• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• CENTCOM Month in Review, March 2023: The Fight Against ISIS in Iraq and Syria CENTCOM 04 Apr 2023 -- During the month of March 2023, U.S. Central Command, along with coalition and other partners, conducted a total of 37 D-ISIS operations, resulting in 9 ISIS operatives killed and 18 detained.
• Strike Kills ISIS Leader in Syria CENTCOM 04 Apr 2023 -- U.S. Central Command forces conducted a unilateral strike in Syria today killing Khalid 'Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior leader. Khalid 'Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri was responsible for planning ISIS attacks in Türkiye and Europe and developed the leadership structure for ISIS in Türkiye.
• One of Daesh Leaders Responsible for Planning Attacks in Europe Eliminated in Syria: CENTCOM Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- One of the Daesh* leaders responsible for plotting attacks in Europe has been killed in a unilateral strike by the US in Syria, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing on Ukraine DoD 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Announces New Director of the Defense Innovation Unit DoD 04 Apr 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense announced Mr. Doug Beck will serve as the next Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
• Operation Vigilant Resolve USMC News 04 Apr 2023 -- On March 31, 2004, armed insurgents ambushed and killed four American civilian security contractors who were driving through the city of Fallujah, Iraq. Within hours of the attack, shocking images of the Americans' desecrated bodies - burned, and hung from a bridge - were broadcast around the globe.
• Plans to Return Heavy Tanks Into US Land Combat Forces Could Backfire, US Marine Corps General Warns Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Efforts to reintroduce heavy US armored tank forces into land battles could backfire because of advances in missile, artillery, drones and targeting technology and increase the risk of mission failure and defeat instead, Brigadier General Mark Clingan told a Washington conference.
• 332nd AEW demonstrates ACE capabilities during Operation Agile Spartan IV US Air Force 04 Apr 2023 -- The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing recently concluded Operation Agile Spartan IV, a capstone event that further validated the 332nd AEW's use of Agile Combat Employment in practice.
• NIMCSG, JMSDF, ROKN Conduct Trilateral Maritime Exercise US Navy 04 Apr 2023 -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), April 3-4.
• Agency Director Discusses Multi-Pronged Approach to Resiliency in Space DoD News 04 Apr 2023 -- The Space Development Agency launched ten satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on Sunday. The ten are the first of 28 in Tranche 0 of the agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
• 56th Artillery Command leads exercise Dynamic Front 23 Army News 04 Apr 2023 -- U.S. Army Soldiers with 1-7 Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley Kansas, along with 17 European allies and partner nations, integrated joint fires and tested interoperability during exercise Dynamic Front 23 in the latter half of March.
• CNO and SECNAV Deliver Remarks at Sea Air Space Navy League Luncheon US Navy 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Gilday host media availability at the 2023 Sea Air Space Exposition US Navy 04 Apr 2023
• Finland joins NATO as 31st Ally NATO 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland became NATO's newest member today (4 April 2023), upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the United States at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. NATO Allies signed Finland's Accession Protocol on 5 July 2022, after which all 30 national parliaments voted to ratify the country's membership.
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Finland's Accession to NATO DoD 04 Apr 2023
• Finland's Accession to NATO Strengthens Alliance Security DoD News 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland has formally become a NATO ally.
• Statement from President Joe Biden Welcoming Finland to NATO The White House 04 Apr 2023
• Finland joins NATO on 4 April Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland will join NATO on Tuesday 4 April. We collected the daily events and links to live webcasts from Brussels.
• Foreign Ministry Statement on Finland completing the process to join NATO Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at Finland's NATO Instruments of Accession Ceremony US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Finland's Accession to NATO US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023 -- On this historic day as we mark the 74th anniversary of NATO, we also welcome Finland as NATO's 31st Ally.
• A historic day for Finland and NATO Government of Norway 04 Apr 2023 -- 'We welcome Finland as a member of NATO. This is a historic day for Nordic and European security. Finnish membership will strengthen not only Finland's security, but also Nordic security and NATO as a whole,' said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at the Deposit of Türkiye's Instruments of Ratification of Finland's NATO Accession US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Finland Officially Becomes 31st Member of NATO Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on Tuesday handed over the document on the country's accession to NATO, making it the 31 member of the alliance.
• Finland officially becomes member of US-led NATO as Russia vows countermeasures Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland has officially joined the US-led NATO despite repeated warnings from Russia, which vows countermeasures and plans to bolster its military capacity in its western and northwestern regions, near the border with the Nordic country if the alliance deploys any additional troops or equipment to its new member.
• "Finland's accession will make NATO stronger" Germany - Federal Government 04 Apr 2023 -- The Federal Government welcomes Finland's accession to NATO. As of now Finland is a member of the North Atlantic defence alliance. "This is good news and a win for transatlantic security," said Federal Chancellor Scholz.
• Foreign Secretary welcomes Finland to NATO UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- The Foreign Secretary is in Brussels today for a 2-day meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers coinciding with Finland's historic accession to the Alliance.
• Statement by the Prime Minister on Finland's accession to NATO Prime Minister of Canada 04 Apr 2023 -- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Finland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
• Finland set to join NATO, doubling US-led alliance's land border with Russia Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland is set to formally become a member of the NATO military alliance on Tuesday in a historic shift that will end the country's years of "military non-alignment" and double the US-led alliance's land border with Russia.
• Stoltenberg Says Deploying Forces of Other NATO States After Accession Up to Finland Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland will decide on its own whether it will deploy forces of other NATO states on its territory after joining the alliance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.
• Statement from Minister Anand and Minister Joly marking the 74th anniversary of the founding of NATO Canada 04 Apr 2023
• NATO as an anchor of security - Foreign Minister Baerbock in Brussels Germany Federal Foreign Office 04 Apr 2023 -- Today is "NATO Day" - the Alliance is celebrating its 74th anniversary. In addition, Finland will today become the 31st member of NATO. Read on for more information about the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels.
• The President: Finland's NATO membership reinforces the security of the Baltic region and the entire Eastern flank President of the Republic of Lithuania 04 Apr 2023 -- On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda congratulated President Sauli Niinistö of Finland on officially joining NATO.
• Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs NATO 04 Apr 2023
• Joint statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken NATO 04 Apr 2023
• Joint statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi NATO 04 Apr 2023
• NATO celebrates historic 74th anniversary, with Finland set to join NATO 04 Apr 2023 -- NATO Day is commemorated in capitals across the Alliance every year on 4 April, the anniversary of the signing of NATO's founding document, the Washington Treaty, in 1949.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Swedish Foreign Minister Says Turkiye Should Begin Process of Ratifying Sweden's NATO Bid Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Turkiye should start the ratification process of Sweden's bid to join NATO, as Stockholm has fulfilled the necessary conditions for joining the alliance related to the fight against terrorism, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Tuesday.
• Russia says suspension of New START will thwart US intel collection Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Moscow says leaving the New START nuclear arms control treaty has given Russia new security options, blaming the United States for collapsing bilateral relations.
• Russia Transferred Iskander Missile System to Belarusian Armed Forces: Shoigu Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Russia transferred the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system that is capable of using nuclear missiles to the Belarusian armed forces, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.
• NATO Expansion Forces Russia to Take Countermeasures to Ensure Its Security: Moscow Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Finland's accession to NATO is another aggravation of the situation, and Moscow considers the expansion of the alliance an infringement on its security, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 04 Apr 2023
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023 -- Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 35th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $500 million.
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 04 Apr 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces critical new security assistance for Ukraine. This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance with more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS, air defense interceptors, and artillery rounds that Ukraine is using to defend itself, as well as anti-armor systems, small arms, heavy equipment transport vehicles, and maintenance support essential to strengthening Ukraine's defenders on the battlefield valued at up to $500 million.
• Large Quantity of Defensive Munitions Earmarked for Ukraine DoD News 04 Apr 2023 -- Today, the Defense Department announced critical new security assistance for Ukraine, including ammunition for a wide range of weapons, a senior defense official said today at the Pentagon news conference.
• U.S. Outlines Details Of New Military Aid Package For Ukraine Valued At $2.6 Billion RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- The United States has unveiled details of $2.6 billion in new military aid for Ukraine to assist the country in its war against Russian forces.
• US Announces $2.6Bln in Military Aid for Ukraine, Including HIMARS Ammunition Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- The Biden administration has announced a new package of military assistance for Ukraine in the amount of $2.6 billion, which includes additional ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Patriot air defense system, the US Department of Defense said in a press release on Tuesday.
• US announces billions worth of military assistance to Ukraine Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- The United States has formally announced $2.6 billion worth of military assistance for Ukraine, prompting Russia to warn that Washington only seeks to prolong the conflict.
• Ukraine Is Top Recipient of US Mine Clearing Aid VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- U.S. aid helped Ukraine clear and destroy more than 530 explosive remnants from its land last year, but Ukraine still has massive swaths of territory contaminated with land mines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices as a result of Russia's invasion of the country, according to a State Department report.
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs NATO 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary General welcomes Foreign Minister of Ukraine to NATO NATO 04 Apr 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (4 April 2023), at the start of the two-day meeting of Allied Foreign Ministers.
• NATO mulls multi-year support program for Ukraine: Stoltenberg People's Daily 04 Apr 2023 -- Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg said Monday that the alliance will discuss a multi-year support program for Ukraine, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.
• Stoltenberg Says NATO 'Ramping Up' Arms Production For 'War Of Attrition' In Ukraine RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- BRUSSELS -- NATO member states are "ramping up" production of military supplies to ensure the Western alliance can continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told RFE/RL in an interview.
• One Chinese Shipyard Now Out Produces Entire US Shipbuilding Industry, US General Says Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- China has so much more industrial shipbuilding capacity than the United States that a single one of its large shipyards already produces more ships in a year than every active shipyard in the United States combined, US Marine Corps Combatant Development Command Chief Brig. Gen. Mark Clingan said.
• New construction spotted on Myanmar island Radio Free Asia 04 Apr 2023 -- New satellite images show renewed construction on a Myanmar archipelago close to India's strategic islands, raising concerns about China's geopolitical intentions in the region, a British think tank said.
• HMS Birmingham steel cut milestone supports thousands of UK jobs UK MOD 04 Apr 2023 -- Steel has been cut on the first of the second batch of Type 26 warships, following a £4.2 billion contract awarded to BAE Systems in November 2022.
• £161 million contract for F-35 jet maintenance supports 140 UK jobs UK MOD 04 Apr 2023 -- The UK's fleet of F-35 Lightning stealth jets will be maintained and supported in a new £161 million contract, keeping them ready for global combat operations
• National Cyber Force reveals how daily cyber operations protect the UK UK MOD 04 Apr 2023 -- The NCF outlines how it conducts responsible cyber operations to counter state threats, support military operations, and disrupt terrorists and serious crime
• Defence partnership to manufacture high energy laser system Australia DOD 04 Apr 2023 -- Defence has awarded a $12.9 million contract to QinetiQ Australia to co-develop and manufacture a high energy defensive laser system prototype capable of deployment in a wide range of operational environments.
• Mission success for air-maritime partners Australia DOD 04 Apr 2023 -- A major exercise that tested the ability of Air Force and Navy to work together has concluded off the east coast of Australia.
• France to Develop New Nuclear Aircraft Carrier by 2036, Defense Minister Says Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- The new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, designed to replace the French navy's only operational flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, will undergo its first tests at sea in 2036-2037, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday.
• INDIA -SRILANKA ANNUAL BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE (SLINEX-23) India PIB 04 Apr 2023 -- The 10th edition of IN-SLN bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23 is scheduled at Colombo from 03 - 08 April 2023. The exercise is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from 03-05 April 2023, followed by a Sea Phase from 06-08 April 2023.
• Armed Forces to receive new helicopters by May Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 04 Apr 2023 -- First Deputy Minister of Defence František Šulc and Czech Air Force Commander Brigadier General Petr Čepelka participated at the ceremony marking the handover of the first H1 helicopter to the Czech Armed Forces in the Bell Textron factory in Amarillo, Texas.
• 'Endangering regional peace': China voices concerns over Philippine-US base deal Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- China has warned that Washington is "endangering regional peace and stability" with its deal with the Philippines allowing US troops to use several military bases in the Southeast Asia country.
• US: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Apr 2023
• US: Opening remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the EU-US Energy Council Ministerial Meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Apr 2023
• Joint Statement by the EU and the US following the 10th EU-US Energy Council European Commission 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks Before U.S.-EU Energy Council Meeting US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Transatlantic Quad Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 04 Apr 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 04 Apr 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 4, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 4 April 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Apr 2023
• Taliban Ban Afghan Women from Working for UN VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- Taliban officials in Afghanistan have informed the United Nations they are banning women from working for the organization in Afghanistan, the U.N. said Tuesday about the group's latest edict restricting the rights and movements of women in that country.
• US Continues Relocating Afghans Even Under Taliban Rule VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- Inside a large building that was once used as a commercial guesthouse for foreign visitors in Kabul are numerous rooms occupied by families and individuals who are not allowed to go outside or disclose their exact location to anyone.
• Iran, Taliban Discuss Release Of Iranian Nationals From Afghan Prisons RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- The Taliban government is compiling a list of Iranian nationals imprisoned in Afghanistan for possible release following Tehran's recent handover of hundreds of Afghan prisoners.
• Up to 1 Million Iraqis Are Victims of Enforced Disappearance VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- A U.N. watchdog committee is urging the Iraqi government to take action to stop the practice of enforced disappearances, which has resulted in the abduction and disappearance of up to a million people in the past five decades.
• Iraq's Christians Call for Secure Future VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- As Christians in Iraq prepare to mark Easter Sunday this weekend, the country's Chaldean Catholic archbishop says religious minorities there deserve for their futures to be secure and their rights to be respected.
• Iran vows to take decisive action to protect its forces, interests in Syria ISNA 04 Apr 2023 -- Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani warned that Iran will take decisive measures to protect its forces and interests from any threat or unlawful act perpetrated by the United States or others.
• Amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, Iran's deputy minister says Tehran to help Syria boost air defenses Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- A senior Iranian defense official has reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to the security of friendly countries, saying the Islamic Republic considers itself "obliged" to help reinforce Syria's air defense capabilities in repelling Israeli attacks on the Arab country.
• US sends warship to Syria amid Tehran-Washington tension over attacks on Iranian advisors Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- The United States has relocated a warship in the Mediterranean to the coast near Syria as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington over deadly attacks on Iranian military advisors in Syria.
• Iran holds mass funeral for IRGC military advisors martyred in Israeli strike on Syria Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Tens of thousands of mourners have poured out onto the streets of Tehran to pay their respects to two military advisers of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), who lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike near the Syrian capital Damascus last week.
• Indian gov't forces kill 5 Naxals in Jharkhand People's Daily 04 Apr 2023 -- Five Naxals were killed Monday in a gunfight with government forces in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, police said.
• Over 3,700 Acres of Land in Libya Contaminated With Explosive Ordnance Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- More than 15 million square meters (3,700 acres) of land in Libya are contaminated with unexploded ordnance and mines, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said on Tuesday.
• Myanmar navy arrests 130 Rohingya attempting to flee to Malaysia Radio Free Asia 04 Apr 2023 -- Nearly 130 Rohingya Muslims leaving Myanmar for Malaysia by boat were arrested by the junta's navy in waters off Mon state on Sunday after brokers revealed information about them to local villagers.
• Junta raids kill 2, force 5,000 to flee Sagaing region villages Radio Free Asia 04 Apr 2023 -- Two people have been killed and around 5,000 have abandoned their homes as junta troops raided two villages in Tigyaing township, in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region, residents told RFA.
• Thaci Voices 'Regrets And Pain' For Kosovo War Victims At Hague Trial RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- The former president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, has expressed "regret and pain" for all those who lost their lives during the war in Kosovo in the late 1990s, as his defense team told the war crimes and crimes against humanity trial in The Hague that he did not have command power despite being a guerrilla leader.
• UN: Children in Central African Republic Are Victims of Appalling Abuse, Brutality VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- A review by U.N. independent experts of the human rights situation in the Central African Republic reveals rampant ethnic violence and systemic gross violations throughout the country with children suffering appalling abuse and brutality at the hands of armed groups, defense and security forces, and private military and security companies.
• Cameroon Says Separatist Conflict Slows Reconstruction in Western Regions VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- Cameroon says fighting between troops and rebels is slowing reconstruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings in its troubled western regions. Authorities say in the three years since the launch of a reconstruction plan for thousands of homes and hundreds of public buildings damaged in the seven-year separatist conflict, less than 100 have been re-built.

News Reports

• High-Ranking Member of the Sinaloa Cartel Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face International Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges US Dept. of Justice 04 Apr 2023 -- A Mexican national made his initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia yesterday to face international drug trafficking and firearms charges.
• Russia's FSB Arrests Couple in Sverdlovsk Region for Espionage in Favor of Ukraine Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Sverdlovsk Region has arrested a married couple involved in espionage in favor of Ukraine targeting a regional military enterprise, the FSB told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• State Council Presidium meeting President of Russia 04 Apr 2023 -- The President held a videoconference meeting of the State Council Presidium on the development of the Russian industry in conditions of sanctions pressure.
• Russian FM to meet Blinken if there is willingness from Washington: Russian UN envoy People's Daily 04 Apr 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is ready to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later this month when he travels to New York, if there is willingness from Washington, said Russian envoy here on Monday.
• New Sanctions against Russia Implemented in Norwegian Law Government of Norway 04 Apr 2023 -- Norway has introduced a new set of sanctions against President Putin and the Russian regime. These sanctions mirror the EU's tenth package of sanctions, which was adopted by the EU on 25 February 2023.
• As Questions Swirl Over A Pro-War Russian Blogger's Killing, Analysts Say It's Clear What Comes Next: More Repression RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- Two days after a bomb hidden in a statuette exploded inside a crowded St. Petersburg cafe, killing a prominent blogger who avidly supported Russia's war on Ukraine, questions are swirling about who masterminded what seemed like a professional hit.
• Russia Charges Woman With Terrorism Over Cafe Bombing That Killed War Blogger RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- Russia's Investigative Committee has formally charged Darya Trepova for terrorism offenses for her alleged role in the assassination of a prominent Russian war blogger at a St. Petersburg cafe.
• Russian Court Arrests Trepova Charged With Committing Terrorist Attack Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Moscow's Basmanny District Court ruled on Tuesday that Daria Trepova, who has been charged with committing the terrorist attack in a cafe in St. Petersburg that killed Russian military reporter Vladlen Tatarsky, should be arrested for two months, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
• Russians Getting Kyrgyz Passports As Way Out Amid Ongoing Ukraine War RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- Russians are showing a growing interest in obtaining Kyrgyz passports as a way out of their country -- which has been isolated in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine early last year.
• Putin Security Service Officer Who Defected Describes President As 'War Criminal' RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- An officer with the Kremlin's bodyguard agency who defected last year over his opposition to the Ukraine invasion provided intimate details about Russian President Vladimir Putin to a London-based investigative group, describing him as "paranoid" and calling him a "war criminal."
• Lawyers Meet With U.S. Reporter Held In Moscow As Russian Independent Journalists Call For His Release RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- Lawyers representing American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was detained last week in Russia on espionage charges widely seen as politically motivated, met with their client for the first time on April 4 in a Moscow prison, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Argumenty i Fakty newspaper, Moscow, April 4, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Apr 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a Kamchatka Territory presentation, Moscow, April 4, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Apr 2023
• Press release on the presentation of the Kamchatka Territory at the Foreign Ministry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Apr 2023
• Russian FM: West trying to drive wedge between Moscow, Beijing through 'unequal relations' allegation Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the West is trying to drive a wedge between his country and China by portraying their friendly relations in a bad light.
• First two volumes of Xi Jinping's selected works published People's Daily 04 Apr 2023 -- The first two volumes of a new book series of selected works of Xi Jinping have been published by the People's Publishing House, according to an official statement issued Monday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on April 4, 2023 PRC MofA 04 Apr 2023
• China always a peace promotor in Ukraine crisis; recent Saudi Arabia-Iran dialogue a vivid practice of Global Security Initiative: Assistant Foreign Minister Global Times 04 Apr 2023 -- The China-proposed Global Security Initiative (GSI) emphasized a comprehensive and sustainable security concept, providing a new path of promoting dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance and win-win rather than zero sum mentality. China always promotes peace and dialogue when it comes to the Ukraine crisis, Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying said on Tuesday.
• Macron's visit an important engine to restart China-France relations, to create new pattern for bilateral ties: Chinese Ambassador to France Global Times 04 Apr 2023 -- In the face of profound international changes, the stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and an uneven global economic recovery after the pandemic, the upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China from Wednesday to Friday has drawn worldwide attention.
• Europe Faces Narrow Path In Balancing Relations With China As Macron Goes To Beijing RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron will go to Beijing for a three-day trip as the European Union grapples with its desire to pursue economic interests with China while dissuading Chinese leader Xi Jinping from deepening ties with Russia.
• Trade, Ukraine Top Agenda as France's Macron, EU's von der Leyen Visit China VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive in China Wednesday for a three-day state visit aimed at discussing trade, human rights, and especially Ukraine with President Xi Jinping, amid ever closer ties between Beijing and Moscow.
• Xi urges solid implementation of Party education campaign to enhance cohesion, pool strengths People's Daily 04 Apr 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has urged solid efforts to carry out the education campaign on the study and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to enhance cohesion and pool strengths for forging ahead on the new journey.
• Chinese military planes enter ADIZ, as Tsai set to meet McCarthy CNA 04 Apr 2023 -- A total of 20 Chinese military aircraft and three warships were detected in areas around Taiwan from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan April 4, 2023 ROC MND 04 Apr 2023
• McCarthy ignores previous lessons and intl community's widespread support for one-China principle in reported meeting with Tsai: spokesperson Global Times 04 Apr 2023 -- China resolutely opposes Taiwan regional leader engaging in secessionist activities in the name of "transit" which damages China-US ties, spokesperson of China's Consulate General in Los Angeles said in a statement on Tuesday.
• China warns US House speaker against hosting Taiwan president Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- China has warned Republican US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy against a planned meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, urging him to avoid repeating "disastrous past mistakes."
• 'Don't Repeat Mistakes': China Condemns Taiwan Leader's Meeting With US House Speaker Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Despite the fact that Beijing has been opposing any form of official tie between the US and Taiwan that violates the "one China" principle, a meeting between Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
• China slams plan for Taiwan president to meet US House Speaker Radio Free Asia 04 Apr 2023 -- China on Tuesday reacted angrily to an announcement that U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California, saying the meeting will "further damage" China-U.S. relations.
• Tsai reaffirms Taiwan's commitment to relations with Belize CNA 04 Apr 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-Wen (蔡英文) reaffirmed Taiwan's steadfast commitment to ties with Belize, hailing the benefits brought to people in both countries by the relationship during an address to the Caribbean country's National Assembly Monday.
• Tsai to meet with U.S. House Speaker McCarthy in California CNA 04 Apr 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) will meet with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California on Wednesday, Taiwan's Presidential Office confirmed on Monday.
• Efforts Made to Attain Grain Production Goal KCNA 04 Apr 2023 -- In hearty response to the resolutions of the Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, a vigorous struggle is going on in different parts of the DPRK to attain the goal of grain production this year.
• UN HRC52:General Comment: L.19 Situation of human rights in DPRK UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- UN HRC52: General Comment - L.19 The situation of human rights in the DPRK, as delivered by UK Ambassador to the WTO & the UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.
• FM Spox rejects anti-Iran resolution of Human Rights Council as politically-motivated IRNA 04 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Tuesday reacted to an anti-Iran resolution by the UN Human Rights Council, rejecting it as politically-motivated with a selective, biased, and confrontational approach towards Iran.
• Tehran rejects extension of HRC rapporteur's mission in Iran IRNA 04 Apr 2023 -- Iran says that a decision by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to extend the mission of Javaid Rehman, the council's rapporteur on Iran, with the minimum support of member countries is not a base for Iran's cooperation and is fully rejected.
• Iran blasts West's instrumental use of human rights to advance political goals Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva has censured Western governments for using human rights as a political tool against the Islamic Republic following the UN Human Rights Council's approval of an anti-Tehran draft resolution.
• Iran's ambassador to return to UAE after 8 years ISNA 04 Apr 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran will send an ambassador to the United Arab Emirates after 8 years.
• Iran working on key gas pipeline along Sea of Oman coast Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Iran is pressing ahead with the construction of a key pipeline that will transfer natural gas to coastal areas in its southeast with an eye to launching gas exports to Oman, according to a senior official in the state run gas company the NIGC.
• Baku Summons Iranian Ambassador Over Protest Note Related To Alleged Anti-Iranian Media Reports RFE/RL 04 Apr 2023 -- Baku has summoned Iran's ambassador in objection to a note of protest alleging that media in Azerbaijan were disseminating anti-Iranian reports.
• For Myanmar's ethnic groups, ID cards can help - or put them in junta's crosshairs Radio Free Asia 04 Apr 2023 -- For the Burman majority in Myanmar, obtaining a national identification card - usually needed for accessing medical services and public schools, opening a bank account or getting a passport - is a relatively easy process.
• UN HRC52: UK General Comment on the situation in Myanmar UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- UK General Comment on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, as delivered by Simon Manley, UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva.
• Belarus Security Service Detains Polish, Ukrainian, Baltic States Nationals for Terrorism Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- A number of citizens of Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic countries were detained in Belarus for undercover activities and terrorism, Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB) Chairman Ivan Tertel said on Tuesday.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the visit of King of Bhutan to India (April 04, 2023) India MEA 04 Apr 2023
• India's Rahul Gandhi appeals against jail sentence over Modi-related defamation case People's Daily 04 Apr 2023 -- Former leader of India's main opposition Congress party Rahul Gandhi on Monday filed an appeal against his conviction and jail sentence in a criminal defamation case related to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Pakistan Court Orders Snap Elections in 2 Provinces, Giving Ex-PM Khan Political Boost VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Tuesday that snap elections in two provinces must be held on May 14, declaring that a delay of the votes by a government-backed election commission was unlawful.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's welcome address before the beginning of four-party consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Syria and Türkiye, Moscow, April 4, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Apr 2023
• 4-party meeting of Iran, Russia, Syria, Türkiye kicks off in Moscow ISNA 04 Apr 2023 -- A four-party meeting between Russia, Iran, Syria and Türkiye kicked off at the level of deputy foreign ministers in Moscow on Tuesday.
• Iran says ready to play key role in Syria-Turkey reconciliation, urges political dialogue Press TV 04 Apr 2023 -- Tehran is ready to play a "constructive role" in promoting reconciliation talks between Turkey and Syria, says a senior aide on political affairs to Iran's foreign minister.
• UN HRC52: Statement on human rights in Syrian Arab Republic UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- Draft resolution L.16 on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, as delivered by Simon Manley, UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva.
• Montenegro's Ex-Economy Minister Milatovic Wins Presidency Sputnik 04 Apr 2023 -- Former Montenegrin Economy Minister Jakov Milatovic has won the presidential election in Montenegro, following the second round of voting, according to the data from the State Election Commission (SEC).
• Montenegro: Joint Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi on the Presidential elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Apr 2023 -- The EU congratulates Jakov Milatovic on his election as new President and looks forward to working with all political stakeholders to help Montenegro stay firmly on the EU strategic path. Building consensus on priority actions that are key to the country's EU accession progress, focusing on the urgent rule of law reforms outlined by the European Commission in the latest Enlargement report are crucial to this end. We stand ready to continue to support Montenegro in moving towards EU membership. Political stability is key for advancing on the path towards the EU, a process that delivers benefits for both Montenegro and to Europe as a whole.
• Probe proposes bribery charges for 54 tied to Vietnam repatriation scheme Radio Free Asia 04 Apr 2023 -- Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has recommended prosecuting 54 mostly senior officials, including the former vice minister of foreign affairs, over a pay-to-play scheme connected to the repatriation of Vietnamese nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The United States Designates Lebanese Individuals and Entities Profiting from Public Corruption US Dept. of State 04 Apr 2023 -- Today, the United States is designating Raymond Zina Rahme and Teddy Zina Rahme, also known as the 'Rahme brothers,' along with two Lebanon-based entities and one UAE-based entity they control.
• Treasury Targets Two Politically Connected Brothers in Lebanon for Profiting from Public Corruption US Treasury 04 Apr 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Lebanese brothers — Raymond Zina Rahme and Teddy Zina Rahme — who used their wealth, power, and influence to engage in corrupt practices that contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law in Lebanon, thereby undermining Lebanon's democratic processes to the detriment of the Lebanese people. At a time when the Lebanese people face significant economic distress, a dire energy crisis, and unprecedented political dysfunction, the Rahme brothers have used their business empire and political connections to enrich themselves at the expense of their fellow citizens.
• How Will Bulgarian Election Impact Country's Support for Ukraine? VOA 04 Apr 2023 -- After a relatively low turnout of 40% in Bulgaria's parliamentary elections that were held on Sunday, results show there was no outright winner, and the parties are headed to coalition talks.
• HRC52: UK Core Group statement on Item 2 Resolution: South Sudan UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- UN HRC52: UK Core Group statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by UK's Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.
• UN and partners publish overview of humanitarian needs in Burkina Faso and launch Response Plan aimed at the priority needs of the most vulnerable UNOCHA 04 Apr 2023 -- Two documents published on 31 March outline in detail the support planned by humanitarian partners to the national response in Burkina Faso.