapons and missile programs.
• Imposition of sanctions should be considered as last resort: Iran's envoy ISNA 23 Feb 2022 -- Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, Zahra Ershadi stressed that the Non-Aligned Movement expresses its deep concern at the imposition of unilateral sanctions against developing countries which violate the Charter of the United Nations and undermine international law and the rules of the World Trade Organization.
• US deeds must follow words; Iranians in Vienna for 'good agreement': FM Press TV 23 Feb 2022 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has urged an end to the "paradox" that has existed between the United States' words and actions concerning Iran.
• Iranian Negotiator Returns To Tehran Amid 'Optimism' Over Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Iran's top negotiator at talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal returned to Tehran from Vienna for consultations as the country's foreign minister said the discussions had reached a "sensitive and important point."
• Dozens arrested during strike as Myanmar military expands retribution campaign Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2022 -- Authorities in Myanmar's Sagaing and Tanintharyi regions have arrested dozens of people for allegedly joining a nationwide strike to protest the junta, in what observers say is part of a widening campaign of retribution against opponents of military rule.
• A 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 Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels The White House 23 Feb 2022
• Notice on on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels The White House 23 Feb 2022
• Uzbekistan Requests Information About Its Citizens Held In Kazakhstan Over January Unrest RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- The Uzbek Embassy in Kazakhstan has officially requested detailed information from Kazakh authorities regarding more than a dozen Uzbek nationals held in custody over the deadly January unrest in the Central Asian nation.
• Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 23 Feb 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Erdogan Talks Again About Opening Border, Restoring Ties With Armenia RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken again about the possibility of improving ties with Armenia, saying Ankara could open its borders with its neighbor and reestablish diplomatic ties if Yerevan maintains a commitment to the ongoing normalization process between the two countries.
• EU steps up engagement with Indo-Pacific states, touts rule of law Radio Free Asia 23 Feb 2022 -- The European Union has stepped up its strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific by convening an inaugural meeting with the region's top diplomats and then affirming the bloc's commitment to freedom of navigation and international law - an apparent rebuke of China.
• Registration Of Turkmen Presidential Candidates Ends As Incumbent's Son Looks Headed For Landslide Win RFE/RL 23 Feb 2022 -- Election officials in the tightly controlled Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan have announced that the registration of candidates for an early presidential election on March 12 has ended and that nine candidates, including the son of authoritarian President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, Serdar, were officially set to take part.