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Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the United States Naval Academy Commencement (As Delivered) DoD 26 May 2023
• DoD Awards $18 Million for Academic Research on the Socio-Political Drivers of Future Conflict DoD 26 May 2023 -- The Department of Defense today announced $18 million in grants to 11 university-based faculty teams under its Minerva Research Initiative, which supports basic research in social and behavioral sciences on topics of particular relevance to U.S. national security.
• USS Normandy Arrives in Gothenburg, Sweden US Navy 26 May 2023 -- The USS Normandy (CG 60), a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden for its first regularly scheduled port visit of its U.S. Sixth Fleet deployment May 25, 2023.
• Refueling Complex Overhaul Completed on USS George Washington (CVN 73) US Navy 26 May 2023 -- USS George Washington (CVN 73), the nation's sixth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, ushered in the second half of its service life on May 25, when it completed its refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), in Norfolk, Virginia.
• DOD Transmits 2023 Cyber Strategy DoD 26 May 2023 -- The Department of Defense transmitted the classified 2023 DoD Cyber Strategy to Congress earlier this week.
• Pentagon Promising to Unleash Cyber Campaigns if Needed VOA 26 May 2023 -- U.S. military leaders are starting to unveil the updated Defense Department cyber strategy, calling for troops to "campaign in and through cyberspace" in order to defend the country.
• AUKUS partners demonstrate advanced capabilities AI trial Australia DOD 26 May 2023 -- AUKUS partners successfully demonstrated a trial of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy under the Advanced Capabilities pillar (Pillar II).
• AUKUS Partners Demonstrate Advanced Capabilities Trial DoD 26 May 2023 -- Trilateral AUKUS partners successfully demonstrated a trial of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy under the Advanced Capabilities pillar (Pillar II), April 28 in the UK.
• Russia warns US, UK 'tempting fate' by sending warships to Black Sea Press TV 26 May 2023 -- Russia has warned the United States and Britain are "tempting fate" by sending warships into the Black Sea amid the war with Ukraine.
• NATO and Ukraine boost partnership through greater cooperation on science, technology and innovation NATO 26 May 2023 -- On 25-26 May 2023, officials and experts from NATO and Ukraine met in Brussels to chart the way forward on their long-standing cooperation on science and technology.
• NATO to Upgrade Ukraine's Partner Status Without Offering Membership - Reports Sputnik 26 May 2023 -- NATO plans to support Ukraine by creating a Ukraine-NATO Council during the July summit in Vilnius instead of giving it a concrete plan for becoming a full-fledged member, for which Kiev has repeatedly requested, the European news outlet reported on Friday, citing sources.
• France Can Offer Ukraine Basic Pilot Training Instead of F-16 Jets - Foreign Minister Sputnik 26 May 2023 -- France has no F-16 fighters in its air fleet, but it can offer the Ukrainian army basic flight training in place of the jets, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Friday.
• Republika Srpska Not Planning to Supply Arms to Ukraine - President Sputnik 26 May 2023 -- Republika Srpska, one of the governed entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is not planning to deliver weapons to Ukraine, President of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has told Sputnik.
• Taiwan reportedly receives Stinger missiles under U.S. military aid program CNA 26 May 2023 -- Taiwan reportedly received the first shipment of Stinger missiles from the United States under its emergency military aid program late Thursday night, but Taiwan's government would not confirm the news on Friday.
• Chinese FM lambasts 'extremely wrong and dangerous move' as US FIM-92 Stinger missiles arrive in Taiwan island Global Times 26 May 2023 -- The US arms sale to the island of Taiwan is "an extremely wrong and dangerous move," and China will firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial security, the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned on Friday, after Taiwan's defense authorities confirmed that the first shipment of US FIM-92 Stinger missiles had arrived in the island while Washington is also reportedly helping the island obtain access to NATO's Link-22 secure data link system.
• Belarus: Statement by the High Representative on the announced transfer of Russian nuclear warheads to Belarus European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 May 2023
• Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia: US general Press TV 26 May 2023 -- Washington has said Kiev should not use US arms inside Russia following accusations that pro-Ukraine militia used American armored vehicles.
• Iran proves naval power with long-term missions in world: Cmdr IRNA 26 May 2023 -- Commander of Iran's Army Navy Force Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says that the country's navy established its naval power by carrying out long-term missions.
• Tehran: West worried about Iran's 'defensive power' after Kheibar missile test Press TV 26 May 2023 -- Iran has slammed the reaction of some Western countries to its successful launch of a new medium-range precision-guided ballistic missile, saying they are opposed to the enhancement of the Islamic Republic's "defensive power."
• Germany's Patriot system to be moved from Slovakia to Lithuania to protect NATO Summit in Vilnius Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 26 May 2023 -- The two German batteries of the Patriot missile interceptor system currently stationed in Slovakia will move to Lithuania to protect the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
• Lithuania supports Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations: our strength lies in unity and solidarity Lithuania MND 26 May 2023 -- On May 24-27 Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus is conducting a visit to Georgia to attend Independence Day events on May 26 and meet with the leadership of the Ministry of Defence.
• Russia Offers Military Support to Somalia VOA 26 May 2023 -- Somali diplomats said Friday that Russia had offered to help support Somalia's armed forces in their battle against the al-Shabab terrorist group.
• Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Dereck Hogan, Senior Advisor for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Ruth Berry On the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Sweden, Norway, and Finland US Dept. of State 26 May 2023
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with President Giammattei of Guatemala The White House 26 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 26, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 26 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 May 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Deadly Floods Hit Afghanistan RFE/RL 26 May 2023
• China rejects Vietnam's claims on Chinese vessel's intrusion, reiterates sovereignty over Nansha Islands Global Times 26 May 2023 -- China has sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters and it is legitimate for Chinese vessels to conduct regular activities in waters within its sovereign territory, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference on Friday, in response to Vietnam's "demands" of Chinese ships to "leave its exclusive economic zone."
• Despite 'slightly' improved food security in Yemen, hunger stalks millions UN News 26 May 2023 -- The food security situation in Yemen's government-controlled districts "slightly improved" during the first five months of this year, but acute malnutrition is on the rise, UN agencies warned in a new report released on Friday.
• Conflict and economic crisis drive food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen WFP 26 May 2023 -- The food security situation in Yemen's districts under the control of the Government of Yemen (GoY) slightly improved during the first five months of this year, while acute malnutrition increased, compared to the same period in 2022. However, the outlook for the period between now until the end of 2023 indicates the need for more programme investments, as the modest improvements may be eroded, UN agencies have warned.
• Saudi Arabia and the US Note Improved Respect for the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan on May 25 SPA 26 May 2023 -- In their capacity as facilitators, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America noted improved respect for the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan on May 25.
• Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face grim choices as more cuts to food assistance imminent WFP 26 May 2023 -- Just weeks after thousands of Rohingya refugees lost their homes to Cyclone Mocha, they face another blow as funding shortages force the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to cut food vouchers in Cox's Bazar to just US$ 8, or less than 9 cents per meal.
• Saudi Arabia and the US Note Improved Respect for the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan on May 25 SPA 26 May 2023 -- In their capacity as facilitators, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America noted improved respect for the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan on May 25. Although there was observed use of military aircraft and isolated gunfire in Khartoum, the situation improved from May 24 when the ceasefire monitoring mechanism detected significant breaches of the Agreement. Those included observed use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, credible reports of airstrikes, sustained fighting in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and clashes in Zalingei, Darfur.
• Kosovo: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest tensions and clashes European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 May 2023 -- European Union strongly condemns the clashes involving Kosovo police and protesters in the north of Kosovo, initiated by the attempt of newly elected mayors to enter municipality buildings.
• Kosovar Police Clash With Protesters In Serb-Majority Northern Towns, Drawing U.S., EU Rebukes RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- The United States and other Western allies accused Kosovo's government of escalating tensions after security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds in three Serb-majority towns and enter municipal buildings in support of recently elected ethnic Albanian mayors.
• Joint Statement on Violence in the North of Kosovo US Dept. of State 26 May 2023
• Condemning Unilateral Actions by the Government of Kosovo US Dept. of State 26 May 2023
• Rwanda: Statement by the Spokesperson on the arrest of Fulgence Kayishema European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 May 2023 -- The European Union welcomes yesterday's arrest in South Africa of Fulgence Kayishema, one of the last fugitives indicted in connection with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

News Reports

• Illegal Agents of the PRC Government Charged for PRC-Directed Bribery Scheme US Dept. of Justice 26 May 2023 -- A federal court in the Southern District of New York today unsealed a complaint charging two individuals with acting and conspiring to act in the United States as unregistered agents of the People's Republic of China (PRC), conspiring to bribe and bribing a public official, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
• Two Additional Oath Keepers Members Sentenced on Felony Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach US Dept. of Justice 26 May 2023 -- Two members of the Oath Keepers were sentenced today on felony and misdemeanor charges for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
• Joint Statement on the U.S.-EU Counterterrorism Dialogue US Dept. of State 26 May 2023 -- The United States and the European Union held their regular Counterterrorism Dialogue in Brussels May 25.
• Possibility of Nord Stream-style attack in cyberspace has risen: FM Global Times 26 May 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday criticized the US for its irresponsible position on cyberattacks, as it puts the world's critical infrastructure at risk and raises the possibility of a Nord Stream-style attack in cyberspace.
• Press-release on the Russian-Thai consultations on international information security with the participation of representatives of interested state authorities Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question on the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin programme, May 26, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 May 2023
• Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin's address at the 11th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, Moscow, May 25, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 May 2023
• Kremlin Says Putin Ready to Talk With Scholz to Protect Russia's Interests Sputnik 26 May 2023 -- Dialogue is necessary, so Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to talk with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in order to protect Russia's national interests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a media question in connection with the statements by the President of the Brazzaville Foundation NGO on food security problems Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 May 2023
• Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva President of Russia 26 May 2023 -- At the initiative of the Brazilian side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 26, 2023 PRC MofA 26 May 2023
• Rapprochement Is Fragile as US, China Put Irritants Aside VOA 26 May 2023 -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, Thursday, the first Cabinet-level engagement in months between the world's two largest economies.
• China, US 'candid' trade talks in Washington pave way for addressing 'core issues' in ties Global Times 26 May 2023 -- China's commerce minister met with US commerce secretary and US trade representative in the US on Thursday and Friday respectively and held "candid" talks in a move that Chinese analysts said could be a prelude to further high-level engagement between the world's two largest economies and could pave the way for China-US trade and economic ties to play more of a ballast role to help improve frayed bilateral relations.
• Chinese special envoy talks with Russian FM Lavrov in Moscow Global Times 26 May 2023 -- After concluding his trip to Brussels with a meeting with European Union officials, China's special envoy leading peacemaking efforts arrived in Russia on Friday. Experts said the Chinese side will make efforts to provide a rare window for negotiations, despite the meeting with EU officials showing that Brussels was talking like a US mouthpiece with bias and unreasonable requirements.
• China, DR Congo elevate bilateral relationship Global Times 26 May 2023 -- The traditional China-Africa friendship has yielded a new outcome after China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced Friday the elevation of the bilateral relationship as the DRC president is paying a state visit to China from Wednesday to Monday.
• UK not woken up from old dreams of colonialism; latest report on HKSAR full of bias, severely violates intl norms: Chinese FM Global Times 26 May 2023 -- It has been nearly 26 years since the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) returned to the motherland, but the British side has not yet woken up from the old dream of colonialism and its latest six-monthly report, which is full of ideological bias, severely interferes with HKSAR's affairs, and violates international relations and norms, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, stressing China's strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the report.
• Chinese, US commerce ministers hold talks in Washington Global Times 26 May 2023 -- China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held talks in Washington on Thursday, engaging in "frank, professional and constructive exchanges" on China-US economic and trade relations as well as issues of common concern, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement on its website on Friday morning.
• Top US, Chinese Trade Officials Meet in Washington VOA 26 May 2023 -- The top Chinese and U.S. business and trade officials met Thursday in Washington, an infrequent direct conversation between leaders of the world's two biggest economies.
• 13 Chinese aircraft breach Taiwan's ADIZ: Defense Ministry CNA 26 May 2023 -- A total of 13 People's Liberation Army aircraft breached Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) during the 24-hour period that began at 6 a.m. Thursday, including two BZK-005 drones that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 26, 2023 ROC MND 26 May 2023
• Taiwanese Reporters Blocked from Covering World Health Assembly VOA 26 May 2023 -- Two Taiwanese reporters who had been accredited to cover this week's World Health Assembly in Geneva were told on Monday they would not be allowed to obtain their press passes in a move press freedom advocates say was likely caused by pressure from China.
• DPRK denounces U.S.-led trilateral information sharing mechanism People's Daily 26 May 2023 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday denounced the establishment of a trilateral information-sharing mechanism among the United States, Japan and South Korea on the margins of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Japan's Hiroshima.
• Childhood friend of North Korea's Kim Jong Un says he has never heard about Kim's son Radio Free Asia 26 May 2023 -- A childhood friend that has visited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un several times over the years told Radio Free Asia that he has never met Kim's son, casting doubt on previous intelligence reports about the leader's family life.
• Diplomat's release from Belgium prison victory for Iranians: Government official Press TV 26 May 2023 -- The release of Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat who was detained in Belgium on false terror-related charges, is a victory for the Iranian nation, according to a senior government official in Tehran.
• Assadollah Assadi released from prison in Belgium, on way home: Iran FM Press TV 26 May 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister says Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat detained in Belgium on false terror-related charges, has been released after an Omani-brokered deal and is on his way back to his home country.
• Iran's Hard-Liners Blast Tougher Proposed Hijab Legislation -- As Too Lenient RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- The authorities in Iran have drafted a new bill that would impose stiffer penalties against women who violate the Islamic dress code, including fines, imprisonment, and even the deprivation of rights.
• Iranian Bill Before Parliament Increases Penalties For Defiance Of Hijab RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- A bill containing Iran's Chastity and Hijab law has been presented to parliament, legislation that many see as a continuation of the government's oppression of women and human rights.
• Iranian Lawyers Say Courts Issuing Them Dozens Of Summonses With No Charges RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- A leading member of one of Iran's legal associations says more than 100 lawyers from across the country have been summoned to Tehran's security court, even though there is no mention of any charges against them.
• Brussels, Tehran Swap Prisoners In Move Criticized By Iranian Exile Group RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- Belgium and Iran have swapped prisoners in an exchange mediated by Oman, a move criticized by an exiled Iranian opposition group as "shameful."
• Belgian Aid Worker, Iranian Diplomat Freed in Prisoner Swap VOA 26 May 2023 -- An Iranian diplomat imprisoned in Belgium, Asadollah Assadi, and a Belgian aid worker jailed in Iran, Olivier Vandecasteele, were freed on Friday in an exchange mediated by Oman, both sides said.
• Turkey's Presidential Candidates Eye Nationalist Support to Win VOA 26 May 2023 -- Ahead of Turkey's presidential runoff election on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his main contender Kemal Kilicdaroglu are both eyeing voters who back the country's various nationalist parties.
• US debt deal nears, but Asia will look on warily Radio Free Asia 26 May 2023 -- After weeks of brinkmanship, American lawmakers may finally be approaching a deal that would raise the U.S. government's "debt ceiling," allowing it to pay its debts - held in the trillions of dollars by world governments and pension funds alike - on time.
• Malaysia's Mahathir says Russia may take nuclear option Radio Free Asia 26 May 2023 -- The world is facing the grim prospect of a nuclear war as the Ukrainian conflict drags on, a former Asian leader has warned.
• Georgian President Criticizes Government In Independence Day Speech RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has used a speech during the South Caucasus nation's Independence Day celebrations to criticize the government over fears it is backsliding on democratic reforms.
• EU's Former Top Diplomat Concedes Ukraine Oversights, Saying 'Hindsight Is Always Difficult' RFE/RL 26 May 2023 -- The European Union's former high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, has defended the bloc's initial response after Russia occupied Crimea in 2014, but acknowledged "we did not know then what we know now" and said subsequent policy did not sufficiently prioritize "what was happening in Ukraine."