Russia Repels One of Largest Air Attacks on Moscow Since Start of War |
Russia shot down ten drones over the Moscow area today in one of the largest attacks on the city since the war in Ukraine began, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. A total of forty-five drones were repelled across Russia overnight, the Russian defense ministry said. The attack was Ukraine’s latest assertion of force on Russian territory as Kyiv’s incursion into the Kursk region extends into its third week.
While Ukraine regularly targeted Moscow with drones last summer, such attacks have been less common this year as Kyiv focuses its efforts on military and energy installations near Russia’s border. The military push into Kursk aims to persuade Russia “to enter a fair negotiation process,” a Ukrainian presidential advisor said last week. On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kyiv, where he said he plans to discuss the peaceful resolution of the war. (Bloomberg, Politico, Reuters)
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“Few Western observers expected any significant Ukrainian offensive this summer, let alone one that could penetrate well into Russia. If nothing else, Kyiv has demonstrated that it is very much still in the fight, easing recent concerns about its staying power,” the Public Interest Journalism Lab’s Nataliya Gumenyuk writes for Foreign Affairs.
“However it ends, the Kursk offensive will offer critical insights into Ukrainian long-term campaign planning as well as Kyiv’s ability to utilize all the assistance the West continues to provide. Creative, robust planning and training are comparative advantages that the West and Ukrainian allies hold over Russia, and Ukrainian success is likely to hinge on their continued exploitation,” the U.S. Army War College’s John R. Deni writes for Foreign Policy.
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Taiwan Hosts Indo-Pacific Security Forum, Tests Missile |
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te opened the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei today, calling for unity from Taiwan’s partners “as we support the democratic umbrella.” Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and former Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko are speaking, with representatives coming from eleven countries. Taiwan also carried out a rare missile test launch yesterday from a site on the island’s southeastern coast. (Taipei Times, Reuters)
This CFR Independent Task Force Report looks at U.S.-Taiwan relations in a new era.
Australia/Singapore: The Australian government approved a $19 billion project today to send solar-generated power to Singapore via an underwater cable. Australia’s environment minister said it would be the largest such solar project in the world and will help “turn Australia into a renewable energy superpower.” (AP)
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Taliban Bars UN Human Rights Monitor From Entering Afghanistan |
A Taliban spokesperson blamed Richard Bennett for “spreading propaganda.” He was appointed in April 2022 and had been tasked with documenting human rights violations in the country. The UN Human Rights Council did not immediately comment; Bennett could not be reached. (TOLONews, Reuters)
India: The Supreme Court ordered the creation of a national task force to focus on the safety of medical professionals following nationwide strikes over the rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor earlier this month. (Indian Express)
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Middle East and North Africa |
Greek-Flagged Oil Tanker Attacked Off Yemen Coast |
The vessel was attacked by projectiles and damaged today, while no injuries were immediately reported, Greek and United Kingdom (UK) authorities said. The UK shipping authority said there was a brief exchange of fire during the incident, which occurred near Yemen. It was unclear who was responsible, but Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked multiple commercial ships in the area. (Reuters)
This In Brief by CFR’s Noah Berman discusses how Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have threatened global shipping.
Iran/Germany: Iran’s government ordered the closure of the last German language institute certified by the German embassy in the country yesterday, local media reported. It follows the closure of Islamic centers in Germany. (AP)
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Ghana Breaks Ground on First Phase of $60 Billion Oil Hub Project |
The project, set to be completed in three phases by 2036, is expected to include refineries, petrochemical plants, and storage facilities. The hub in the seaside city of Jomoro is designed to facilitate oil exports and position Ghana as an energy trading hub in the West African subregion. (Business & Financial Times)
This CFR Academic Webinar discusses the geopolitics of oil and how African countries approach production decisions.
Burkina Faso/Mali/Niger: The three military-led countries wrote a letter to the United Nations accusing Ukraine of supporting rebel groups in the Sahel region. Ukraine has repeatedly called the accusations groundless. Russian paramilitaries are allied with Mali’s junta and were among those targeted by rebels last month. (Reuters)
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European Power Prices Go Negative Amid Surge in Renewable Energy Supply |
Electricity prices in several European markets fell below zero today amid an increased supply of renewable energy. While the price dip signals green energy growth, it also shows the challenge of financially managing a grid in transition. (OilPrice, Economist)
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Washington Sanctions Former Haitian President, Citing Role in Drug Trade |
The U.S. State Department announced sanctions yesterday on former Haitian President Michel Martelly, saying he abused “his influence to facilitate drug trafficking” and to sponsor gangs in the country. Martelly did not immediately comment. (WaPo)
Dominican Republic: The government will establish a state mining firm to explore natural resources that include rare earth minerals. A presidential minister will lead a nine-member board that can negotiate contracts with international firms, the country’s presidency said in a statement. (Reuters)
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New York Court Rejects Republican Challenge to Voting by Mail |
The state’s top court rejected an attempt to strike down mail-in voting in a 6–1 decision yesterday. Republicans in several states have attempted to impose limits on mail-in voting this year, even as the national Republican Party has encouraged supporters to vote early and by mail. (Reuters) |
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