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• Remarks by President Biden and President Andrzej Duda of Poland in Briefing on the Humanitarian Efforts for Ukraine The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Biden Visits Poland as US Says Russia Shifting Offensive Away From Kyiv VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden praised Poland's response to the refugee crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine during a visit to Poland on Friday, as the United States said Russia appeared to have shifted its military offensive away from Ukraine's capital of Kyiv and toward the country's east.
• Biden Thanks U.S. Troops in Poland for Their Sacrifices, Service DoD News 25 Mar 2022 -- President Joe Biden thanked U.S. troops deployed to Poland for their efforts in response to the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
• Biden Lands In Polish City Close To Ukrainian Border As Russia Signals New Focus RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has visited U.S. troops near the Polish border with Ukraine amid signals from Moscow that the Kremlin has scaled back its goals in its unprovoked attack on its neighbor to concentrate on capturing territory claimed by Russia-backed separatists.
• Remarks by President Biden During Visit with Service Members of the 82nd Airborne Division The White House 25 Mar 2022
• DoD Awards Contract Modifications to Purchase COVID-19 Antigen Over-the-Counter Test Kits in Support of POTUS' One Billion Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests DoD 25 Mar 2022 -- In the month of March, the Department of Defense (DoD), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded contract modifications to Abbott Rapid Dx North America, LLC (Orlando, Florida) and iHealth Labs Inc. (Sunnyvale, California), purchasing an additional 176.8 million over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. This effort supports the president's plan to deliver one billion free at-home COVID-19 tests to the nation in response to the Omicron variant.
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 25 Mar 2022
• In Ukraine, Russian Activity Now More Focused on Donbas Than Kyiv DoD News 25 Mar 2022 -- In Ukraine, the Russians are still launching airstrikes on the capital city of Kyiv, but it appears the Russian military is less interested now in conducting ground operations there than they have been in the past and are instead now focused on an eastern area of the country known as the Donbas.
• Virginia National Guard, Tajikistan conduct SPP exchange Army News 25 Mar 2022 -- Virginia National Guard Soldiers shared infantry tactics and how to counter unmanned air systems with the Republic of Tajikistan March 7-11 in an information exchange as part of the Defense Department's State Partnership Program. Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners under the program since 2003.
• Florida Guard exchanges expertise with Guyana Defense Force Army News 25 Mar 2022 -- Guyana Defense Force members and U.S. Army Soldiers with the B/2-54th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and 107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment exchanged skills and experiences in Guyana March 23 as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP).
• Minnesota National Guard, Canada test readiness Army News 25 Mar 2022 -- Army Reservists of the Canadian 38 Brigade Group conducted annual training on Camp Ripley March 11-21, including an air assault/squad movement exercise with a Minnesota National Guard aviation unit.
• U.S. 3rd Fleet Hosts RIMPAC Final Planning Conference US Navy 25 Mar 2022 -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet hosted the final planning conference (FPC) for Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, March 21-24.
• USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Mass Casualty Drill 2022 US Navy 25 Mar 2022 -- The sounds of rapid bells followed by the repeated phrase "Mass Casualty, Mass Casualty, Mass Casualty on the Flight Deck" rings through the passageways of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), March 17, 2022. Ford's crew spring into action. Each Sailor has a different responsibility, but they have all the same goal - to save lives.
• Ford Pumps It Up, Receives 1 Million Gallons of Fuel US Navy 25 Mar 2022 -- USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducted a fueling-at-sea (FAS), March 23, marking the first time the ship has received jet propellant-5 (JP-5) aircraft fuel from a replenishment ship in more than 11 months.
• Zutendaal APS-2 site receives support from 3rd ID maintenance company deployed to Europe Army News 25 Mar 2022 -- The Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Zutendaal has been extremely busy prepping and pushing out thousands of vehicles and equipment pieces in support of current operations in Europe. In addition to that mission, the worksite has continued to focus on its normal day-to-day operations - maintaining thousands more vehicles and equipment pieces with regularly scheduled top-to-bottom maintenance checks and services, technical inspections, and quality control checks.
• Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer Jack H. Lucas DoD 25 Mar 2022 -- The Navy will christen the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, during a 9:55 a.m. CDT ceremony on Saturday, March 26, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
• US deploys 3 surveillance ships in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- China has accused the U.S. of intensifying spying activities in the disputed South China Sea after the U.S. Navy deployed three of its ocean surveillance vessels in the region.
• NATO Secretary General visits exercise Cold Response in Norway NATO 25 Mar 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met troops participating in exercise Cold Response in northern Norway on Friday (25 March 2022). The Secretary General said Cold Response shows NATO unity and strength in action, with forces from Europe and North America training together.
• Destroyer flotilla of PLA Eastern Theater Command carries out combat training PLA Daily 25 Mar 2022 -- Recently, a group of naval vessels, headed by the guided-missile destroyer Zhengzhou (Hull 151) attached to a naval destroyer flotilla under the PLA Eastern Theater Command, organized a multi-subject 24-hour combat training exercise in waters of the East China Sea.
• China fires back at NATO's ill intention on Ukraine crisis amid anniversary of Yugoslavia bombing Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday said NATO's act of aggression will never be forgotten by the Serbian people, the Chinese people and the people around the world, amid the bitter 23rd anniversary of the Yugoslavia bombing in 1999 and NATO's latest smear.
• NATO needs to reflect on itself, reject Cold War mentality: Chinese Mission to the EU Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- China firmly opposes NATO leaders' groundless accusations, suspicions and calls for NATO to have a good reflection on itself and reject its Cold War mentality, a spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU on Friday said in response to a question concerning the NATO extraordinary summit statement mentioning China.
• N.Korea's latest test launch showcases capability in developing ICBMs as deterrent to US threat: analyst Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- North Korea tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasongpho-17 on Thursday with its leader Kim Jong-un guiding the overall process of the test launch, North Korean state media reported on Friday. Analysts said that along with a series of missile launches since January, the test showed that the country has gained capability in developing ICBMs and is working to have asymmetric military capability to deal with threats from the US and Japan.
• Fire and Fury 2.0 with North Korea? Maybe Not, Analysts Say VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- North Korea Thursday conducted its first long-range missile test in nearly five years. The North also has hinted at additional provocative steps, such as a satellite launch and a nuclear test.
• North Korea confirms biggest ICBM test , warns of long confrontation with US Press TV 25 Mar 2022 -- North Korea has confirmed that it test-fired its biggest-yet intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the orders of leader Kim Jong-un, marking an end to a self-imposed moratorium on such tests.
• Experts: North Korea's New ICBM May Carry Multiple Nuclear Warheads VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- Experts say the missile North Korea launched on Thursday involved a full flight test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with the potential for carrying multiple nuclear warheads and capable of targeting any location in the United States.
• Striking Demonstration of Great Military Muscle of Juche Korea KCNA 25 Mar 2022 -- The test-launch of a new type inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasongpho-17 of the DPRK strategic forces was conducted on March 24, Juche 111 (2022) under the direct guidance of Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Issues Order for Test-launch of New Type ICBM KCNA 25 Mar 2022 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, gave a written order to conduct the test-launch of Hwasongpho-17, a new type intercontinental ballistic missile of the DPRK strategic forces, on March 23, Juche 111 (2022). -0-
• WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND CONDUCTS OFFSHORE SECURITY EXERCISE PRASTHAN India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- An offshore security exercise, 'Prasthan' was conducted in the Offshore Development Area (ODA) off Mumbai on 23 March 2022, under the aegis of Headquarters, Western Naval Command. Conducted every six months, this exercise is an important element of ensuring offshore security and aims to integrate efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in offshore defence.
• CONTRACT SIGNING WITH M/S LARSEN & TOUBRO LTD, MUMBAI FOR ACQUISITION OF TWO MULTI PURPOSE VESSELS FOR INDIAN NAVY India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- Ministry of Defence has signed a contract on 25 Mar 22 with M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd. for acquisition of Two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) for Indian Navy at an overall cost of Rs.887 Crore under "Buy-Indian" Category.
• DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR MILITARY India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) funds directed research through its DRDO Industry Academia Centre-of Excellence (DIA-COE), in the identified research areas. DRDO has established 10 Centres of Excellence in collaboration with various academia institutes all over the country to develop critical technology for enabling futuristic requirements of Armed Forces.
• DEFENCE PRODUCTION AND EXPORT PROMOTION POLICY India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country and to minimize the defence import by the Defence Public Sector Undertakings, thereby ensuring delivery of indigenous modern defence hardware to Indian Armed Forces.
• DEFENCE EQUIPMENT CAPABILITY REVIEW MECHANISM India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- Government has a defence equipment capability review mechanism for all three defence services. To address the current and futuristic security needs of Armed Forces, a Capability Development Plan is formulated by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in consultation with all stakeholders. These plans are reviewed periodically and an Annual Acquisition Plan is progressed thereafter every year.
• INNOVATIONS FOR DEFENCE EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia and promote self-reliance.
• EXPORT OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- Since 2014 till date, the value of Defence Exports of India has grown approximately by six times. The year-wise details of value of exports are as follows:
• GENDER RATIO IN NCC India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- As per Annual Report 2018-19, against the total enrolled strength of 13,29,202 cadets, Girl Cadets were 4,23,464 constituting 31.8 % of the total enrolled cadets. To encourage enrolment of girl cadets in NCC, 'Mixed Unit" Concept was introduced in the year 2005. Before that, NCC had only Boys unit and Girls unit. Now NCC units are either Girls unit which allows girls only or Mixed units which enrolls both Boys and Girls. There is no 'Boys Only' unit.
• MANUFACTURING OF ULTRA-MODERN DEFENCE EQUIPMENT India PIB 25 Mar 2022 -- The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country.
• British Army trains in jungle warfare with Thai Forces UK MOD 25 Mar 2022 -- 120 Grenadier Guards have taken part in a jungle warfare Exercise in Thailand alongside the Thai Armed Forces.
• Challenger 3 tanks reach next milestone UK MOD 25 Mar 2022 -- The most lethal tank in Europe, Challenger 3, is a step closer to entering the battlefield following the steel cut on its more powerful and advanced turret
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022
• Statement by Press Secretary Jen Psaki Announcing President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Department Press Briefing – March 25, 2022 US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 25, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 25 March 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Mar 2022
• Afghan Widows Struggle To Survive Amid Humanitarian Disaster RFE/RL Gandhara 25 Mar 2022 -- After her husband died, Gul Saka managed to survive by doing odd jobs and collecting a meager pension from the Afghan government.
• Afghanistan: female Foreign Ministers' joint statement, 25 March 2022 UK FCDO 25 Mar 2022 -- Female Foreign Ministers gave a statement expressing concern on Afghan girls being denied access to secondary schools as they re-open this spring.
• Joint statement on Afghanistan, 25 March 2022 UK FCDO 25 Mar 2022 -- Joint statement condemning the Taliban's decision not to re-open secondary schools to Afghan girls.
• Did Taliban Infiltrate Afghan Evacuees to the US? VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- Among thousands of Afghans flown to the United States in the chaotic evacuation from Kabul last August, some 50 have been flagged for "potentially significant security concerns." U.S. officials have not ruled out the possibility that they could include members of the Taliban that now rules Afghanistan.
• Coast guard reports more Filipino fishermen in disputed Chinese-controlled shoal Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- The Philippine Coast Guard said Friday it had seen more Filipino fishermen operating off a rich fishing ground in Manila's exclusive economic zone, describing this as a "significant milestone" because China has effectively controlled South China Sea waters in that area for the past decade.
• Saudi Aramco comes under new retaliatory strikes from Yemen Press TV 25 Mar 2022 -- Yemen's armed forces have carried out airstrikes targeting the facilities of Saudi Arabia's state-run oil giant Aramco.
• The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: An Act of Aggression Targeted Aramco's Bulk Plant in Jeddah SPA 25 Mar 2022 -- Statement by the Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki "At (1725), Saudi Aramco's Bulk Plant in Jeddah was targeted with an act of aggression, the early indications of which suggest that it was targeted by the terrorist, Iran-backed Houthi militia.
• Condemnation of Houthi Terrorist Attacks on Saudi Arabia US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022 -- "We strongly condemn this week's multiple Houthi terrorist attacks on Saudi Arabia, including today's that struck an Aramco facility in Jeddah, which is clearly civilian infrastructure."
• Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Houthi Attack Against Saudi Arabia The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Conflict since coup pushes Myanmar's displaced to nearly 900,000 Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- Widespread conflict since the military took control of Myanmar has increased the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to nearly 900,000, according to the United Nations, and aid workers say that worsening food shortages are pushing the country ever closer to the brink of a humanitarian disaster.
• US Announces More Sanctions on Myanmar Military VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- The U.S. government Friday announced sanctions on five people and five entities connected to Myanmar's military.
• United States and Allies Impose Additional Sanctions on the Burmese Military Regime US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022 -- "As we approach one year since the horrific violence perpetrated by the Burmese military on Armed Forces Day 2021, in which more than 100 people were killed, the United States is imposing sanctions on five Burmese individuals and five entities in response to the regime's brutal crackdown against the people of Burma."
• Treasury Sanctions Military Leaders, Military-Affiliated Cronies and Businesses, and a Military Unit Prior to Armed Forces Day in Burma US Treasury 25 Mar 2022 -- Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five individuals and five entities connected to Burma's military regime pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) 14014. This action comes as the regime prepares to mark the 77th Armed Forces Day. The United States has concluded that the Burmese military committed genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing against Rohingya.
• UK announces new sanctions against Myanmar military ahead of Myanmar Armed Forces Day UK FCDO 25 Mar 2022 -- UK sanctions announced ahead of Myanmar Armed Forces Day in coordination with allies.
• Armenian Deputy Seeks Answers From Russian Peacekeepers After Skirmish Kills Three Ethnic Armenian Soldiers RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- YEREVAN -- Armenia expects Russian peacekeepers to provide "clear answers" over the latest escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh, where at least three ethnic Armenian soldiers were killed and several more wounded in clashes with Azerbaijani troops.
• India Tells China Resolving Border Standoff Key to Normalizing Ties VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- India has underlined that restoration of normal ties with China is contingent on restoring peace along their borders during a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, while China said the two countries should work together to promote peace and stability in the region and the world.
• Designation of Six Individuals for their Support to Boko Haram US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022 -- The United States is designating six individuals for their support of the terrorist group Boko Haram.
• Treasury Sanctions Six Individuals for Raising funds in the United Arab Emirates to Support Nigeria's Boko Haram Terrorist Group US Treasury 25 Mar 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated a network of six individuals connected to Nigeria-based terrorist group, Boko Haram. All six were found guilty of establishing a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to raise funds for and provide material assistance to Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria. OFAC's action follows arrests, prosecutions, and designations in the UAE in September 2021, demonstrating the commitment of the Emirati government to using judicial measures and targeted financial sanctions to disrupt the flow of funds to these networks.
• US Announces Sanctions on Six Nigerians VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- The U.S. government on Friday announced it was sanctioning six Nigerians for their support of the terrorist group Boko Haram.
• Ethiopia: Guterres welcomes Tigray humanitarian ceasefire agreement UN News 25 Mar 2022 -- The UN chief on Friday welcomed the declaration of an indefinite humanitarian truce on the part of the Ethiopian Government, and the commitment by forces in the Tigray region to comply with the immediate ceasefire, amid deep concern for the five million people who need emergency aid there.
• Ethiopia, Tigray Rebels Declare Humanitarian Truce So Millions Can Get Aid VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- The Ethiopian government and rebels in the embattled Tigray region have declared a truce to allow humanitarian aid to reach millions in need. Food, water and medicine in the northern region have been limited for months due to the ongoing conflict and accusations that both sides are blocking roads.
• Tigray Rebels Agree to 'Cessation of Hostilities' VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- Tigrayan rebels agreed to a "cessation of hostilities" on Friday, a new turning point in the nearly 17-month war in northern Ethiopia following the government's announcement of an indefinite humanitarian truce a day earlier.
• Israel's occupation of Palestinian Territory is 'apartheid': UN rights expert UN News 25 Mar 2022 -- Calling on the international community to accept and adopt the recent findings in his report, an independent human rights expert said on Friday that "apartheid is being practiced by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory".
• 'Troika' Says South Sudan's Clashes Could Spread Violence VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- The United States, the United Kingdom and Norway — known as the Troika — have condemned the South Sudan People's Defense Force (SSPDF) for attacking SPLA-In Opposition military bases in parts of the Upper Nile region.
• Al-Shabab Increases Attacks as Elections Drag in Somalia VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- Al-Shabab mounted one of its deadliest attacks Wednesday, targeting elections at the regional presidential palace in Beledweyne town. Forty-eight people were killed and more than 100 others wounded.

News Reports

• Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne on Quad Senior Cyber Group Meeting The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Cybercriminal Connected to Multimillion Dollar Ransomware Attacks Sentenced for Online Fraud Schemes US Dept. of Justice 25 Mar 2022 -- An Estonian man was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for his years-long role in furthering and facilitating computer intrusions, the movement of fraudulently obtained goods and funds, and the monetization of stolen financial account information. He also participated in ransomware attacks causing over $53 million in losses and was ordered to pay over $36 million in restitution.
• U.S. Accuses Three FSB Officers, Russian Ministry Programmer Of Hacking Nuclear, Energy Firms RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- U.S. authorities have accused three Russian intelligence officers of hacking U.S. nuclear companies and others for nearly six years, charging them and another man employed by the Russian Defense Ministry of computer conspiracy and other crimes.
• Third U.S.-Vietnam Civil Space Dialogue US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022 -- During her August 2021 visit to Vietnam, Vice President Kamala Harris affirmed the importance of U.S. and Vietnamese efforts to ensure space activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner. As part of those joint efforts, U.S. and Vietnamese officials met virtually March 22-24 for the third U.S.-Vietnam Civil Space Dialogue.
• Meeting with winners of 2021 Presidential Prize for young cultural professionals and for writing and art for children and young people President of Russia 25 Mar 2022 -- "Russian culture always protected Russia's national identity. While readily taking in all the best and constructive, it patently rejected anything false or momentary, anything that would disrupt the continuity of our spiritual values, moral principles, and historical memory. This unique quality reliably protects the Russian people even today, when seemingly eternal concepts and norms are being eroded and undermined in different countries, history is being distorted, and the laws of nature itself are being violated. In a number of countries - mainly the so-called Western countries - these processes have not just permeated politics, society, sports and education, but they often run the show in these areas, they are being aggressively imposed. Suffice it to mention the notion of cancel culture, which generally refers to public ostracism, boycotting, and sometimes withholding, even oblivion of certain obvious facts, books, names of historical and modern public figures, writers or anyone who does not fit into modern patterns, no matter how absurd they actually are."
• Europe borrows anti-Russia tactics from Nazi Germany: Lavrov Press TV 25 Mar 2022 -- Russia's foreign minister says the West has declared a "total war" against his country, employing tactics comparable to those of the Nazi Germany.
• Background Press Call on the U.S. and the European Commission's Task Force to Reduce Europe's Dependence on Russian Fossil Fuels The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Remarks by President Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Joint Press Statement The White House 25 Mar 2022
• Joint Statement between the United States and the European Commission on European Energy Security The White House 25 Mar 2022 -- "The United States and the European Commission are committed to reducing Europe's dependency on Russian energy. We reaffirm our joint commitment to Europe's energy security and sustainability and to accelerating the global transition to clean energy. In condemning in the strongest terms Russia's further invasion of Ukraine, we express our solidarity and support for Ukraine. We share the objective of addressing the energy security emergency - to ensure energy supply for the EU and Ukraine."
• FACT SHEET: United States and European Commission Announce Task Force to Reduce Europe's Dependence on Russian Fossil Fuels The White House 25 Mar 2022
• EU, U.S. Strike LNG Deal In Bid To Reduce Bloc's Dependence On Russian Gas RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- The European Union and the United States have struck a deal under which the bloc will receive at least 15 billion cubic meters of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) this year in an effort to wean itself off Russian gas imports.
• Going deeper and broader to ensure Putin fails: article by Liz Truss UK FCDO 25 Mar 2022 -- Writing in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) the Foreign Secretary explains our mission to help restore Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The Week In Russia: Navalny, Ukraine, And Nuclear Signaling RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- Jailed Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny was handed a new, nine-year prison sentence, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu disappeared for 12 days, and longtime government figure Anatoly Chubais reportedly left Russia for good. Meanwhile, Moscow stepped up its nuclear scare tactics as the war raged in Ukraine.
• Human Rights Commissioner advocates support to Russian civil society Council of Europe 25 Mar 2022 -- The Human Rights Commissioner has expressed appreciation for the courageous work of civil society actors. Dunja Mijatović stressed that support to human rights defenders and journalists, including those from the Russian Federation and Belarus, will remain one of the priorities for her future action.
• Is Yandex, Russia's Marquee Tech Company, In Trouble? One Former Board Member Says Yes. RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- It's Russia's Google, a multibillion-dollar, homegrown technology company that dominates the country's e-commerce, offering everything from search engine results and food delivery to car sharing and an online marketplace.
• Anti-War Protester Who Disrupted Russian News Program Charged With 'Discrediting' Army RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- A Russian TV news editor who protested Russia's invasion of Ukraine by interrupting a live news broadcast on Russian state television earlier in March has been charged with "discrediting" the armed forces.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhaniya, Moscow, March 25, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Mar 2022
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, Moscow, March 25, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Mar 2022
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 25, 2022 PRC MofA 25 Mar 2022
• Russia-Ukraine conflict could trigger global food crisis, but China's agricultural security not threatened Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- China's Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs (MOA) and the Ministry of Finance issued a notice in recent days, requiring local authorities to mull an "all-out effort" to guarantee the harvest of summer wheat and expand the planting of soybeans "by all means," said a statement on the website of the MOA on Friday.
• China, India stress managing border dispute, urge Ukraine peace and dialogue during Wang Yi's visit Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- China and India, two major developing countries and emerging economies, should stick to their own development paths and join hands to safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday during a visit in New Delhi, stressing the two sides should place the border issue in a proper position in bilateral relations and manage conflicts to facilitate the development of relations.
• President Xi Jinping Speaks with ROK President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol on the Phone PRC MofA 25 Mar 2022 -- On the afternoon of 25 March, President Xi Jinping spoke with ROK President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol on the phone.
• Xi stresses shared responsibility in regional stability during rare phone call with SK president-elect Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday spoke on the phone with South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, during which he stressed China and South Korea's responsibility in defending regional peace and promoting international prosperity, and said that China is willing to work with South Korea in building a fairer global governance system.
• President Xi Jinping Speaks with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the Phone PRC MofA 25 Mar 2022 -- On the afternoon of 25 March, President Xi Jinping spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the phone.
• China ramps up pro-Russian propaganda at home but stalls petrochemical talks Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- China, the sole world supporter of what analysts termed a "bizarre" motion from Russia in the United Nations Security Council, has ordered schools to back the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while at the same time suspending talks on potential energy investments in Russia by state-owned Sinopec.
• One in four Hongkongers plan to emigrate with most citing political climate: survey Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- Nearly a quarter of Hong Kong residents have plans to leave the city for good, amid ongoing concerns over a lack of personal freedoms and a deteriorating political environment, a leading public opinion research institute said on Friday.
• Uyghurs detained in Saudi Arabia face risk of deportation to China Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- Two Uyghur men arbitrarily detained in Saudi Arabia since November 2020 are believed to be at risk of being forcibly repatriated to China, an international rights group said Wednesday.
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation Accused of Ignoring Uyghur Muslims in China VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- A U.S. declaration that China has committed genocide and crimes against humanity against its mainly Muslim minority in western Xinjiang province appears to have had little impact on the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which this week honored Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a high-level forum.
• Chinese rare-earth firms' capacity cut by at least 25% after border ports with Myanmar close Global Times 25 Mar 2022 -- The capacity of rare-earth companies in Ganzhou, East China's Jiangxi Province - one of China's biggest rare-earth manufacturing bases - has been cut by at least 25 percent compared with last year, after major border gates for rare-earth minerals to ship from Myanmar to China shut down again at the beginning of the year, which has largely affected raw material supply, the Global Times learned.
• DPRK People Delighted at News of Successful ICBM Test-launch KCNA 25 Mar 2022 -- All citizens of the DPRK are delighted at the news that the test-launch of new-type ICBM Hwasongpho-17 was successfully conducted under the direct guidance of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , which demonstrated the dignity and might of the country and the people.
• G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the DPRK's Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
• Special Representative for the DPRK Kim's Calls with Republic of Korea (ROK) Special Representative Noh and Japanese Director General Funakoshi US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2022
• We should urgently consider updated sanctions to disrupt North Korea's unlawful weapons testing: UK at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 25 Mar 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on DPRK
• Call for unity in Security Council over latest DPR Korea missile test UN News 25 Mar 2022 -- The top UN political affairs official urged the Security Council on Friday to be united in its response to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) latest intercontinental ballistic missile launch - the country's first long-range test since 2017 - as delegates met on Friday afternoon in emergency session, to discuss the matter.
• Iran says ready to hold fifth round of talks with Saudi Arabia IRNA 25 Mar 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Friday described Tehran-Riyadh ties as "not good" and said Iran was not responsible for the situation but it was ready to hold the fifth round of talks with Saudi Arabia.
• 'Iran dismisses Daily Telegraph report on secret offer to Russia' Press TV 25 Mar 2022 -- An informed source with Iran's Foreign Ministry has dismissed a report by the UK newspaper Daily Telegraph on a secret offer Iran has given Russia to help Moscow evade Western sanctions in exchange for a new deal with the P4+1 group of countries.
• Iran FM: Agreement within reach if US acts rationally IRNA 25 Mar 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said here on Thursday in a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart that "we are ready for reaching a good, strong, and sustainable agreement, which is close to reach, if the US acts rationally, but not at cost of breaching Iran's redlines.
• Human rights crackdowns in Libya having 'a seriously chilling effect' UN News 25 Mar 2022 -- A deepening crackdown on civil society in Libya, has prompted the concern of the UN human rights office, which noted on Friday that arbitrary arrests and a campaign of social media vilification are having "a seriously chilling effect on human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, and other civil society actors."
• Cambodia information minister tells state spokespeople to work with independent media Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2022 -- Cambodia's information minister has told government press officers not to discriminate against members of the media, saying that they need to give comments on a timely basis, though independent reporters contend that the spokespeople refuse to respond when asked tough questions.
• Investigation Reveals Dozens Of Kyrgyz Officials Might Have Faked Their Degrees RFE/RL 25 Mar 2022 -- An ongoing investigation by the Kyrgyz security services has revealed that dozens of officials and lawmakers might have faked their university degrees to get important posts or to run in elections, prosecutors say.
• 'Sharp rise' in Nicaraguans fleeing to Costa Rica, strains asylum system UN News 25 Mar 2022 -- Around three per cent of Costa Rica's population is now made up of Nicaraguan refugees and asylum seekers, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday.
• Ghana President and Ministers Lower Wages in Cost-Cutting Moves VOA 25 Mar 2022 -- Ghana's president, Nana Akufo-Addo, and his ministers reduced their wages by 30 percent amid a raft of other measures to cut expenditures in the wake of rising fuel prices caused mainly by the Ukraine crisis.