Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with the challenges of climate change, sustainable development, poverty, the coronavirus pandemic aftermath and even the UN’s fundamental roles are casting a gloomy shadow over New York this week. There is particular focus on a potential September 20 face-off between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. [node:read-more:link]
Analysis of imagery and missile fragments from a September 6 missile strike in Ukraine suggests that an errant domestic air defence missile was responsible. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had blamed Russian “terrorists” for the civilian deaths and injuries. [node:read-more:link]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Moscow today for talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, and both were quoted as saying that any move to end the war in Ukraine had to consider Moscow’s interests. Lavrov’s department said “the sides discussed in detail the situation in Ukraine and noted the futility of attempts to settle the crisis without taking account of Russia's interests and, more particularly, its participation.” [node:read-more:link]
Pointing out that “most wars last longer than expected,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg predicts that “we must prepare ourselves for a long war in Ukraine.” He also said that if Ukraine stops fighting, it would “no longer exist” but if Russia stops, “we will have peace.” [node:read-more:link]
Iran’s decision to ban some UN nuclear inspectors is being denounced by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, as a “disproportionate and unprecedented unilateral measure.” Iran linked its decision to criticism by U.S., Britain, France and Germany and the maintenance of economic sanctions. [node:read-more:link]
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spent 12 hours over two days talking with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta. The White House said September 17 that the “candid, substantive and constructive discussions” were designed to “responsibly maintain the relationship” at a time of mutual suspicion. [node:read-more:link]
Defence Minister Bill Blair announced September 17 during a visit to Britain that Canada has committed $33 million to underwrite Canadian Armed Forces’ training of Ukrainians at a facility in Kent. The funds are from a $500-million assistance package announced by Prime Minister Trudeau in June. [node:read-more:link]
Drawing from U.S. law, tighter legal restrictions on former Australian military personnel who want to train foreign forces were announced September 15 by Defence Minister Richard Marles. He had ordered a review after China reportedly approached Australian veterans, a move which concerns its allies. [node:read-more:link]
A recently declassified by the Inspector General in the U.S. Defense Department warns that weapons and ammunition the U.S. moves across Europe to Poland for transfer to Ukraine are at risk being lost or stolen due to inadequate security. [node:read-more:link]
Ukraine said today that it used cruise missiles and drones early today to destroy Russian radar stations and S300 and S400 missile launchers near Yevpatoriya in occupied Crimea. Russia, not comment specifically, said it had downed several drones in an attempted attack on a naval patrol ship. [node:read-more:link]
China’s lone domestic-built aircraft is among other warships participating in large-scale drills in the Western Pacific around Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines this week in a major response to a series of exercises by the U.S. and its allies, including Canada. Dozens of aircraft also were deployed today near Taiwanese airspace. [node:read-more:link]
A Ukrainian night-time strike at the Sergo Ordzhonikidze shipyard in Russian-held Sevastapol on the Black Sea is the latest example of Ukraine “redefining” modern conflict, says the Royal Navy’s commander. “They are redefining or demonstrating what can be done,” h Admiral Ben Key, said September 13. “We’ve seen in a number of various areas, some really significant adaptations of tactics, techniques and capabilities in order to try and generate a capability advantage.” [node:read-more:link]
A British surveillance aircraft was targetted by a Russian fighter over the Black Sea last year, according to western sources. However, it’s reported that the pilot of one of two Sukhoi SU-27s, apparently misunderstanding orders and despite his team-mate’s remonstrations, fired two missiles. The first failed to lock on to the RAF plane and the second evidently fell off its launch rail. [node:read-more:link]
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called his country’s relations with Russia his top priority today, pledging full support to President Vladimir Putin’s “sacred fight” against a “hegemonic” West. Intelligence indicates that Moscow wants more arms in return for propping up Pyongyang’s perpetually fragile economy. [node:read-more:link]
Russia’s defence ministry has confirmed that its shipyard in Sevastopol, home of its Black Sea fleet, was attacked today by Ukrainian cruise missiles and sea drones. [node:read-more:link]
