Biden Administration Faces Resistance to Plan to Sell F-16s to Turkey
The State Department has contacted Congress about major arms deals for Turkey and Greece, but a prominent senator is strongly opposed to the Ankara sale.
Defense and Military Forces
Russia’s Claim to Seize Soledar in Ukraine Exposes Rifts Among Forces
After Russia’s Defense Ministry said its troops had taken Soledar, a leader of the Wagner mercenary group accused the military of stealing credit. Ukraine said its forces were still fighting there.
Western Tanks Appear Headed to Ukraine, Breaking Another Taboo
The West has sent an array of weapons once seen as too provocative, and it looks like tanks will be next. With a new Russian offensive expected, officials see an urgent need to shift the balance.
In a First, South Korea Declares Nuclear Weapons a Policy Option
President Yoon Suk Yeol said that if North Korea’s nuclear threat grows, his country may build a nuclear arsenal of its own or ask the United States to redeploy in the South.
Russia Replaces Commander for Ukraine War, as Signs of Dissension Grow
Allies of President Vladimir V. Putin contradicted each other about battlefield progress, as a war command shake-up put another Kremlin loyalist in charge.
U.S. and Japan Say They Will Strengthen Military Cooperation
Top officials from the two nations are meeting in Washington this week to discuss tensions with China, Russia and North Korea and to plan for deterrence with U.S. troops and missiles.
Your Thursday Briefing: A Russian Military Shake-Up
Also, Brazil investigates the riots and Australia reacts to Cardinal George Pell’s death.
Putin’s Efforts to Divide the West Over Ukraine Fall Flat
A cease-fire proposal seemingly aimed at splintering Western unity has instead been met with Western escalation, underscoring Moscow’s diplomatic struggles.
Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Claim of 600 Killed in Kramatorsk Attack
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had carried out a strike that “killed 600 people,” but no evidence has emerged to support the claim.
Mali Pardons Detained Ivorian Soldiers
Ivory Coast had said the 49 soldiers were in Mali to provide security for a United Nations peacekeeping mission, but Mali had accused them of being mercenaries.