Category: Military Intelligence

MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Western District of Missouri

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

In the Western District of Missouri four individuals, Clinton Gray, 47, Joplin, Mo., Andrew Charles Nicholls, 38, Columbia, Mo., and Trevor Scott Teegarden, 34, Liberty, Mo., along with one additional defendant were arrested last week in separate cases. Charges include attempted production of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography. All charging documents have been unsealed following their arrests last week.

These Western District of Missouri cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. They were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Kansas City Child Exploitation Task Force, Boone County Sheriff’s Cyber Crime Task Force, Joplin, Missouri, Police Department, Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FBI Arrests 205 Alleged Child Sex Abuse Offenders in Five Day Nationwide Crackdown

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

In an unprecedented nationwide operation to protect our children and mark April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the FBI announces Operation Restore Justice, a five-day, sweeping FBI initiative to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the country in coordination with all 55 of our FBI field offices.

FBI Cleveland Field arrested 11 people as part of this operation. Since the start of 2025, the division identified and arrested 28 individuals for violent crimes against children and in 2024, identified and arrested 37 individuals.

“Preying on children, the most vulnerable members of our community, is appalling. These arrests highlight the importance of strong partnerships and unwavering collaboration with members of our federal, state, and local agencies,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI and our partners are fully committed to protecting children from abuse while ensuring those who exploit or harm them are identified and investigated, and their networks of nefarious activity are dismantled.”

Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice. The subjects arrested in this operation included those in positions of public trust–law enforcement, members of the military and teachers. Others are your neighbors, proving criminal activity can be found even in the most familiar places. They’re accused of various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.

But our work didn’t just happen last week. Throughout the entire month of April, the FBI along with our state and local law enforcement partners, additionally arrested more than 190 perpetrators on charges related to crimes against children. With nearly 400 arrests in one month, these actions are the direct result of the FBI’s continued efforts to track down and stop sexual predators before they can harm more victims.

While the number of arrests is significant, the details of the cases underscore the disturbing nature of the crimes. In Minneapolis, MN, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for producing sexual abuse material of a young child while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal immigrant from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former MPD Police Officer previously convicted for sex trafficking was again arrested for doing the same thing. He’s accused of trafficking additional young victims while on supervised release. In Louisville, KY, two teachers were charged in separate incidents after alleged misconduct with students involving inappropriate communication and behavior. 

In some cases, it was the vigilance of parents and community outreach efforts that played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. In one case, a California man was arrested eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, NY. In another case, a tip from the victim’s parents led to a man accused of coercing a minor into sending inappropriate images over social media.

This operation was the result of a dedicated and targeted effort, reflecting countless hours of work by hundreds of special agents, intel analysts and other FBI personnel. It further emphasizes the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Bureau works relentlessly to investigate these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention, community education and the FBI’s never-ending pursuit of criminals who exploit our children.

The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through our far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive capacity to counter all threats of abuse against children. This capacity leverages partnerships within the FBI’s 89 Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) across the country. Additionally, the FBI has Intelligence Analysts assigned to address the VCAC threat, both at Headquarters and the field. The FBI also leads a Violent Crimes Against Children International Task Force, which includes nearly 100 International Task Force Officers representing over 60 countries to expand our ability to address the threat worldwide. 

The FBI also partners with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. In further partnership and collaboration with NCMEC, the FBI launched the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) in 2004 to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. To date, ECAP has identified 36 individuals.

For more information about the crimes investigated by the FBI as well as the variety of resources we provide to protect and keep children safe, please visit:

As always, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspect crime against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately, as well as the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or by contacting your local FBI field office.

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown

Source: US State of California

Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, NY.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Trenton Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Possessing Ammunition in Connection with a Shooting

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition in connection with a Trenton shooting, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Rashon Lawery, 27, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to an Indictment charging him with unlawful possession of twenty-six rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On May 23, 2022, members of the Trenton Police Department responded to a report of a shooting. Three individuals were shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, and law enforcement recovered six 9-millimeter shell casings at the scene. During a foot pursuit through a Trenton park, which eventually lead to his arrest, Lawery discarded a 9-millimeter unserialized semiautomatic pistol (a ghost gun) with a high-capacity 32-round magazine, which was loaded with twenty rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition. The six recovered shell casings from the shooting scene were later confirmed by a ballistics laboratory to have been discharged from Lawery’s gun.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Lawery to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Satellite Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve E. Wilson, and detectives and prosecutors of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, for their work on this case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

###

Defense counsel: Andrea G. Aldana, Esq., Trenton

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard offloads $5.4 million in seized cocaine following drug-smuggling vessel interdiction off Puerto Rico

Source: United States Coast Guard

05/07/2025 12:30 PM EDT

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier offloaded approximately 725 pounds of seized cocaine worth an estimated $5.4 million to Coast Guard Investigative Service and Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agents custody in San Juan, Wednesday. The interdiction is the result of multi-agency efforts in support of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force. The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier crew transferred custody of five suspected smugglers apprehended in this case, Dominican Republic nationals, to the Dominican Republic Navy off Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Saturday. “This was an excellent case that would not have been possible without the support provided by Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch,” said Lt. John M. Groen, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer. “Their flight remained on scene for several hours and communicated flawlessly with the pursuit team. I am so incredibly proud of the entire Joseph Napier crew’s outstanding performance. The interdiction highlights Sector San Juan and the Seventh Coast Guard District’s unwavering commitment to combat drug trafficking organizations and secure America’s maritime borders.”

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Europe is moving to reposition itself in Donald Trump’s new global order

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

FabrikaSimf/Shutterstock

The term that perhaps best describes the international impact of the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term is “disruption”. His tariff policy, his abolition of USAID, his questioning of the transatlantic alliance, and his attempted rapprochement with Russia have neither destroyed the liberal international order nor established anything new in its place.

But the prospects of liberal internationalism under Trump are vanishingly small. And Trumpism, in the guise of an America-first foreign policy, is likely to outlast Trump’s second term.

That the US is no longer the standard bearer of the liberal international order has been clear for some time. Trump and his Russian and Chinese counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, appear to see themselves as dominant players in a new multi-polar world order. But it is not clear that a grand bargain between them is possible – or that it would endure.

Europe is particularly vulnerable to these changes in the international order. Having been able to rely for the past eight decades on an iron-clad American security guarantee, European countries chronically under-invested in their defence capabilities, especially since the end of the cold war.

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

Defence spending as a proportion of GDP may have increased over the past decade but remains lacklustre. And investment into an independent European defence industrial base faces many hurdles.

These deficiencies predated Trump’s return to the White House. Addressing them will only be possible in a time frame beyond his second term. With no dependable partners left among the world’s great powers, Europe’s predicament – unenviable as it may be for the moment – nonetheless offers an opportunity for the continent to begin to stand on its own feet.

Early signs of a more independent Europe are promising. In March, the European commission released a white paper on defence which anticipates defence investment of €800 billion (£680 billion) over the next four years.

The bulk of this will rely on the activation of the so-called “national escape clause”. This allows EU member states to escape penalties if they exceed the normal deficit ceiling of 3% GDP.

Once activated for the purpose of defence spending, they can now take on additional debt of up to 1.5% of their GDP. By the end of April, 12 EU member states had already requested that the national escape clause be activated, with several more expected to follow.

Defence is clearly the most urgent problem for Europe. But it isn’t the only aspect to consider when it comes to achieving greater strategic autonomy, something that the European Union has grappled with for more than a decade. In other areas, such as trade and energy, the starting point is a very different one.

Regarding energy independence, the EU has achieved a remarkable and quick pivot away from Russia. It has just released a final plan to stop all remaining gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027.

On trade, Donald Trump’s America-first tariff policy has done significant damage to the global system. This has, in turn, created opportunities for the EU, as one of the world’s largest trading blocs, including greater cooperation with China, already one of its largest trading partners.

Complex relationships

China and the EU clearly share an interest in preserving a global trade regime from which both have benefited. But their economic interests cannot be separated easily from their geopolitical interests. So far, China has sent very mixed signals to Europe.

Beijing has, for example, proposed to lift sanctions against some members of the European parliament who have been critical of China in a show of goodwill. But China’s support for Russia continues as well, most recently with Xi’s commitment to visit Moscow for the victory day parade on May 9.

Standing with Moscow may benefit Beijing in its rivalry with the US by solidifying the no-limits partnership that Xi and Putin announced on the eve of Russia’s full-sale invasion in February 2022. But it does little to win the EU over as a partner in defence of the open international order that Trump is trying his best to shutter.

On the contrary, in reaffirming China’s commitment to its partnership with Russia, Xi may well have lost whatever chances there were for a European realignment with China.

The complexities of the EU-China and EU-US relationships – a curious mix of rapidly shifting interests – reflects the EU’s position as the natural centre of gravity of what is left of the west. This is evident in the rapid evolution of the “coalition of the willing” in support of Ukraine, which brings together 30 countries from across the EU and Nato under French and British leadership.

Beyond Europe, Trump’s tariff policy has given plans for a strategic partnership between the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) a new lease of life. The CPTPP is a group of 11 Indo-Pacific countries and the UK, which joined last December. It is one of the world’s largest free trade areas, accounting for approximately 15% of global GDP.

Even without US and Chinese membership, a partnership between the EU and the CPTPP would wield significant power in the global economic system and could play a future role in shielding its members from an intensifying US-China trade war.

Limited alternatives

None of the steps taken by the EU and its partners on the continent and elsewhere require the breakdown in the transatlantic relationship that the Trump administration appears keen to engineer. But speeches by both the US vice president, J.D. Vance, and the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, were clear that America’s relationship with Europe is changing.

Washington, under its current leadership, increasingly leans towards the political forces in Europe that are opposed to the values on which the continent has been orientated since 1945. This leaves Europe few options but to seek more independence from the US.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

A more independent Europe is unlikely to become a global superpower on par with the US or China. But it will be better able to hold its own in a geopolitical environment that is less based on rules and more on power.

The EU currently enjoys historically high approval ratings among its citizens – who also support more unity and a more active role for the EU in protecting them from global security risks.

It’s increasingly clear that EU leaders and their partners have a unique opportunity – and an obligation – to carve out a more secure and independent space in a hostile global environment.

Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

– ref. Europe is moving to reposition itself in Donald Trump’s new global order – https://theconversation.com/europe-is-moving-to-reposition-itself-in-donald-trumps-new-global-order-255344

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why are India and Pakistan on the brink of war and how dangerous is the situation? An expert explains

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

India has launched military strikes against a number of sites in Pakistan and Pakistan’s side of the disputed region of Kashmir, reportedly killing 26 people and injuring dozens more. India claimed the attacks were on terrorist infrastructure, but Pakistan denied this, and said these were civilians.

India says another ten people on the Indian side of the Kashmir region have been killed by shelling from Pakistan in the same period.

The exchange comes two weeks after a terrorist attack in Kashmir killed 26 people. The group Resistance Front (TRF), which India argues is a proxy for the Pakistani-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

India claimed that Pakistan had indirectly supported the terrorist attack, but Pakistan vehemently denies this.

The escalating conflict between two of the world’s major military powers has the potential to destablise Asia and beyond. Already, many countries around the world, including the UK, France and Russia, have made public their concerns about what happens next.

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

How do India and Pakistan’s militaries compare?

India is ranked as one of the world’s top five military nations by Military Watch magazine and Pakistan is ranked ninth. Both countries have nuclear weapons.

Overall, India is considered to have the military edge with a bigger and more modern military force, while Pakistan has a smaller and more agile force that has been primarily focused on defensive and covert activities.

While neither country has used nuclear weapons in a conflict, there are always concerns that this norm may be broken. Both countries are nuclear powers with India holding 180 nuclear warheads, and Pakistan possessing about 170.

Though India has a “no first use” policy, which it claims means the country would never use nuclear weapons first, there have been signs it is reconsidering this policy since 2019.

Pakistan has never declared a no first use policy and argues that tactical nuclear weapons are important to countering India’s larger conventional forces.

Details of Indian air strikes.

The concern is that even if a small nuclear exchange were to take place between the two countries, it could kill up to 20 million people in a matter of days.

Why are the countries fighting over Kashmir?

Kashmir has been a source of tension and conflict even before India and Pakistan gained independence from the British empire in 1947. Originally the Muslim-majority Kashmir was free to accede to either India or Pakistan.

While the local ruler (maharaja), Hari Singh, originally wanted Kashmir to be independent, he eventually sided with India, leading to a conflict in 1947. This resulted in a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949 and agreement that Kashmir would be controlled partly by Pakistan and partly by India, splitl along what’s known as the Line of Surveillance (or Line of Control).

As Kashmir is rich in minerals such as borax, sapphire, graphite, marble, gypsum and lithium, the region is strategically important. It is also culturally and historically important to both Pakistan and India.

Read more:
India and Pakistan tension escalates with suspension of historic water treaty

Due to the region’s significance and disagreement over sovereignty, multiple conflicts have taken place over Kashmir, with wars erupting in 1965 and 1999. Tensions were renewed in 2016, after 19 Indian soldiers were killed in Uri, on the Indian side of Kashmir. India responded by launching “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control, targeting alleged militant bases.

Then in 2019, a bombing in Pulwama (again part of the Indian-administered Kashmir) that killed more than 40 Indian paramilitary personnel led to Indian airstrikes in Balakot which borders Kashmir. This was the first action inside Pakistan since the Indian-Pakistani conflict in 1971 and again led to retaliatory raids from Pakistan and a brief aerial conflict.

A map of the Kashmir region.
CIA, CC BY

These past conflicts never intensified further in part because India applied a massive diplomatic pressure campaign on the US, the UK and Pakistan, warning against escalation, while Pakistan showed a willingness to back down. Both sides as nuclear powers (India gained nuclear weapons in 1974 and Pakistan in 1998) had an understanding that escalating to full-scale war would be incredibly risky.

What will happen next?

The question is whether or not cooler heads will prevail this time. The strikes by India, part of Operation Sinhoor, were met with mass approval across many political lines in India, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party voicing their support for the operation.

This helps Modi gain more backing, at a time when his popularity has been falling. Modi and the BJP suffered a shocking result in the 2024 election, losing 63 seats out of 543 seats and falling short of a majority in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament).

Under Modi, India has been rapidly becoming more autocratic, another source of concern as such countries are more likely to take risks when it comes to conflict. As power becomes increasingly personalised and dissent is repressed, would-be autocrats may be more likely to take on bold moves to garner more public and elite support.

Pakistan may also have reason to respond with more force to India’s recent attack than in the past. Pakistan’s powerful military has often stoked fears of a conflict with India to justify its enormous military budget. Regardless of the outcome, it needs a success to sell to its domestic audience.

Pakistan has been de facto led by its military for decades, which also makes it more likely to engage in conflict. In spite of intervals of civilian rule, the military has always held a lot of power, and in contrast to India (where there is a wider role for a civilian minister of defence), the Pakistani military has more influence over nuclear and security policy.

Both military regimes and multi-party autocracies may see conflict as a way of gaining legitimacy, particularly if both regimes think their political support is unravelling.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

This most recent escalation is also significant because it is the first time in the Kashmir conflict that India has struck at Punjab, considered the heart of Pakistan. Pakistan will face internal pressure to respond, settle the score and restore deterrence.

Both sides have been resolute in not losing an inch of territory. The question is how quickly diplomatic pressure can work. Neither India nor Pakistan are engaged in security dialogue, and there is no bilateral crisis management mechanisms in place.

Further complicating matters is that the US’s role as a crisis manager in south Asia has diminished. Under Donald Trump, Washington cannot be counted on. This all makes deescalating this conflict much more difficult.

Natasha Lindstaedt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why are India and Pakistan on the brink of war and how dangerous is the situation? An expert explains – https://theconversation.com/why-are-india-and-pakistan-on-the-brink-of-war-and-how-dangerous-is-the-situation-an-expert-explains-256125

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Slams Far-Right Supreme Court’s Shameful Decision to Allow Enforcement of Trump’s Trans Military Service Ban

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

May 07, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration may start enforcing Donald Trump’s un-American, unjust trans military service ban while legal challenges to the ban are still ongoing:

“Absolutely shameful. Trump’s trans military service ban hurts our military readiness, makes our military’s recruitment challenges even worse and disrespects Americans who are brave enough to serve in uniform. This ruling from the far-right, Trump-appointed Supreme Court majority will make our military less lethal and Americans less safe—it just empowered Donald Trump to fire a servicemember who flew more than 60 combat missions, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Last month, Duckworth led 13 of her fellow Senate Democratic colleagues in condemning President Trump’s transgender military service ban for being a blatant violation of our brave servicemembers’ civil rights and weakening our national security. In the letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth, the lawmakers derided the ban for not only being discriminatory and based on false pretenses, but also for hurting our military readiness and exacerbating the ongoing military recruiting crisis in service of continuing hateful attacks against transgender Americans.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, NY.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department announces results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 alleged child sex abuse offenders arrested in FBI-led 5-day nationwide crackdown
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

Seven cases move forward in Western Washington during National Child Abuse Prevention month
Seattle – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

In the Western District of Washington, seven federal cases moved forward with criminal charges, pleas, and/or sentencings of those who target minors for sexual abuse.

“There is no greater responsibility than protecting our children from those seeking to sexually abuse them, either online or in person,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The cases we prosecuted over the last month charging child sexual exploitation in person and over the internet, and child sex trafficking are examples of the difficult work we do every day with our law enforcement partners to try to keep children safe.”

“FBI Seattle’s Violent Crimes Against Children squad and our partners are hard at work, not only during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, but also throughout the year,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “We are arresting predators, recovering children, and assisting victims through the support of our victim specialists. Just this fiscal year in the Seattle division, we have arrested 122 subjects and identified or located 59 children.”

These are the FBI-led child sex abuse cases prosecuted in the Western District of Washington in April 2025:
- Convicted sex offender Mitchell Francis Dufault, 36, was sentenced April 7, 2025, to ten years in prison and lifetime supervised release. Dufault distributed images of child sexual abuse via an internet platform and communicated with young people about sexually explicit conduct. Dufault has a prior conviction for child molestation.
- Shante Broady, 37, was arrested April 11, 2025, and charged with sex trafficking through force fraud and coercion and transporting a victim for the purpose of prostitution through coercion and enticement. Broady’s alleged sex trafficking involves both adult and juvenile victims.
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

The charges contained in the indictments or criminal complaints are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cecelia Gregson, Kate Crisham, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Senior Deputy Prosecutor with the King County Prosecutors Office, specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.
MIL Security OSI –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

The UK will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the Eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Today, we remember the enormous contributions and sacrifices made, and honour the lives lost, in pursuit of peace and security 80 years ago.

Allied forces, united in their mission to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression, were victorious.

But we must never forget the tragic human cost of the Second World War.

Over 70 million lives lost around the world.

And as the world wars begin to fade from living memory, we must ensure the stories of those who lived through and fought in them are remembered by generations to come.

This organisation was founded in the wake of that conflict, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, underpinned by a Charter which united the world with the aim of maintaining international peace and security, reaffirming our shared faith in Human Rights, and promoting development.

The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to those principles and to the UN Charter.

In the UN’s 80th year, our shared mission is more important than ever.

The world faces the highest number of conflicts globally since the UN’s inception.

The human costs are rising.

In Europe, security is once again threatened by blatant disrespect for the principles of sovereign equality of States and respect for territorial integrity.

These principles matter for all states.

President, my grandfather served as a British Army officer in France and in Italy during the Second World War. Decades later, even at the height of the Cold War, he spoke warmly of the Soviet forces he had fought alongside to defeat fascism.

Russia’s claims that the Ukrainian government is akin to the regime of the German Nazis is false and malicious propaganda that insults the memory of the Soviet forces who fought and died during the Second World War.

We were called here today for one solemn purpose: to commemorate the victims of the Second World War.

The fact that Russia sees fit to use this meeting to peddle blatant disinformation about is shameful, but it will not distract us.

As my Prime Minister said, this is a time to celebrate hard-won peace, honour the memory of those who lost their lives and remember the sacrifices made by so many to secure our freedom.

The United Kingdom will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world.

As we join together today, we encourage all Member States to consider this anniversary a stark reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted.

We must all redouble our efforts to bring about the peace and security the people of the world need and which they deserve.

Updates to this page

Published 7 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 26 civilians killed, 46 injured in Indian attack on Pakistan

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

ISLAMABAD, May 7 (Xinhua) — Twenty-six people, including women and children, were killed and 46 others were injured in Indian attacks on civilian areas in six districts of Pakistan on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, head of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said at a briefing.

He said India had attacked homes and mosques, targeting civilians in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and eastern Punjab province.

He confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force had shot down five Indian fighter jets and one drone, the remains of which fell in Indian territory. “None of the Pakistani aircraft entered Indian airspace,” he added.

The ISPR chief said that the Pakistan army hit several posts and a brigade headquarters of the Indian army in a retaliatory strike. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day at the National War Memorial in Ottawa

Source: Government of Canada News

Ottawa, ON –Veterans Affairs Canada will host a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to mark the 80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day.

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces, Her Excellency Margriet Vonno, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Second World War Veterans and members of the diplomatic corps will participate in this event and lay wreaths to honour and recognize Veterans of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the Second World War.

Location:    National War Memorial
Ottawa, Ontario

Date:          Thursday, 8 May 2025

Time:          11:00 EDT

Notes for media:

Media who wish to participate must register by 08:00 EDT on Thursday, 8 May 2025 by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with their name and media outlet. Media are asked to arrive no later than 10:30 EDT.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs and we will work with you to enable your participation.

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Guard Aviators Sharpen Wildfire Response Skills in Interagency Bucket Drop Training

Source: US State of Wyoming

Wyoming National Guard

By Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas

Wyoming Guard Aviators Sharpen Wildfire Response Skills in Interagency Bucket Drop Training

CAMP GUERNSEY, Wyo. – Wyoming Army National Guard aviators, in coordination with local and state firefighting agencies, conducted annual interagency bucket drop training April 16 at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center, enhancing readiness for wildfire response across the state.

The training brought together Wyoming Aviation crews and partners including Wyoming State Forestry, Camp Guernsey Fire Department, Cheyenne Fire Rescue’s Wildland Team, Glendo Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Albany County Volunteer Fire Department, Yoder Volunteer Fire Department, Guernsey Rural Fire District, and the Platte County Fire Warden. The exercise was designed to sharpen skills like water bucket deployment, aerial coordination, and ground-to-air communications.

“This training supports both our federal and state missions,” said Maj. Brian Doble, operations officer for Training Center Command. “At the federal level, Camp Guernsey’s mission is to facilitate realistic military training. That training comes with an inherent wildfire risk. Our aviators often stand ready to respond, and this type of exercise—conducted with our interagency partners—builds confidence that we can effectively mitigate that risk.”

According to Doble, the training also serves to prepare aviators for real-world wildfire suppression across Wyoming by ensuring they meet required state and federal certifications. Local firefighters benefit as well, gaining experience working with aircraft in wildfire scenarios.

“This isn’t just about dropping water,” Doble said. “It’s about building relationships and practicing coordinated responses. You never want to meet your firefighting partners for the first time during an actual emergency. These joint exercises build trust and save time when it counts most.”

Camp Guernsey’s unique terrain and mission make it an ideal location for such joint operations.

“Conducting this kind of training at Camp Guernsey is mutually beneficial,” Doble explained. “We conduct planned burns to maintain a fire-adapted landscape that supports military training while protecting the surrounding environment. Our partners get critical live-fire experience, and the community benefits from reduced wildfire risk.”

Doble emphasized the importance of cooperation in the region’s emergency response framework.

“There isn’t a single department around here that can do it all alone,” he said. “We depend on each other. Whether it’s a planned burn or a real wildfire, these partnerships are what keep people safe.”

A HH-60M Black Hawk, assigned to Wyoming Army Aviation Support Facility, releases water during an interagency bucket drop training at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, on April 16, 2025. The training brought together Wyoming Aviation crews and partners including Wyoming State Forestry, Camp Guernsey Fire Department, Cheyenne Fire Rescue’s Wildland Team, Glendo Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Albany County Volunteer Fire Department, Yoder Volunteer Fire Department, Guernsey Rural Fire District, and the Platte County Fire Warden. The exercise was designed to sharpen skills like water bucket deployment, aerial coordination, and ground-to-air communications.

A HH-60M Black Hawk, assigned to Wyoming Army Aviation Support Facility, is airborne during an interagency bucket drop training at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, on April 16, 2025. The training brought together Wyoming Aviation crews and partners including Wyoming State Forestry, Camp Guernsey Fire Department, Cheyenne Fire Rescue’s Wildland Team, Glendo Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Albany County Volunteer Fire Department, Yoder Volunteer Fire Department, Guernsey Rural Fire District, and the Platte County Fire Warden. The exercise was designed to sharpen skills like water bucket deployment, aerial coordination, and ground-to-air communications.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Air National Guard selected for C-130J upgrade

Source: US State of Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Department of the Air Force has announced that the Wyoming Air National Guard base in Cheyenne has been selected to receive the C-130J Super Hercules, a modern upgrade to replace its aging fleet of C-130H aircraft.

The decision marks a major milestone for the 153rd Airlift Wing and reflects the outstanding performance and reliability of Wyoming Airmen in support of missions at home and around the world. A total of eight C-130J aircraft will be assigned to Cheyenne, with the first deliveries expected to begin in early 2028.

“This is a major win for the men and women of the Wyoming Air National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General. “It’s a result of their hard work, the trust they’ve built across the Air Force, and the strong support we’ve received from our state and national leaders. We are grateful.”

As part of the transition, pilots and loadmasters will undergo new training and certification, while flight engineers and navigators will be phased out of C-130J crew configurations. The changes will affect 19 manpower positions, which will be reallocated through the Air National Guard’s corporate process.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon emphasized the long-term value of the investment.

“This decision speaks volumes about the professionalism and dedication of our Cowboy Guard,” said Governor Mark Gordon. “I’m proud of the work that’s gone into making this possible and thankful to the Air Force for recognizing Wyoming as a critical part of its future. These aircraft will keep our state ready to serve—both in crisis response and in support of national missions.”

Members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation praised the announcement as a reflection of the state’s ongoing role in national defense.

“The men and women of the Wyoming Air National Guard represent the best of our state,” said Senator John Barrasso. “This C-130J upgrade ensures they have the tools they need to carry out missions more efficiently and effectively. It’s a well-earned investment in their capabilities and our national security.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis added, “Wyoming’s Airmen are responsive, lethal, and always there when called. The arrival of the C-130J fleet will secure our Guard’s ability to respond quickly in emergencies, while strengthening our presence in key military operations.”

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman echoed that sentiment: “This is a big moment for Cheyenne and the entire state of Wyoming. The C-130J upgrade reflects our Wyoming Guard’s stellar record and the community’s strong partnership with the military.”

The 153rd Airlift Wing has long played a vital role in the Air National Guard’s airlift capabilities, including aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian relief, firefighting with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), and global operations. The addition of the C-130J marks the next evolution in that legacy.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Three civilians killed in India-Pakistan clashes in Kashmir – Indian army

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) — At least three civilians were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops along the International Border and Line of Control dividing Kashmir, officials said.

On the night of 6-7 May 2025, the Pakistan Army resorted to indiscriminate firing, including shelling, from positions across the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. Three innocent civilians were killed as a result of the indiscriminate firing and shelling, the Indian side said in a statement. “The Indian Army is responding proportionately,” the document added.

Three civilians were reportedly killed in Poonch district, about 185 km southwest of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Wednesday marked the 13th consecutive day that ceasefire violations were recorded along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

Early on Wednesday, Indian forces struck nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Military, business leaders honored at Cheyenne Trophy ceremony during Military May Luncheon

Source: US State of Wyoming

By Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas

Military, business leaders honored at Cheyenne Trophy ceremony during Military May Luncheon

General Caption: Members of the Wyoming National Guard and the 90th Missile Wing attend the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winner’s ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Cheyenne Central High School JROTC presents colors during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Airmen from the 90th Operations Support Squadron receive the Cheyenne Trophy during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Wyoming Army National Guardsmen receive the Cheyenne Trophy on behalf of the 307th Engineer Utility Detachment during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Airmen from the Wyoming National Guard’s 253rd Command and Control Group receive the Cheyenne Trophy during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Members of the Wyoming National Guard and the 90th Missile Wing attend the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winner’s ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

The Wyoming adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter, and command senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Thad Ehde, sing the Army Song during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Airmen from the 90th Operations Support Squadron receive the Cheyenne Trophy during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Wyoming Army National Guardsmen receive the Cheyenne Trophy on behalf of the 307th Engineer Utility Detachment during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Airmen from the Wyoming National Guard’s 253rd Command and Control Group receive the Cheyenne Trophy during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

The Wyoming adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter, and command senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Thad Ehde, sing the Army Song during the 2024 Cheyenne Trophy winners’ ceremony at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 2, 2025. The ceremony took place during the Military May Luncheon hosted by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes the partnership between Cheyenne’s military and business communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Rudy R. Miller Among Most Generous Donors to National Museum of the United States Army Campaign

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORT BELVOIR, Va., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Army Historical Foundation announced that Rudy R. Miller has presented a gift to the campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army that qualifies him for the Foundation’s One-Star Circle of Distinction. The Museum, which will debut a special Revolutionary War exhibit in June marking the 250^th Birthday of the U.S. Army and next year’s 250^th anniversary of the nation’s founding, has been praised as one of the top military museums in the nation.

Rudy R. Miller stated, “I became a member and early supporter of The Army Historical Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army a few years ago. In 2024, I was very proud to become a lifetime member of The 1814 Society, which shares a commitment and desire to see the Army’s history preserved and exhibited for future generations. I have great respect for our flag plus symbols of our nation’s freedom and independence.”

Miller continued, “I was born in Tennessee and raised in Virginia. My grandfather, father, uncle, brother, and myself all served in the U.S. Army. I am a passionate, motivated individual, a serial entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. I’m inspired by the Foundation’s challenge coin which has the following words engraved, “ENGAGE * EDUCATE * INSPIRE * HONOR * PRESERVE!”

The Army Historical Foundation serves as the official fundraising organization for the National Army Museum as part of its mission to preserve and present the history of the American Soldier. The Museum, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army, is the first to tell the entire history of the nation’s oldest military service, immersing visitors in the Army story through compelling galleries, moving exhibits, a multisensory 300-degree theater, tranquil rooftop garden, and hundreds of historic artifacts rarely or never-before seen by the public.

“Rudy Miller has led a lifetime of service to our great nation, and we are deeply grateful that he has made a defining gift toward the Foundation’s mission to preserve and present the history of the American Soldier,” said retired Brig. Gen. Burt Thompson, president of The Army Historical Foundation. “With Rudy’s support, we will be better able to remind the nation of all we owe those who wore the Army uniform, including Rudy himself and the members of his proud military family.”

Rudy R. Miller’s contribution places him among the campaign’s most generous donors. Mr. Miller is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Miller Capital Corporation, a private equity firm and an affiliated company of The Miller Group of entities, established in 1972. Mr. Miller was Founder and Chairman of the Board of Miller Capital Markets, a FINRA member investment banking firm, from 2006 through 2012. He previously served over 20 years as a certified arbitrator for the NASD (now known as FINRA). He has years of executive-level experience owning, operating, and advising national and international corporations, from NYSE listed public companies to emerging-growth private companies, through varying economic climates. He has worked with various U.S. government contractors and possesses the ability to address crisis issues on behalf of his clients as one of his crucial skillsets. In 2025, Miller Capital was voted Best of Our Valley – Best Investment Firm for the sixth consecutive year by Arizona Foothills Magazine’s readers who responded with hundreds of thousands votes.

Mr. Miller served in the United States Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, in the Vietnam era, and received honorable discharges as a Noncommissioned Officer. Mr. Miller also has an aviation background and is listed on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor. Prior to his military service, he served as a fireman and first responder. Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pacific Western University.

President of the United States of America, Ronald W. Reagan, presented Mr. Miller the Medal of Merit in appreciation of his support and service as a member of a Presidential Task Force. Miller was honored to be the keynote speaker at a U.S. Navy Relinquishment of Command and Retirement Ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum, San Diego, California in 2018. Mr. Miller accepted an invitation in 2014 to become a member of Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc., a non-profit organization for veterans and non-veterans. He was selected by the Board of Directors to be the Chairman of the Advisory Board where he developed and managed its Aviation Scholarship Program. Prior to retiring from Tbird2 in 2024, he served as Co-Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and a key fundraiser. He was the recipient of the first Tbird2 Leadership Award. Mr. Miller’s philanthropic endeavors include support for the non-profit arts community, athletic foundations, universities, community colleges, numerous non-profit entities, and veterans’ projects.

In 2008, Mr. Miller instituted the annual Rudy R. Miller Business – Finance Scholarship in support of Arizona State University, in particular the W. P. Carey School of Business. His active involvement at the University also included having served as a member of ASU’s Dean’s Council of 100. In 2023, Mr. Miller was selected by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to join two influential advisory boards for both the College of Aviation (COA) and the College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI). In addition to joining Embry-Riddle’s COA and CBSI advisory boards, Miller has established scholarships for students, both veterans and non-veterans, at both colleges. He also set up a fund to support COA simulator training to improve commercial pilot safety (ISCP) as well as a fund to support CBSI students with CompTIA Security+ courseware and exam fees.

In January 2024, Mr. Miller accepted a position on the Advisory Board at CrossFirst Bank (Phoenix, Arizona), a subsidiary of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. Effective March 1, 2025, First Busey Corporation (NASDAQ: BUSE), the holding company for Busey Bank, acquired by merger CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. Mr. Miller agreed to continue to serve on the Busey Bank (Arizona) Advisory Board.

For more information about Rudy R. Miller and The Miller Group of entities, please visit www.themillergroup.net.

Individuals and organizations that wish to support the Foundation’s mission can make a gift through its website at armyhistory.org. The Foundation can also arrange for large group visits and special events at the Museum. The Museum is open every day, except December 25, with free admission and parking.

About The Army Historical Foundation
The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army’s official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED- certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org.

Official photographer for The Miller Group and its affiliated entities – Gordon Murray, 480 205-9691 (www.flashpv.com)


Contact:	Contact:
The Army Historical Foundation	Miller Capital Corporation
Lydia Pitea	Kristina McDaniel
Senior Donor Relations Manager	Vice President Admin & Corporate Controller
lydia.pitea@armyhistory.org	kmcdaniel@themillergroup.net
973.632.1244	602.225.0505

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec64ce26-7579-48b1-9fe9-9388078f1411

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b9eef90-f7c5-427f-9de6-05efa2a0daf5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf3a312d-a7fa-4374-9fb0-efebf75aa551

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0d35d5a-9a50-4004-886c-a838fc8936c5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0900908-b6ab-4d6f-bf2f-e3bc81e5ba64

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Rate Supports Our Military Service Members and Veterans Beyond Offering Industry-Leading Mortgage Options
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, is spotlighting its continued support for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families—support that extends well beyond the closing table.

While Rate is nationally recognized for its industry-leading VA mortgage products and top-tier loan officers, the company’s dedication to the military community runs deeper. With no lender fee on VA loans, amounting to $65.3 million in waived fees, and no overlays, Rate delivers unmatched accessibility and affordability for eligible homebuyers. The company is also home to the #1 VA purchase loan officer in the country, supported by a team of specialized underwriters and credit experts dedicated to navigating the unique needs of VA borrowers.

“Serving our military community is not a tagline. It’s a core part of who we are,” said Victor Ciardelli, CEO of Rate. “We’re proud to offer the most competitive VA loan options on the market, but just as important is how we show up for veterans and service members every day, through real outreach, education, and giving.”

That commitment is evident in Rate’s year-round military initiatives:
- $1.08 million raised for nine nonprofits benefiting military families in 2024.
- VA loan education classes for service members at various points of their careers, including service members preparing to leave the barracks.
- A 2025 clothing drive in partnership with Operation Deploy Your Dress, donating 1,000+ dresses and 200 suits for military community members.
- A holiday toy and sweater drive benefiting families across multiple military bases.
- A Military Appreciation Baseball Game hosted at Rate Stadium, honoring military spouses, recognizing a “Hero of the Game” servicemember, and welcoming parachuters delivering the White Sox game ball, complete with 500 tickets and concession vouchers donated to military families.
At the heart of these efforts is HONOR, Rate’s internal employee resource group focused on military outreach and support. HONOR’s mission is to embrace the company’s proud community of active and retired service members, veterans, spouses, and their families through shared experiences and resources.

“We are dedicated to educating Veterans as well as the real estate community about VA loans. VA loans are a true benefit and many veterans use their VA benefit to build generational wealth. I am honored to be part of their journey home as is every member of the Rate team,” said Jennifer Beeston, Rate’s EVP National Lending and the nation’s top VA purchase loan officer. “From planning to buying to 20 years from now, we’re here to make homeownership a reality for the people who’ve served our country.”

As May marks Military Appreciation Month, Rate remains committed to honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s military community, not only with unmatched home financing solutions, but also through continued action, advocacy, and care.

About Rate

Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: Top 5 Mortgage Lender by Inside Mortgage Finance for 2024; Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.

Press Contact

press@rate.com

The MIL Network –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China has published a separate booklet of Xi Jinping’s speech on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Xinhua | 07. 05. 2025

Key words: China, a separate brochure, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, CPC, Xi Jinping, Federation of Trade Unions, anniversary of the establishment, occasion, Jinping, honoring excellent workers, advanced workers of the country, Xinhua bookstores, year of the ceremonial meeting, text of the speech, Secretary of the Central Committee, Renmin Chubanshe, the whole country

BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — The text of the speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, at a grand gathering on April 28 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and to honor the country’s outstanding workers and advanced workers, has been published as a separate pamphlet in China.

The booklet was published by People’s Daily and is available at Xinhua bookstores nationwide. -0-

Source: Xinhua

Xi Jinping’s Speech on the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions Published as a Separate Pamphlet in China Xi Jinping’s Speech on the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions Published as a Separate Pamphlet in China

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft volunteers improved more than 50 monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War on the eve of the Victory Day anniversary

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, volunteers from Rosneft enterprises renovated and improved more than 50 monuments, memorials, obelisks, commemorative signs, and burial sites of heroes of the Great Patriotic War in different parts of Russia.

In the regions where the Company operates, employees take an active part in commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the Great Victory.

Volunteers from the Central Office and Moscow enterprises of Rosneft have landscaped the area around the monument to the workers of the Moscow Oil Depot who died on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. In 1941-1945, the oil depot, located on Sormovskaya Street in Moscow, played a key role in supplying the capital with fuel, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel for military equipment. The Company’s employees installed new stone vases near the monument and planted flower beds. The wall of the oil depot was decorated with a mural dedicated to the contribution of oil workers to the Victory.

Environmentalists and activists of the Novokuibyshevsky and Kuibyshevsky Oil Refineries, the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company and the Novokuibyshevsky Oil and Additives Plant, together with volunteers from the EcoRavnovesie movement, improved the park in the village of Kryazh in the Samara urban district. There is a monument to soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War. Volunteers collected and removed household waste from the area, laid out flower beds and planted a rowan alley.

Employees of the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery have improved more than a dozen burial sites of veterans of the Great Patriotic War in the Kuibyshev District of Samara. The oil workers cleaned the graves of the front-line soldiers after the winter and painted the fences.

Volunteers of the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery improved the Victory Alley and the area adjacent to the monument to home front workers. The memorial was erected in Novokuibyshevsk in 2022 on the initiative and with the support of the enterprise. In addition, the plant workers restored four burial sites of fellow countrymen – participants in the Great Patriotic War, installed new monuments, and improved the adjacent territories.

Samaraneftegaz employees tidied up the monument to fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War in the village of Mirny in the Samara Region. Volunteers cleaned up, painted the fences, and planted bushes and trees.

In the Republic of Bashkortostan, in the city of labor valor Ishimbay, Bashneft volunteers together with activists of the Movement of the First improved the territory of the memorial to the Ishimbay oil workers who died in battles for the Motherland. The participants of the action collected and removed more than a ton of dead wood and household waste, painted the curbs and tree trunks.

For several years, RN-Krasnodarneftegaz employees have been looking after the monument to the residents of the 2nd Zapadny farmstead in the Krymsky District of Krasnodar Krai. The fascist occupiers destroyed the farmstead along with all its residents in May 1943. Their memory is carefully preserved by Rosneft volunteers, who have taken patronage over the monument.

In addition, RN-Krasnodarneftegaz volunteers tidied up the territory of the Monument to the Separate 16th Rifle Brigade in the village of Sputnik in the Seversky District of the Krasnodar Territory, the Memorial to those killed in the battles for the liberation of the village of Saratovskaya, the cultural heritage site “Mass grave of 52 Soviet soldiers killed in battles with the fascist invaders in 1943” in the Khankov farm in the Slavyansky District, the Victory Obelisk and the Worship Cross at the site of the death of Soviet citizens.

According to a long-standing tradition, employees of the Tuapse Oil Refinery improved the monument to oil refiners who died during the Great Patriotic War and cleaned up the territory of Victory Park in Tuapse.

Volunteers of the Ryazan NPK improved three memorial sites: a memorial in the village of Nikulichi in honor of the villagers who fought in the Great Patriotic War, a street named after the Hero of the Soviet Union and National Hero of Italy, a native of the Ryazan region, Fyodor Poletaev, and a monument to the pilots who died in an unequal battle with the enemy at the end of 1941.

Udmurtneft employees together with activists of the Movement of the First improved the monument to those killed in the Great Patriotic War in the village of Svetloye in the Votkinsk district of Udmurtia. The company’s volunteers also participated in the arrangement of memorials in six settlements in the Sarapul, Sharkansky and Igrinsky districts of the republic.

A large-scale volunteer initiative to improve war memorials was carried out by RN-Service employees. They tidied up the monuments to soldiers who died in Moscow hospitals and to fallen soldiers of the Kremlin Regiment. In Ufa, volunteers looked after individual burials in city and rural cemeteries. In Krasnoyarsk, oil workers improved the monument to “Soldiers-athletes of the Krasnoyarsk Territory – participants in the Great Patriotic War”. In Nefteyugansk, the monument to “Loyal Sons of the Fatherland” was renovated. In Buzuluk, work was carried out at the memorial to “Mass grave of soldiers of the Czechoslovak People’s Army” and at the burial sites of veterans. In the village of Kolva in the Komi Republic, the “Memorial sign to soldiers of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” was improved. In the village of Sernovodsk in the Samara Region, the monument to “Defenders of all generations” was tidied up. In all regions, the patriotic event ended with the ceremonial laying of wreaths and a minute of silence.

Volunteers from Voronezhnefteprodukt organized the cleanup of the military burial ground in the village of Chertovitsy, Ramonsky District, Voronezh Region. 383 soldiers who died of wounds in hospitals in 1942-1943 are buried here.

Workers of Kaluga Oil Products cleared and landscaped the area around the memorial sign to pilots near the village of Kosmachi in the Babyninsky District of the Kaluga Region. The sign was installed 10 years ago at the site of the heroic death of the Pe-2 aircraft crew in 1941.

Employees of RN-North-West take care of the memorial to the sailors of the warship TShch-100 who died there, guarding the “Road of Life” during the siege of Leningrad. The memorial is located in the village of Vladimirovka in the Priozersky District of the Leningrad Region.

For several years now, Orelnefteprodukt employees have been patronizing a mass grave in the village of Gnilets, Trosnyansky District, Oryol Region. Here are buried 427 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 605th Infantry Regiment, 132nd Infantry Division, who died in the fiercest battles on the Northern Face of the Kursk Bulge on July 7, 1943. This year, in honor of the Victory anniversary, volunteers have decorated a flower bed in the form of a St. George ribbon on the territory of the Vyazhi military-historical complex in the Novosilsky District, Oryol Region, where the offensive operation to liberate Oryol began in July 1943.

Rosneft supports projects and initiatives aimed at preserving the historical memory of the immortal feat of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 7, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: We honor and remember: events dedicated to Victory Day were held at the State University of Management

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

On May 7, the State University of Management held celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Veterans, staff and students of the university traditionally gathered for a ceremonial rally at the Memorial Stone to honor the memory of fallen soldiers.

The rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev gave a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of ancestors.

“This year is a special date, we are celebrating 80 years since the Great Victory. It is especially important to talk about this to our youth, who, unfortunately, can hardly communicate with living veterans of the Great Patriotic War, while experiencing events very similar to the past war years. Even 10 years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that the enemy would again be at the threshold of our land and even on this sacred holiday for us would not abandon attempts to enter our territory. Right now, civilians, our fellow citizens, are dying. I would like to see another common victory in the near future, which we will also celebrate and the history of which we will pass on to our descendants,” said Vladimir Stroyev.

The veteran of the Great Patriotic War and participant in the military operations, Mikhail Spektr, addressed the audience.

“In two days we will celebrate the greatest holiday of our time. Not only soldiers in the trenches worked for this victory, but also women and children. Not only Germany was against us, but all of Europe, as it is now. We won then, and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren have not disgraced the Russian land and are winning today. We will win,” concluded Mikhail Naumovich.

The ceremonial meeting ended with a flower-laying ceremony at the memorial to the fallen participants of the Great Patriotic War.

After this, everyone who wanted could try the soldier’s porridge and attend a festive concert, which featured singer Natalia Manulik, children’s brass bands from Moscow, students from the Pre-University of the State University of Management and students from our university.

The concert began with a video greeting from the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Olga Petrova and a minute of silence in memory of the fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War. In addition to the performances, the concert included an award ceremony for the winning teams of the patriotic game “Zarnitsa”, which had been held earlier at the State University of Management.

Commemorative events dedicated to Victory Day and the Day of Military Glory of Russia are held at the State University of Management every year. Traditionally, they are held at the Memorial Stone, a memorial complex erected on the Alley of Veterans in honor of the students, staff, and teachers of the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute (MIEI) who died in the Battle of Moscow and on the Rzhev-Vyazma line in the ranks of the 7th Division of the People’s Militia. The memorial complex was opened in 2006 in honor of the anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War and contains soil from the sites of fierce battles for Moscow in its foundation.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/07/2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nametag Joins IDPro to Support the Future of Digital Identity

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SEATTLE, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nametag, the identity verification company on a mission to protect people’s accounts and foster trust in online interactions, today announced its sponsorship of IDPro®, a vibrant community of Identity & Access Management (IAM) practitioners. Nametag joins IDPro to support the dedicated people solving some of the most complex challenges in modern digital identity.

Vendor-Neutral Community Empowers IAM Pros Building Digital Identity

IDPro is a global professional association for people working in Identity & Access Management (IAM), digital identity, and cybersecurity. It provides vendor-neutral education through a continually updated Body of Knowledge, a globally recognized CIDPRO® (Certified Identity Professional) program, and a community that helps organizations and individuals grow their skills, build industry relationships, and provide a clear IAM career path.

Generative AI, deepfakes, and nation state-backed infiltration campaigns are creating new challenges for IAM and cybersecurity experts. Today, it’s harder than ever to confidently verify that the users moving through enterprise systems are who they claim to be. As attackers find new ways to bypass outdated user authentication factors, identity verification (IDV) is increasingly being recognized as a critical foundation for establishing and maintaining trust in workforce identity environments.

In this challenging environment, Nametag joins IDPro to support open dialogue, advance practitioner understanding, and help IAM and cybersecurity teams explore new use cases for identity verification.

“I co-founded IDPro to help front-line security practitioners move beyond traditional approaches to user authentication. The advent of robust identity verification technology, particularly Nametag’s Deepfake Defense engine, represents a turning-point in the fight against identity fraud,” said Sarah Cecchetti, Co-founder of IDPro and Head of Product Strategy at Beyond Identity. “Nametag’s support of IDPro will provide a valuable resource for members exploring how they can leverage this powerful technology.”

Others in the IDPro community also applaud Nametag’s innovation and collaborative ethos.

“Staying ahead of today’s adversaries isn’t just about stronger technology solutions, it’s about stronger collaboration. That’s why IDPro is so important: it gives identity professionals a space to share what works, challenge assumptions, and raise the bar for everyone,” said Dean Saxe, Co-Chair of the FIDO Alliance Enterprise Deployment Working Group, Co-Chair of the IPSIE Working Group at the OpenID Foundation, and active IDPro member. “Nametag has consistently shown up with the kind of thoughtful innovation and information sharing that characterizes the IDPro community. I’m excited to see Nametag supporting IDPro and look forward to continued collaboration with their team.”

“As identity verification and digital identity intertwine, we believe it’s critical that front-line practitioners take a central role in the development of these systems,” said Aaron Painter, CEO at Nametag. “IDPro is a passionate community of people who are setting the standards and creating the frameworks that will define the next generation of digital identity systems. We’re proud to support IDPro members to create the future of digital identity, where we believe the trust and assurance provided by Nametag’s Deepfake Defense identity verification will play a central role.”

Learn more about IDPro and join the community at idpro.org.

Learn more about Nametag’s technology and solutions at getnametag.com.

About Nametag
Nametag provides integrated identity verification and account protection solutions that prevent modern impersonation threats and streamline user experiences. Powered by Deepfake Defense™, Nametag detects and blocks sophisticated attacks which bypass other, outdated approaches to user verification, delivering the highest possible level of identity assurance. Nametag’s out-of-the-box solutions help enterprises secure their entire user account lifecycle, from onboarding through recovery, while ensuring compliance with the latest privacy standards. Security-conscious enterprises trust Nametag to protect their businesses and reduce IT and support costs. For more information, visit getnametag.com.

Nametag Media Contact:
press@nametag.co

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Matsui, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Give Individuals an Opportunity to Invest in Building America’s Clean-Energy Future
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

Modeled after WWII victory bonds, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would spur investment in clean-energy projects, create jobs, & help U.S. fight the climate crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Doris Matsui (CA-07) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act, bicameral legislation to give individuals the opportunity to buy Clean Energy Victory Bonds and help build America’s clean-energy future. Modeled after the highly successful victory bonds sold during World Wars I and II, which raised billions of dollars to finance the costs of war, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would help the country create jobs and save taxpayers money while investing in clean-energy infrastructure and fighting the climate crisis, protecting future generations.

The bill would direct the U.S. Secretaries of Treasury, Energy, and Defense to develop and issue $50 billion in Clean Energy Victory Bonds that support energy efficiency, solar, wind, geothermal, and electric vehicle efforts. For as little as $50, all Americans would be able to voluntarily purchase these Treasury bonds to invest in clean energy.

The sale of the $50 billion worth of bonds annually could be leveraged to inject $150 billion into clean-energy innovation and create more than one million jobs.

“As climate-related emergencies become more and more common, I often hear from people who want to do their part in the fight against climate change, but don’t know how. The Clean Energy Victory Bond Act provides Americans with an opportunity to invest, within their means, in innovative technologies that will yield profits both for themselves and the world,” said Congresswoman Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “This is my seventh time reintroducing this bill. I feel strongly that, as momentum continues to build in California and around the country to be good stewards of our environment, we must employ proven economic growth-based tactics to tackle climate change. We all benefit when we invest in the future.”

“Now, more than ever, we need collective action to fight climate change and support smart climate solutions,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This legislation gives everyday Americans the opportunity to invest in the clean energy transition and help grow the American economy. This investment will flow back into our communities, creating good-paying jobs, lowering energy costs, and helping to make communities across the country more resilient to climate change, while also providing a strong return on investment and helping American families to safely and reliably grow their savings with government-backed bonds.”

“Clean energy is America’s future, no matter how hard President Trump and his handpicked Fossil Fuel Cabinet try to sabotage its deployment,” said Senator Merkley. “As the Trump Administration slashes federal funds for renewable energy projects nationwide – including right here in Oregon – I’m fighting to advance solutions that will help end our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels and instead invest in public health and our environment. This bill expands access to affordable clean energy for families across America, delivering bold action to tackle climate chaos and creating jobs in the 21st-century economy.”

Background

The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would raise extra funds for investment in clean-energy and energy-efficiency deployment, including by:
- Providing additional support to existing federal financing programs available to states for energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy deployment;
- Providing funding for clean energy investments by all federal agencies;
- Providing funding for electric grid enhancements and connections that enable clean energy deployment;
- Providing funding to renovate existing inefficient buildings or building new energy efficient buildings;
- Providing tax incentives and tax credits for clean energy technologies;
- Providing funding for new innovation research, including ARPA-E, public competitions similar to those designed by the X Prize Foundation, grants provided through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, or other mechanisms to fund revolutionary clean energy technology;
- Providing additional funding for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing;
- Providing additional funding to existing federal, State, and local grant programs that finance clean energy projects; and
- Providing prioritized funding for clean energy projects that are located in and reduce energy rates in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.
The Clean Energy Victory Bonds would:
- be available to the public in denominations as low as $50;
- accrue interest based on savings achieved through reduced-energy spending by the federal government and interest collected on loans provided from proceeds of the bonds; and
- be capped at $50 billion each year.
Click here for full text of the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act.

In Connecticut, “Green Liberty Bonds” have been issued, and batches have sold out because the demand is so great.

Support from Sustainability & Business Groups

The bill is supported by numerous organizations, includingGreen America, Communitas Financial Planning PBC, Transformative Wealth Management, Natural Investments, American Sustainable Business Council, Impact Investors, School Sisters of Notre Dame Collective Investment Fund, Figure 8 Investment Strategies, Greenvest/Vanderbilt Financial Group, Change the Chamber, Harkins Wealth Management, SharePower Responsible Investing, Your Best Path, LLC, and Chicory Wealth.

“Americans from around the country support clean energy that will create jobs while addressing the climate crisis. In World War II, Victory Bonds offered Americans a way to support the war effort. Now, Clean Energy Victory Bonds will offer all Americans a safe investment, open to anyone, to support the rapid adoption of the solar, wind, and battery storage technologies that will benefit communities, workers, and the planet,” said Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director For Consumer and Corporate Engagement, Green America.

“Clean Energy Victory Bonds will provide a much-needed economic boost to our businesses and economy. This bill provides a reliable and highly-accessible financing mechanism that allows all Americans to provide the needed dollars for building a vibrant economy.” In an environment of reduced Federal Government spending this enables everyone to invest and work hand in hand with the private sector,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President, American Sustainable Business Council.

“Taking a step forward to adjust our energy industry to meet the needs of the changing country, the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act uses historical precedence to advance the U.S. toward a cleaner, brighter future for youth like us. While the transition to a clean energy economy may seem ambitious at times, this Act will allow everyday Americans to create an economy that works for all of us. It provides Americans the opportunity to help incentivize cleaner infrastructure and energy, paving the way for future steps to better our nation’s energy and climate,” said Evey Mengelkoch, Erika Pietrzak, and Sarah Hill, Climate Fellows of Change the Chamber

###

MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Sometimes MREs just ain’t it. On the way!

Source: US Army (video statements)

About the U.S. Army:

The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjDvxY4_glE

MIL OSI Video –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: U.S. Army Southern Border operations | Army Lethality

Source: US Army (video statements)

U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Sentinel conduct aerial reconnaissance along the southern border, supporting the Southern Border’s mission through agile, all-domain operations under U.S. Northern Command.

(U.S. Army video by Sgt. Elijah Ingram)

About the U.S. Army:

The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUyC4qOEE6Q

MIL OSI Video –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft enterprises’ teams hold events in honor of the Great Victory anniversary

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Rosneft and its subsidiaries organize and participate in events in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The company holds hundreds of events throughout Russia, which are designed to pass on to the younger generation the historical memory of the immortal feat of our people who liberated the world from fascism. Among the heroes of the front and the home front are many workers in the oil industry.

Oil workers demonstrated mass heroism in the battles of the Great Patriotic War and labor valor at enterprises in the rear. The Red Army was supplied with fuel and lubricants in the required quantities. During the war, the few remaining specialists, women and teenagers who replaced the men who went to the front, achieved a significant increase in the volume of oil production and refining. New fields were discovered, oil refineries were put into operation. Thanks to the selfless work of oil workers, our country won the “war of motors”, which brought the overall Victory closer.

The Company’s employees congratulate veterans of the Great Patriotic War and oil industry workers in different regions of the country on Victory Day. Festive concerts are held for them, where the winners of the corporate competition “Energy of Talents” perform. Rosneft volunteers also visit veteran oil workers at home, convey congratulations and memorable gifts from the teams of the enterprises.

With the support of Rosneft, the Sretensky Monastery Choir is touring 24 cities across the country with the musical program “Dedicated to the Great Victory”. The production is based on real stories about the fates of heroes who walked the miles of war from Moscow to Berlin and the best works of the front-line years.

More than 100 thousand Rosneft employees in more than 40 regions of Russia are taking part in the all-Russian action “Immortal Regiment” in various formats. On the eve of Victory Day, Rosneft enterprises held “Minutes of Silence” in memory of those killed in the war, as well as “Memory Watch”, during which workers began their work shift with portraits of relatives who had fought in the Great Patriotic War.

About 1,000 employees of 33 Rosneft subsidiaries took part in a collective reading of the poem “Motherland” by poet Konstantin Simonov. Samotlorneftegaz employees read the famous lines at the monument “To fellow countrymen who died during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” in the Victory Park of Nizhnevartovsk, unfurling an 80-meter St. George ribbon.

More than 500 employees of the Samara group of Rosneft enterprises, veterans and employees of Rosneft enterprises, students, volunteers and residents of the Samara region in the city of Novokuibyshevsk next to the memorial complex to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War also unfurled an 80-meter St. George ribbon, honored the memory of the fallen heroes with a minute of silence and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame.

Rosneft pays special attention to the formation of spiritual and patriotic values in the younger generation. Veteran oil workers together with current employees of the Company held “Lessons of Courage” in schools, universities and colleges, where children were told about how oil industry enterprises worked during the Great Patriotic War. Students, including students of “Rosneft classes” and schoolchildren from the “Movement of the First” were able to personally communicate with witnesses of those events. Also, for schoolchildren of Ufa, Samara, Gubkinsky, Saratov, Nizhnevartovsk, the settlement of Tazovsky in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, they organized screenings of the documentary “War of Motors” about the significant contribution of oil workers to the Great Victory, which was filmed with the support of Rosneft.

Samotlorneftegaz and Sevkomneftegaz held a patriotic event “Victory Waltz” in Nizhnevartovsk and Gubkinsky, in which representatives of three generations took part: veterans, employees of enterprises and students of “Rosneft-classes”. Volunteers danced a waltz to “Blue Scarf”, which was performed for soldiers on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War by Klavdiya Shulzhenko and other famous artists.

On the eve of the Great Victory, the Company’s volunteers organized a number of large-scale clean-up days: they repaired, renovated, and tidied up memorials and monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Volunteers from the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery and the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company tidied up more than 60 graves of front-line soldiers in Samara. Volunteers from Samotlorneftegaz tidied up the territory of the memorial complex “To fellow countrymen who died during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” in Nizhnevartovsk. Udmurtneft employees helped to improve the monument to those killed during the war in the village of Svetloye, Votkinsk District; with the participation of the enterprise, memorials were also arranged in six other settlements of the Udmurt Republic. Bashneft organized the cleaning of the territory and renovation of elements of the park near the monument to “Ishimbay oil workers who died in battles for the Motherland” in the city of Ishimbay. Schoolchildren of the “Movement of the First” actively participated in all the events.

The company organized mass car rallies in different regions of Russia, in which more than 1 thousand people took part. Employees of the enterprises RN-Yuganskneftegaz, Tyumenneftegaz, RN-Uvatneftegaz, Kharampurneftegaz, ROSPAN International, RN-Purneftegaz, and the corporate scientific institute in Tyumen held a joint campaign in the Tyumen region, the Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous districts, covering 1,418 km in cars with Victory Banners – this distance corresponds to the number of days that the Great Patriotic War lasted.

In Krasnoyarsk Krai, a motorcade of RN-Vankor workers drove a thousand kilometers across the tundra with the Victory Banner from the Vankor field to the port of Bukhta Sever on the shore of the Kara Sea. Bashneft organized a 160-kilometer motor rally of 50 cars in the Republic of Bashkortostan between the cities of Labor Valor Ishimbay and Ufa. During the Great Patriotic War, oil from Ishimbay was sent to Ufa for processing at the Ufa Oil Refinery (now Bashneft-UNPZ), the plant’s fuel went to the needs of the front and the rear.

Volunteers from the Saratov Oil Refinery, RN-Vedomstvennaya Okhrana, and IK SIBINTEK drove a motorcade with jubilee symbols along the streets of Saratov from the oil refinery to the memorial complex to the soldiers-drivers. During the war, columns of cars with food, military equipment, uniforms, and fuel produced at the Saratov Oil Refinery went through Saratov to Stalingrad. During the fierce battles for Stalingrad, the Saratov-Stalingrad highway was called the “road of life” in the besieged hero city. Rosneft-Kuban Oil Products workers drove 150 km in 20 cars as part of the patriotic motor rally “Krasnodar-Novorossiysk”. Employees of the Komsomolsk Oil Refinery organized a motor rally from the Memorial Complex in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where oil refiners laid flowers at the Eternal Flame. The column of more than 50 cars with anniversary symbols and Victory banners was headed by a Ural motorcycle from the 1970s.

In addition, in various regions, the Company’s employees have created routes for auto tourists to memorial sites dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. Rosneft gas stations broadcast congratulations on the anniversary of the Victory, songs from the war years, and distribute St. George ribbons during the holidays. A number of stations have themed photo zones, field kitchens, and concerts by creative groups with a patriotic repertoire.

Rosneft traditionally takes part in federal and regional events to green the territories on the eve of Victory Day. As part of the international action “Garden of Memory”, together with activists of the “Movement of the First”, Orenburgneft employees planted more than 10 thousand pine seedlings on 4.5 hectares of the Buzuluk pine forest, damaged by a natural fire, and 1.5 thousand pine trees in the steppe territory of the Kurmanaevsky district of the Orenburg region. “Kurgannefteprodukt” organized the planting of 20 thousand tree seedlings in the form of a geoglyph (an inscription made up of trees) “80 years of Victory”. Also, the geoglyph “80” appeared through the efforts of Bashneft-Dobycha employees in the city of Neftekamsk in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Employees of the corporate institute “VNIKTIneftekhimoborudovanie” took part in the landscaping of the slope of Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd: they prepared the territory of the future alley and planted 80 silver maple seedlings.

The Company’s employees took part in dozens of sports, intellectual competitions and contests dedicated to the Victory anniversary. Thus, Rosneft held corporate snowboarding competitions dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory. More than 100 oil industry athletes from 35 subsidiaries gathered at the ski center in Baikalsk (Irkutsk Region). And in Tomsk, they organized the “Victory Ski Slope” at a distance of 200 meters – it became a symbol of memory of the heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted 200 days and became a turning point in the Great Patriotic War.

Commemorative museum exhibits have been organized at the enterprises, and street photo exhibitions reflecting the selfless labor of oil workers in the rear and the heroism of front-line soldiers have opened in the cities where the Company is present. A photo exhibition titled “Fuel of Victory” has opened in the Muzeon Arts Park in Moscow. In Ufa, Bashneft opened a photo exhibition about the contribution of Bashkir oil workers to the Victory in a park on the Belaya River embankment and laid out a memorial alley of apple and fir trees. In Saratov, an exhibition of patriotic drawings by children of Rosneft employees has been placed on the Cosmonauts Embankment.

The employees of Verkhnechonskneftegaz initiated and created with their own hands the memorial “Memory Flame” in the shift camp of the Verkhnechonskoye field. On memorable dates for the country it will be lit as a symbol of the undying national memory of those who gave their lives on the battlefields.

One of the central events of the anniversary year in Buzuluk (Orenburg region) and in Ryazan was the creation of large-scale murals with the support of Orenburgneft and the Ryazan Oil Refining Company, respectively.

Rosneft contributes to preserving the historical memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War, the immortal feat of veterans who fought on the front lines and forged the Great Victory in the rear. Their unconditional love for the Motherland and patriotism are an unshakable example for current and future generations.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 7, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: NATO 2025 Annual Conference on Gender Perspectives

Source: NATO

Brussels, NATO Headquarters, 5 to 7 May 2025 – Senior NATO military and civilian leaders, gender advisors, policymakers, and civil society representatives from Allied and Partner Nations gathered for the 2025 Annual Conference of the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP), at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The conference celebrated a milestone year for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, celebrating 25 years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, a foundational framework for the inclusion of women in all aspects of peace and security.

Opening the conference, the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, underscored the operational importance of integrating gender perspectives across the Alliance: “Over the past quarter-century, we have witnessed undeniable progress. Consider this: what was once a marginal idea — that peace and security are not gender-neutral — is now integrated into NATO’s strategic outlook, operational conduct, and institutional policy.”

Discussions reflected on NATO’s implementation of the WPS Agenda, highlighting achievements, identifying persistent gaps, and developing practical recommendations for future action. One major focus was on gender-responsive leadership, including the role of training, education and accountability in embedding gender perspectives into daily planning and operations. Participants also explored how these approaches can enhance NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in increasingly complex security environments.

The Chair of the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives, LtCol Rosa-Linda Lucchesi, stressed the importance of leadership in advancing these efforts: “We have achieved tremendous progress over the past 25 years, but we must now push further,” said Lt Col Lucchesi. “Strengthening leadership, building accountability and embedding gender perspectives into all aspects of NATO’s work are vital for future success.”

The second day of the conference examined lessons from the integration of gender-considerations in current conflicts, and the future of UNSCR 1325 from the perspective of international stakeholders. Several case studies offered valuable insight to better understand the differentiated impacts of conflict on women and men, and the strategic advantages of gender-responsive policies for NATO and its partners.

Furthermore, the conference explored relevant approaches to the whole-of-society resilience, examining how integrating gender perspectives can strengthen societal preparedness against various security threats. Syndicate work sessions provided opportunities to reflect on NATO’s WPS Strategic Objectives and consider enhancements for the WPS Action Plan, aiming to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing the evolving challenges facing the Alliance.

Background Information

The NCGP is dedicated to advancing gender mainstreaming and the integration of gender perspectives into the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, programs, and military operations. Through its work program, the NCGP provides expert advice to the NATO Military Committee on gender-related topics, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and support the Alliance’s objectives across its core tasks. The Annual Conference serves as a key platform for this exchange and collaboration.

UNSCR 1325, adopted in 2000, established a foundational framework for the inclusion of women in all aspects of the peace and security agenda. NATO and its Allied nations have committed to the principles of WPS by recognizing that integrating gender perspectives enhances operational effectiveness, improves mission outcomes, and supports stability in complex conflict environments. The new NATO Policy on WPS, endorsed at the Washington Summit in July 2024, outlines four strategic objectives: strengthening gender-responsive leadership and accountability; increasing women’s participation at all levels; preventing threats that have a disproportionate impact on women and girls; and protecting women and girls against gender-based violence.

MIL Security OSI –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP TODAY – Wednesday 7 May
Source: European Parliament

Securing a just peace in Ukraine

At 9:00, MEPs, Commission President von der Leyen and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka will discuss how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate is set to focus on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law.

Viktor ALMQVIST

(+32) 470 88 29 42

Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS

(+32) 470 96 08 19

@EP_ForeignAff

@EP_Defence

Parliament to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe

To commemorate the end of World War II in Europe, a flag raising will take place on the WEISS esplanade at 10:30, followed by a wreath laying ceremony by Presidents Metsola and Costa and World War II veterans. At 11:30, President Metsola will address plenary, followed by statements by President Costa and three war veterans from Belgium and Poland.

Andreas KLEINER

(+32) 498 98 33 22

Estefania NARRILLOS

(+32) 498 98 39 85

@EuroParlPress

Parliament’s priorities for post-2027 long-term EU budget: vote on a resolution

At noon, MEPs are set to adopt a resolution outlining their vision and demands for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget. The draft text calls on the EU to deliver on the rising expectations of citizens for EU action and adopt a flexible post-2027 budget that reflects current geopolitical, economic, and environmental realities. A press conference with EP President Metsola and the two rapporteurs will take place at 14.00.

Eszter ZALÁN

(+32) 477 99 20 73

@EP_Budgets

In brief

Gas supply. In the early evening, MEPs and Commissioner Jørgensen will debate a proposal to prolong rules on gas storage refilling to address gas market speculation and bring down prices. The vote will take place on Thursday.

Iberian peninsula electricity blackout. In a debate at around 15:30, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Jørgensen and Polish Minister Szłapka how to improve electricity grid resilience and interconnections in the wake of the recent blackout incident.

TikTok. MEPs and Commissioner McGrath will debate the fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms, from round 20:30.

Malta’s ‘golden passport’ scheme. In the late afternoon, Parliament, Commissioner McGrath and Polish Minister Szłapka will debate the follow-up to the EU Court of Justice verdict that Malta’s citizenship by investment programme is illegal.

Erdoğan/Cyprus. In the evening, plenary will assess the illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus in a debate with Commissioner Várhelyi.

Increase in food prices. Earlier in the afternoon, MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Kadis and Polish Minister Szłapka how high levels of retail food prices are affecting European consumers.

Human rights. In the evening, Parliament will debate the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania; the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia; and violations of religious freedom in Tibet. MEPs will vote on three separate resolutions on Thursday.

Votes

At noon, MEPs will vote, among other files, on:
- the management of the 2023 EU budget by the Commission and other EU institutions and agencies;
- the 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye, Serbia and Kosovo; and
- the European water resilience strategy.
Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+.

For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

Find more information regarding plenary.
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: EAT & BEYOND COMPLETES THE ACQUISITION OF 100% OF MILO MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, BC, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eat & Beyond Global Holdings Inc. (CSE: EATS) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Eat & Beyond” or the “Company”), an investment issuer focused on incubating first-mover opportunities in emerging markets, is pleased to announce, further to its news release of January 31, 2025, that the Company has completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Milo Media Technologies Inc. (“Milo Media”) in exchange for securities of Eat & Beyond pursuant to the terms and conditions of a securities exchange agreement dated January 31, 2025 (the “Definitive Agreement”) among the Company, Milo Media, the shareholders and the warrant holders of Milo Media (the “Transaction”).

Transaction Terms

Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement and in consideration for 100% of the issued and outstanding shares, Eat & Beyond has issued an aggregate of 15,000,000 common shares of Eat & Beyond (the “Payment Shares”) to Milo shareholders at a deemed price of $0.185 per Payment Share and issued 15,000,000 common share purchase warrants (the “Replacement Warrants”) as consideration for the disposition of all of the warrants of Milo (the “Milo Warrants”). Each Replacement Warrant permits the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of Eat & Beyond (a “Share”) at a price of $0.075 per Share on or before January 30, 2025, the same exercise price and expiry date of the original Milo Warrants surrendered for cancellation.

There is no statutory hold period for the Payment Shares or the Replacement Warrants pursuant to applicable securities laws, however, the Payment Shares are subject to voluntary hold periods as follows: 10% of the Payment Shares will become freely tradable upon the Company filing a Business Acquisition Report for the Transaction (the “BAR”), and the remaining 90% of the Payment Shares will be subject to a hold period expiring four months after the BAR is filed.

The Transaction is an arms-length transaction and there is no change in management or the Board of Directors of Eat & Beyond.

Strategic Significance of the Acquisition

The acquisition of Milo Media has provided Eat & Beyond with a first-mover advantage as the first publicly traded company – to the best of the Company’s knowledge – to actively participate in the XRPL ecosystem. Milo Media’s financial infrastructure solutions are expected to enable Eat & Beyond to acquire Ripple (XRP) through active participation on the XRP network, akin to how Bitcoin miners earn Bitcoin. This unique model is expected to position Eat & Beyond to generate value directly from the network’s growth and adoption.

“With the acquisition complete and Liquid Link now officially launched, we’re entering a new era, one where everyday users, developers, and institutions can interact with the XRPL and beyond in ways never before possible. The XRP Army has always believed in utility. Now, we’re helping deliver it” said Young Bann, CEO of Eat & Beyond.

About Milo Media

Milo Media is a private company existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Following the closing of the Transaction, Milo Media Technologies will now operate under the trade name Liquid Link and is proud to unveil its new home at www.liquidlink.ai.

Introducing Liquid Link: Built for the Web3 Era

Liquid Link is developing Xrpfy, a next-generation discovery and analytics platform purpose-built for the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Designed for client-side transitions and as a self-custody-first interface, Xrpfy enables users to:
- Search for real-world assets (RWAs), stablecoins, and the full spectrum of Web3 tokens on the XRPL ledger.
- Discover the least-cost trading routes and identify arbitrage opportunities across the XRPL decentralized exchange (DEX).
- Navigate the XRPL with no middlemen — Liquid Link does not facilitate trades or custody funds, but instead empowers users with powerful analytics and user-friendly tools.
Future versions of the platform may incorporate AI agent capabilities, providing even smarter, faster ways to interact with the XRPL.

Expanding Beyond XRPL

While Liquid Link is laser-focused on unleashing the full potential of the XRP Ledger, it is also charting a bold multi-chain future. The company plans to build and support tools for emerging Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystems, including:
- The Lightning Network
- Liquid Network
- RGB
- Taproot Assets
Additionally, support for Axelar and the broader Web3 ecosystem is being actively considered, with timelines to be determined.

These integrations will enable enterprise-grade adoption of RWAs, stablecoins, and Web3 applications across the decentralized economy.

The Opportunity Ahead

The global market for tokenized assets — from real estate to carbon credits, commodities to currencies — is projected to exceed $16 trillion by 2030, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group and ADDX¹¹. With its ultra-fast, low-cost transaction environment, the XRP Ledger is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution.

Liquid Link’s Xrpfy platform is built to be the gateway to this future.

By combining intelligent search, seamless discovery, and powerful routing tools, Xrpfy will give individuals and businesses the tools they need to build, trade, and scale confidently in the Web3 economy.

Launch Timeline

The Xrpfy platform is currently in active development and is scheduled to launch by the end of Q2 2025.

Join the Movement

For updates, partnerships, and early access to Xrpfy, visit www.liquidlink.ai and follow us on social media.

Marketing Agreements

The Company is also pleased to announce the following marketing service agreements. The Company’s engagement of the service providers is intended to improve the Company’s visibility and prominence in the capital markets.

On May 1, 2025, the Company entered into a marketing agreement with an arm’s length firm, Senergy Communications Capital Inc. (“Senergy”). Senergy has agreed to provide content development and digital marketing services. The agreement will remain in effect for one month with the option to renew. The Company has agreed to pay an aggregate cash fee of $150,000, plus applicable taxes. Senergy does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Senergy’s business is located at 122 Mainland Street (Suite 228) Vancouver, BC, V6B-5L1. The contact person is Aleem Fidai, email: info@senergy.capital.

On May 1, 2025, the Company has entered into a marketing agency agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) with an arm’s length firm, Global One Media Limited (“Global One”) to provide, among other things, social media management, marketing and distribution services to the Company. The Marketing Agreement has an initial term of six months, and the Company will pay Global One a monthly retainer fee of US$4,500. Global One Media does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Global One’s business is located 100 Tras Street #16-01, 100 AM Singapore, 079027. The contact person is Bastien Boulay, email: bastien@globalonemedia.com.

On May 1, 2025, the Company has entered into a marketing consultant agreement with an arm’s length firm, Bergskogar Limited (“Bergskogar”) to provide marketing services to the Company. The agreement commences May 1, 2025 and continues to April 30, 2026, except if terminated or extended by mutual written agreement. The Company will pay Bergskogar an aggregate cash fee of EUR 75,000. Bergskogar does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Bergkogar’s business is located 1203, 12/F, Tower 3, 33 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong. The contact person is Paul Druce, tel: +44 20 3290 3801.

The Company has engaged with an arm’s length firm, Aktien Check (“Aktien”) to provide European marketing awareness services to the Company. Aktien will provide its services for a period of three months commencing on May 1, 2025 and ending on July 31, 2025. The Company will pay Aktien a cash fee of EUR 50,000. Aktien does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Aktien’s business is located at Bad Marienberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. The contact person is Mr. Stefan Lindam, email: Stefan.lindam@aktiencheck.de.

About Eat & Beyond

Eat & Beyond (CSE: EATS) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. Led by a team of industry experts, Eat & Beyond provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Liquid Link, the Company is entering the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

Learn more: https://eatandbeyond.com/

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s business plans and expected future growth, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the Company’s future cryptocurrency plans and strategies, the Company’s proposed strategic expansion and growth strategies, the Company’s ability to provide investors with exposure to digital assets, the potential success of the Company’s business and its brand, the growth of XRP and other digital assets and the mainstream adoption of various cryptocurrencies. Forward-looking information reflects the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, including the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute on its business plans; the Company’s ability to raise debt or equity through future financing activities; the Company’s ability to increase its business in cryptocurrency-based technologies; any adverse changes and developments regarding XRP, XRPL or the cryptocurrency ecosystem; the growth and development of decentralized finance and the digital asset sector; any new rules and regulations with respect to decentralized finance and digital assets; the inherent volatility in the prices of certain cryptocurrencies including XRP; increasing competition in the crypto and blockchain industries; general economic, political and social uncertainties in Canada and the United States; currency exchange rates and interest rates; the limited resources of the Company; the Company’s reliance on the expertise and judgment of senior management and the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies in general; and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

¹ BCG & ADDX Report: “Relevance of On-Chain Asset Tokenization in ‘Traditional Finance’” — Boston Consulting Group, 2022

The MIL Network –
May 8, 2025

Category: Military Intelligence

Complex relationships

Limited alternatives

How do India and Pakistan’s militaries compare?

Why are the countries fighting over Kashmir?

What will happen next?

The UK will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

Updates to this page

Modeled after WWII victory bonds, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would spur investment in clean-energy projects, create jobs, & help U.S. fight the climate crisis

Background

Click here for full text of the Clean Energy Victory Bond Act.

Support from Sustainability & Business Groups