As Ukraine War Hits Six-Month Mark, U.S. Pledges $3 Billion in Military Aid
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Six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Washington announced nearly $3 billion (WaPo) in new military aid to the country, its biggest tranche of security assistance so far. In addition, Germany is expected to pledge $500 million (Bloomberg) worth of weaponry and ammunition. Meanwhile, Ukraine is marking its Independence Day. In an address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainians will continue to fight (RFE/RL) until they achieve “victory,” which he said includes regaining control of Russia-occupied Crimea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that he has no plans to scale down fighting, saying last month that Russia has not “started anything yet in earnest” (NYT). The United Nations says at least 5,587 civilians have been killed in the war.
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“Although a decisive military victory in which the Ukrainians expel Russian forces from their entire territory seems increasingly unlikely, Kyiv could still stymie Moscow’s progress and strengthen its position for future negotiations,” Michigan State University’s Kirstin J.H. Brathwaite and the Center for New American Security’s Margarita Konaev write in Foreign Affairs.
“Putin and those around him have so far managed to achieve the exact opposite of everything they wanted from their criminal war; whatever happens from now on, it’s hard to imagine they’ll ever be able to undo the damage they’ve done to Russia and to themselves,” King’s College London’s Ruth Deyermond tweets.
This timeline looks at Ukraine’s struggle for independence in Russia’s shadow.
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Japan to Build New Nuclear Power Plants
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Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced plans (Nikkei) for the construction of next-generation nuclear plants that would become commercially operable in the 2030s. Kishida had previously only announced the reactivation of extant plants.
This In Brief explains why Japan’s Fukushima disaster didn’t scare the world off nuclear power.
Thailand: In a victory for Thailand’s opposition, the country’s constitutional court has suspended (Nikkei) Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha while it evaluates a lawsuit that claims he exceeded his term limit.
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Afghan Migrants in UAE Protest Slow Resettlement
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Hundreds of Afghans protested (Reuters) at the Abu Dhabi facility where they have been held for close to a year, calling for the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to adopt a quicker, more transparent resettlement process.
This video shows where Afghan refugees have gone since the Taliban’s takeover.
India: The government fired three air force officers (NDTV) for what it said was an accidental firing of a missile into Pakistan.
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Middle East and North Africa
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U.S. Strikes Iran-Linked Targets in Syria
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The U.S. military said the air strikes in eastern Syria hit infrastructure (WaPo) linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps yesterday. The attacks come after a U.S. outpost was targeted in drone strikes last week.
Libya: The UN mission in Libya said it is concerned about the ongoing mobilization (Reuters) of forces in the country. Several shoot-outs have occurred in recent months between rival factions in the capital, Tripoli.
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Presidential Election Challenges Angola’s Establishment
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As Angolans vote today, elections experts predict a tight race (CNN) between incumbent President João Lourenço, whose party has ruled the country for nearly fifty years, and opposition candidate Adalberto Costa Júnior.
Ethiopia: Authorities in Tigray said the Ethiopian military launched a new offensive (AP) in the region for the first time in a year. In a tweet, an Ethiopian diplomat said Tigrayan fighters started the hostilities.
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EU Agency: Europe Faces Worst Drought in Five Hundred Years
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A report by a drought observatory for the European Union (EU) noted that almost half the continent is under drought-warning conditions (BBC). The dry conditions have strained crop yields and increased the risk of wildfires.
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Brazilian Police Raid Homes of Businessmen Linked to Bolsonaro
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The men reportedly exchanged messages (FT) saying they would back a coup if President Jair Bolsonaro loses Brazil’s October presidential election.
Peru: The government is suing (BBC) Spanish oil firm Repsol for a January oil spill that is thought to be the worst ecological disaster around the capital, Lima, in recent memory.
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White House Plans COVID-19 Booster Campaign
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Federal authorities plan to offer boosters that target newer variants of the virus soon after Labor Day, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official told the New York Times.
This Backgrounder explains the FDA’s role in public health.
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Council on Foreign Relations
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58 East 68th Street — New York, NY 10065
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1777 F Street, NW — Washington, DC 20006
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