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Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 27 Jun 2023
• Battalion that made history issuing an entire ABCT APS-2 equipment set changes leadership Army News 27 Jun 2023 -- The battalion that made history last year when it issued an entire Armored Brigade Combat Team's worth of Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 equipment to a U.S.-based ABCT from the 3rd Infantry Division following Russia's unjust and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine changed leadership June 26.
• Quality assurance team helps keep Army Prepositioned Stocks at high state of readiness Army News 27 Jun 2023 -- The 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 mission is resourced in part through the Enhanced Army Global Logistics Enterprise program, or EAGLE program, which provides the contractors needed to meet the Army's APS-2 logistical support service requirements in Europe. Contracting officer representatives, in turn, oversee and ensure these contracted requirements are met.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al Attiyah DoD 27 Jun 2023
• Virginia Cyber Brigade Leads Cyber Shield 2023 Army News 27 Jun 2023 -- In the early 2000s, the Defense Department and the National Guard Bureau realized that cyber threats were on the rise and would only become more prominent in the United States and abroad. In response, the Virginia National Guard activated the 91st Cyber Brigade in 2017.
• Task Force 51/5 Hosts Multilateral Maritime Engagement 23.2 in Bahrain USMC News 27 Jun 2023 -- On June 25th and 26th, 100 military leaders from ten partner countries and several U.S. military branches met in Bahrain for the second iteration of the Task Force 51/5-led Multilateral Maritime Engagement. The Multilateral Maritime Engagement enhances multilateral partnerships and maritime military cooperation throughout the region while supporting the U.S. Central Command security constructs.
• Kunsan AB Airmen ace Red Flag-Alaska 23-2 US Air Force 27 Jun 2023 -- Kunsan Air Base Airmen trained with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Japan Self Defense Force and Republic of Korea air force service members during exercise Red Flag-Alaska 23-2, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored annual exercise designed to enhance readiness in a simulated combat environment, June 12 through 23.
• Airmen to see changes in deployment cycles with AFFORGEN US Air Force 27 Jun 2023 -- Big changes are underway for deployed Airmen as the U.S. Air Force transitions away from the expeditionary Air Force model of force presentation to the Air Force Force Generation model after more than 20 years of contingency operations.
• USS Delaware Arrives in Faroe Islands US Navy 27 Jun 2023 -- The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 790) arrived in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands for a scheduled port visit, June 26, 2023.
• U.S. Hosts Two Major Multilateral Maritime Engagement Forums in Middle East US Navy 27 Jun 2023 -- The United States hosted two major multilateral meetings on maritime security with regional partners in Bahrain, June 25-26, involving nearly 200 participants who discussed opportunities for enhancing collaboration at sea.
• CNO Delivers Remarks at Naval Supply Systems Command Change of Office US Navy 27 Jun 2023
• Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center's Vulnerability Disclosure Program Partners With George Mason University DoD 27 Jun 2023 -- Over the last two years, the Department of Defense's Cyber Crime Center Vulnerability Disclosure Program, or VDP, has grown substantially, both in size and in public recognition. For its efforts throughout the 2022 Defense Industrial Base-VDP Pilot, the program earned a Cyber and IT Excellence Teams Award from the Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl's Meeting With Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Burak Akcapar DoD 27 Jun 2023
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl Meeting With German Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the Chancellor Mr. Jens Plötner DoD 27 Jun 2023
• Joint Statement on U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue DoD 27 Jun 2023 -- The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan and held the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on June 26-27, 2023.
• President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss preparations for NATO Summit in Vilnius and current issues related to Russia Finnish Government 27 Jun 2023 -- On Tuesday 27 June, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the preparations for the forthcoming NATO Summit, which will be held in Vilnius on 11-12 July.
• Secretary General co-hosts meeting of seven NATO Allies to prepare Vilnius Summit NATO 27 Jun 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined the leaders of seven NATO Allies in The Hague on Tuesday (27 June 2023) to help prepare the Alliance's Summit in Vilnius.
• The Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States and France in Paris discuss measures for European security and stability Latvia MFA 27 Jun 2023 -- On 27 June 2023, in Paris, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Estonia and Lithuania for a discussion on long-term practical and political support to Ukraine and preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius on 11 and 12 July.
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "Now is the time to strengthen defence at strategically important points on the eastern flank and speed up support for Ukraine" Lithuania MFA 27 Jun 2023 -- On 26 June in Luxembourg, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis attended the EU's Foreign Affairs Council.
• The President in the Hague: It's time to admit that the NATO-Russia Founding Act has failed President of the Republic of Lithuania 27 Jun 2023 -- Addressing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the leaders of Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Albania in the Hague, President Gitanas Nausėda called for acknowledging that the NATO-Russia Founding Act signed in 1997 has failed.
• Address to Defence Ministry, National Guard, Federal Security Service, Interior Ministry and Federal Guard Service units which ensured law and order during the mutiny President of Russia 27 Jun 2023 -- Speaking on Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin, the President addressed service personnel from the units of the Defence Ministry, the Federal Service of National Guard Troops, the Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry and the Federal Guard Service, which ensured law and order during the mutiny.
• Meeting with Defence Ministry personnel President of Russia 27 Jun 2023 -- The President met in the Kremlin with military personnel of the Defence Ministry.
• Putin Claims Russia's Military Had Crucial Role In Stopping Wagner Mutiny, Admits Group Funded By State RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin on June 27 sought to gloss over the Russian authorities' lack of immediate reaction to the Wagner mercenaries' short-lived mutiny over the weekend, praising the military as the country's savior from civil war.
• Putin thanks nation for unity, avoid mentioning name of Wagner leader in latest speech, 'aiming to avoid escalation' Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- In his first televised address after the short-lived Wagner mutiny was called off, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday thanked his people for unity amid the crisis, vowing that the promises to Wagner fighters, who he believes are mostly patriots devoted to the country, will be fulfilled.
• Putin lays out options for Wagner soldiers, Biden denies U.S., NATO involvement People's Daily 27 Jun 2023 -- In a national address on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Wagner forces to relocate to Belarus if they wanted, sign a contract with Russia's Defence Ministry, or return to their families.
• Putin hails military for saving Russia from 'civil war' Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin has lauded the swift and effective response of the Russian army and security forces during the recent armed mutiny by the Wagner paramilitary group, preventing the nation from plunging into "a civil war."
• Russia says preparing to transfer Wagner hardware to army's possession Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- Russia says it was preparing to hand over military hardware belonging to the Wagner Group to the country's regular army after the brief mutiny staged by the private military company over the weekend.
• Statement by Russian Defence Ministry Russia MoD 27 Jun 2023 -- Preparations are underway to pass over PMC Wagner's armoured hardware to the Russian Armed Forces.
• Putin Says Enemy Would Try to Use Situation If Mutiny Not Suppressed Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- Earlier in the day, the Russian president said that the military personnel who took part in the suppression of the attempted armed mutiny on June 24 actually prevented a civil war in Russia.
• Putin Tells Military They Clearly Prevented Civil War Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin thanked all personnel of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as the country's law enforcement agencies and special services for their courage and loyalty to the Russian people.
• Russia's FSB Says Case of Armed Mutiny Dismissed on Tuesday Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- An investigation into the case of an armed mutiny has established that its participants stopped actions directly aimed at committing a crime, and the case was dismissed, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Tuesday.
• Pacific Fleet Gromkiy and Sovershennyy corvettes enter southern Philippine Sea Russia MoD 27 Jun 2023 -- A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet consisting of Gromky and Sovershennyy corvettes called into the southern part of the Philippine Sea in accordance with the plan of fulfilling the assigned tasks within the framework of the long-distance maritime transition.
• Russian missile destroyer docks at Iran's Anzali port IRNA 27 Jun 2023 -- A Russian guided-missile destroyer has docked at the port of Anzali in northern Iran, in a display of military cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russia.
• Russian naval vessel docks at Iran's Anzali port as part of military pact Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- A Russian guided-missile destroyer has docked at Iran's northern Caspian Sea port of Anzali as part of an agreement aimed at expanding bilateral military ties.
• Putin lays out options for Wagner soldiers in national address People's Daily 27 Jun 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin in a national address on Monday urged the members of the Wagner private military group to sign contract with the country's defense ministry, return home or go to Belarus.
• Russia shows return to order after Wagner revolt People's Daily 27 Jun 2023 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has appeared on state media inspecting Russian troops in Ukraine, making his first public appearance following an armed rebellion by the Wagner private military group.
• Sergey Karaganov: Here's why Russia has to consider launching a nuclear strike on Western Europe RT 27 Jun 2023 -- "During over seventy years of mutual deterrence, atomic weapons have saved the world. People just took this for granted. However, now we see that things have changed and the unthinkable is happening: the West is responsible for a major war in the underbelly of a major nuclear power."
• Lukashenko Orders Belarusian Army to Go on Full Combat Alert Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Likashenko said on Tuesday that he gave orders to bring the national army to full combat readiness against the backdrop of events in Russia.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 27 Jun 2023
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2023 -- Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 41st drawdown for Ukraine, which will provide $500 million worth of U.S. arms and equipment from Department of Defense stocks.
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 27 Jun 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration's forty-first drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• Pentagon Announces $500M in Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD News 27 Jun 2023 -- The Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package of up to $500 million aimed at providing key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations and defend against Russia's war of aggression.
• US to pour another $500 million worth of weapons into Ukraine war Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- The United States has planned to send a new shipment of weapons worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine.
• EU boosts military funding to Ukraine People's Daily 27 Jun 2023 -- The European Union (EU) member states on Monday adopted a decision to boost a fund used to support military aid in Ukraine.
• Latest in Ukraine: Foreign Minister Advocates for NATO Membership Ahead of Summit VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- Ukrainian officials advocated Monday for gaining membership in the NATO alliance, as NATO leaders prepare to gather for a July summit in Lithuania.
• China's Twin-tailed Scorpion drones fly in close formation for 1st time Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- China recently carried out its first technical demonstration test in which three Twin-tailed Scorpion unmanned aircraft, a type of armed reconnaissance drone that was spotted in missions around the island of Taiwan and beyond the first island chain several times, formed close formations.
• China makes breakthroughs in unmanned ship technologies Global Times 26 Jun 2023 -- China has made significant breakthroughs in the development of unmanned ships, as drone vessels are now not only undergoing testing but also seeing practical deployment, the country's national broadcaster said in a recent report, with experts saying on Monday that China is in the first tier in unmanned ship technologies.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release to explain reports that "two Russian frigates were detected" ROC MND 27 Jun 2023
• Taiwan military reiterates stance to engage PLA in territorial space CNA 27 Jun 2023 -- Taiwan's military reiterated its stance Tuesday that it will attack Chinese warships and warplanes in a defensive action if they are detected within Taiwan's 12-nautical-mile territorial space.
• Taiwan Pledges to Attack Chinese Military If PLA Forces Enter 12-Mile Zone Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- Taiwan has reiterated its determination to attack Chinese warships and aircraft if they come within 12 nautical miles of the island, the Taiwan Defense Ministry's combat planning chief Maj. Gen. Lin Wen-huang said on Tuesday.
• Military planning anti-takeover drill at Taoyuan Airport on July 26 CNA 27 Jun 2023 -- The Taoyuan International Airport will suspend commercial air traffic for one hour on July 26 for an anti-takeover drill, a military source told CNA Tuesday.
• Australia confirms security exchanges Taiwan but mum on attaché issue CNA 27 Jun 2023 -- The Australian government on Tuesday confirmed that it has regular exchanges with Taiwan on various issues including security, but it did not comment directly on a proposed military attaché exchange with Taipei.
• Exercise combines international forces Australia DOD 27 Jun 2023 -- Huddled in a small command post in the middle of Townsville Field Training Area, soldiers from the Australian Army's 7th Brigade, the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia and Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force listened intently to a commander's update brief for Exercise Southern Jackaroo.
• Tanks and infantry a lethal combination Australia DOD 27 Jun 2023 -- Tanks and infantry fought side by side against a fictional enemy in a training activity that developed an efficient and lethal combined arms team.
• US luring 'variety' of nations to join AUKUS in defiance of Russia, China warnings Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- Senior US officials say they are in talks with a "variety" of countries about possibly adding them to the second phase of the Indo-Pacific AUKUS security pact, amid escalating tensions between world powers.
• Canada - P-8A Aircraft DSCA 27 Jun 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of P-8A Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $5.9 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• DRDO organises 'Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir' to encourage Defence R&D in Industry & Academia India PIB 27 Jun 2023 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised an 'Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir' in New Delhi on June 27, 2023, with the aim to encourage Defence R&D within the industry and academia. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was the Chief Guest at the event.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2023
• Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard The White House 27 Jun 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Akif Cağatay Kiliç, Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Türkiye The White House 27 Jun 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 27, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 27 June 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jun 2023
• 'Dire year' for children caught in conflict, as hospital and school attacks double UN News 27 Jun 2023 -- Violations of international law regarding children and armed conflict continued to have a "devastating impact", the UN's top official on the issue said on Tuesday, with a 112 per cent rise in the number of attacks on schools and hospitals.
• UN: Islamic State-Led Violence Kills 1,000 Civilians in Taliban-Run Afghanistan VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- The United Nations said Tuesday that bombings and other militant violence in Afghanistan had killed more than 1,000 civilians since the Taliban regained control of the country nearly two years ago.
• Over 1,000 Afghan civilians killed since Taliban takeover vs. 3035 deaths in 2020 Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- The United Nations has criticized the Taliban for the killing of over 1,000 civilian in Afghanistan since it rose to power in 2021, without mentioning its previous report showing far more civilians were killed during the US-led military occupation of the country.
• China, Vietnam vow to manage differences to avoid complications in South China Sea Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- China is willing to work with Vietnam to uphold dialogue and consultation to manage differences, advance practical maritime cooperation, accelerate negotiations on the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea," and avoid actions that could complicate or escalate the situation, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was on an official visit to China on Monday.
• Return of refugees to Syria should not be politicized: President Assad tells UN aid chief Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has underlined the need for keeping the issue of the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland out of politics, stressing that Damascus wants their safe repatriation.
• Joint Statement by the Troika on Sudan and South Sudan Government of Norway 27 Jun 2023 -- The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
• Sudan: Displacement soars amid shrinking humanitarian access UN News 27 Jun 2023 -- Humanitarian needs have soared among people displaced by fighting in Sudan, with the number of those fleeing expected to surpass projections while aid access remains extremely uncertain, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday.
• Sudan's RSF Leader Announces Eid Cease-Fire, Vows Probe of His Forces VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- The leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced a brief cease-fire starting Tuesday for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
• Sudan's RSF announces unilateral truce, army confirms main base captured Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- Sudan's paramilitary forces, which have been fighting the country's army for months, have announced a unilateral truce during the Muslim holiday of Eid al Adha.
• Top Indian Officials Press Manipur State Leaders to Engage Warring Ethnic Groups in Talks VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- Top Indian government officials are pressing their state-level counterparts in northeastern Manipur state to engage warring ethnic factions in talks as they try to defuse weeks of deadly violence between majority Hindu Meiteis and Christian tribal Kukis.
• Will the first Myanmar border guard defection have a contagion effect? Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- The slowing of Myanmar military defections to the National Unity Government (NUG) since 2022 challenges the opposition theory of victory based on hollowing out the junta army as an effective fighting force, spread too thinly across too many fronts. The Myanmar military's most important victory to date may not have been on the battlefield, but in the barracks, having staved off mass defections.
• Myanmar military kills 17 People's Defense Force members Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- Junta troops killed 20 people in a raid on a People's Defense Force camp in Sagaing region and neighboring villages, locals and a militia official told RFA Tuesday.
• Top UN official urges Israeli, Palestinian leaders to 'put on the brakes' UN News 27 Jun 2023 -- Unless decisive steps are swiftly taken to rein in Israeli-Palestinian violence, there is a "significant risk" that the situation could deteriorate, the top UN Middle East official told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• Hamas files complaint to ICC over Israel's now-16-yr-old siege of Gaza Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- The Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas has filed a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over Israel's now-16-year-old brutal blockade of the Palestinian territory.
• Hamas files complaint to ICC over Israel's now-16-yr-old siege of Gaza Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- The United Nations has expressed grave concerns about surging violence perpetuated by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, slamming it as "terrorism" against Palestinians.
• Palestine govt.: Israel rewards settler terrorism by building thousands of new units Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- The Palestinian government has condemned the Israeli regime's plan to construct about 5,700 new illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank as a "reward to settler terrorism" against the Palestinian people.
• Hamas slams Israeli plan to build new settlements, calls it 'open aggression' on Palestinians Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's decision to construct thousands of new settler units in the occupied West Bank as "open aggression" on Palestinians despite international outcry.
• The security situation in the West Bank and Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to deteriorate: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 27 Jun 2023 -- Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• China denies compensation for Tibetans displaced by world's largest hydro-solar plant Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- The Chinese government has denied compensation for residents, including Tibetan nomads, affected by the construction of the world's largest hydro-solar plant, residents living near the plant told Radio Free Asia.

News Reports

• Peters Report Finds Significant Intelligence Failures by FBI and DHS in Lead-Up to January 6th Capitol Attack Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 27 Jun 2023 -- U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released a new report detailing the results of his investigation examining intelligence failures by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) in the lead-up to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
• New tape indicates Trump revealed 'highly confidential, secret' information Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- A tape recording has emerged indicating former US president Donald Trump showed "highly confidential, secret" documents to a writer, a publisher and two of his staff.
• Trump Discussed 'Highly Confidential' Document in Audio Recording VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- An audio recording obtained by U.S. news organizations reveals former President Donald Trump discussing secret documents about a plan to attack Iran after leaving office in 2021, undercutting his recent claim that the papers he was looking at were newspaper and magazine articles.
• DOJ OIG Releases Report on the BOP's Custody, Care, and Supervision of Jeffrey Epstein at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, New York US DOJ - OIG 27 Jun 2023 -- Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz announced today the release of a report of investigation regarding the Federal Bureau of Prison's (BOP) custody, care, and supervision of Jeffrey Epstein while detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, New York (MCC New York). Epstein died by suicide on August 10, 2019 while in BOP custody. The focus of DOJ Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) investigation was the conduct of BOP personnel.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Venezuela Yvan Gil Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jun 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to the participants in the 8th international conference Russia and China: Cooperation in a New Era, Moscow, June 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jun 2023
• Russia's Lavrov says US supports coups in non-aligned countries Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the United States adopts double standards on regime change in other countries, adding Washington supports them when they serve its interests and rejects them if they target "puppet" governments.
• Western Spy Agencies Had Hand in Wagner Mutiny, Russian National Guard Chief Suggests Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- Russian National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov on Tuesday pointed out that Western intel must have had a hand in the mutiny staged by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group private military company, adding that these agencies had info that the failed revolt was to occur anytime around June 22-25.
• Ryder Says Wagner Security Situation Purely an Internal Russian Matter DoD News 27 Jun 2023 -- The Wagner Group situation over the weekend is purely an internal Russian problem, but one that U.S. leaders must monitor, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a news conference today.
• U.S. Announces Sanctions Targeting Gold Mining Firms Connected To Wagner RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on four companies linked to the Russian private mercenary group Wagner and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, that it said are active in illicit gold mining and trade.
• Treasury Sanctions Illicit Gold Companies Funding Wagner Forces and Wagner Group Facilitator US Treasury 27 Jun 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four companies and one individual connected to the violent Russian military group PMC Wagner (Wagner Group) and its founder and owner Yevgeniy Prigozhin, previously sanctioned by the United States, the European Union (EU), Canada, and the United Kingdom (U.K.). The Wagner Group exploits insecurity around the world, committing atrocities and criminal acts that threaten the safety, good governance, prosperity, and human rights of nations, as well as exploiting their natural resources. The targeted entities in the Central African Republic (CAR), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Russia have engaged in illicit gold dealings to fund the Wagner Group to sustain and expand its armed forces, including in Ukraine and Africa, while the targeted individual has been central to activities of Wagner Group units in Mali.
• US Sanctions Companies Linked to Gold Trade to Fund Wagner Fighters VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- The United States on Tuesday accused companies in the United Arab Emirates, the Central African Republic and Russia of engaging in illicit gold deals to help fund the mercenary fighters of Russia's Wagner Group.
• Telephone conversation with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud President of Russia 27 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, at the Saudi side's initiative.
• Bulgarian Media Watchdog Equated Bucha Killings With Anti-Russian 'Propaganda' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- Critics are accusing Bulgaria's top broadcast and new-media regulator of falling for the Kremlin's hybrid warfare after Sonia Momchilova likened UN-backed evidence of Russian atrocities in Ukraine to anti-Putin "propaganda."
• Russian Mercenary Chief Prigozhin Arrives in Belarus VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, has arrived in Belarus after staging a short-lived, aborted mutiny last weekend against Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership over the fight against Ukraine, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday.
• Lukashenka Says Wagner Group's Leader Prigozhin Is In Belarus RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka says the leader of Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is currently in Belarus, where he reportedly moved from Russia after his forces staged a short-lived armed mutiny, taking over Russia's southwestern city of Rostov-on-Don and marching toward Moscow over the weekend before abruptly calling it off.
• Public records map Wagner Group's Hong Kong connections Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- The Russian private military company Wagner Group, which made headlines over the weekend by starting to march on Moscow amid an apparent dispute with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has longstanding ties to Hong Kong, records show.
• 'Who Ends Up Getting Screwed In The End?': Relatives Of Wagner Fighters Seethe At Aborted Mutiny, Fate Of Loved Ones RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- The dust has yet to settle in Russia from the mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group mercenaries, which has posed the greatest challenge to the Kremlin since the Soviet collapse.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on Australia's decision to terminate the lease agreement on the new Russian Embassy site in Canberra Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jun 2023
• Planned Chinese law would mandate the study of 'Xi Jinping Thought' in schools Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- Under a proposed law to boost patriotic education in China, schools would be required to have students study "Xi Jinping Thought," the latest step by authorities to indoctrinate the country's youth with propaganda about the Communist Party and its leader.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 27, 2023 PRC MofA 27 Jun 2023
• China's diplomacy to further consolidate and expand 'circle of friends' in summer, with Xi meeting visiting leaders from New Zealand, Barbados, Mongolia, Vietnam Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- After realizing significant diplomatic goals like helping the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, Chinese diplomacy is continually pushing for more achievements in summer with Chinese President Xi Jinping busily meeting with visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh as well as Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on Tuesday.
• Xi Jinping Meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene PRC MofA 27 Jun 2023
• Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh PRC MofA 27 Jun 2023
• Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley PRC MofA 27 Jun 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with People's Republic of China (PRC) Appointed Ambassador Xie Feng US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2023
• Did Biden Make a Series of Promises to Xi? VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- U.S. efforts to ease tensions with China are complicated by apparent differences of opinion over what commitments each side has made to the other.
• Chinese representative firmly refutes false remarks on national security law for Hong Kong at UNHRC Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- A Chinese representative has stated China's solemn position and firmly refuted the false remarks on the national security law for Hong Kong during an interactive dialogue at the 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday.
• HK to greatly support, align with proposed patriotic education law: chief executive Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- One day after a patriotic education law was tabled at China's top legislative body for the first time, Hong Kong regional leader said on Tuesday that the city government greatly supports patriotic education, which would help the city to develop the mainstream values of "loving the country and Hong Kong," and will align with the requirements under the draft law.
• China to explore housing pension system, improve residential quality: minister Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- China's housing minister has emphasized the need to improve the quality of housing and explore a housing pension system.
• National Committee on US-China Relations should be promoter of friendly exchanges: China's top diplomat Global Times 27 Jun 2023 -- The National Committee on US-China Relations (NCUSCR) should keep serving as a promoter of bilateral relations and mutually beneficial China-US cooperation, China's top diplomat Wang Yi told Jacob Lew, chair of the NCUSCR, on Monday in Beijing.
• U.S. congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan CNA 27 Jun 2023 -- A U.S. congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan Tuesday for a three-day visit and will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and other senior officials during their stay, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• Taiwan pledges support to Palau after issue of Chinese pressure raised CNA 27 Jun 2023 -- Taiwan on Tuesday pledged to continue its support for Palau but urged other countries to join the effort after Palau's leader recently admitted that his country was facing pressure from China to switch diplomatic ties with promises of more tourists.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 27, 2023 ROC MND 27 Jun 2023
• Iranian forces disband weapon smuggling ring in Sistan and Baluchestan Press TV 27 Jun 2023 -- Iranian security forces have disbanded a ring involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms and ammunition into the country, and arrested over a dozen people during a string of operations in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, close to the border with Pakistan.
• Iranian Teachers' Union Decries Mass Trials, Harsh Sentences Meted Out To Educators RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- The Iranian Teachers' Union Association has issued a statement protesting mass trials and "unjust sentences" handed to teachers, urging the authorities of the Islamic Republic to halt the practice.
• Iranian Security Forces Arrest Two Kurdish Citizens Amid Rising Tensions RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- Two Kurdish people from the western Iranian city of Saqqez have been arrested by Iranian security forces and subsequently transferred to an undisclosed location, a Kurdish rights group based in France said on June 27.
• Karen community tries to fight off dam project by gathering data to show damage Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- For a full year, Singkarn Ruenhom is working with 14 others to document the potential destruction that a huge dam could wreak on the residents and rural farmland along the Yuam River.
• Drug trade thrives in lawless post-coup Myanmar Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- Drug production and usage is on the rise in Myanmar in the aftermath of the military coup, ethnic rebel groups and activists said Monday, as countries around the world observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
• South Africa Looks to China to Shed Light on Power Crisis VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- South Africa's worst ever energy crisis has the country reeling amid daily blackouts, but new Minister for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is hoping China can provide a light in the darkness.
• The 12th EU-US Space Dialogue convened in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Jun 2023 -- The EU and the US have for a long time enjoyed deep and beneficial cooperation on space affairs. To further develop this cooperation, the two sides engage in regular space dialogues, the most recent of which was held in Brussels on 26-27 June.
• Philippines, Other ASEAN Members States Commence Negotiations on ASEAN Community Vision 2045 Philippines DFA 27 Jun 2023 -- Following the successful interface of the ASEAN Leaders with the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community's Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV) at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo on 10 May 2023, the HLTF- ACV commenced negotiations on the development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 at the 8th Meeting of the HLTF-ACV held on 26-27 June 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Albania: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Jun 2023
• Cambodia's Hun Sen orders troops to border regions to hunt down drones Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2023 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday ordered 500 troops and 200 anti-aircraft weapons systems to four northeastern provinces to hunt down drones that allegedly violated the country's airspace.
• Kyrgyz President's Office Denies Claims It Runs A 'Troll Factory' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2023 -- An independent probe in Kyrgyzstan has concluded that the National Television and Radio Corporation (NTRC) created a network of fake social accounts to promote the government's policies and attack its critics.
• Poland Begins Screening Thousands of Officials for Communist Ties Sputnik 27 Jun 2023 -- Poland has published a law on the screening of state officials to determine whether they used to collaborate with Polish People's Republic security services between 1944 and 1990.
• Zimbabwe Inflation Hits 175% as Currency Continues Crashing Against US Dollar VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- Zimbabwe officials say the country's annual inflation rate more than doubled from May to June, to more than 175%. Economists say multiple devaluations of Zimbabwe's struggling dollar led prices to surge.