Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air advisors engage Peruvian Air Force, rekindle training mission US Air Force 08 May 2022 -- Air advisors with the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron engaged with Peruvian Air Force members to train their fixed-wing unit called Air Group Eight, or Grupo 8, in tactical air mobility operations Feb. 22 through March 10 at Callao Air Base, Lima, Peru.
• Mysterious US 'suicide drones' shipped to Ukraine made by secretive USAF unit Press TV 08 May 2022 -- The mysterious new Phoenix Ghost UAV - also dubbed a "suicide drone" -- the US supplies to Ukraine was a project overseen by a secretive Air Force office known as Big Safari, the Pentagon has revealed.
• Finnish and Swedish NATO Membership Could Turn Region Into 'Theater of War', Russian Envoy Warns Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- Finland's and Sweden's possible accession into NATO would be detrimental to their security and that of Europe, Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov told Sputnik.
• Ex-NATO Head Rasmussen Sees 'Window of Opportunity' For Finland and Sweden to Join the Bloc Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says that the time for Sweden and Finland to join the military alliance is now, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is "preoccupied" with Ukraine.
• Greetings to leaders and citizens of foreign states on 77th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War President of Russia 08 May 2022 -- On the occasion of the 77th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Vladimir Putin sent messages of greetings to the leaders and people of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the Donetsk People's Republic, the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as the peoples of Georgia and Ukraine.
• Greetings to Ukrainian Great Patriotic War veterans President of Russia 08 May 2022 -- Vladimir Putin has sent his Victory Day greetings to Ukrainian veterans of the Great Patriotic War.
• G7 Leaders' Statement The White House 08 May 2022 -- "Today, on 8 May, we, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), alongside Ukraine and the wider global community, commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe and the liberation from fascism and the National Socialist reign of terror, which caused immeasurable destruction, unspeakable horrors and human suffering. We mourn the millions of victims and offer our respect, especially to all those who paid the ultimate price to defeat the National Socialist regime, including the western Allies and the Soviet Union."
• Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official on the U.S. and G7 Actions to Impose Additional Severe Costs for Putin's War Against Ukraine The White House 08 May 2022
• FACT SHEET: United States and G7 Partners Impose Severe Costs for Putin's War Against Ukraine The White House 08 May 2022
• US, Allies Bolster Ukraine Support VOA 08 May 2022 -- The United States and other leading economies in the Group of Seven nations Sunday agreed to ban or phase out the purchase of Russian oil, directly targeting a major source of income for Moscow to pay for its 10-week invasion of Ukraine.
• Canadian Prime Minister Announces New Military Aid, Sanctions After Meeting In Kyiv With Zelenskiy RFE/RL 08 May 2022 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new weapons and equipment for Ukraine after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Ukraine on May 8.
• UK pledges further £1.3bn military package to Ukraine Press TV 08 May 2022 -- Britain has announced an extra £1.3 billion in military support to Ukraine, ahead of a virtual meeting of Group of Seven (G7) leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• Senior U.S. Official Vows More Aid To Ukraine To 'Win This War,' More 'Crippling Sanctions' For Russia RFE/RL 08 May 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin made multiple miscalculations in launching his invasion of Ukraine, a senior U.S. official has told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, repeating U.S. assurances that Washington will continue to provide Kyiv with assistance, including military equipment, to "win this war" and rebuild the country after the conflict ends.
• Iranian General Calls for Tehran Adopting 'Sea-Oriented Strategy' to Tackle US Sanctions Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- Iranian General Calls for Tehran Adopting 'Sea-Oriented Strategy' to Tackle US Sanctions Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- Donald Trump reinstated strict economic sanctions against Tehran in May 2018, following Washington's exit from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
• Iraq Inks Contracts With US, France to Receive Advanced Weapons Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- The Iraqi Defense Ministry has signed contracts with the United States and France to receive advanced weaponry and improve the quality of Iraq's artillery systems, Maj. Gen. Abd Ardawi, the commander of the Iraqi artillery forces, said on Sunday.
• PLA encircles Taiwan island with carrier drills amid US, Japanese provocations Global Times 08 May 2022 -- Starting a routine, realistic combat training mission in the West Pacific about a week ago, the Liaoning aircraft carrier group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has reportedly been practicing intensively over the past few days in the Philippine Sea to the east of the island of Taiwan and south of Japan, a location that experts said is a vital place to stop potential external interference in event of a reunification-by-force operation in the Taiwan Straits.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• Statement by President von der Leyen ahead of Europe Day European Commission 08 May 2022
• Televised address by Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and Member of the German Bundestag, on the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe Berlin, 8 May 2022 Germany - Federal Government 08 May 2022 -- "The Second World War came to an end in Europe 77 years ago today. (...) Millions of people fell on the battlefields. Millions were murdered in their towns and villages, in concentration camps and extermination camps. Germans were the ones who perpetrated this crime against humanity. It is therefore all the more painful to see how today, at the heart of Europe, 77 years after the end of the Second World War, brutal violence is once again breaking the law. How Russia's army is slaughtering men, women and children in Ukraine, laying waste to towns and cities, even attacking those attempting to flee. "
• Taliban Investigating Report That Islamic State Fired 'Rockets' Into Tajikistan RFE/RL Gandhara 08 May 2022 -- Afghanistan's Taliban-led government says it is investigating reports that rockets have been fired into Tajikistan from Afghan territory.
• Saudi-led coalition breaches UN-brokered Yemen ceasefire more than 200 times in last 24 hours: Official Press TV 08 May 2022 -- A Yemeni military official says the Saudi-led coalition forces and their allied militants have violated the ongoing UN-brokered ceasefire, which went into effect at the beginning of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, at least 211 times during the past 24 hours.
• Number of Syrian children in need hits record high UNICEF 08 May 2022 -- "Millions of children continue to live in fear, need and uncertainty inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.
• 11 years of conflict: with hunger at historic levels, millions of Syrians hang by a thread WFP 08 May 2022 -- The war in Ukraine has dealt a fresh hammer blow to Syria's ability to feed itself just as the country struggles to deal with levels of hunger that are up by half since 2019, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said today on the eve of the annual donor pledging conference held in Brussels.
• Egypt: Statement by the Spokesperson on the attack in Sinai European External Action Service (EEAS) 08 May 2022 -- The European Union condemns Saturday's terrorist attack in the Sinai's East Canal area which killed members of the Egyptian military.
• Daesh Terrorists Claim Responsibility For Deadly Sinai Attack - Reports Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- Daesh* has claimed responsibility for the attack in the Sinai Peninsula that resulted in the death of 11 Egyptian military personnel, media report.
• Armed assailants attack, kill 11 Egypt troops in Sinai Peninsula: Army Press TV 08 May 2022 -- Unknown armed assailants have killed at least 10 Egyptian soldiers and one officer during an attack on a checkpoint in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
• UN rights body urges transparent probe into recent inter-religious clashes in Ethiopia People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Saturday called on Ethiopian authorities to promptly initiate and conduct transparent investigations into recent inter-religious clashes in Ethiopia.
• UN calls for urgent seed, fertilizer aid for conflict-affected northern Ethiopia People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) on Saturday called for the provision of seeds and fertilizers to farmers in conflict-affected northern Ethiopia ahead of main rainy season.
• Incumbent Bibilov Accepts Defeat in 2nd Round of South Ossetian Presidential Election Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- The incumbent president of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, acknowledged his defeat in the second round of the presidential election and congratulated the winner, the leader of the opposition Nykhas party Alan Gagloev.
• Moldova: 'A small country with a big heart' UN News 08 May 2022 -- Chisinau in spring - there are chestnut trees in bloom, music pouring from sidewalk cafés, children and young people everywhere. However, it just seems peaceful in the capital of Moldova, if you listen you can hear everyone speaking about the war, discussing the latest news from Ukraine and exchanging alarming prognoses.

News Reports

• Biden warns US spies of leaking Ukraine operations Press TV 08 May 2022 -- US President Joe Biden has reportedly warned his senior intelligence officials that leaks about intelligence sharing with Ukraine's military should be halted since they "distract" Washington from its objectives in the conflict.
• G7 leaders impose new sanctions on Russia; pledge to phase out oil imports Press TV 08 May 2022 -- The Group of Seven industrialized countries announce a new round of sanctions against Russia over its ongoing military operation in Ukraine, vowing that the "unprecedented" bans would hit Russia's economic arteries hard.
• Targeting Russia's Financial, Defense, and Marine Sectors and Promoting Accountability for Russian and Belarusian Military Officials US Dept. of State 08 May 2022 -- "As the people of Ukraine continue to fight bravely against Russia's brutality, we will continue imposing severe costs to hold President Putin accountable for his utter disregard for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We also will hold to account those involved in his war of choice, including those suspected of taking part in atrocities and human rights abuses against civilians."
• State Department Actions to Promote Accountability and Impose Costs on the Russian Government for Putin's Aggression against Ukraine US Dept. of State 08 May 2022 -- The Department of State is taking additional actions to hold accountable those engaged in human rights abuses, to impose severe costs on the Government of the Russian Federation (GoR), and to degrade the Kremlin's ability to support Putin's unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine and fund its war of aggression.
• U.S. Treasury Takes Sweeping Action Against Russia's War Efforts US Treasury 08 May 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated individuals and entities critical to Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine. These include the board members of two of Russia's most important banks, a Russian state-owned bank and 10 of its subsidiaries, a state-supported weapons manufacturer, and three of Russia's state-controlled television stations that generate revenue for the state.
• U.S. Sanctions Russian TV Stations, Prohibits Accounting Services After G7 Leaders Meet RFE/RL 08 May 2022 -- The United States has unveiled sanctions against three Russian television stations and executives from Gazprombank along with a ban on Americans providing accounting and consulting services to Russians after the leaders of the Group of 7 (G7) met virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine.
• PACE President Tiny Kox Says Putin Is 'Dangerous' Because He Has 'Burnt So Many Bridges' RFE/RL 08 May 2022 -- The president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has said that the Kremlin should initiate a cease-fire in Ukraine because Russia has "blatantly violated international law," even though Russian President Vladimir Putin has now "burnt so many bridges" he is now "very dangerous."
• Interview: Why The 'Failure' Of Russian Spies, Generals Is Leading To 'Apocalyptic' Thinking In The Kremlin RFE/RL 08 May 2022 -- As frustration over its stalled war in Ukraine and curtailed goals on the ground has grown, it appears the Kremlin may have begun to look for enemies within.
• Former Police Officer Elected As New Hong Kong Chief Executive Sputnik 08 May 2022 -- Former police officer and secretary for security John Lee Ka-chiu has been elected as the new Hong Kong chief executive in uncontested election, the Hong Kong government announced on Sunday.
• Profile: John Lee, HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- John Lee was elected as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Sunday.
• Meet John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's new chief executive known for strong love of nation and SAR Global Times 08 May 2022 -- John Lee Ka-chiu was elected as the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday. Not long ago during his campaign, he vowed to open a new chapter for Hong Kong together with Hong Kong residents.
• John Lee elected as sixth-term Chief Executive of HKSAR with 99.16% supportive votes Global Times 08 May 2022 -- By securing 99.16 percent supportive votes from the Election Committee members who cast their votes on Sunday, the sole candidate John Lee Ka-chiu was elected as the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• John Lee elected as HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- The returning officer for the election of the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said on Sunday that John Lee has been elected as the chief executive designate.
• HKSAR chief executive congratulates John Lee on winning election People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Sunday extended congratulations to John Lee on his election as the HKSAR's six-term chief executive designate.
• With highest level of support, John Lee set to open new chapter for Hong Kong Global Times 08 May 2022 -- After about three hours of voting and vote counting, the former Chief Secretary for Hong Kong and former Security Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu, who is also the sole candidate in the Chief Executive Election, gained 99.16 percent supporting votes, becoming the new leader and he is expected to usher Hong Kong into a new chapter of development, after it had been heavily impacted by social turmoil and the COVID-19 epidemic.
• China central gov't office says Hong Kong takes fresh look with new electoral system People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council on Sunday said Hong Kong has taken a fresh look with a new electoral system and is poised for a brighter future at a new starting point.
• Hong Kong makes new strides in democracy People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has made new strides in developing democracy suited to its own realities, as the election of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive was smoothly held on Sunday.
• Central gov't liaison office lauds HKSAR chief executive election People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Sunday issued a statement on the successful election of the sixth-term chief executive of the HKSAR, congratulating John Lee on his election as the chief executive designate by an overwhelming vote.
• Backgrounder: HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive election People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- The election of the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was held on Sunday, the third major election since the improvement to the HKSAR's electoral system.
• Chinese premier stresses effort to stabilize employment, attain annual target People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has urged efforts to help as many market entities as possible to stabilize their posts and expand job opportunities.
• Campaign for Prevention of Drought Damage Brisk in North Hamgyong Province KCNA 08 May 2022 -- North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK is putting all manpower and means into protecting the crops from drought damage.
• Whole Country Mobilized in Campaign for Prevention of Drought Damage KCNA 08 May 2022 -- All manpower and means are concentrated on a campaign for protecting crops from drought damage in the DPRK.
• FM Amirabdollahian: Ukraine crisis has political solution IRNA 08 May 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that the Ukraine crisis has a political solution, adding that Iran is against the war in Ukraine as opposed to the war in Yemen.
• President Raeisi: Iran firmly opposes war, NATO's expansionist policies Press TV 08 May 2022 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi has expressed the country's categorical opposition to the expansionist policies of the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe.
• Iraq says it has reached new agreements with Iran on gas supply Press TV 08 May 2022 -- Iraq has reached new agreements with Iran on the supply of natural gas from the country, according to the spokesman of the country's Ministry of Electricity.
• Report: Saudi Arabia to invest millions in Israel through Kushner's fund Press TV 08 May 2022 -- A report by The Wall Street Journal says Saudi Arabia is planning to allocate millions of dollars for investments in Israeli tech companies via Jared Kushner, former White House adviser and son-in-law of ex-US President Donald Trump.
• Russia-Ukraine conflict hits Vietnam's economy People's Daily 08 May 2022 -- The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted supplies of fuels and materials to Vietnam, pushing up the country's inflation, as well as adversely affecting the country's economic growth, local experts have said.
• Lula launches campaign to unseat Bolsonaro, vows to 'rebuild' Brazil Press TV 08 May 2022 -- Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced his intention to unseat the far-right populist president Jair Bolsonaro.