THURSDAY PDB – Russia vetoes UN resolution to prevent nuclear weapons in space. The U.N. Security Council resolution would have called on all states to prevent the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
Russia's veto comes after the U.S. earlier this year warned that Moscow was preparing to potentially deploy a nuclear weapon in space that could threaten other satellites. The U.S. informed allies that Russia could launch the nuclear weapon into space or a test dummy warhead this year.
If Russia were to deploy a nuclear weapon in space, it would be a violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The U.S., Russia and China are signatories of that treaty.
Thirteen member nations voted in approval of the U.N. Security Council resolution, including the U.S. and Japan, which spearheaded the measure. Russia was the lone no vote, Moscow is a permanent member and can veto resolutions. China abstained from the vote.
The U.S. blasted Russia for defeating the resolution and criticized China for not voting.
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here's a roundup of today's other top defense stories from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.
Not the President's Daily Brief, but almost as good – PAUL'S DAILY BRIEFING – the PDB:
HOMELAND SECURITY
Army reservist who warned about Maine killer before shootings to testify before investigators. The reservist who sounded the clearest warning ahead of Maine's deadliest mass shooting is expected to answer questions Thursday from the commission investigating the tragedy.
HOMELAND DEFENSE
Missile Defense Agency's new long-range radar steps toward full deployment. “The LRDR completed a Space Domain Awareness (SDA) data collection event in January that proved the SDA capability.” It will be ready for early use in April 2024.
POLITICS
BIDEN NEVER GAVE THEM WHAT THEY REALLY NEEDED UNTIL TOO LATE, JUST ENOUGH, BUT NOT THE RIGHT WEAPONS – Biden admin isn't fully convinced Ukraine can win, even with new aid. Few believe the $60 billion package means Ukraine walks away from the battlefield with its country fully restored.
US POWER OVERSEAS
The Army has officially deployed laser weapons overseas to combat enemy drones. The pair of high-energy lasers have deployed to blast incoming enemy drones out of the sky.
No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad. The two African countries are integral to the military's efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region.
Army fires commander of Germany air defense unit activated after Ukraine invasion. In October, the Army stood up a new key air defense unit in Germany as a reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But after only six months, the unit's commander has been fired.
ISRAEL'S WAR AGAINST HAMAS
IF IT DOESN'T GET BLOWN UP FIRST – Construction has not begun on floating US pier for Gaza, but Pentagon says it's ‘on track' to open in coming weeks.
Israel poised to invade Rafah, where more than 1 million Gazans take shelter. In March, Joe Biden warned that an invasion of Rafah would be a ‘mistake.' Last week, the White House said the U.S. and Israel have a ‘shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah.'
IRAN THREAT
MEANINGLESS THEATRICS – GO TO THE SOURCE! – US coalition warship shoots down missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels over the Gulf of Aden. A coalition warship intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile fired over the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, marking a new attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels after a recent lull.
Global interest in Iranian drones unlikely to wane despite failed attack on Israel. Though virtually none of the estimated 170 drones Iran launched at Israel got through defenses, there's an eager market globally for Tehran's relatively cheap, normally effective UAVs.
US says Iranian group used ‘spear phishing' tactics to hack defense contractors. The U.S. is accusing four Iranians of hacking defense contractors and targeting military veteran job seekers.
CHINA THREAT
THIS IS ALL ON CHINA! – A dangerous game is underway in Asia. This month, Joe Biden threw one of the most lavish state dinners in Washington's recent memory. Celebrities and billionaires flocked to the White House to dine in honor of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan.
China harbors ship tied to North Korea-Russia arms transfers, satellite images show. China is providing moorage for a U.S.-sanctioned Russian cargo ship implicated in North Korean arms transfers to Russia.
RUSSIA THREAT – UKRAINE WAR
‘We need to move fast': Pentagon sends Ukraine $1 billion in new aid. Just after Joe Biden signed his long-sought national security supplemental, the Pentagon announced a new batch of security aid for Ukraine.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by US to hit Russian-held areas for first time. This, to attack a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight.
German leaders say Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also made clear that he's sticking to his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv.
EU should buy ammo outside of the bloc to quickly resupply Ukraine. Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine is at a crossroads. The situation on the eastern front now looks dire, with Ukrainian defenders running out of ammunition fast. The Czech Republic has a plan that could help resupply Ukrainian forces with artillery shells.
The 112-year-old Russian Navy vessel Ukraine just hit with anti-ship missiles. Many navies have very old ships still on active duty. The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and is currently the only active U.S. vessel to have sunk an enemy vessel. The UK's HMS Victory, launched in 1778, has served for more than 240 years. But for all their grandeur, most countries don't actually send their aging hulls to war zones.
Kyiv issues temporary restrictions on passports for military-age men abroad. This, as it seeks to address a shortage of troops.
BIDEN'S AFGHAN DISASTER
BIDEN DOD HAS ZERO CREDIBILITY – Pentagon disputes report of firefight following Abbey Gate bombing. It is disputing allegations that they withheld details about additional attacks on U.S. forces following the deadly August 2021 bombing in Afghanistan and insisting that the tragedy was the result of a lone insurgent, not a coordinated assault.
US MILITARY
US Special Forces are prioritizing Stinger missile training again. During the War on Terror, the military could conduct operations unhindered due to complete air superiority. The modern battlefield in Ukraine has proven that air superiority is no longer guaranteed, so U.S. Special Forces are preparing accordingly.
Navy authorizes combat awards and devices for Red Sea operations. This, according to a message sent to the fleet Wednesday by the Navy Secretary.
END of PDB
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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