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☆ Austin says it’s ‘unfortunate’ that Chinese defense chief declined meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON — China’s defense minister declined a meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defense leaders in Laos, a move the Pentagon chief said Wednesday was unfortunate. Multilateral gatherings of national security officials in Asia have been used in the past for meetings between U.S. and Chinese defense leaders, but China declined a meeting request by Austin during this week’s Southeast Asian Nations-Plus defense ministers meeting. It affects the region because the region really wants to see us, you know, two significant players in the region, two significant powers, talk to each other,” Austin told reporters. “I don’t think that it has any sort of implications for the future. Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed on Saturday to work with the incoming U.S. administration of Donald Trump as he held his final talks with departing President Joe Biden on conflicts from cybercrime to trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea and Russia.

Persons: WASHINGTON, Lloyd Austin, Wednesday, “, ” Austin, ” Austin added.Austin, Dong Jun, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Joe Biden Organizations: Pentagon, Austin, Nations Locations: Laos, Asia, China, Singapore, Taiwan, cybercrime, South, Sea, Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin's broadened nuclear doctrine appeared to be a thinly veiled threat to the United States and its allies over their ramped-up support for Ukraine. The updated document includes a change that allows for Moscow to launch a nuclear strike if attacked by a nonnuclear country, such as Ukraine, that is supported by a nuclear state, such as the U.S. It was formally approved the same day that Kyiv used its first U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles against Russia. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told NBC News that he saw no indication that Moscow is imminently intent on using nuclear weapons. “He has rattled his nuclear saber quite a bit and this is dangerous behavior,” Austin said of Putin.

Persons: Vladimir Putin's, Putin, Lloyd Austin, ”, ” Austin, Kyiv’s, Keir Starmer, Russia …, Jean, Noel Barrot, Putin’s, Josep Borrell, Dmitry Peskov, “ Russia’s, Keir Giles, Biden, ” Giles Organizations: Ukraine, Kyiv, West . Defense, NBC News, Union, Tass, Kremlin, Moscow Locations: United States, Moscow, Ukraine, U.S, Russia, Europe, Washington, British, Brazil, Western, London, Chatham, Eurasia

VIENTIANE, Laos — Women and racial diversity are vital to the strength of U.S. armed forces, outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in an exclusive interview with NBC News as he prepares to shortly exit the top military post after four years. “I would tell you that, you know, our women are the finest troops in the world. Our military is going to remain a diverse military," Austin said. Austin did not weigh in on what he thinks about Trump's choice of Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. Austin, a four-star general who was previously commander of U.S. Central Command, was appointed as Secretary of Defense by President Joe Biden and was sworn in on Jan. 22, 2021.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, “, ” Austin, Donald Trump’s, Pete Hegseth, Hegseth, ”, Austin, Trump, Biden, Vladimir Putin, —, we've, Joe Biden, Lester Holt Organizations: NBC News, Defense, Army National Guard, Pentagon, Senate, Republicans, Department of Defense, ., Korean, U.S . Central Command, NBC Locations: VIENTIANE, Laos, Iraq, Afghanistan, United States, Ukraine, Russia, U.S, Russia's Kursk, Jan

☆ US says it expects North Korean troops to enter combat against Ukraine in the coming days
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( Jennifer Hansler | Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —As many as 8,000 North Korean troops are in Russia’s Kursk region and are expected to enter combat against Ukraine in the coming days, top US officials announced Thursday. The US will announce additional military support to Ukraine “in the coming days,” Blinken said. Ukrainian forces have held territory in Kursk since launching a surprise incursion into the Russian border region in August. The US defense secretary noted Thursday that the number of North Korean troops sent to Kursk “pales in comparison” to the number of casualties Russia sees regularly. “I’m surprised by China’s silence” on North Korea’s support for Russia, Zelensky said in an interview with South Korea’s KBS.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Defense Lloyd Austin, Blinken, ” Austin, ” Blinken, Volodymyr Zelensky, “, Austin, Austin redoubled, ” “ We’ve, “ I’m, Zelensky, ” Organizations: CNN, Ukraine, Defense, South Korean, Korean, Ukraine “, North, Russia, South Korea’s KBS Locations: Russia’s Kursk, Washington, Kursk, Russia, Moscow, Pyongyang, Ukraine, Russian, South Korea, Blinken, China, North Korea, Beijing

☆ North Korea likely to ask for nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for troops, South Korea says
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Natasha Bertrand | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

North Korea will likely request Russian technology transfers relating to tactical nuclear weapons, the advancement of North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles, reconnaissance satellites and nuclear submarines, Kim said, speaking through a translator alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US independently confirmed for the first time last week that thousands of North Korean troops had been sent to Russia for military training. A small number of North Korean troops are already in Ukraine, CNN reported on Tuesday, and officials are growing increasingly concerned that the forces will enter into combat alongside Russian troops. “The evidence now suggests that North Korea has sent around 10,000 soldiers to train in eastern Russia,” Austin said on Wednesday. But he did say that South Korean military analysts could be deployed to observe the North Koreans fighting the Russians to gain more insight into North Korea’s military readiness.

Persons: ”, Kim Yong Hyun, Kim, Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Austin, “, ” Kim, ” CNN’s Haley Britzky, Michael Conte Organizations: CNN, South Korean Defense, Pentagon, North Korean, NATO, Russian, DPRK, Intelligence, South, Korean, Koreans Locations: North Korea, ” Moscow, Russia, Ukraine, Korea, Russian, Iran, Moscow, Tehran, South Korea, Koreans, Republic of Korea

☆ Meet the 20-year-old Democrat running a multimillion-dollar PAC targeting Gen Z
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Alex-Seitz-Wald-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Alex Seitz-Wald | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

“You need real young people,” said Austin, the founder of ForwardBlue. He says he’s devoted as much time as possible to politics since then, postponing college and deprioritizing typical adolescent activities. “I spent every minute I could after school volunteering for my state party, building websites for Democrats, doing whatever I could,” he said. What sets the group apart from other Democratic groups trying to reach young people is not just its message, Austin said, but how it delivers it. “The rent is too damn high,” Austin said, referring to a political moment that went viral when he was in first grade.

Persons: David Austin, ”, Austin, ” Austin, Donald Trump’s, he’s, “, they’re, Sen, John Fetterman, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, can’t Organizations: Gen, Pennsylvania Democrat Locations: mom’s, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland , Montana , Ohio, Wisconsin

Beyond the two endorsements Harris received that got national attention, several other local Republicans, from former sheriffs to members of the Legislature, have backed Harris in recent weeks. “I was a Republican even before Donald Trump started spray tanning,” Cheney joked during her first visit last month in Ripon. “Our Republicans for Harris program is taking that unifying, inspiring message to anti-Trump Republicans, moderates, and independents,” Austin Weatherford, the national Republican engagement director for the Harris campaign, said in a statement. Several other Wisconsin Republicans have joined the effort backing Harris in recent weeks, including former state Assembly member Sheehan Donoghue and Steve Michek, the former sheriff of rural Iowa County. “I am terrified of Donald Trump becoming our next president for all the reasons I have indicated: He’s already been impeached twice.

Persons: Kamala Harris ’, Donald Trump, Harris, Sen, Robert Cowles, Shawn Reilly, Trump, Liz Cheney, “, ” Cheney, Kamala Harris, ”, Nikki Haley, ” Austin Weatherford, Tracy Ann Mangold, “ I’ve, Trump’s, Cheney, Liz Cheney’s, Steven Cheung, Sheehan Donoghue, Steve Michek, Donald Trump’s, ” Timothy White, ” Reilly, WITI, “ He’s Organizations: Senate, Republican, Trump, Democrat, Republican Party, South, overperformed, “, Republicans, Trump Republicans, U.S, Wisconsin Republicans, Harris Locations: Wisconsin, Waukesha, Wyoming, Ripon, ” Ripon, Fond du Lac County, Waukesha County, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa County, Harris ’ Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, United States

“We assess that between early- to mid-October, North Korea moved at least 3,000 soldiers into eastern Russia,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “We assess that these soldiers traveled by ship from the Wonsan area in North Korea to Vladivostok, Russia. “We are seeing evidence that that there are North Korean troops that have gone to Russia,” Austin told reporters traveling with him in Rome on Wednesday. A senior administration official said earlier Wednesday that the training of North Korean soldiers and possible preparation to send them to find to Ukraine is a sign of serious desperation on Russia’s part. Meanwhile, South Korea’s spy agency, the National Intelligence Service, said Friday that North Korea has shipped 1,500 soldiers, including special forces fighters, to Russia for training.

Persons: “, John Kirby, …, Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Austin, Kirby, Putin, ” Kirby, Volodymyr Zelensky, Kevin Liptak, MJ Lee Organizations: CNN, Ukraine, ” National Security, Defense, US, Korean, Kremlin, UN, United, NATO, National Intelligence Service Locations: Russia, North Korea, Wonsan, Vladivostok, Ukrainian, Korea, Ukraine, Rome, Europe, Pacific, Moscow, Pyongyang, United States, Kyiv, Washington, Koreans, South

The United States, Ukraine and South Korea say that North Korean troops were dispatched to Russia for training with the aim of being deployed to Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's President Vladimir Putin after signing a comprehensive strategic partnership in Pyongyang, North Korea on June 19, 2024. “We are developing scenarios to understand the potential impacts North Korea and Russia’s actions could have on us,” the government official said. The arrangement could also help North Korea gain real-world intelligence on the functioning of its weaponry. Soldiers march in a parade for the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding day in Pyongyang, North Korea, on September 9, 2018.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, ” Zelensky, Inna Varenytsia, Kim Jong, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, Peskov, ”, François Walschaerts, Foreign Affairs Kim Hong, Kim Tae, Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, John Kirby, “, Carl Schuster, Ng Han Guan, Kim, Chun, ” Chun Organizations: South Korea CNN, Ukraine, NATO, Korean, CNN, National Intelligence Service, North, Maxar Technologies, Maxar, UN, Foreign Ministry, Getty, Korean First, Foreign Affairs, National Security Office, South, Moscow, Defense, National Security, Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Korea, Ukraine, Europe, United States, Russia, North Korea, Moscow, Pyongyang, Kyiv, Washington, Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Koreans, South, Russia’s Far, China, Sergeevka, Russian, Brussels, AFP, South Korean, ” South Korea

☆ Pentagon chief visits Ukraine in show of support ahead of U.S. election
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Ukraine on Monday, in a show of solidarity with Kyiv just two weeks ahead of a U.S. presidential election that is casting uncertainty over the future of Western support. “We’re going to continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereign territory,” Austin told reporters travelling with him to Ukraine. Trump has signaled he would be more reluctant than Biden to continue to support Ukraine, which could deprive Kyiv of its biggest military and financial backer. “I’ve seen bipartisan support for Ukraine over the last 2-1/2 years, and I fully expect that we’ll continue to see the bipartisan support from Congress,” he said. Even with billions of dollars worth of U.S. military support, including the provision of F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks and more, Ukraine faces a tough fight ahead.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Joe Biden’s, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s, Austin, “ We’re, ” Austin, “ We’ve, Austin’s, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Trump, Biden, “ I’ve, ”, Ukraine’s staunchest, Vladimir Putin, “, Zelenskyy, Putin, Abrams Organizations: Joe Biden’s Pentagon, Republican, Democratic, NATO, U.S Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine’s, Poland, Russian, Moscow, Russia, Donetsk, Brussels, Russia’s Kursk, Pokrovsk

☆ Defense Secretary Austin arrives in Ukraine amid Russian gains and imminent US election
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Natasha Bertrand | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Kyiv, Ukraine CNN —Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv early Monday morning, as the future of US aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance of the imminent US presidential election and as Russia continues to make small but steady gains on the battlefield. “It’s been absolutely remarkable that Ukraine has been able to do what it’s done,” Austin told reporters. Ukraine has prevented Russian President Vladimir Putin from achieving “one single strategic objective” during the war, Austin said Sunday. China also continues to be a “critical enabler” of Russia’s war effort, the NATO official said. Ukraine has more sophisticated weaponry thanks to the West, which could give the country a strategic edge, the defense official said.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Rustem Umerov, Biden, Austin, “ It’s, ” Austin, we’ve, Donald Trump, ”, Trump, Zelensky, “, ” Zelensky, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Ukraine CNN —, Defense, CNN, Ukraine Defense, European Union, Pentagon, Capitol, Ukraine, NATO, Russia Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, Russia, Austin, ”, Europe, Russian, Iran, North Korea, China, Moscow

☆ US election looms over NATO discussions to Trump-proof Ukraine aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Natasha Bertrand | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

NATO officials say they are preparing for the US to take on a lesser role. “I’m very worried,” the NATO official said. But that mechanism, known as NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, is not yet fully operational and won’t be for several more months, another NATO official said on Friday. Russia alone is producing around 3 million munitions per year, while NATO collectively is producing less than 2 million annually, NATO officials said on Thursday. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday that he was confident the alliance “will not lose” its unity when it comes to Ukraine.

Persons: Donald Trump, Defense Lloyd Austin, Volodymyr Zelensky, ”, Joe Biden, Austin, Trump, Biden, James O’Brien, O’Brien, “, ” Austin, Russia It’s, Mark Rutte, Vladimir, Putin Organizations: Brussels CNN, NATO, Defense, Ukraine, Trump, ”, NATO Security Assistance, Training, State, Eurasian Locations: Brussels, Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, ”, Europe, NATO, EU, Hungary, Riga, ” North Korea, Moscow, Korea, Kyiv, “

Hundreds of veterans who were dismissed from the U.S. military under the now-repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy have been given honorable discharges following a yearlong review, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” was in effect from February 1994 to September 2011 and resulted in the discharge of more than 13,000 service members. “What this means is that of the nearly 13,500 individuals who were administratively separated under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, and served long enough to receive a merit-based characterization of service, 96% now have an honorable discharge,” Austin said in the statement. Gays and lesbians dismissed from the military during the “don’t ask, don’t tell” era are part of a legacy that started well before 1994. Historians estimate at least 100,000 service members were forced out of the military due to their actual or perceived sexuality between World War II and 2011.

Persons: ” Christa A, Specht, Lloyd Austin, ”, ” Austin, Biden’s, ‘ Don’t, Don’t Organizations: U.S, Pentagon, Defense Department, Defense, “, Department of Defense, Service

☆ Obama’s reemergence on the campaign trail for Harris comes as he recognizes his own legacy is at stake
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-13 | by ( Edward-Isaac Dovere | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

This past Wednesday alone, he recorded 21 videos for the Harris campaign. Obama acolytes have spent the last eight years rationalizing Trump as the last gasp backlash to the Democrat and his presidency. While most of the party leaders Harris called that Sunday afternoon, including Bill Clinton, and immediately pledged support, Obama held off. Harris advisers knew Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi favored an open process to find a new nominee. And according to people who know about the conversations, he checks in with several of his own closest aides now helping run Harris’ campaign, such as current campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon and his own 2008 campaign manager, David Plouffe.

Persons: Barack Obama, Obama’s, president’s, Harris, Obama, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Donald Trump’s, He’s, he’d, Trump, rationalizing Trump, Bruce Springsteen, ”, Hannah Hankins, ” Obama, Kai Jones, Biden, Jones, Obama “, ” Austin Davis, It’s, Hakeem Jeffries, Michelle, Jeffries, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Mary Peltola, Chuck Schumer, Pennsylvania Sen, Bob Casey, Casey, Elissa Slotkin, Ruben Gallego, Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen, Mark Kelly, he’s, Kelly, “, Harris Obama, Mike Donilon, —, Bill Clinton, diehards, feckless, Nancy Pelosi, Jen O’Malley Dillon, David Plouffe, she’s, Michelle Obama, She’s, Paige Mirsky, hadn’t, ” Mirsky, Eric Swanson, Swanson, Pitt, ” Amelia Staresink, Sara Kulkarni, Eve Majewski Organizations: CNN — America, CNN, Democratic, Trump, Democrat, Netflix, House, Democratic Party, “, University of Pittsburgh, Washington, New, Democratic House, World Wildlife Federation, New York Rep, Washington Rep, Alaska Rep, Senate, Pennsylvania, Obama, August’s Democratic National Convention, White, Social Security, Republican Locations: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington, Alexandria, Michigan, Arizona, Buffalo, Canada, Grant Park

Simon & Schuster“That fucking Putin,” Biden said to advisers in the Oval Office not long after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Woodward. “This is what Putin plans to do,” CIA Director Bill Burns said to Biden, according to Woodward. Woodward asked Trump aide Jason Miller whether Trump and Putin had spoken since he left the White House. I wouldn’t purport to speak to what President Trump may or may not have done,” Haines said, according to Woodward. As Trump framed his presidential campaign around fear, Woodward writes that Graham said of the former president: “Trump is becoming more erratic.

Persons: CNN —, Bob Woodward, Joe Biden’s, Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s, ” Biden, Woodward, Simon, Schuster, Putin, “ Putin, ”, Donald Trump’s, Putin –, Trump, Biden, Netanyahu, Hunter Biden’s, – Woodward, – Biden, “, General Merrick Garland, Barack Obama’s, Barack, ’ Woodward, ” Woodward, Joe Biden, Brendan Smialowski, —, Bill Burns, I’ve, Putin “, Volodymyr Zelensky, Kamala Harris, Harris, Zelensky, Alex Wong, Jake Sullivan, Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Sergei Shoigu, ” Shoigu, “ Mr, ” Colin Kahl, Abbott, Putin —, Covid —, ” Putin, ” Trump, Donald Trump, Trump’s, Jason Miller, ” Miller, National Intelligence Avril Haines “, ” Haines, ‘ Trump, Sen, Lindsey Graham, ” Graham, Biden “, “ You’ve, you’ve, ” “, Graham, “ Trump, ” ‘ Bibi, Israel, ” Netanyahu, “ Bibi, ’ ” Biden, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, State Anthony Blinken, Blinken, Antony Blinken, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Evelyn Hockstein, Woodard, bin Salman, JAKE SULLIVAN, ” ‘, Garland ’, George W, Bush, Obama, Merrick Garland, ” Bush, Garland, Hunter Biden, “ Hunter, Biden —, ” Blinken, You’ve, that’s, Kevin Dietsch, ” Harris, Joe Manchin Organizations: CNN, Trump, Putin, White House, Villa, Grange, Getty, CIA, Munich Security Conference, ”, White, Pentagon, Russia, National Intelligence, South Carolina Republican, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran, Saudi Arabia’s Crown, State, MBS, Saudi Crown, South, Saudi, “ TRUMP, Biden, intel, Justice Department, Democratic Party, Democratic, Democratic National Convention, United Center Locations: Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Crimea, Russia, Geneva, AFP, “, Washington , DC, Russian, United States, Helsinki, North Korea, ”, Israel, Rafah, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Beirut, Ula, Saudi, Palestinian, South Carolina, Chicago

☆ Austin believes casualties in all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah could ‘equal or exceed’ those in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-27 | by ( Shania Shelton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Friday of “devastating” consequences if Israel engages in an all-out war with Hezbollah, telling CNN in an exclusive interview that casualties would “equal or exceed” the number in Gaza. “An all-out war between Lebanese, Hezbollah and Israel would be devastating for both Lebanon and Israel. And again, we anticipate that we’d see a number of people displaced, casualties that, you know, equal or exceed what we’ve seen in Gaza,” Austin told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. Asked by Blitzer if continued US aid to Israel undermines Washington’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, Austin on Friday reiterated the long-standing alliance. “We’ve been clear from the very beginning that that we’re going to support Israel in its efforts to defend itself,” Austin said.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Israel, ” Austin, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Netanyahu, Biden, Blitzer, “ We’ve, “, Austin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Trump Organizations: CNN, US, United Nations, Hezbollah, Ukraine, Army Tactical Missile Systems Locations: Gaza, Lebanese, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, ”, Austin, Washington, Ukraine, Russia

☆ US military aid packages to Ukraine shrink amid concerns over Pentagon stockpiles
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Natasha Bertrand | Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —US military aid packages for Ukraine have been smaller in recent months, as the stockpiles of weapons and equipment that the Pentagon is willing to send Kyiv from its own inventory have dwindled. The shift comes amid concerns about US military readiness being impacted as US arms manufacturers play catchup to the huge demand created by the war against Russia. In April, Congress gave the Biden administration an additional $13.4 billion to use specifically to send Ukraine weapons and equipment drawn from US stockpiles. There are also limits, the official added, to how quickly Ukraine can absorb the equipment and distribute it effectively. Austin acknowledged at the meeting that the US is working to ramp up production and “speed up deliveries” to Ukraine.

Persons: Biden, “, Pat Ryder, It’s, won’t, Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky, Defense Department hasn’t, Defense Lloyd Austin, Austin, ” Austin, ” Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, Russia, Russia’s, Patriot, National Security Council, Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Defense Department, Congress, ”, Defense Locations: Ukraine, Germany, Kyiv

☆ Biden signals openness to using Western long-range missiles inside Russia as he meets Britain’s leader to discuss
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The president has long resisted calls from Ukrainian officials to ease restrictions on the weapons. “We’re working that out right now,” Biden said when questioned this week whether he would permit Western-provided long-range missiles to target military sites like airfields, missile launchers, fuel tanks and ammunition depots inside Russia. Still, that the conversation over long-range weapons is happening at all is an indication of how stalled battlefield dynamics are causing western leaders to rethink their approach. The revelation that Iran has been providing Russia with ballistic missiles has changed the debate over Ukraine’s capabilities, Lammy said. Earlier in the week, the bipartisan congressional Ukraine caucus called on Biden to allow Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with the long-range weapons.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, ” Biden, Friday’s Biden, Starmer, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Antony Blinken, “, it’s, we’ll, ” Blinken, Andrii Sybiha, David Lammy, Lammy, Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Ukraine’s, Sen, Ben Cardin, Jeanne Shaheen of, ” Shaheen, ” Organizations: Washington CNN, British, White, US, Army Tactical Missile Systems, Ukrainian, National Security, Labour Party’s, NATO, Defense, Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Defense Department, Ukraine “, Senior, Senate Foreign Relations, Biden, Republican Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Ukrainian, United Kingdom, Kyiv, France, Iran, Western, Kursk, Washington, Russian, United States, British, Germany, Crimea, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire

☆ Senior Republicans urge Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine hitting targets deep inside Russia
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Kylie Atwood | Jennifer Hansler | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —A group of key House Republicans have written to President Joe Biden urging him to lift the restrictions on the use of US-provided long-range weapons systems and allow Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russia. The UK is also considering whether to allow Ukraine to strike deeper inside Russia with its own long-range system, the Storm Shadow. “No change to policy,” one senior administration official said, adding that there is currently no openness to lifting restrictions. Last month, senior Ukrainians presented US officials with targets they would like to strike in Russia during a visit to Washington. But the Ukrainians say there are weapons productions facilities that would be within reach of the ATACMS inside Russia that are worthy military targets, a source familiar with the Ukrainians position told CNN.

Persons: Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky, Antony Blinken’s, Biden, Blinken, David Lammy, Keir Starmer, “, Michael McCaul, Michael Turner, Mike Rogers, Ken Calvert, Thomas Kean, Richard Hudson, “ Biden, Harris, Donald Trump, Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, ”, ” Blinken, “ It’s, Zelensky, ” John Kirby, It’s, CNN’s MJ Lee Organizations: CNN, Republicans, British, UK, House Foreign, House Intelligence, House Armed Services, House, Helsinki, Republican, Defense, Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ukraine “, Ukraine, Russian, US National Security Council Locations: Kyiv, Russia, Ukrainian, Ukraine, Washington, London, U.S, Germany, Russia’s Kursk, Iranian, Crimea

☆ Attorneys say Austin violated military rules in halting deal for alleged 9/11 conspirators
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Wednesday’s pretrial hearing, which has been scheduled for months, followed a whiplash decision by Austin to revoke a plea deal that had been announced just two days prior last week. “What he did was illegal,” Eugene Fidell, who teaches military justice at Yale University and co-founded the National Institute of Military Justice, told CNN. But Sowards argued Wednesday that by revoking the deal, Austin was actually doing more harm to the families. While the terms of the pretrial agreement had not been released publicly, among them was the assurance that the detainees would answer questions by 9/11 victim family members. Sowards said family members had already “been submitting questions in good faith,” and expecting answers in return as part of the deal.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ”, ” Walter Ruiz, Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, Austin, Susan Escallier, Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘ Attash, Ruiz, “, ” Austin, ” Eugene Fidell, Gary Sowards, Mohammad, ” Sowards, Clayton Trivett, ’ ”, Austin “, Antony Blinken, “ I’m, Sowards, Wells Dixon, Majid Khan, Khan, Dixon, ” Dixon, Eugene Fidell’s Organizations: CNN —, Defense, Guantanamo, Pentagon, White, White House, Yale University, National Institute of Military, CNN, Military Commissions, Austin, Military, Australian, American, ”, Center for Constitutional Rights Locations: Guantanamo, Austin, Belize

☆ An icon of Detroit’s ruin is now a symbol of Motor City’s economic resurgence
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —For more than 35 years, Michigan Central Station has lain dormant, towering above Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood as a harsh and stoic reminder of the city’s economic pain. Now, Michigan Central Station, the neighboring old Book Depository and Butler himself are all symbols of hope for Detroit’s future and its ongoing economic resurgence. An aerial view of Michigan Central Station and the surrounding property, including the former Book Depository (left), under construction in 2020. Stephen McGee/Michigan Central Michigan Central Station's Grand Hall before and after the six-year renovation project funded by the Ford Motor Company. And with Michigan Central Station coming online, that’s only expected to grow.

Persons: Ronald Butler, “ We’ve, ” Butler, Timothy Fadek, ”, Henry Ford’s, Butler, James Haefner, Mary Culler, Ford, ‘, Kevin Johnson, Stephen McGee, ” Johnson, “, Johnson, Charles Dougherty, I’m, Geoff Robins, ’ ” Dan Austin, Eminen’s, Rebecca Cook, Bill Ford, CNN’s Poppy Harlow, Michigan Central Stephen McGee, tradespeople, Carlos Osorio, ” Austin, Josh Sirefman Organizations: CNN, Michigan Central, Detroit Fire Department, ”, Train Station, Motor, Detroit, Michigan Central Station, Storage Safety, Michigan, Ford Motor Company, Depository, Ford, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, of Labor Statistics, Getty, Honda Accord, Reuters, Denver’s, Michigan Central Michigan Central Station's Locations: ” Michigan, Motor City, Michigan, Detroit, “, Wells Fargo, AFP, ”, ’ ” Dan Austin , Michigan, America, Indiana

☆ US defense chief hails security partnerships in Asia in face of Russia, China threats
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Brad Lendon | Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Singapore CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday hailed the arrival of a “new convergence” in the Indo-Pacific, as the United States fortifies strategic and security partnerships in the region amid rising threats from China and Russia. “Today, we are witnessing a new convergence around nearly all aspects of security in the Indo-Pacific,” Austin said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. Looming large in that regional vision is a more assertive China, which Austin alluded to without mentioning it by name. Austin’s emphasis of a “new convergence” in Asia Pacific appeared to have struck a raw nerve with the Chinese delegation in the audience. Austin also reaffirmed US commitment to the Asia Pacific region, saying peace and stability across the region are crucial for the whole world.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Austin, Lai Ching, “ We’ve, We’ve, we’ve, ”, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Cao Yanzhong, “, Mr.Putin, Dong Jun, Dong, Ferdinand R, Marcos Jr Organizations: Singapore CNN — US, Saturday, “, South China Seas, Asia Pacific, NATO, Institute of War Studies, Academy of Military Sciences of, China’s, National Defense Locations: Singapore, United States, China, Russia, Taiwan, Beijing, South China, Asia Pacific, South, Washington, Asia, Ukraine, Philippines, Philippine

☆ US announces $6 billion long-term military aid package for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Friday a $6 billion long-term military aid package for Ukraine — the largest to date — which will allow the US to purchase new equipment produced by the American defense industry for the Ukrainian military. The announcement comes just days after the US announced a $1 billion package that would quickly provide equipment to Ukraine from US stocks, following President Joe Biden’s signing of a much delayed $95 billion supplemental aid package on Wednesday. Biden said moments after signing the legislation that shipments of aid to Ukraine would begin within hours. Equipment under the $6 billion package announced Friday, however, will take much longer to arrive. The USAI is intended to provide Ukraine with a long-term supply of weapons and equipment.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Joe Biden’s, Biden, Austin, CQ, “ They’ve, ” Brown, Volodymyr Zelensky, ” Organizations: CNN, US, Ukraine —, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Contact Locations: Ukraine, Germany, Ukrainian

☆ Lloyd Austin says US support for Ukraine remains resolute even as security aid remains stalled in Congress
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Ramstein Air Base, Germany CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized Tuesday that the US “will not let Ukraine fail,” as Congress continues to delay critical funding for Ukraine aid. “So, our message today is clear: The United States will not let Ukraine fail. This coalition will not let Ukraine fail. And the free world will not let Ukraine fail.”The trip is Austin’s first official trip abroad since his prostate cancer procedure in December. “And Ukraine continues to down Russian warplanes.”The future of supplemental aid in Congress remains unclear.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ”, Austin, Rustem Umerov, “, Russia “, ” Austin, Mike Johnson, Sen, Markwayne Mullin, Johnson, Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan Organizations: Ramstein Air Base, Germany CNN — US, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ukrainian Defense, CNN, Russia, Russian Navy, Republican, ”, Pentagon, Army Locations: Germany, Ukraine, United States, Russia, Europe, “, Oklahoma

☆ Freddie Mercury’s London home for sale for $38 million
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Catherine Nicholls | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —The former London home of rock legend Freddie Mercury is available to buy – that is, for those with a cool £30 million ($38 million) to spare. The property was bought by Mercury on the spot when he first visited it in 1980, according to Knight Frank, which is handling the sale. In this spirit, the dining room was painted citrus-yellow, reportedly Mercury’s favorite color, with complementary jewel tones in the cornices of the room. The property’s principal suite is entered through what used to be Mercury’s dressing room, where he stored his clothes and stage costumes. After more than 30 years taking care of them, Austin, now 72, auctioned about 1,400 of Mercury’s belongings last year, and is now looking to sell Garden Lodge for offers in excess of £30 million ($38 million), according to Knight Frank.

Persons: Freddie Mercury, Knight Frank, Robin Moore Ede, ” Knight Frank, Barney Hindle, Knight Frank The, Mercury, Mary Austin, “, ” Austin, Freddie Organizations: London CNN, Mercury Locations: London, Kensington, Austin

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