In a Brother Act with Putin, Xi Reveals China’s Fear of Containment

Instead of focusing on a solution to the war in Ukraine, the Chinese leader’s visit to Moscow reinforced China and Russia’s shared opposition to American dominance.

#china, #emanuel-rahm, #georgia-state-university, #international-relations, #japan, #kishida-fumio, #kyiv-ukraine, #moscow-russia, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #peoples-liberation-army-china, #putin-vladimir-v, #united-states-international-relations, #xi-jinping, #zelensky-volodymyr

China as Peacemaker in the Ukraine War? The U.S. and Europe Are Skeptical.

Chinese officials say Xi Jinping’s upcoming trip to Moscow is a peace mission. But U.S. and European officials say he aims to bolster Vladimir V. Putin.

#china, #defense-and-military-forces, #european-union, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #peace-process, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #war-crimes-genocide-and-crimes-against-humanity, #xi-jinping

China’s Xi to Visit Putin Under Shadow of War-Crimes Warrant

Global divisions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine widened as China said Xi Jinping would go to Russia to help make peace, in a move widely seen as a stark sign of support for President Vladimir V. Putin.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #china, #international-criminal-court, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #slovakia, #ukraine, #united-states, #war-crimes-genocide-and-crimes-against-humanity, #xi-jinping

Turkey’s Erdogan Finally Endorses Finland’s NATO Bid, but Not Sweden’s

With a difficult election coming in May, the Turkish president keeps insisting that Sweden is harboring alleged Kurdish terrorists and other dissidents.

#ankara-turkey, #erdogan-recep-tayyip, #finland, #hungary, #international-relations, #niinisto-sauli, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #orban-viktor, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #sweden, #terrorism, #turkey

Poland Says It Will Arm Ukraine With Warplanes, Raising Stakes

The Polish leader said he would send jets designed by the Soviet Union to help Ukraine fend off Russian forces. It was unclear if other allies might follow suit.

#duda-andrzej-1972, #international-relations, #military-aircraft, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #poland, #politics-and-government, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine

Reagan Wouldn’t Recognize the G.O.P. Discord Over Ukraine

DeSantis and Trump project weakness and moral ambiguity in the face of a weaker power.

#carlson-tucker, #desantis-ron, #internal-sub-only-nl, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #republican-party, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #trump-donald-j

Why the Black Sea Is a Flashpoint Between Russia and the West

It has long been a theater of competition between Russia and the West, a dynamic supercharged by the Ukraine war.

#black-sea, #bosporus-turkey, #crimea-ukraine, #defense-department, #drones-pilotless-planes, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #sevastopol-ukraine, #ukraine, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations

War in Ukraine Puts Centuries of Swiss Neutrality to the Test

The Alpine state makes arms that Western allies want to send to Kyiv. Swiss law bans this, driving a national debate about whether its concept of neutrality should change.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #germany, #international-relations, #international-trade-and-world-market, #law-and-legislation, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #rheinmetall-ag, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #switzerland

Georgia Protests Quiet Down as Government Pulls Back Russian-Style Law

But opposition leaders dismissed the move and warned that the government had not given up hope.

#demonstrations-protests-and-riots, #european-union, #georgia-georgian-republic, #georgian-dream-political-party, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #tbilisi-georgian-republic

Ukraine Needs Shells, and Arms Makers Want Money. Enter the E.U.

Ukraine is firing artillery shells faster than manufacturers can make them. Brussels is working on a plan to increase production by guaranteeing big advance purchases.

#arms-trade, #bombs-and-explosives, #borrell-fontelles-josep, #budgets-and-budgeting, #defense-and-military-forces, #europe, #european-union, #factories-and-manufacturing, #international-relations, #kallas-kaja-1977, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #production, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #stoltenberg-jens, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #von-der-leyen-ursula

Biden and Germany’s Scholz Meet Amid Concerns Over Ukraine and China

President Biden said he and Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, would work in “lock step” to provide military support to Ukraine.

#arms-trade, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #china, #defense-and-military-forces, #germany, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations

They Sneaked Into a Derelict Arms Plant: Instagrammers or Spies?

Three people, including two Russians, arrested on charges of entering an abandoned rifle factory have puzzled Albanian authorities at a time when suspicions about Moscow have been mounting.

#albania, #defense-and-military-forces, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #rama-edi

The E.U. Offered to Embrace Ukraine, but Now What?

The European Union and NATO have promised a path to membership for the embattled country. But real partnership will hold risks and benefits for both sides.

#defense-and-military-forces, #europe, #european-union, #humanitarian-aid, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine

In Ukraine, the United States Is In Over Its Head

The only way Ukraine can achieve “total victory” is with NATO troops on the ground. Is anyone ready for that?

#defense-and-military-forces, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations

Finland on Cusp of Joining NATO, but Maybe Not With Sweden

The Nordic partners wanted to join together, but with Turkey holding up Sweden’s application, Helsinki will reluctantly enter alone to ensure its security.

#defense-and-military-forces, #fidesz-party, #finland, #hungary, #international-relations, #legislatures-and-parliaments, #niinisto-sauli, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #orban-viktor, #politics-and-government, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #sweden, #turkey

Europe Struggles to Find Leopard 2 Tanks for Ukraine

The struggle to deliver on promises to provide Leopard 2 tanks for use against Russian forces has exposed just how unprepared European militaries are.

#defense-and-military-forces, #europe, #finland, #germany, #international-relations, #military-vehicles, #netherlands, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #poland, #politics-and-government, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #shortages, #spain, #sweden, #ukraine

War in Ukraine Has Changed Europe for Good

No event has transformed the continent more profoundly since the end of the Cold War, and there is no going back now.

#andersson-magdalena-1967, #baerbock-annalena, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #cold-war-era, #defense-and-military-forces, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #marin-sanna, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

A NATO Minnow Reels From Cyberattacks Linked to Iran

Albania has been the target of repeated digital assaults believed to be linked to its sheltering of an Iranian dissident group on its soil.

#albania, #cyberwarfare-and-defense, #international-relations, #iran, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government

Putin and Biden Shore Up Alliances in Dueling Appearances

On the surface, it looked like a reversion to the Cold War era. The reality was even more complicated.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #china, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #wang-yi, #warsaw-poland

Poland’s Prime Minister Says His Country Was Right About Russia

Having been proved right about Russia, Warsaw is savoring its newfound influence in NATO and on Ukraine policy.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #central-europe, #europe, #european-union, #international-relations, #morawiecki-mateusz, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #poland, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-international-relations

China’s Courtship of European Powers Hits a Russian Wall

Beijing, in urgent need of reviving its economy, wants to mend ties with Europe but is struggling to create distance between itself and Moscow.

#blinken-antony-j, #borrell-fontelles-josep, #china, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #european-union, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-international-relations, #von-der-leyen-ursula, #xi-jinping, #zelensky-volodymyr

In Northern Ukraine, a Different Sort of War Game

Russian forces are shelling border areas there to tie up thousands of Ukrainian troops that might otherwise defend against attacks farther south.

#belgorod-russia, #donbas-ukraine, #kharkiv-ukraine, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #zaporizhzhia-ukraine

On Blinken Visit, Quake Relief Soothes U.S.-Turkey Tensions

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken pledged to keep helping Turkey recover from a devastating earthquake, but there were few hints of progress on disputes over F-16 sales and NATO.

#ankara-turkey, #antakya-turkey, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #blinken-antony-j, #earthquakes, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #erdogan-recep-tayyip, #humanitarian-aid, #incirlik-air-base-turkey, #kurdistan-workersparty, #kurds, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #turkey, #turkey-earthquake-feb-6-2023, #united-states-international-relations

Western Leaders Pledge Support for Ukraine at Munich Security Conference

As Russia’s invasion approaches its second year with no end in sight, Ukraine’s supporters faced lingering questions at the Munich Security Conference about how long their resolve will last.

#blinken-antony-j, #china, #defense-and-military-forces, #france, #germany, #harris-kamala-d, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine

Macron Calls for Intensified Support for Ukraine but Eyes Peace Talks

His support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia have hardened, but France’s president still stands out among Western leaders in insisting that compromise will be needed to end the war.

#defense-and-military-forces, #european-union, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #munich-germany, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #peace-process, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine, #zelensky-volodymyr

How a Tiny NATO Nation Tackled a Big Problem: Arming Ukraine

Luxembourg’s challenges in buying arms on the open market underscore the struggle to keep Ukraine supplied until sophisticated Western weapons arrive in the spring.

#arms-trade, #czech-republic, #defense-and-military-forces, #luxembourg, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine

NATO Allies Discuss Arms Supply for Ukraine as Battles Loom

One of Ukraine’s biggest problems in fighting the Russian invasion is a basic one: It is firing artillery rounds much faster than its Western backers are producing them.

#austin-lloyd-j-iii, #bakhmut-ukraine, #defense-and-military-forces, #finland, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #stoltenberg-jens, #sweden, #ukraine

Russia Attacks Ukraine With Major Missile Barrage as Combat Intensifies

The first major aerial bombardment in weeks targeted cities across Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky returned home from a trip across Europe to press for more arms.

#defense-and-military-forces, #drones-pilotless-planes, #missiles-and-missile-defense-systems, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #zelensky-volodymyr

Visiting U.K. and France, Zelensky Pleads for Jets and Weapons for Ukraine

In a surprise visit that started a two-day blitz of Western allies, the Ukrainian president implored Britain to provide planes he said would represent “wings of freedom.’’

#airlines-and-airplanes, #buckingham-palace, #defense-and-military-forces, #england, #international-relations, #johnson-boris, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #military-aircraft, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #sunak-rishi-1980, #ukraine, #zelensky-volodymyr

Year Two of the Ukraine War Is Going to Get Scary

In the war’s first year, America and its allies have had it relatively easy. Will the West bear any burden to uphold a liberal world order?

#international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #republican-party, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #xi-jinping

The Costs of a Long War in Ukraine

Why the Biden White House needs to push for peace in 2023.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #international-relations, #kyiv-ukraine, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

When It Comes to Building Its Own Defense, Europe Has Blinked

Despite expectations that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would force Europe to bolster its military strength, it has instead reinforced dependency on U.S. leadership, intelligence and might.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #european-union, #foreign-aid, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #missiles-and-missile-defense-systems, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #rheinmetall-ag, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

E.U. Vows More Help for Ukraine but Tamps Down Membership Talk

European Union leaders met in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said Ukraine would not give up on Bakhmut, the eastern city caught in a fierce battle with Russian forces.

#bakhmut-ukraine, #corruption-institutional, #donbas-ukraine, #european-union, #international-trade-and-world-market, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #von-der-leyen-ursula, #zelensky-volodymyr

What Weapons Is Ukraine Getting, and Will They Arrive in Time?

Kyiv has been promised scores of tanks and other armor, and the longest range munitions yet. But with a looming Russian offensive, a race is on to get the matériel to the battlefield.

#arms-trade, #defense-and-military-forces, #foreign-aid, #germany, #international-relations, #leopard-2-tank, #m1-abrams, #military-vehicles, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

Soaring Russian Death Toll in Ukraine Gives Grim Insight Into the War

Moscow is sending poorly trained recruits, including convicts, to the front lines in eastern Ukraine to pave the way for more seasoned fighters, U.S. and allied officials say.

#defense-and-military-forces, #donbas-ukraine, #mercenaries-and-private-military-contractors, #milley-mark-a, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #wagner-group

What ‘No’ on F-16 Fighter Jets Might Mean for Ukraine

If the usual script plays out, the Biden administration’s reluctance to provide the planes could be temporary, officials say.

#arms-trade, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #military-aircraft, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-defense-and-military-forces, #united-states-international-relations

How Will Joe Biden Be Remembered in 50 Years?

He could be seen as the savior of the free world, or as the man who came up short.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations, #united-states-politics-and-government

Ukraine Urges Allies to Speed Up Delivery of Weaponry

“We have to make time our weapon,” President Volodymyr Zelensky declared as Ukrainians girded for an expected Russian offensive.

#defense-and-military-forces, #international-relations, #military-aircraft, #military-vehicles, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #zelensky-volodymyr

Tanks Alone Won’t Turn the Tide of the War in Ukraine

The United States will have to step up its training program to ensure the Ukrainian military can use all the Western-provided equipment effectively.

#defense-and-military-forces, #defense-department, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations

As Turkey Elections Loom, Erdogan Fights for Political Future

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to soften the blow of inflation on the population and using legal threats to bolster his position ahead of a vote that could reshape his country.

#elections, #erdogan-recep-tayyip, #imamoglu-ekrem, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #turkey

Ukraine War Accelerates Shift of Power in Europe to the East

The war has raised the influence of Central and Eastern European countries with negative views of Russia, amplified calls to expand the E.U. and NATO, and dimmed the power of France and Germany.

#defense-and-military-forces, #european-union, #france, #germany, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #poland, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine

How Biden Reluctantly Agreed to Send Tanks to Ukraine

The decision unlocked a flow of heavy arms from Europe and inched the United States and its NATO allies closer to direct conflict with Russia.

#austin-lloyd-j-iii, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #defense-department, #international-relations, #military-vehicles, #milley-mark-a, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations

What to Know About Western Tanks Going to Ukraine

Western allies have pledged to send at least 105 tanks, far less than Ukraine says it needs, and it may be months before they join the battle.

#bakhmut-ukraine, #defense-and-military-forces, #europe, #germany, #international-relations, #leopard-2, #m1-abrams, #military-vehicles, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #norway, #pistorius-boris, #poland, #portugal, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states

Pentagon Will Increase Artillery Production Sixfold for Ukraine

The Army’s top acquisition official says production of the 155-millimeter shells badly needed by Kyiv will rise to 90,000 a month in two years.

#bombs-and-explosives, #defense-and-military-forces, #defense-contracts, #defense-department, #factories-and-manufacturing, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #production, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #stockpiling, #united-states-army, #united-states-defense-and-military-forces, #ussr-former-soviet-union

Germany’s Reluctance on Tanks Stems From Its History and Its Politics

A post-Nazi aversion to war and a commitment to promoting peace through engagement combines with an old fixation on Russia and a deep aversion to leading militarily.

#arms-trade, #christian-democratic-union-germany, #cold-war-era, #defense-and-military-forces, #eastern-europe, #europe, #germany, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #nuclear-weapons, #politics-and-government, #polls-and-public-opinion, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #social-democratic-party-germany, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #world-war-ii-1939-45

U.S. Extends Troop Deployment in Romania, at Ukraine War’s Doorstep

The buildup is part of President Biden’s commitment to increase American forces in Europe in response to the Russian invasion last February.

#north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #romania, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-defense-and-military-forces

The NATO Alliance Is Holding Strong on Ukraine. But Fractures Are Emerging.

The allies differ on strategy for the coming year and the more immediate question of what Ukraine needs ahead of a major offensive in the spring.

#austin-lloyd-j-iii, #cleverly-james, #defense-and-military-forces, #defense-department, #germany, #joint-chiefs-of-staff, #milley-mark-a, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #pistorius-boris, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

South Africa to Hold Naval Drill With Russia and China Amid Ukraine War

The 10-day naval exercises are a show of diplomatic independence for South Africa, which is part of an alliance with Brazil, Russia, India and China — known as BRICS.

#brics-group, #china, #defense-and-military-forces, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #south-africa, #united-states-international-relations

U.S. Warms to Helping Ukraine Target Crimea

The Biden administration is considering the argument that Kyiv needs the power to strike at the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.

#arms-trade, #blinken-antony-j, #crimea-ukraine, #defense-and-military-forces, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations

Pentagon Sends U.S. Arms Stored in Israel to Ukraine

Israeli officials had initially expressed concerns that the move could damage its relations with Russia.

#arms-trade, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #defense-department, #donbas-ukraine, #international-relations, #israel, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #shortages, #stockpiling, #united-states-defense-and-military-forces, #war-and-armed-conflicts