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☆ Ukraine's fighting to stay 'five steps ahead' of the Russians in the 'cat-and-mouse' drone game, top official says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Kyiv and Moscow have both sought to significantly ramp up production of unmanned systems as each side looks to out-produce their enemy and score a numerical advantage. AdvertisementUkrainian officials said in December that Kyiv plans to produce one million first-person-view, or FPV, drones by the end of this year. A Ukrainian soldier of the 71st Jaeger Brigade prepares FPV drones at the frontline near Avdiivka, in the Donetsk region, on March 22, 2024. In February, Fedorov said Ukraine will reach its FPV production goals by the end of the year. Advertisement"You can track the successes of Ukraine's long-range program by the surprising news coming from Russia," Fedorov said.

Persons: —, it's, Mykhailo Fedorov, Chasiv Yar, Jose Colon, Fedorov, " Fedorov Organizations: Service, Business, Anadolu, Getty, 71st Jaeger Brigade, AP, BI, Ukraine doesn't, Fleet Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Moscow, Ukrainian, Russia, Donetsk, Avdiivka, Crimean

☆ Oil extends losses as strong dollar weighs on commodities markets
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Monday for a second straight session, weighed down by a stronger dollar after concerns of higher-for-longer interest rates resurfaced and cooled investors' risk appetite. Brent crude futures slid 40 cents, or 0.5%, to $84.84 a barrel by 0036 GMT, after settling down 0.6% on Friday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $80.34 a barrel, down 39 cents, or 0.5%. In Ecuador, state oil company Petroecuador has declared force majeure over deliveries of Napo heavy crude for exports following the shutdown of a key pipeline and oil wells due to heavy rains, sources said on Friday. In the U.S., operating oil rigs fell three to 485 last week, their lowest since January 2022, Baker Hughes said in its report on Friday.

Persons: Brent, Tony Sycamore, Petroecuador, Baker Hughes Organizations: Midland, . West Texas, U.S, PMI, IG, greenback, ANZ Locations: Odessa, Texas, Sydney, U.S, Gaza, Ecuador

☆ Russian ships are being taken out by mines covertly laid by Ukrainian sea drones: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewUkrainian uncrewed surface vessels are laying undersea mines that have already damaged several Russian warships in the Black Sea, The Wall Street Journal reported. The paper reported that the mines have damaged four Russian warships to date, including the missile corvette Samum and the patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin. AdvertisementWhile successful attacks on Russian ships using sea drones packed with explosives have been well documented, the use of drones to lay mines has not received the same attention. At the time, intelligence sources briefed Reuters and Ukrainan media that it had been struck by a Sea Baby drone. AdvertisementDespite having no conventional navy, Ukraine continues to punch above its weight in the Black Sea.

Persons: —, Brig Gen Ivan Lukashevych, Lukashevych, Pavel Derzhavin, Lukashevych's Organizations: Service, Street Journal, Business, Reuters, Fleet Locations: Russia, Sevastopol, Ukraine, Novorossiysk

☆ A Russian soldier's killing of a wounded comrade highlights the 'brutal culture' rampant inside Russia's military, war analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Recent drone footage shows a Russian soldier killing a wounded comrade in combat. Experts say the incident highlights violence and disregard among Russian forces. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementDrone footage showing a Russian soldier shooting a comrade hurt in combat highlights the "brutal culture" of "callous" behavior in the Russian armed forces, war experts say.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Russian, Washington, Russia

☆ Ground robots may be the 'next game-changer technology' of the war, senior Ukrainian official says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewUkraine has its eyes set on a dynamic fleet of ground robots to fight alongside — and, sometimes, instead of — its soldiers in combat as Kyiv continues growing its arsenal of unmanned systems. Multiple ground robots at a UNITED24 summit. UNITED24The new ground combat robots can assault and defend positions, as well as conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, all while being operated remotely from up to two-and-a-half miles away. Ground robots have even been involved in drone-on-drone combat, underscoring a level of depth and sophistication to these operations. The evolution of unmanned systems has been one of the defining elements of the Ukraine war.

Persons: —, Mykhailo Fedorov, Fedorov, there's, " Fedorov Organizations: Service, Business, Systems, Technologies Locations: Ukraine, Ukrainian, Russian, Russia, Western

☆ Ukraine destroyed columns of waiting Russian troops as soon as it was allowed to strike across the border, commander says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine got permission from its allies last month to strike military targets in Russia with weapons they'd supplied, reversing a long-held restriction. AdvertisementEven so, Ukraine appears to have used HIMARS to strike targets in Russia since the restrictions were lifted. Related storiesRussia has also been stationing troops close to the border with Ukraine, ready to be called in to fight. Ukraine's deputy defense minister, Ivan Havryliuk, told the AP that at least 90,000 Russian troops deep in Russian territory were readying for a new assault when the restrictions were lifted. AdvertisementExperts say this new reality has had a big impact there, particularly given the Russian border is so close to the fighting.

Persons: —, Hefastus, Ivan Havryliuk, Ukraine's, George Barros, They've Organizations: Service, Associated Press, Business, Artillery, System, AP, Washington Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Ukrainian, Kharkiv, Russian

☆ Houthi claims of attack on U.S. aircraft carrier are false, U.S. officials say
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

View of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, 1 July 2016. A claim by Yemen's Houthi group on Saturday that its forces had attacked the U.S. aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea is false, two U.S. officials told Reuters. "That is incorrect," one of the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Iran-aligned Houthis first launched drone and missile strikes in the key waterway in November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinian militants in Gaza, where Israel has waged a more than eight-month-old war. In more than 70 attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.

Persons: Dwight D, Eisenhower, Yemen's Organizations: U.S, Reuters, Palestinian Locations: Iran, Gaza, Israel

☆ I drove the new $55,000 Nissan Z, and it lives up to its reputation as an iconic sports car
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Benjamin Zhang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Nissan Z was an absolute blast to drive. The Nissan Z's cabin. On a winding road, the Bridgestone Potenza-shod car handled the corners with the surefooted confidence expected of a world-class sports car. They were monsters in a straight line but felt heavy and unsure of themselves in the corners. According to Motor Trend, the Nissan Z Performance with the manual transmission can go from 0 to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Persons: Benjamin Zhang, it's, hasn't, gunning Organizations: Nissan, Bridgestone Potenza, 350Z, Motor

☆ Hiker missing for 10 days in California mountains survived by drinking a gallon of water each day
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Zoe Sottile | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A California man spent ten days stranded in the mountains after he got lost on a hike, relying in part on large volumes of water to survive. Lukas McClish, 34, set out for what he thought would be a three-hour hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains on June 11, according to CNN affiliate KGO. But he became lost in the mountains – partially due to the destruction of local landmarks in recent wildfires. His family officially reported him missing when he didn’t show up for a Father’s Day dinner on June 16, triggering search and rescue efforts, KGO reported. Speaking with KGO, McClish said he was “tired and a little sore” after his ordeal.

Persons: Lukas McClish, McClish, ”, “, ” McClish, Lukas McClish’s Organizations: CNN, KGO, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s, Cal Fire San, Big Basin Redwoods, Cal Fire, KSBW Locations: California, Santa Cruz, Cal Fire San Mateo, Big

☆ Ukraine needs to stop fighting the war Russia wants
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Build up Ukrainian military power and compel Russia to agree to peace, argues a Ukrainian security expert. It's also clear that even with robust EU and US support, Ukraine is still at a disadvantage against the Russian war machine in a years-long fight. Related storiesDanylyuk also worries that political divergences between Ukraine and its allies are undermining Ukrainian military effectiveness. REUTERS/Sofiia GatilovaThe result is that the Ukrainian military isn't sure what kind of war to prepare for. Interestingly, Danylyuk blames the West for failing to adapt its equipment to the lessons of the Ukraine war.

Persons: Oleksandr Danylyuk, Danylyuk, Carl von Clausewitz, Biden, It's, Ukraine's, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, Business, Royal United Services Institute, Century, [ Armed Forces, REUTERS, Ukrainian, Russian, Defense, Foreign Policy, Rutgers Univ, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Ukraine, Russia, USSR, British, Europe, Ukrainian, Kostiantynivka, Donetsk, Crimea, Soviet, Afghanistan, Russian, Moscow, China, North Korea, Iran, Forbes

☆ ‘My vision went dark’: CNN reporter experiences 6G-force before hitching a fighter jet ride
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Four South Korean F-4 fighter jets fly in formation on May 8, 2024, during a commemorative final flight of the aircraft. That test would come a few weeks before the F-4 flight at a South Korean Air Force medical facility south of Seoul. Lendon in the back seat of a South Korean F-4 Phantom flying over southern South Korea on May 8, 2024. South Korean Air Force F-4s flying in formation with two KF-21 fighter jet prototypes over southern South Korea on May 8, 2024. A total of 120 are expected to be delivered to the South Korean Air Force by 2030, and the jet is expected to be exportable.

Persons: Douglas, Lendon, –, didn’t, I’m, It’s, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, I’d, don’t, South Korea Brad Lendon, Daegu –, vomited, “, ”, wouldn’t Organizations: South Korea CNN —, South Korean Air Force, US Navy, CNN, US Navy Blue Angels, US Air Force Thunderbirds, hometown Cleveland National Air, South, McDonnell, US, Korean, Wright, Daegu Air Base, Daegu, General, KF, Korean Air Force, South Korean Air Force Korea Aerospace Industries, Phantoms, Boeing, South Korean Airforce, Suwon Air Base Locations: Suwon, South Korea, Midway, Japan, Vietnam, North Korea, Seoul, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Daegu, Ohio, Korean, South Korean

☆ Russia’s shifting tactics put unprecedented pressure on Ukraine’s already hobbled power system
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Clare Sebastian | Olga Voitovych | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“We are doing our best,” Deputy Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk told CNN. “I installed them so that my family would not feel uncomfortable when there is no electricity,” he told CNN. The company told CNN it’s also halted the use of air conditioning in administrative buildings, and turned off outdoor lighting. The G7, having already spent $3bn to date to support Ukraine’s energy sector, just announced another $1bn in funding in early June. Ukraine’s energy ministry says it has been building concrete shelters to protect some energy equipment from attacks.

Persons: CNN — Kateryna Serzhan, “, Keen, Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Zelensky, ”, …, Dmytro Sakharuk, DTEK, Thomas Peter, Yan Dobronosov, Svitlana Grynchuk, Denis Shmyhal, Serzhan, CNN it’s, Stepanov, Valentyn Ogirenko, Marta Trush, Igor Piddubnyi, Piddubnyi, ” CNN’s Clare Sebastian, Olga Voitovych, Svitlana Vlasova, Daria Tarasova, Markina Organizations: CNN, Reuters, Getty, Energy, Kyiv region’s, Ukraine’s, Companies, Railways, Kyiv School of Economics, “, National Bank of, Patriot, White House Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, –, Moscow, Russia, Berlin, Russian, Europe, AFP, National Bank of Ukraine, “ Ukraine, Romania, London

☆ Russia's talking about a 6th-generation fighter jet while its Su-57 sits out the Ukraine war
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Not coincidentally, the discussion comes as the US Air Force hints that it may drop its plan for a sixth-generation fighter, a piloted air superiority fighter that will operate with drones. But experts consider the idea of a next-generation Russian fighter to be sheer fantasy at a time when it's struggling to operate its fifth-generation stealth fighters. AdvertisementDiscussing cutting-edge aircraft seems almost surreal for Russia, whose air force has enough problems using its current warplanes in Ukraine. Russia's fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57, has been conspicuous by its absence in Ukraine. In November 2023, a senior Russian aviation official said that no decision had been made as to whether a sixth-generation fighter would be manned or unmanned.

Persons: it's, Pavel Luzin, Evgeny Fedosov, Russia's, —, Russia wasn't, Sergei Korotkov, Fedosov, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, US Air Force, State Research Institute of Aviation Systems, TASS, America, Army, United Aircraft Corporation, Moscow Institute, Defense, Foreign Policy, Rutgers Univ, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Russia, Ukrainian, China, Forbes

☆ Footage appears to show deadly Houthi sea drone strike on cargo ship in the Red Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Cameron Manley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewFootage released by Yemen's Houthi rebels appears to show the militant group attacking a cargo ship in the Red Sea with sea drones. The MV Tutor is the second ship that the Houthis have successfully sunk this year. The British-owned Rubymar also sank in the Red Sea after it was struck by a missile fired by the group.

Persons: —, Yemen's Houthi, Dwight D, John Kirby, CENTCOM, Rubymar, Bryan Clark, Navy submariner Organizations: Service, Business, UK's Maritime Trade Operations Center, Liberian, UK's Royal Navy, US Navy, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, White, US Central Command, U.S, Navy, Hudson Institute, Associated Press Locations: Iranian, Philippines, Yemen, U.S, British, Red, Aden, Israel, Gaza, Africa

☆ Ukraine moved to top of list to receive US air defense capabilities
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Kylie Atwood | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

A senior White House official described the action as a “rather extraordinary” policy adjustment at a critical moment for Ukraine. “If we didn’t do this for Ukraine, they would not have been able to maintain their critical air defense stockpile heading into the winter, period,” the official said. Ukraine is expected to get its first exports of the air defense capabilities this summer and the policy change will stay in place for 16 months, the official said. The White House official would not share the list of affected countries, other than to say that air defense exports to Taiwan would not be impacted. The move is being done in parallel with Biden administration efforts to get Ukraine more air defense systems as well, a second White House official said.

Persons: CNN —, Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, “, @POTUS, ” Zelensky, Zelensky, –, Donald Trump, Jake Sullivan, they’re, ” Biden, Daria Tarasova, Caitlin Danaher Organizations: CNN, White House, State Department, Pentagon, White, NATO, Republican, Ukraine, Congress, Russian Locations: Ukraine, Russia, United States, Taiwan, Kyiv, Italy

☆ Satellite images capture Russia's Black Sea Fleet running from its base in Crimea as Ukraine hit it with missiles and exploding drones
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewArmed with exploding naval drones and long-range missiles, Ukraine has managed to push Russia's Black Sea Fleet away from its long-held headquarters in the occupied Crimean peninsula to other bases far away. AdvertisementThese attacks span the entirety of the war, but the exodus of the Black Sea Fleet didn't really kick into gear until September 2023. The aftermath of two Ukrainian missile strikes on Black Sea Fleet facilities and vessels in Sevastopol in September 2023. The dispersal of the Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol to Feodosia and Novorossiysk. "Forcing the enemy to flee from the Black Sea was the goal we sought," he added, "and it was achieved."

Persons: —, BlackSky, Lloyd Austin, BlackSky BlackSky, Ivan Lukashevych Organizations: Service, Business, Black, US, Fleet, Ukrainian, BlackSky, Security Service, Kyiv, Russian Locations: Ukraine, Crimean, Sevastopol, Russian, Feodosia, Crimea, Novorossiysk, Russia, Moscow, Kyiv, Western, Crimea's, detections, Novorossiysk —, BlackSky, BlackSky Sevastopol

CNN —US officials have serious concerns that in the event of a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group could overwhelm Israel’s air defenses in the north — including the much-vaunted Iron Dome air defense system, three US officials told CNN. Israeli officials have told the US they are planning to shift resources from southern Gaza to northern Israel in preparation for a possible offensive against the group, US officials told CNN on Wednesday. “We assess that at least some” Iron Dome batteries “will be overwhelmed,” said a senior administration official. Earlier this month, Hezbollah released a video purporting to show a drone striking and damaging an Iron Dome battery on an army base in northern Israel. The Iron Dome is fundamental to Israel’s defense and the US government has spent over $2.9 billion on the program, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Persons: “, ”, “ We’re, Amos Hochstein, Hochstein, Israel, Israel ‘, Antony Blinken’s, Yoav Gallant, Hassan Nasrallah, Nasrallah, Assad Organizations: CNN, Hezbollah, Congressional Research Service, Israel Defense Forces, Islamic, Biden, US, IDF, Hamas, Israeli, Command, Radwan Force, Rocket Locations: Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Lebanese, Jerusalem, Beirut, Rafah, ”, Cyprus, Syria

☆ Israel-Hamas war: Why Hezbollah is threatening Cyprus
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

While experts say war between Israel and Hezbollah remains unlikely, the very mention of Cyprus adds a new dimension to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Stavros Ioannides/PIO/ReutersWhat has Cyprus’ role been in the Gaza war? Cyprus has been keen to dispel any suggestions that it is implicated in the Gaza war, noting its humanitarian efforts that helped bring some aid into Gaza. It would mean that an EU country is, for the first time, directly involved in an expanded Gaza war. “The US also does not want to find itself in another Middle East quagmire, especially with presidential elections looming.”

Persons: Hassan Nasrallah, ”, Nikos Christodoulides, ” Peter Stano, Abdallah Bou Habib, Constantinos Kombos, Lebanon’s, Israel, “, Eli Cohen, Stavros Ioannides, PIO, Christodoulides, Yiannis Kourtoglou, ” Mohammad Ali Shabani, Amwaj.media, ” Lina Khatib, ” Khatib, Biden Organizations: CNN, Lebanese, European Union, EU, United Nations, Lebanon’s, Cypriot, Israel, The, NATO, Israel Defense Forces, IDF, Reuters, Spanish, North Africa, Chatham House Locations: Cyprus, Israel, “ Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, EU, Greece, Gaza, East, Europe, European, Delaware, Republic of Cyprus, Turkish, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Turkey, The Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia, Tel Aviv, Larnaca, ”, UAE, Russian, Syria, London, Haifa, “

☆ Why Hezbollah is threatening this tiny European country
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

An island in the Eastern Mediterranean located on a geopolitical fault line between the Middle East and southern Europe, Cyprus is geographically much closer to the conflicts in the Middle East than it is to European power centers. The island has previously been caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts, a reminder of its proximity to the volatile Middle East. It would mean that an EU country is, for the first time, directly involved in an expanded Gaza war. “It is normal for both Israel and Hezbollah to have military plans in place for handling a potential escalation. “The US also does not want to find itself in another Middle East quagmire, especially with presidential elections looming.”

Persons: Hassan Nasrallah, ”, Nikos Christodoulides, Israel, Constantinos Kombos, Eli Cohen, Stavros Ioannides, PIO, Christodoulides, “, Yiannis Kourtoglou, ” Mohammad Ali Shabani, Amwaj.media, ” Lina Khatib, ” Khatib, Biden Organizations: CNN, Lebanese, Union, Israel, The, NATO, Israel Defense Forces, IDF, Cypriot, Reuters, Spanish, European Union, North Africa, Chatham House Locations: Cyprus, Israel, “ Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, East, Europe, European, Delaware, Republic of Cyprus, Turkish, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, The Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia, Tel Aviv, Larnaca, ”, EU, UAE, Russian, Syria, London, Haifa, “

☆ Red Sea crisis: The shipping industry is sounding the alarm as another vessel sinks
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

London CNN —Leading shipping groups have urged governments “with influence” to put a stop to Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea after a second freighter sank this week. The latest sinking is likely to have led to another death, according to a statement Wednesday from more than a dozen shipping associations, including the International Chamber of Shipping and the World Shipping Council. The longer diversion around the southern tip of Africa has sent shipping costs soaring and is causing congestion at ports in Asia and Europe, threatening to scramble global supply chains. We call for states with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea,” they added. “Houthi attacks continue to make the Red Sea unsafe, and increases in charter activity and rates indicate carriers expect congestion to remain a factor for some time,” he added.

Persons: ”, “, Hapag Lloyd, Judah Levine Organizations: London CNN, International Chamber of Shipping, World Shipping Council, Maritime Trade, Royal Navy, Shipping, Maersk, Drewry, Carriers Locations: Red, Africa, Asia, Europe, ., Yemen, Gaza, Suez, London, Red Sea, Singapore, Malaysia, Shanghai, China, Barcelona, Spain

☆ Houthi attacks in the Red Sea: Ship attacked by Iran-backed rebels believed to have sunk
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Niamh Kennedy | Michael Rios | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A Greek-owned coal carrier appears to have capsized in the Red Sea days after it was struck by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, according to a report published by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The MV Tutor is thought to be the second ship sunk by Houthis since March, when the British-registered vessel Rubymar was downed after being struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi territory in Yemen. The rebels have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks directed at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. Israeli attacks in Gaza have since killed at least 37,396 Palestinians and injured another 85,523 people, according to the Ministry of Health there. Dozens of ships have been attacked in the Red Sea, as regional tensions flare over Israel's war in Gaza.

Persons: Christian Domarique, Sta Rosa, “, Al Masirah, CENTCOM Organizations: CNN, UK Maritime Trade Operations, Hamas, Ministry of Health, Getty, US Central Command Locations: Red, Iranian, British, Yemen, Gulf of Aden, Israel, Gaza, Metro Manila, AFP

☆ Taiwan to acquire more than 1,000 armed drones in new US arms sale
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The United States has approved the $360 million sale of more than 1,000 small armed drones to Taiwan, as the self-ruled island claimed by China aims to strengthen its asymmetrical warfare abilities with an eye on successful tactics used on the battlefield in Ukraine. The proposed sale comes as China increases military pressure on Taiwan, with extensive military exercises around it and almost daily warplane flights near the island. In a statement Wednesday, Taiwan’s presidential office thanked the US for its security commitments, adding this was the Biden administration’s 15th weapons sale to the island since 2021. That includes $6.1 billion in asymmetrical weapon systems, including Harpoon missiles, PAC-3 missile interceptors and MQ-9B aerial drones, Cato said. Many analysts have urged Taiwan to pursue more asymmetrical weapons, which they say would be harder for China to counter than conventional arms in any invasion of the island.

Persons: “, Adm, Dong Jun, ”, Wahid Nawabi, Anduril, Biden, Karen Kuo, Cato Organizations: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Communist Party, Taiwan Relations, Washington, Chinese Defense, “, Cato Institute, Harpoon Locations: States, Taiwan, China, Ukraine, Taipei, Beijing, Singapore, “ Taiwan, Washington

☆ Oil steady amid US stock build but jitters abound
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday, staying close to their highest levels in seven weeks as the market weighed concerns over escalating conflicts against demand worries following an unexpected rise in U.S. crude inventories. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 20 cents to $81.37 per barrel. U.S. crude stocks rose by 2.264 million barrels in the week ended June 14, market sources said on Tuesday, citing American Petroleum Institute figures. However, gasoline inventories fell by 1.077 million barrels, while distillates rose by 538,000 barrels, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. China data this week showed May industrial output lagged expectations, but retail sales, a gauge of consumption, marked their quickest growth since February.

Persons: Ricardo Evangelista, Israel Katz, Jun Rong Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, American Petroleum Institute, Reuters, U.S . Energy, Administration, Hezbollah, U.S, IG Locations: Ukrainian, Russian, East, Israel, Iran, China, Singapore

☆ Satellite images show Russia is putting ships in the path of Ukraine's naval drones to protect Putin's prize, but it's likely not enough
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewRussia has placed barges and other defenses around a major bridge connecting it to the occupied Crimean Peninsula, recent satellite images show. The efforts appear to be a bid to protect the structure from Ukraine's vaunted fleet of exploding naval drones. Whether these new defenses are able to effectively prevent Ukraine's naval drones remains to be seen. To help sustain its military presence in Crimea, Russia has been using ferry crossings. Ukraine has made numerous upgrades and improvements to its naval drones since they were used against the bridge last summer.

Persons: —, Vladimir Putin's, Brady Africk, Africk, Dmytro Pletenchuk, STRINGER Organizations: Service, Business, Russian, Ministry of Defense, Maxar Technologies, Technologies, American Enterprise Institute, Getty Images Locations: Russia, Crimean, Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine, Ukrainian, Moscow, Russian, Kyiv, Sevastopol, Novorossiysk

☆ Former CIA Officer Andrew Bustamante Explains How Spying Works
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Kevin Reilly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Andrew Bustamante spent seven years working covertly as an officer in the Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA recruited him while he was applying to join the Peace Corps after leaving the US Air Force. Bustamante possesses an intimate knowledge of the intelligence community's inner workings. After meeting his wife — also a CIA officer — and having children, he learned the CIA was no place for families. Today, he runs his own company, Everyday Spy, training people in the techniques he learned as a spy.

Persons: Andrew Bustamante, Bustamante, — Organizations: Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, Peace Corps, US Air Force, Business Locations: Afghanistan, Iraq

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