Your Monday Briefing: A Fatal Plane Crash in Nepal
Also a major attack in Ukraine, Japan’s military ambitions and a preview of the Australian Open.
Defense and Military Forces
Britain Says It Will Give Ukraine Tanks, Breaching a Western Taboo
Western countries have balked at giving Ukraine tanks and other powerful weapons. As increased spring fighting looms, that seems to be changing.
As Russians Steal Ukraine’s Art, They Attack Its Identity, Too
Russian forces have looted tens of thousands of pieces, including avant-garde oil paintings and Scythian gold. Experts say it is the biggest art heist since the Nazis in World War II, intended to strip Ukraine of its cultural heritage.
Iran Executes Alireza Akbari, Ex-Official Accused of Spying
Alireza Akbari, previously a senior military and defense official, had moved to Britain a decade ago. He had been detained since 2019.
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.
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.