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☆ Defending in Its North, Ukraine Faces Pressure All Along Front Line
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Maria Varenikova | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Ukrainian forces said on Thursday that they were slowing the pace of an offensive push by Russia in their country’s northeast, even as they struggled to contain new Russian assaults at several other locations on the front line, with Moscow seeking to stretch Kyiv’s troops to break through their defenses. The Ukrainian military reported late Wednesday that it had repelled four ground attacks in the northeastern Kharkiv region, where Russian forces surged across the border last week and quickly captured a dozen or so villages and about 50 square miles of territory. “Over the course of the day, our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine — all units involved — have managed to partially stabilize the situation,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on Wednesday evening. “Our attention is constantly focused on the front line, on all combat zones.”Ukrainian civilians who were evacuated on Thursday said that Russian forces had been fighting in small units that slip through the forest and into villages. They have popped up unexpectedly on streets in the town of Vovchansk, a village a dozen miles to the east of Kharkiv city that is now contested between the two armies.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky Organizations: Russian, Defense and Security Forces Locations: Russia, Moscow, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Vovchansk

☆ As Putin and Xi meet, the power dynamics between Russia and China keep the West guessing
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Pedro Pardo | Afp | Getty ImagesRussia's close relationship with superpower China is under close scrutiny as Russian President Vladimir Putin meets his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday. "Neither Putin nor Xi can achieve what they want to achieve, both domestically and internationally, without the support of the other. Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping leave after a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcome ceremony at the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Oct. 17, 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a welcome ceremony before Russia-China talks in Moscow, Russia, on March 21, 2023.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Pedro Pardo, Putin, Sam Greene, they've, " Greene, Xi, It's, Pavel Byrkin, it's, —, Natasha Kuhrt, Russia's, Kuhrt, Sergei Savostyanov, Greene, Liu Pengyu, Mikhail Tereshchenko Organizations: Forum, International Cooperation, of, People, Afp, Getty, Xinhua, Democratic, Center for, CNBC, Analysts, Kremlin, Putin, King's College London, Russia, U.S, Reuters, Sputnik Locations: Beijing, China, Ukraine, Russia, Moscow, Central Asia, Russian, U.S, Washington

☆ The US Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, is leaving Japan after nearly a decade in the Pacific
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Ella Sherman | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThe USS Ronald Reagan, the only aircraft carrier in the US Navy forward deployed, or permanently stationed in another country, is leaving Japan after spending nearly a decade in the Pacific. Related storiesIn 2021, USS Ronald Reagan briefly left its forward-deployed position to provide air support during US withdrawal operations in Afghanistan. USS Ronald Reagan traveling through the Straits of Magellan, to San Diego, CA, in a transfer move. US Navy/Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth ThompsonThe USS Ronald Reagan already had a history of cooperation with Japan prior to its deployment. "Whether it's aboard USS Ronald Reagan today or USS George Washington in the future, we will continue to strengthen those ties at all levels, on-shore and at-sea."

Persons: —, Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan Sailors, Daryle Cardone, Ronald Reagan's, Reagan, Photographer's, Elizabeth Thompson, USS George Washington, George Washington, Greg Newkirk, Anthony Wallace, Gerald R Organizations: Service, US Navy, Business, Nimitz, Carrier Strike, CSG, Fleet, USS, Japan, Self, Defense Force, Navy, Aircraft, Getty, Pacific . Aircraft, US, Pacific Locations: Japan, Yokosuka, China, Afghanistan, Magellan, San Diego , CA, Bremerton , Washington, Israel, Iran, Gaza, Pacific, Russia, North Korea

☆ Texas Governor Pardons Man in Fatal Shooting of Protester in 2020
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( J. David Goodman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Greg Abbott of Texas on Thursday pardoned a man who was convicted of fatally shooting a protester during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in the summer of 2020, fulfilling a promise he made last year amid pressure from conservatives. The decision immediately followed a pardon recommendation from the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose members are appointed by the governor. Lawyers for the man, Daniel S. Perry, argued that he had acted in self-defense against the protester, who was carrying an AK-47-style rifle. Mr. Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison in an emotional hearing last year in which prosecutors presented evidence of racist online comments he had made and said that psychological experts had found him to be “basically a loaded gun.” As the pardons board considered the case, lawyers with the Travis County district attorney, José Garza, met with the board to argue against a pardon. Under Texas law, a recommendation from the board is necessary before the governor can grant a pardon.

Persons: Greg Abbott of, Paroles, Daniel S, Perry, José Garza Organizations: state’s, AK Locations: Greg Abbott of Texas, Travis County, Texas

☆ Vladimir Putin arrives in China for state visit as Russian troops advance in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for the start of a two-day state visit underlining close alignment with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as Russian troops advance in Ukraine. Ahead of the trip, Putin hailed the “unprecedented level of strategic partnership” between the countries in an interview with Chinese state media Xinhua. The two leaders – who declared a “no limits” partnership weeks before the February 2022 invasion – have continued to strengthen their countries’ diplomatic, trade and security ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Xi hosts Putin in Beijing as the Chinese leader comes under under mounting pressure from the US and Europe to ensure exports from China aren’t propping up Russia’s war effort. This is the fourth in-person meeting between Xi and Putin – known for their personal chemistry – since the invasion and Putin’s second visit to Beijing in that time.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia’s, China’s, –, Xi Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, West, Wednesday, Xinhua, ”, Trade, China aren’t, Kremlin Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Ukraine, Kharkiv, Gaza, ” Beijing, United States, Europe, China, Moscow, Harbin, China’s, Heilongjiang, Russia’s

☆ Romney says if he were president he would have immediately pardoned Trump
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Rashard Rose | Jack Forrest | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney said that if he were President Joe Biden he would have “immediately pardoned” former President Donald Trump. “Had I been President Biden, when the Justice Department brought on indictments, I would have immediately pardoned him,” Romney told MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle” in an interview set to air Wednesday. “I’d have pardoned President Trump. Romney has long been a critic of Trump and has often criticized his Republican colleagues for their continued loyalty to the former president. Romney has said he did not vote for Trump, his party’s nominee, in 2020 and has said he will not vote for him in 2024.

Persons: Utah GOP Sen, Mitt Romney, Joe Biden, “, Donald Trump, Biden, ” Romney, MSNBC’s “, Stephanie Ruhle ”, “ I’d, Trump, ” Trump, Jack Smith, Romney, Doug Burgum, Ohio Sen, J.D, Vance, —, Byron Donalds, Cory Mills, Vivek Ramaswamy —, Trump’s, Barack Obama, CNN’s Clare Foran, Morgan Rimmer Organizations: CNN, Utah GOP, Justice, Trump, Justice Department, Allies, North Dakota Gov, Florida, GOP, Senate, Capitol, Republican Party, Democratic Locations: Utah, Georgia ; New York, Washington, Florida, Manhattan, Ohio, It’s

☆ Opinion: A Russian weapon could wipe out US space edge
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Clayton Swope | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Here, the NanoRacks-Remove Debris satellite is deployed from the International Space Station in 2018. Before revelations about Russia’s development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon, there had been indications of global recognition that the use of certain space weapons was bad for everyone. The proposed defense budget for 2025 does not reflect the scale and urgency of the need to counter space threats and protect space systems. Learning how to operate satellites in a space environment clogged with debris or increased radiation caused by a space weapon is also important. We need a two-pronged effort to prepare for the worst: Double down on efforts to protect and maintain access to space in a hostile space environment and consider how to operate without space.

Persons: Clayton Swope, Mike Turner, Estonia’s, —, Vassily Nebenzia, Frank Herbert’s Organizations: Aerospace Security, International Security, Center for Strategic, International Studies, CIA, CNN, Clayton, Clayton Swope Center, Strategic, United, US, Intelligence, Ohio Republican, International Space Station, NASA, GPS, Finnair, United Nations, UN, Twitter Locations: Washington , DC, Russian, United States, Russia, Ohio, Vietnam, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Tartu, China, Moscow

☆ This year's biggest air battles are showing the US what it could need most in a missile war with China
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jake Epstein | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka, FileThe war has shown how effective air defenses can be at denying air superiority, protecting key areas, and threatening high-value aircraft, as well as the costs when capabilities are degraded. Ukraine's air defenses, like its Soviet-era S-300s and US-supplied Patriots, have defeated enemy missile and drone strikes, hindered Russian air operations, and shot down numerous fighter-bombers and other Russian planes. "Ukraine and NATO might reduce risks with a two-prong strategy of strengthening air defenses and boosting infrastructure resilience." Needing more interceptors for the PacificFrom the fights this year, the US can see how it'll need to employ air defenses in a potential showdown with China. Running out of air defenses before the enemy runs out of air threats spells trouble.

Persons: —, Bradley Martin, Evgeniy, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Firefighters, Archer Macy, Martin, Shaan Shaikh, We've, Amir Cohen TPX, Shaikh, it's, Andy Wong, Thomas Shugart, Shugart, Joshua Smoot, Heath Collins, Navy Carlos Del Toro, Macy, Mark Wright Organizations: Service, Business, US Navy, Ukraine, AP, Patriots, Institute for, Emergency, Ministry, RAND Corporation, NATO, Western, Central Command, Combat, Navy, RAND, Patriot, US, Missile Defense, Center for Strategic, International Studies, REUTERS, China, Pentagon, Defense, Center, New, Air Force, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, US Air Force, Aegis, Missile Defense Agency, Former Navy, CSIS, Pacific Missile, AP Air Locations: China, Ukraine, Israel, Navy, Russia, Congress, Avdiivka, Kharkiv, Russian, Kyiv, NATO, Yemen, Gulf of Aden, Iran, Red, Screengrab, French, Ashdod, South Korea, Japan, Guam, Beijing, New American, Gen, Kauai, Hawaii

☆ Sen. Robert Menendez bribery trial: Opening statements expected in corruption case
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), arrives at Federal Court, for his bribery trial in connection with an alleged corrupt relationship with three New Jersey businessmen, in New York City, U.S., May 14, 2024. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are poised Wednesday to select a full jury and deliver opening statements in the federal bribery trial of Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey. Prosecutors will begin their opening statements shortly afterward "if all goes to plan," the judge said. A third New Jersey businessman charged in the case, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty in March and agreed to cooperate with the federal prosecutors. Nadine Menendez has not been in court with her husband.

Persons: Robert Menendez, Sen, Sidney Stein, Stein, Menendez, Nadine Menendez, Wael Hanna, Fred Daibes, Jose Uribe Organizations: Federal Court, Prosecutors, Robert Menendez of New, Democratic, Benz, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Locations: Jersey, New York City, U.S, Robert Menendez of, Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Manhattan, Egypt, Qatar, New Jersey

☆ Russia can't seem to stop this Ukrainian Cessna-style drone that, compared to missiles, is basically a 'flying brick' with a bomb onboard
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Experts say these aircraft underscore the success of Ukraine's innovative long-range drone program, which Kyiv has employed to go after Russia's military and energy facilities. The Ukrainian drones are in fact slow-flying ultralight planes. And if Ukraine can find a corridor that lacks proper air-defense coverage, then the drone can effectively penetrate right through Russian territory, Hoffmann said. Notably, the Cessna-style drone underscores the success of Ukraine's ever-evolving drone program. The aircraft was converted into a drone - A-22 Flying Fox.

Persons: —, JzjMc83uA4 —, Fabian Hoffmann, it's, Hoffmann, Petersburg —, It's, Gordon Davis Jr, Davis, Ukraine's, …, obdWO5ACNA, Washington, Lance Landrum, Landrum Organizations: Service, Cessna, Business, Kyiv, University of Oslo, US Army, Center for, Fox, US Air Force Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, Republic of Bashkortostan, Bashkortostan, Russian, Tatarstan, Moscow, St, Ukrainian

☆ Mapping Russia’s Sudden Push Across Ukrainian Lines
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Marco Hernandez | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

Mapping Russia’s Sudden Push Across Ukrainian LinesAll of a sudden, Russian forces are making progress in many directions at once. Vovchansk RUSSIAN TROOPS Ohirtseve RUSSIAN ADVANCE MAY 14 RUSSIA Another line of Russian attack was near the town of Krasne. UKRAINE Tykhe RUSSIA Vovchansk Ohirtseve RUSSIAN TROOPS Another line of Russian attack was near the town of Krasne. The real goal may be to divert already-weakened Ukrainian forces from critical battles elsewhere. Russia’s broad range of attacks appears to be stretching Ukrainian forces thin.

Persons: Shestakove, Slatyne Rohan Derhachi, RUSSIA Vovchansk, Franz, Stefan Gady, Chasiv Yar, Kyrylo Budanov, ”, “ Organizations: Slatyne Rohan Derhachi Kharkiv, American, New York, Ukrainian, Kharkiv Kupiansk, RUSSIA, Makiivka Donetsk Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine’s, UKRAINE, Russia, Ohirtseve, RUSSIA, Krasne, Hlyboke, Kut, Slatyne Rohan Derhachi Kharkiv, Ukraine, Avdiivka, Donetsk, RUSSIA Russian, Vienna, “, Chasiv Yar

☆ Israeli military calls for investigation after releasing video showing armed men at UN facility in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jeremy Diamond | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Jerusalem CNN —The Israeli military is calling on the United Nations to investigate the presence of armed militants at a UN facility in southern Gaza after releasing video that shows armed men at the facility. The Israeli military said the footage was filmed on May 11, three days before the IDF released it. The Israeli military said COGAT, the Israeli agency charged with coordinating humanitarian aid to Gaza, shared the military’s findings with “senior officials in the international community,” including UN officials. The Israeli military released the video one day after a United Nations worker was killed and another injured when the UN-marked vehicle they were driving in was struck in Rafah. The United Nations said they believe a tank fired on the vehicle, and the Israeli military has said the incident is “under review.”

Persons: “ URNWA, Juliette Touma, ” Touma, Touma, COGAT, “, Nir, “ It’s, ” Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, United, UN, Israel Defense Forces, CNN, UNRWA, IDF, United Nations Locations: Jerusalem, United Nations, Gaza, Rafah

☆ RTX is a great business on the commercial aerospace and defense sides, says Jim Cramer
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jim Cramer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

RTX is a great business on the commercial aerospace and defense sides, says Jim Cramer'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer eyes companies who have recently split and how they could benefit your portfolio.

Persons: Jim Cramer

☆ Menendez defense lawyer denies bribery scheme and says gold bars found at senator’s home belonged to his wife
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Holmes Lybrand | Gregory Krieg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Menendez is not running for reelection in next month’s Democratic primary but has said he would consider an independent bid should he be exonerated. “Evidence will show Nadine’s family had a lot of gold,” Weitzman said, asserting that she did not discuss money with the senator and kept financial problems she had from him. Weitzman also said the gold bars were found in Nadine’s locked closet, which the senator didn’t have access to. The potential jurors – an array of New Yorkers, including pastors, a standup comedian and amateur musicians – were pressed on whether they could be unbiased and fairly consider testimony from law enforcement officers or convicted criminals. One potential juror spoke about being a “news junkie” who couldn’t sit on the trial because “I’ve learned about the case significantly.

Persons: CNN — Sen, Bob Menendez’s, “, ” Menendez, Avi Weitzman, Nadine, Menendez, Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, Donald, Lara Pomerantz, “ Robert Menendez, ” Pomerantz, Nadine Menendez, Weitzman, ” “, ”, ” Weitzman, Menendez “, ” Nadine, didn’t, Hana, whittle, “ I’ve, Sidney Stein, they’ve, ” Stein, Bob Menendez, Stein, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, I’m Organizations: CNN, New, New Jersey Democrat, Jersey businessmen, Democratic, United, White House, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Locations: Manhattan, New Jersey, Egypt, Qatar, Jersey, Egyptian American, United States, Lebanon, Paris

☆ A Leading Free Expression Group Is Roiled by Dissent Over Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jennifer Schuessler | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When PEN America celebrated its 100th birthday two years ago, it was a rousing if sober celebration of a nimble defender of free expression around the world. Once a small writers group best known for its staunch defense of imperiled writers in authoritarian regimes, it had become a leading fighter against book bans, educational gag orders and other surging threats across the United States. Today, amid spiraling protests over the Israel-Hamas war, battles over free speech are pitched as high as ever. But PEN America has found itself roiled, and at times hobbled, by escalating controversy over its response to the war. But far from quelling controversy, the cancellations have unleashed a war of words over just who is trying to silence, shame and bully whom.

Persons: Salman Rushdie Organizations: PEN America, PEN Locations: United States, Israel, New York

☆ US-built floating pier begins moving from Ashdod port to Gaza, defense official says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The floating pier that will allow for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza from the sea is moving from the port of Ashdod toward Gaza, according to a US defense official. Cyprus is the staging point for the humanitarian aid that will be shipped to Gaza through the maritime corridor and the pier. The US was closely watching whether what it called a “limited” Israeli incursion into Rafah in southern Gaza would affect the temporary pier. “I can just tell you it’s a third-party contractor, but that’s it,” deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said at a press briefing. Once the humanitarian aid arrives in Gaza, the UN World Food Program will distribute it to the Palestinian population.

Persons: Pat Ryder, Sabrina Singh, Ryder, ” Ryder Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, UN, Food Locations: Gaza, Ashdod, Cyprus, Rafah

☆ The Pentagon is sending 2 Navy warships to protect the floating pier to bring aid to Gaza by sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Konstantin Toropin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewNavy warships will help protect the US military's soon-to-be-completed pier to deliver aid to starving Palestinians in Gaza, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a briefing Tuesday that Navy ships will be part of the security plan for the operation. A Navy official told Military.com that the sea service is assigning two destroyers to the mission. But aid has been slow to come in through those routes either due to closures or heavy screenings by Israeli officials . At the beginning of April, Israeli forces conducted repeated airstrikes on a World Central Kitchen convoy of aid workers, killing seven.

Persons: —, Pat Ryder, Military.com, Roy P, Benavidez, Ryder, P Organizations: Service, Pentagon, Navy, Business, Israeli Defense Forces, Hamas, Maxar Technologies, Reuters, Army Locations: Gaza, Ashdod

CNN —The House has passed a major federal aviation bill that aims to improve aviation safety, enhance protections for passengers and airline workers and invest in airport and air travel infrastructure nationwide. The bill renewing the Federal Aviation Administration’s authority for five years will next head to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Setting a standard for travel creditsUnder the bill, travel credits issued by airlines in lieu of refunds would have to be useable for at least five years. Increasing cockpit voice recordingCommercial aircraft would have to carry 25-hour cockpit voice recorders under the legislation. The cockpit voice recorder is one of the two black boxes and is currently only required to capture two hours of sound from the cockpit.

Persons: Joe Biden, John F, Republican Sen, Josh Hawley of, Democratic Sen, Elizabeth Warren of Organizations: CNN, Federal Aviation, FAA, National Transportation Safety, Reagan National Airport, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Department of Transportation, Republican, Democratic, Transportation, Administration, NTSB Locations: Washington, Kennedy, New York City, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

This week, Xi is welcoming him to China for a two-day state visit — their fourth in-person meeting since Russia’s onslaught in Ukraine began. China has repeatedly defended its trade with Russia as part of normal bilateral relations. Russia has also become China’s main oil supplier, overtaking Saudi Arabia, according to official Chinese trade data. Governments warn against support for Russia’s war effortThe wartime surge in trade, and growing purchases of oil, have sparked criticism in the West that China was helping to fund Russia’s war. It mirrors Xi’s state visit to Russia in March 2023, which was the Chinese leader’s first overseas trip after starting a norm-shattering third term as president.

Persons: Vladimir Putin’s, Xi, Putin, Antony Blinken, Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen, Von der, ’, Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, Biden Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, United, European Union, International Monetary Fund, —, EU, White, European Commission Locations: China, Hong Kong, Russia, Ukraine, Russian, United States, Saudi Arabia, India, West, Beijing, France, Chinese

☆ The US and Pacific ally Japan are teaming up to defeat new hypersonic missiles that right now are basically unstoppable
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThe US and Japan have agreed to work together to develop a defense system to defeat hypersonic missiles, according to the US Department of Defense. Russian navy frigate Admiral Gorshkov launching a Zircon hypersonic missile in White Sea, Russia, on July 19, 2021. Notably, Pyongyang is also attempting to develop what it says are hypersonic missiles. DF-17 medium-range ballistic missiles equipped with a DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle in a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Republic. The allies successfully tested the jointly developed Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block IIA interceptor in a February 2017 intercept of a ballistic missile target.

Persons: —, Gorshkov, Zoya Rusinova Organizations: Service, US Department of Defense, Business, Cooperative, US Missile Defense Agency, Japan, Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, AP, China's, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, Iran's, Israel Locations: Japan, Russian, Sea, Russia, Pacific, Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang, Republic, Getty

☆ Ukrainian officials want the green light to strike targets in Russia with US weapons, saying they couldn't do anything about enemy troops massing nearby: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewUkrainian parliamentary officials are pushing the Biden administration to remove restrictions on Kyiv striking targets in Russian territory with its arsenal of US weapons, Politico reported. Ukraine knew for weeks that Russia was massing troops at the border, with intelligence officials saying in early May that Moscow was gathering some 50,000 to 70,000 personnel there. Speaking to Politico, Ustinova said the Russians had become "smart now because they know there is a restriction for Ukrainians to shoot at the Russian territory." Ukraine has been attacking targets beyond the border — more recently on Russia's oil facilities — but only with its own drones. The policy has been criticized as a means of effectively shielding Russia from significant Ukrainian counterattack.

Persons: —, Biden, David Arakhamia, Oleksandra Ustinova, Ustinova, it's, isn't Organizations: Service, Politico, Business, Ukraine, Kharkiv, NATO, Kremlin, US Locations: Washington, Russia, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Moscow, Russian, Mariupol, Vovchansk, West

☆ Air Force asks for new charges against airman who leaked classified intel on Discord
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Air Force prosecutors have asked for new charges against the Massachusetts Air National guardsman who pleaded guilty in federal court earlier this year to leaking highly classified intelligence reports and other documents on social media, according to the Air Force. During a hearing at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts on Tuesday, Air Force prosecutors asked a hearing officer to recommend charges of disobeying an order and obstructing justice against Jack Teixeira under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. CNN reported earlier this month that the Air Force would pursue separate charges under the UCMJ. Teixeira was represented by three military defense counsel, including one of the chief district defense counsels for the Air Force, a spokesperson for the Air Force said. The hearing officer will then make a recommendation on whether to move forward with the recommended charges or change them in some way.

Persons: Jack Teixeira, Military Justice . Teixeira, Teixiera, Teixeira, ”, Daniel DeVoe, CNN’s Kaanita Iyer Organizations: CNN, US Air Force, Massachusetts Air National, Air Force, Hanscom Air Force Base, Military Justice, Prosecutors, Department of Justice, ”, Martial Locations: Massachusetts, Russia, Ukraine, States

☆ Analysis: Cohen gets a breather after bruising cross-examination as Trump looks on
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Blanche took Cohen through a long list of the insults he’s unleashed at Trump since becoming estranged from his former mentor, highlighting his penchant for serial lying. He drew jurors’ attention to a social media post in which Cohen wore a T-shirt that depicted Trump in jail, as he spun a narrative of bias and obsession. A key legal conundrum is whether prosecutors have so far succeeded in validating the legal theory behind the case. That foreboding realization was exacerbated by a new posse of Trump supporters at the courthouse on Tuesday, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. While Cohen’s reluctance to offer yes-and-no answers came across at times as flippant and confrontational, he did not appear to say or do anything to torpedo the prosecution case.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Michael Cohen, don’t, Cohen, ”, Todd Blanche, president’s, didn’t, he’s, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Blanche, ” Cohen, he’d, ” Blanche, douchebag, ” Michael Moore, “, Moore, Juan Merchan, Will Trump’s, ” Shira Scheindlin, CNN’s Jake Tapper, ” Scheindlin, “ Cohen, Mike Johnson, ” Johnson, Andrew McCabe, Cohen’s, ” Moore, Daniels, Susan Hoffinger, reimbursements, ’ ” Cohen Organizations: CNN, GOP, Trump, Middle, Middle District of, Louisiana Republican, Defense, FBI Locations: Ohio, Kentucky, Middle District, Middle District of Georgia, New York, Louisiana, Blanche, Manhattan

☆ The Words That Defined the Week in Donald J. Trump’s Trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Wesley Parnell | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the past week of testimony in Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial, prosecutors were tying their case together, with two of the most important witnesses — a porn star and Mr. Trump’s one-time fixer — testifying just days apart. Defense attorneys painted Mr. Cohen as a serial liar bent on exacting revenge against his former boss. Mr. Trump’s attorneys grilled the porn star, Stormy Daniels, about her credibility, poking holes in her recollection of an assignation she said occurred in 2006. Mr. Trump has denied having sex with Ms. Daniels or having any knowledge of the payment scheme. If convicted, he could face probation or as long as four years in prison.

Persons: Donald J, Trump’s, —, Michael D, Cohen, Trump, Mr, Stormy Daniels, Daniels

☆ Macron Moves to Declare State of Emergency in New Caledonia
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Cassandra Vinograd | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Emmanuel Macron of France convened a crisis meeting on Wednesday and moved to declare a state of emergency in New Caledonia after deadly riots in the semiautonomous French Pacific territory that has long sought independence. A vote in France’s Parliament approving the amendment on Tuesday ignited riots overnight that left three people dead. Mr. Macron met Wednesday with his Defense and National Security Council about the situation, according to a statement from his office. It said he had expressed “strong emotion” over the deaths and gratitude to French security forces. It also said he had requested that a state of emergency be declared for the territory at the afternoon cabinet meeting.

Persons: Emmanuel Macron, Macron Organizations: Defense, National Security Council Locations: France, New Caledonia

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