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☆ Here's why Israel, one of the toughest militaries, isn't arming Ukraine despite a global push to do so. It's got another fight in focus.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Israel, a major US partner, has not provided direct military aid to Ukraine. Russia allows Israel to conduct operations targeting Iran-linked forces in Syria, something it doesn't want to jeopardize. Israel, as of February 2022, was the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign assistance — most of which comes in the form of military support. But the country has stopped short of providing direct lethal military aid to Ukraine, despite pleas from leadership in Kyiv. Even as Moscow allows Israel to clamp down on Iranian influence in Syria, Russia and Iran have increased their military ties and support throughout the Ukraine war.

☆ A US weapons maker is offering Ukraine a pair of deadly combat drones for $1, 'no strings attached,' but it's not that simple
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

US weapons maker General Atomics offered two lethal drones for Ukraine for just $1. However, General Atomics acknowledged that preparing these drones for combat use come with additional costs that are outside the company's control. "Factoring in hardware and training that is essentially free, the offer is a remarkable deal with no strings attached," General Atomics said. The US has so far avoided providing Ukraine with larger and more lethal drones such as the Reaper and Gray Eagle. "There are limits to what an American defense company can do to support a situation such as this," General Atomics wrote.

☆ Wagner troops wouldn't 'stop coming' and climbed over bodies of dead comrades like something out of a 'zombie movie,' says Ukrainian soldier
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Rebecca Cohen | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Ukrainian soldier compared fighting Russia's Wagner Group to something like a "zombie movie." "They're climbing above the corpse of their friends, stepping on them," the soldier told CNN. He said the fight was between 20 Ukrainian soldiers and about 200 Wagner troops and described it as a "frightening and surreal experience." He even suggested that the Wagner troops might be "getting some drugs before the attack." The soldier said his group's AK-47 rifles became so hot from constantly firing at the Wagner troops that they had to keep switching out guns.

☆ An elite Russian tank force that's been repeatedly beaten on the battlefield appears ready to try its luck again
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

After training in Belarus, an elite Russian tank force is back in eastern Ukraine to fight again. The 1st Guards Tank Army has repeatedly been beaten in battle and has suffered heavy lossesThis move comes ahead of an expected Russian offensive in the near future. This tank army consists of several powerful divisions, including the 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division (GMRD), which had been deployed to Russian ally Belarus for training over the last few months. Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Luhansk region on February 26, 2022. Ukrainian and Western officials have warned recently that a possible Russian offensive is looming in the near future.

☆ Worried about World War III, Trump says he wants an 'impenetrable' shield like Iron Dome to protect the US from hypersonic weapons. A missile defense expert says it's a long shot.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Trump recently said the US should build a nationwide missile defense shield like Israel's Iron Dome. It is unclear if Trump wants the Iron Dome system defending American cities or if he wants a new shield specifically designed for hypersonic threats. Either way, his plan for an "impenetrable" defense is unrealistic, a missile defense expert told Insider. 'There's always some way to get through'Right now, the US has a homeland missile defense system called the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD). While Trump appears to be questionably framing the missile defense situation, there are still certain things that the US can do to strengthen its homeland missile defense, Williams noted.

☆ Here's how a wildly outgunned US Navy pilot outfoxed one of the Soviet Union's best jets, scoring a string of kills in a legendary dogfight
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

An outgunned US Navy pilot downed four Soviet MiG-15 jets in a legendary dogfight over 70 years ago. This swept-wing Soviet aircraft was considered to be superior to the straight-wing American Panther in terms of overall performance. A Grumman F9F Panther fighter jet fires its guns during an attack on the North Korean port of Hungnam. "In the moment I was a fighter pilot doing my job," Williams said in an account of the fight, according to Pacific Fleet. Williams' dogfight isn't the only example of US planes battling enemy aircraft that are superior on paper.

☆ Russia's war in Ukraine backfired by uniting NATO, even as cracks emerged over nearly a year of fighting
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Jake Epstein | John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

When Putin invaded Ukraine, he miscalculated the response from Western countries. NATO has been largely united in its response to Russia's war, consistently providing Kyiv with military aid. Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively succeeded in remaking the Western bloc, Araud said, adding that "the Western alliance is back." After the Soviet Union collapsed, both Finland and Sweden became NATO partner countries but stopped short of pursuing full membership. Even under the intense pressure of war, the alliance is "holding the way that they have in the past," he said.

☆ Ukrainian troops are calling the US military in the middle of shootouts with Russia for help fixing their artillery
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The US military is leading a team that is helping to repair Ukraine's military hardware over the phone. Ukrainian troops, meanwhile, are pushing artillery systems to the limits to keep Russia at bay. According to the report, Ukrainian troops have been firing their heavy artillery pieces past when they would typically be due for a repair, and at unprecedented rates to keep Russian forces at bay. Because of this, the support team is learning the limits of these systems and where they might have a breaking point. In finally securing the Western-made tanks, which were much-sought-after by Ukraine, the country has now set its ambitions on acquiring fighter jets.

☆ A Chinese invasion of Taiwan is a real and dangerous possibility that could wreck armies and ruin the global economy worse than the 1929 stock market crash
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Experts say the military and economic impacts for could be catastrophic, and not just for China and Taiwan. Whether it's 2030, 2027, 2025, or even this year, experts say it could wreak havoc on the global economy and take a devastating toll on the militaries involved. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesThough China's actions have stirred fears of a possible Chinese attack, the US military assesses that an invasion of Taiwan would prove extremely difficult for the Chinese military. Threats to one company could spell catastropheLooking at this situation from an economic perspective, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could mean trillions of dollars in losses and a serious global recession. Others have argued it's in the self interest of both China and the United State to overplay the likelihood of a Taiwan invasion.

☆ Eagles thrash 49ers to reach Super Bowl
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/7] Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) flips the ball to the official after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsJan 29 (Reuters) - A pair of rushing touchdowns from Miles Sanders helped the Philadelphia Eagles to soar past the 49ers 31-7 in the NFC Championship on Sunday, after injuries hit San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy and backup Josh Johnson. "This is something you dream about as a kid," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said in televised remarks. The situation went from bad to worse for San Francisco as Purdy left the game with an elbow injury after a strip sack by Eagles' linebacker Haason Reddick in the 49ers' first possession. "This is a special city," said Hurts, 24, before leading the euphoric crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in singing the Eagles' fight song, "Fly, Eagles Fly".

☆ Before a secret raid on an ISIS leader's mountain cave complex, US forces ran the mission at a special recreation of the target area
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

US forces carried out a raid in northern Somalia this week and took out a top ISIS money man. Before the operation, troops ran practice runs on a recreation of the mountainous target area. It's a similar technique to the one used before the 2011 raid that brought down Osama bin Laden. US forces used the mock-up to practice what their ground movements and helicopter approaches would look like during the actual raid. Wednesday's raid in Somalia comes as the US and partner forces continue to track down ISIS fighters in Syria.

☆ Hundreds of armored vehicles are now heading to Ukraine to help fight off a looming Russian 'onslaught,' US officials say
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Christopher Woody | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The US, UK, and Germany have agreed to provide their tanks to Ukraine, as have some other countries. Those tanks now join hundreds of other armored vehicles delivered or promised to Kyiv. The 31 Abrams tanks the US will send to Ukraine likely won't arrive for months or longer, but the US and European countries have already committed to sending Ukraine several different types of armored vehicles. (On Wednesday, US officials said M88 recovery vehicles would be delivered with the Abrams tanks.) The US and Germany have agreed to send M1 Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

☆ The US is taking aim at Wagner, the only Russian force seemingly having any success in Ukraine, with crippling sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The US government has taken aim at the notorious Wagner Group with sweeping new sanctions. A pedestrian walks past a mural depicting the logo of the Russian mercenary 'Group Wagner' and a slogan in Russian on January 20, 2023 in Belgrade, Serbia. Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty ImagesA defaced mural of Russia's mercenary group Wagner reading "Wagner Group - Russian knights" on the side wall of an apartment bock in Belgrade on January 20, 2023. Wagner's prominence in Ukraine has been underscored by rifts between the mercenary group and the regular Russian military. "Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries."

☆ Ukraine is getting a new heavy-duty armored vehicle to haul its damaged tanks off the battlefield, US officials say
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Christopher Woody | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

US officials announced on Wednesday that US-made Abrams tanks would be sent to Ukraine. Ukraine will receive other armored vehicles, including a US-made vehicle designed to haul others off the battlefield. Along with the Abrams, the US will send another armored vehicle designed to haul tanks and other vehicles off the battlefield. The US announcement that it would send Abrams tanks to Ukraine comes after the US and other European partners announced that they would be sending other armored vehicles to Ukraine in the near future. This opened the door for other countries to send armored combat vehicles to Kyiv.

☆ Now that Ukraine is finally getting the tanks it wants, it's already looking for the next big thing — fighter jets
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Jake Epstein | John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine is finally getting the tanks it wants, but there's more on the wishlist. Kyiv says the next thing it wants is fighter jets. Yuriy Sak, an advisor to the Ukrainian defense minister, concurred, telling Reuters that "the next big hurdle will now be the fighter jets." Throughout Russia's 11-month-long war, Ukraine has repeatedly pressed the US and other partners to provide Western fighter jets. This pattern has been seen with rocket artillery, high-profile air defense systems, armored fighting vehicles, and, most recently, tanks.

☆ Germany at last green lights sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine after weeks of mounting pressure
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Germany has agreed to send their much-sought-after tanks to Ukraine. "German main battle tanks, further broadening of defense support & training missions, green light for partners to supply similar weapons. Germany has until now been reluctant to send its Leopard 2 tanks or allow other countries with these tanks in their arsenals to send them. A Leopard 2A6 main battle tank of the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, participates in the NATO Iron Wolf military exercises on October 26, 2022 in Pabrade, Lithuania. Military experts previously told Insider that these are the right tanks to send to Ukraine at this moment.

☆ Russia is sticking to its failed strategy of filling gaps in decimated front-line units with 'ill-equipped, ill-trained' troops, US official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Russian front-line units are taking heavy casualties, a senior US military official said. To fill gaps in the lines, Moscow is rushing tens of thousands of poorly trained and equipped troops to the front. A senior US military official told reporters on Monday that Russia has been sending replacements for units that have suffered substantial casualties in an attempt to strengthen defensive positions and support operations. Notably, they said, these troops are not arriving as organized units but are just filling in gaps wherever needed. He added that Russian casualties amount to "significantly well over 100,000 now," providing his first updated figure on the matter in months.

☆ Leopard tanks are the 'right' weapon to send Ukraine, but don't expect a 'silver bullet,' military expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

European countries are continuing to press Germany to green light Leopard tanks to Ukraine. One military expert told Insider that these German-made weapons are the "right tank" to send. One military expert said the much-sought-after tanks are the "right" tanks to send to Ukraine at this moment and would be "militarily useful" depending on how many are sent, but don't expect them to be a "silver bullet." Germany has been reluctant to send its Leopards or permit other countries that operate the German-made armor to send tanks to Ukraine, and some countries are growing impatient. The foreign minister said on Monday that while Warsaw will seek Germany's permission, his country will "certainly" send the formidable Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

☆ Unusual blood cancer cases among US troops who manned nuclear missile silos at a base in Montana are raising new questions for the military
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

US military officers who worked at a nuclear missile base have developed cancer in recent years. An Air Force spokesperson told Insider that leadership is "aware of the concerns." "Senior leaders are aware of the concerns raised about the possible association of cancer related to missile combat crew members at Malmstrom AFB," Rose Riley, an Air Force spokesperson, told Insider. "The information in the briefing has been shared with the Department of the Air Force Surgeon General and our medical professionals are working to gather data and understand more." A spokesperson at Malmstrom Air Force Base confirmed to Insider that the base is aware of the situation but had no further information on the matter.

☆ Russia's new top general in Ukraine is fixated on getting soldiers to shave more often, sparking derision among its military, UK intel says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Russia's new Ukraine general is fixated on soldiers' shaving habits, the UK defense ministry said. Valery Gerasimov's focus is drawing the ire of other military factions, it added. The UK defense ministry said that Gerasimov's focus on grooming is drawing the ire of officials in Russia-occupied areas, who see it as a pointless distraction. The UK defense ministry said that Gerasimov's focus on aspects like shaving means he's yet to prove his critics wrong where it counts: on the battlefield. Washington-based think-tank the Institute for the Study of War, meanwhile, said this month that the new Russian focus on personal habits may have a purpose, Insider's Jake Epstein reported.

☆ Kremlin says European infighting over sending advanced tanks to Ukraine is a sign of weakness
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Sophia Ankel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Pressure is mounting on Germany to send its powerful Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The Kremlin said Monday the infighting showed "anxiety" growing in the West over helping Ukraine. Germany produces the tanks, and as well as declining to send any directly, it has also blocked other European countries from sending theirs, Politico reported. Some countries, including Poland and Finland, have already promised they would send Ukraine the tanks. Poland, which neighbors Ukraine, last week threatened to ignore Germany and send its Leopards without approval, The Guardian reported.

☆ Sen. Lindsey Graham said he's 'tired of the s*** show' and that the US and Germany should send tanks to Ukraine: 'World order is at stake'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Graham urged the West to send tanks. To achieve that goal, the Ukrainian military needs tanks," Graham said during a press conference after the meeting and on Twitter. "I am tired of the shit show surrounding who is going to send tanks and when are they going to send them. "To the Germans: Send tanks to Ukraine because they need them. It is in your own national interest that Putin loses in Ukraine," Graham said Friday.

☆ An ex-US Navy SEAL deserter who went to fight for Ukraine was killed by Russian rocket-propelled grenade, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

An ex-Navy seal has become the 6th American confirmed to have died in the war in Ukraine. Daniel W Swift, 35, was fatally wounded fighting in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine. An anonymous US intelligence official told Rolling Stone that Swift died from a massive brain injury. One anonymous American intelligence official told Rolling Stone that Swift died from a massive traumatic brain injury caused by an anti-personnel rocket-propelled grenade fired by Russian forces. A Navy SEAL during a training exercise.

☆ Here's the big deal with the German-made Leopard tanks and why Ukraine desperately wants them
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

One tank Kyiv really wants is the German-made Leopard, but it hasn't been able to get them. These formidable main battle tanks would provide a massive firepower boost on the battlefield. Ukraine is getting many of the items on its wish list, but it hasn't been able to get its hands on the German-made Leopard tanks it wants. The country's president previously said he wanted to send the tanks to Ukraine as part of an "international coalition." Fast, mobile, and well-armedThe Leopard 2 is Germany's main battle tank developed by defense firm Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

☆ A spat over whether Russian troops can grow beards is a telling clue about the state of Putin's forces at a critical moment
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Reports suggest Russia's defense ministry is trying to enforce rules on facial hair and smartphones. The spat is a telling clue about the dysfunction in Russian ranks as a new general tries to regain the momentum. It's unclear if that played a role, but Ukraine has geolocated the cellphones of Russian troops and used that information in attacks. Prigozhin at times has promoted Wagner's efforts against Ukraine while ripping into Moscow's inability to secure any notable achievements. It also exposes a consistent dysfunction and communication issue that has plagued Russia's war efforts since launching the large-scale invasion nearly a year ago.

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