The proximate causes of the current conflicts in #Ukraine, the #MiddleEast, the #SouthChinaSea and even #Armenia might be different, but the bigger picture showed an interconnected battlefield in which #PostColdWar certainties had given way to “great-power competition” in which authoritarian leaders were testing the boundaries of their empires. #Russia #China #XiJinPing

‘We’re in 1938 now’: #Putin's war in Ukraine and lessons from history
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/08/putin-war-ukraine-forgotten-lessons-of-history-europe

#G7 nations have agreed on a loan structure based on the size of their economies to provide #Ukraine with about $50 billion of fresh aid which will start to flow by the end of the year.

The loans will be repaid using the profits generated by the roughly $280 billion of frozen #RussianSovereignAssets, most of which lie immobilized in #Europe.

G-7 Agree How to Tap Frozen Russian Assets for $50B to Ukraine
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/g-7-agree-how-to-tap-frozen-russian-assets-for-50b-to-ukraine/ar-BB1o8PpL

#London said the 50 new curbs — part of “coordinated action with #G7 partners” as the Western-led bloc’s leaders meet in #Italy — will hit the Russian financial system and suppliers supporting its military production. #Russia #Ukraine

UK follows #US with sanctions on #MoscowStockExchange
https://business.inquirer.net/463672/uk-follows-us-with-sanctions-on-moscow-stock-exchange

#Germans under 25 gave the #AfD 16% of their vote in the #EuropeanElections, with particular support in the east.

All the young Germans approached by the Guardian in #Brandenburg talked about their anxiety about the war in #Ukraine, with many criticising the governing parties for weapons shipments and expressing angst that they or their peers could one day be called on to fight. #Germany #EU

Crime is out of hand’: how young people turned to far right in east German city
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/14/young-germans-afd-european-elections

But one who was briefed on the outreach said #Beijing has told #DevelopingNations the meeting would prolong the war, while two diplomats with direct knowledge of the matter said #China has been telling #WesternNations that many #DevelopingCountries are aligned with its views on the conference. #Russia

Exclusive: China pushes rival #Ukraine peace plan before Swiss summit, diplomats say
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-pushes-rival-ukraine-peace-plan-before-swiss-summit-diplomats-say-2024-06-13/

On Thursday, #Latvia announced the completion of a nearly 130-kilometer fence along its border with #Russia, covering 46 percent of the total border length.

The total length of the Latvian-Russian border is 283.6 kilometers. #Ukraine #BorderFence

Latvia Builds 130 Kilometers of Fence on Border with Russia
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/latvia-builds-130-kilometers-of-fence-on-border-with-russia/ar-BB1o9YKs?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

“It’s rather remarkable that there’s 100 countries showing up to a #PeaceSummit at which the main instigator of that conflict is not participating,” said #MaxBergmann, a former US state department official.

#WorldLeaders to gather in Swiss resort in attempt to forge #Ukraine #PeacePlan
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/15/world-leaders-to-gather-in-swiss-resort-in-attempt-to-forge-ukraine-peace-plan

A Russian #SU24 aircraft violated Swedish airspace east of the Baltic island of #Gotland on Friday and was met by two Swedish #Gripen fighter jets, a spokesperson for #Sweden’s armed forces has said. Gotland is located fewer than 350 kilometres (217 miles) from the Russian exclave of #Kaliningrad. #Russia #Ukraine

Russian plane violated Swedish airspace on Friday, military says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/15/russia-ukraine-war-peace-summit-switzerland-vladimir-putin-volodymyr-zelenskiy?page=with:block-666d56648f08cd19f68f7798#block-666d56648f08cd19f68f7798

Image source : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-24

#SvitlanaBilous crossed half of #Europe to highlight the plight of her missing husband and other prisoners held by #Russia during an international peace summit on the #Ukraine war.

She joined scores of other relatives of #UkrainianSoldiers during a demonstration on the sidelines of the summit to draw attention to the fate of troops who have disappeared on the battlefield.

Ukrainian families cross Europe to plead for prisoners held by Russia
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ukrainian-families-cross-europe-to-plead-for-prisoners-held-by-russia/ar-BB1ohvUt?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

“This Summit was built on the previous discussions that have taken place based on Ukraine’s Peace Formula and other peace proposals which are in line with international law, including the #UnitedNationsCharter."

The full text of the #Ukraine #PeaceSummit declaration draft is here:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/16/russia-ukraine-war-peace-summit-enters-second-day-as-west-looks-to-put-pressure-on-russia?page=with:block-666ea42b8f08cbec311d5518#block-666ea42b8f08cbec311d5518

While key players including #India, #SaudiArabia, #SouthAfrica and the #UnitedArabEmirates opted out of signing the final communique from this weekend’s #Ukraine #PeaceSummit 80 of the 90 or so countries in attendance did sign up to the document.

Ukraine peace summit says 'dialogue between all parties' needed to end war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/16/russia-ukraine-war-peace-summit-enters-second-day-as-west-looks-to-put-pressure-on-russia?page=with:block-666ed8e48f08cd19f68f8170#block-666ed8e48f08cd19f68f8170

The #ASEAN members #Singapore & the #Philippines signed btw. Not surprised Thailand didn't as #China has great influence there.

As to why Indonesia declined to sign, we'll probably get to know why in the next two weeks 🤷🏻‍♂️
---
#SaudiArabia, #India, #SouthAfrica, #Thailand, #Indonesia, #Mexico and the #UnitedArabEmirates were among countries participating at a summit on peace for #Ukraine that did not sign a final communique.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/16/russia-ukraine-war-peace-summit-enters-second-day-as-west-looks-to-put-pressure-on-russia?page=with:block-666ed7ea8f08cd19f68f8168#block-666ed7ea8f08cd19f68f8168

The inclusion of a #MutualDefence clause in their comprehensive strategic partnership, which Kim described as an “alliance”, will add to the west’s alarm over growing economic and military ties between #NorthKorea and #Russia. #Ukraine

Russia and North Korea sign #MutualDefencePact
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/19/russia-and-north-korea-sign-mutual-defence-pact

#RussianOfficials say #Putin’s visit will focus on #economic, #education and #energy issues. Trade between the two countries stood at just $3.5bn in 2022 – a tiny fraction of #Vietnam’s $175bn trade with #China and $123bn with the #UnitedStates. But observers say that in private, #Ukraine and #DefenceCooperation are likely to be on the table.

Putin arrives in Vietnam for state visit condemned by US
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/20/vladimir-putin-vietnam-state-visit

Gen #ArnoudStallmann, a Dutch air force commander, said the training regimen for #pilots and #ground staff to operate the aircraft was not simple. “It’s not just the pilots who need training; #technicians and #maintainers also require thorough instruction..to ensure they can effectively maintain the aircraft. So everything has to come together."

‘It is all lining up’: Plan for #Ukraine to finally start using #F16 jets this summer
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/20/it-is-all-lining-up-plan-for-ukraine-to-finally-start-using-f-16-jets-this-summer

#SouthKorea’s presidential office said South Korea will reconsider its policy of limiting its support to support to #Ukraine to #NonLethal supplies.

South Korea says it will consider supplying #arms to Ukraine after #Russia-#NorthKorea deal
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/20/putin-vietnam-north-korea-russia-ukraine-war-live-updates?page=with:block-667409608f083e48d0c6541d#block-667409608f083e48d0c6541d

...assuming that Russia doesn't end up as #China's vassal state. #Ukraine #ASEAN

#Putin says #Russia and #Vietnam interested in building #SecurityArchitecture in #AsiaPacific
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/20/putin-vietnam-north-korea-russia-ukraine-war-live-updates?page=with:block-6673da648f086ad5ae6857fd#block-6673da648f086ad5ae6857fd

#Russia is using cheap, highly-explosive #GlideBombs to devastating effect in #Ukraine. WSJ explains how they work and why they are so hard to counter.

Russian Glide Bombs: Cheap, Deadly and Almost Unstoppable [VIDEO]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-glide-bombs-cheap-deadly-and-almost-unstoppable/vi-BB1oz35H?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

He just guaranteed that South Korea will 🙄

I recommend their #FA50 light combat aircraft for starters. They'll complement the incoming #F16's very well 👍
---
His comments come after #SouthKorea says it will consider supplying arms to #Ukraine after #Russia and #NorthKorea signed a #MutualDefenceDeal.

Putin says Russia may send weapons to North Korea
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/20/putin-says-russia-may-send-weapons-to-north-korea

The #Biden administration announced #sanctions against 12 executives and senior leaders of #KasperskyLab, a #Russia-based #cybersecurity company, on Friday.

The announcement comes on the heels of the #CommerceDepartment’s ban on the sale of Kaspersky’s #AntivirusSoftware in the #US, citing #NationalSecurity concerns. #Ukraine

US sanctions Kaspersky Lab executives, board members over ‘cooperation’ with Russia
https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/21/24183274/kaspersky-lab-sanctions-treasury-department-russia

Putin is further linking the war in #Ukraine and the tensions in the #SouthChinaSea - the last thing #China wants.
---
The trip was both defiant and disruptive. It showed that the jockeying for power sometimes framed as a new #ColdWar between the #UnitedStates and #China is less binary than it might seem, and many countries in the region seemed to emerge from the week with a deeper sense of unease.

#Putin came to #Asia to disrupt, and he succeeded
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/06/23/asia-pacific/putin-disrupt-asia/

The #RussianFederation is starting to fray at the edges.
---
Gunmen opened fire at a #synagogue, an #OrthodoxChurch, and a #PolicePost in attacks across two cities in #Russia’s #NorthCaucasus region of #Dagestan on Sunday, June 23, killing an Orthodox priest and at least 15 police officers, the region’s head said. #Ukraine

Orthodox priest, at least 15 police killed in gunmen attack in Russia’s North Caucasus, officials say
https://www.rappler.com/world/europe/russia-north-caucasus-attack-june-23-2024/

The #T64 is a #ColdWar classic—a 42-ton, diesel-fueled tank with hundreds of millimeters of armor, three crew and an automatic loader for its 125-millimeter main gun.

When the #SovietArmy left #Ukraine starting in 1991, it left behind thousands of T-64s—as many as 3,000, by one estimate.

Ukraine Isn’t Anywhere Close To Running Out Of T-64 Tanks | David Axe
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/06/23/ukraine-isnt-anywhere-close-to-running-out-of-t-64-tanks/

The #EuropeanUnion has developed a legal workaround to bypass #Hungary's #veto on the purchase of weapons for #Ukraine using profits obtained from frozen #RussianAssets this year, which could also clear the path for the #G7 to disburse US$50 billion to #Kyiv

#EU creates loophole to circumvent Hungary's veto on support for Ukraine – the FT
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/06/24/7462232/

#Russians have criticized #RussianAuthorities for not using #AirRaid sirens to warn #civilians of the danger.

Several Russian military bloggers have also criticized their authorities for failing to detect and destroy all the missiles before they approached #Sevastopol, and for failing to build shelters near the beach. #Crimea #Ukraine

Russians criticize Russian #DefenseMinistry for #AirDefense operations in Crimea - ISW
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russians-criticize-russian-defense-ministry-1719243097.html

Western supplies of #ArtilleryShells, slowed by months of political wrangling in #Washington before finally being released, have started to reach #UkrainianUnits on the front lines, relieving pressure on forces outnumbered by the #Russians.

Western arms reach #Ukraine front lines, relieving some pressure
https://www.rappler.com/world/europe/western-arms-reach-ukraine-front-lines-relieving-some-pressure/

The #InternationalCriminalCourt issued arrest warrants Tuesday for #Russia’s former defense minister and its military chief of staff for attacking civilian targets in #Ukraine. #TheHague #WarCrimes

#ICC issues arrest warrants for Russian officials over attacks on civilian targets
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240625-icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-russian-officials-over-attacks-on-civilian-targets

#NATO tapped outgoing Dutch Prime Minister #MarkRutte Wednesday to become the bloc’s next #SecretaryGeneral who will replace #Norway’s #JensStoltenberg from October 1. Stoltenberg led NATO for more than a decade during which his mandate was extended due to the war in #Ukraine. #Russia

NATO appoints Dutch PM Rutte as next secretary general
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240626-%F0%9F%94%B4-nato-appoints-dutch-pm-rutte-as-next-secretary-general

It's a strategy meant to incite support for a key #TransitDeal between #Russia and #TheWest, the think tank explained. In under six months, the contract on a major pipeline will expire, ending a historic trade corridor that runs through #Ukraine — it's in #Kyiv's hands to renew it.

Russia is flooding #Europe with #DiscountedGas to win back Western buyers
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/russia-gas-supply-discount-prices-europe-energy-crisis-ukraine-war-2024-6

#JonahLeff, executive director of #ConflictArmamentResearch, gave the council a detailed analysis of the remnants of the missile that struck #Ukraine’s second-largest city, #Kharkiv, on Jan. 2. It determined the missile was either a #KN23 or #KN24 manufactured in 2023 in the #Dprk. #NorthKorea

Research expert tells UN it has ‘irrefutably’ established missile debris in Ukraine is North Korean
https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-north-korea-russia-ukraine-weapons-f4b9342c31b345641e058f38485478e7

"A bit more – very bleak – analysis here from #MujtabaRahman, managing director #Europe of risk consultancy #EurasiaGroup. See his earlier comments here." #G7 #EU #Ukraine #France #FranceElections2024

source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jul/01/france-election-2024-live-updates-polls-results-marine-le-pen-national-rally-ens-nfp?page=with:block-66824c2a8f081d94ff3d38ad#block-66824c2a8f081d94ff3d38ad

The first of the #US-made #FighterJets are due to arrive this summer, at a time when they could be particularly impactful in the fight against #Russia, experts told Business Insider.

That's because #Ukraine now has permission to use weaponry given by its allies to hit targets on Russian soil.

Changed rules for Ukraine mean its F-16s will arrive when they can make a far bigger impact, experts say
https://www.businessinsider.com/new-rules-mean-ukraine-f-16s-more-impactful-russia-experts-2024-7

The necessary permits to deliver the jets to #Ukraine have been granted, Defence Minister #KajsaOllongren said in a letter to parliament ahead of a #GovernmentTransition on July 2.

The #Netherlands has been one of the driving forces behind an international coalition to supply Ukraine with #F16s to strengthen its air defences against #Russia. #F16

Netherlands to start F-16 deliveries to Ukraine soon, government says
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/netherlands-to-start-f-16-deliveries-to-ukraine-soon-government-says

#STAROKOSTIANTYNIV, #Ukraine, July 2 (Reuters)

Explosions reverberated across the pre-dawn sky as Ukrainian air defences fended off a #RussianAttack on this small city in #WesternUkraine, home to an important #AirBase and a frequent target of #Moscow's strikes.

Ukrainian air base under frequent fire as #Russia aims at #F16 arrivals
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-air-base-under-fire-russia-aims-f-16-arrivals-2024-07-02/

#Russia's #Ukraine invasion has eaten up the #Kremlin's resources, money, and energy, while countries trading with Russia run the risk of incurring #WesternSanctions.

Meanwhile, #Beijing has been quietly seizing advantage, brokering #TradeDeals, and building political influence in the region. #CentralAsia #Kazakhstan #SCO #XiJinPing

Russia's frenemy #China is quietly trying to dampen #Putin's influence
https://www.businessinsider.com/xi-china-putin-russia-frenemies-limits-power-sphere-influence-2024-7?op=1

#Russia has had strong ties with #India since the #ColdWar, and #Delhi’s importance as a key trading partner for #Moscow has grown since #Russia invaded #Ukraine in February 2022.

The partnership between Moscow and Delhi has become fraught, however, since Russia started developing closer ties with India’s main rival, #China, because of the hostilities in Ukraine.

#India PM #Modi to meet Putin in first trip to Russia since Ukraine war began
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/05/india-pm-narendra-modi-vladimir-putin-russia-meeting

#Zelenskiy said he had wished the new PM success in fulfilling the expectations of the #BritishPeople. Zelenskiy also thanked the outgoing Conservative PM, #RishiSunak, for his steadfast support.

He also said that he and #Starmer had “coordinated our positions” ahead of next week’s #Nato summit at which #Ukraine hopes to hear of possible steps to membership. #UK

Ukraine war briefing: Starmer assures Zelenskiy of ‘unwavering’ support
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/06/ukraine-war-briefing-starmer-assures-zelenskiy-of-unwavering-support

"I’m not exaggerating by saying the very foundation of our Republic is on very shaky ground. The #FarRight is not a normal party. When you give power to the far right, you never know when they will give it back." - Rim-Sarah Alouane, researcher in comparative law at the #UniversityToulouseCapitole. #France #FranceElections2024 #EU #Ukraine

#France braces for ‘high drama’ run-offs as #LePen’s far right eyes power
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/6/france-braces-for-high-drama-run-offs-as-le-pens-far-right-eyes-power

Mr #RaphaelGlucksmann, a member of the #EuropeanParliament who led #France’s leftist ticket in last month’s European vote, said he viewed the run-off as a simple referendum on whether “the #LePen family takes over this country”. #FranceElections2024 #Ukraine

#FarRight bids for power as #France holds parliamentary election
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/far-right-bids-for-power-as-france-holds-parliamentary-election