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Category: Ukraine

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, 17 Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Ukraine on Third Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, on Monday joined 17 of his Senate colleagues in supporting a bipartisan resolution acknowledging the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The resolution expresses the U.S. Senate’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while condemning Russia’s illegal aggression and attempts to seize Ukrainian territory. It also commends NATO, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and the international community for their continued efforts to support Ukraine’s defense and the protection of human rights on its territory; recognizes Ukraine’s democratic progress during wartime; and emphasizes Ukraine’s right to be included in any discussions with Russia about its future.
    U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also cosponsored the resolution.
    Full text of the resolution can be found HERE and below:
    RESOLUTION acknowledging the third anniversary of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and expressing support for the people of Ukraine.
    Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale, unprovoked, and illegal invasion of Ukraine, which followed Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its illegal occupation of parts of the Donbas region in 2014;
    Whereas the international community recognizes the sovereignty and full territorial integrity of Ukraine within the 1991 borders; and
    Whereas the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the people of Ukraine have demonstrated a determined resistance that has prevented Russia from taking control of their country: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate—(1) expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people to Russian aggression;
    (2) rejects Russia’s attempts to militarily seize sovereign territory in Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe;
    (3) reaffirms the support of the United States for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
    (4) commends NATO, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and the international community for their continued efforts to support Ukraine’s defense and the protection of human rights on its territory;
    (5) supports Ukraine’s aspirations to integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures;
    (6) recognizes Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its democracy during wartime;
    (7) encourages the transatlantic community to continue to denounce Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine and counter Russian aggression; and
    (8) emphasizes that Ukraine must be a partici2 pant in discussions with the Russian Federation 3 about Ukraine’s future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump really wants Ukraine’s minerals – China has put theirs off limits

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth

    Donald Trump is demanding reparations from Ukraine for the assistance that it has given to Kyiv during the Russian invasion. Trump has demanded Ukraine sign a US$500 billion (£394 billion) deal that would give the US access to, and revenue from, Ukraine’s rare and critical minerals, an essential resource in 21st century economy.

    Trump has said that this would form part of a repayment of the aid given by the US to Ukraine. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has so far refused to sign such an agreement stating that the aid was a grant and not a loan, as agreed by Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden and the Republican-controlled Congress.

    A key reason behind Trump’s push for this mineral deal is the US reliance on rare minerals such as gallium, which is critical for advanced defence technologies but is not readily available domestically.

    China, a leading supplier of gallium, has used its control over the resource as leverage against the US. It has imposed a ban on rare minerals being exported to the US, as part of its retaliation to increased US tariffs on Chinese goods.

    Other minerals are crucial for military technology such as missile system, electronics and electric vehicles. In Ukraine, there are deposits for 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical.

    The problem for the US is that China currently accounts for a high proportion of certain crticial mineral imports.

    So Trump sees a resolution to the Ukraine war as an opportunity to secure alternative sources of critical minerals, reducing US dependency on China and allowing Trump to take a more aggressive approach towards it. He also may not have predicted that China would hit back against the US tariffs with restrictions on these vital resources quite so quickly.

    Gallium is valued by the defence manufacturing industry because it is reliable and durable. In particular, the element is seen as a crucial tool enhancing radar, satellite communication systems, and electronic warfare systems. It is also used in multi-chip modules utilised by navigation and air traffic control systems.

    In addition to gallium, Ukraine has vast resources of graphite, an element that is used in the construction of electric vehicles and nuclear reactors, and a third of Europe’s supply of lithium, which is used in batteries.

    Trump’s focus on critical minerals has also influenced his interest in Greenland which possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, making it a potential alternative to Chinese-controlled resources.



    Read more:
    Trump’s Greenland bid is really about control of the Arctic and the coming battle with China

    Which minerals does Trump want?

    Why is China so important?

    Trump’s concern over China is also driving his negotiations with Russia more generally. One of Trump’s core concerns is China’s partnership with Russia. There is no doubt that China is now the dominant force in the Sino-Russian alliance.

    Given the increasing cooperation between the two nations in military, economic, and technological areas, Trump believes that China’s influence in global affairs needs to be countered aggressively. The Trump administration has sought to undermine the alliance by softening the US’s approach to Russia, a move that has shocked European leaders.

    Trump has long viewed China as the major threat to the US, considering it their biggest economic rival and a significant obstacle to making America “great again”.

    His economic policies have targeted Chinese trade practices, supply chain dependencies and geopolitical manoeuvres. One of his key trade advisers has argued American businesses are at a disadvantage from China’s state-controlled economy, intellectual property theft and trade imbalance.

    The recent tariffs imposed by the US on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports, were intended to make US products more competitive by driving up the cost of Chinese imports, thereby encouraging businesses and consumers to buy domestic goods instead.

    At the same time, Trump sought to weaken China’s export economy by making it more difficult for Chinese companies to sell goods in the US. His tariff policies extended beyond China, with similar measures being considered for Europe.

    By targeting multiple regions, Trump aimed to shift global supply chains and solidify the US as a manufacturing powerhouse. By ending the war in Ukraine, Trump believes the US can redirect funds and resources used in Europe toward countering China’s growing influence.

    Trump has tried to justify the tariffs on China by claiming Chinese manufacturers are responsible for the mass production of fentanyl, which is then trafficked into the US through various channels. Trump has proposed stricter measures to curb the flow of fentanyl, including sanctions and tariffs on Chinese firms allegedly involved in its production.

    Following China’s retaliation, Trump needs peace in Ukraine and the consequential mineral agreement with Kyiv before China’s ban on exports to the US affects critical US manufacturing. Such an agreement would then allow him to take an even more aggressive posture with China with fewer consequences.

    However, Zelensky recently claimed that Russia has taken control of 20% of Ukraine’s minerals since the invasion. And it’s possible it will be years before any American investor gets any return on their money due to a chronic lack of investment in Ukraine’s minerals sector for almost a decade.

    Even if Trump does get the deal he wants, he will have to wait a while before Ukraine’s minerals will fulfil all of the US’s needs.

    Dafydd Townley 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 Trump really wants Ukraine’s minerals – China has put theirs off limits – https://theconversation.com/why-trump-really-wants-ukraines-minerals-china-has-put-theirs-off-limits-250546

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement on defence spending: 25 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM statement on defence spending: 25 February 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s press statement on increasing defence spending.

    Good evening. 

    I was a young man when the Berlin Wall came down

    I remember it vividly. 

    It felt as if we were casting off the shackles of history

    A continent united by freedom and democracy. 

    If you had told me then, that in my lifetime

    We would see Russian tanks rolling into European cities again

    I would not have believed you. 

    Yet here we are

    In a world where everything has changed

    Because three years ago, in Ukraine

    That is exactly what happened. 

    Just reflect on that for a second – I think it’s worth it. 

    Just imagine you are walking to work

    Taking your kids to school. 

    Just another February morning, like any other. 

    Then suddenly – missiles. 

    Sirens. 

    Explosions. 

    Not in the distance

    Not on TV

    In your town. 

    Hitting your community. 

    Killing your friends. 

    An invading army, in your country. 

    The people of Ukraine have woken up to this nightmare

    For three years now

    Their courage is inspiring. 

    And Britain can be proud of its response. 

    British families have opened their doors to fleeing Ukrainians

    The ‘yellow and light blue’ flag flies on town halls and churches, the length and breadth of this country

    And I will also put on record again – 

    That I respect the robust response taken by the previous government

    I supported it in opposition

    And we have built on it in government

    Taking our support for Ukraine – to record levels. 

    But, as the nature of that conflict changes

    As it has done in recent weeks

    It also brings our response into sharper focus.

    And I believe we must now change our approach to national security

    So we are ready to meet the challenges of our volatile world. 

    The reason for this is straightforward

    Putin’s aggression does not stop in Ukraine. 

    Russian spy ships menace our waters. 

    Russian planes enter our airspace. 

    Russian cyber-attacks hit our NHS 

    And just seven years ago – there was a Russian chemical weapons attack, in broad daylight

    On the streets of Salisbury. 

    We can’t hide from this. 

    I know people have felt the impact of this conflict through rising bills and prices. 

    But unless Ukraine is properly protected from Putin

    Then Europe will only become more unstable – and that will hurt us even more. 

    Furthermore, the great lesson of our history

    Is that tyrants like Putin only respond to strength. 

    So today I have announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. 

    We will keep our manifesto commitment to spend 2.5% of our GDP on defence.

    But in light of the grave threats we face

    We will bring that target forward so we meet it in 2027. 

    That is an increase of £13.4bn year on year compared to where we are today. 

    And we will go further. 

    I have long argued that in the face of ongoing and generational challenges

    European countries must do more for their own defence. 

    That is incontrovertible. 

    A completely reasonable point. 

    It’s a generational challenge – of course it is.  

    But one we must now take on. 

    So, subject to economic and fiscal conditions

    We will also set a clear ambition for Defence spending to rise to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament.  

    Clearly this is first and foremost a security imperative. 

    But I also believe that it’s a tremendous opportunity

    We can use this investment to rebuild Britain’s industrial base. 

    The first test of defence policy is always whether it keeps our country safe. 

    But the second should be whether it improves the condition of the British people

    Does it help provide the economic security that working people need? 

    Because ultimately that is fundamental to national security as well. 

    So mark my words

    We will make sure this investment maximises British jobs, British growth, British skills and British innovation. 

    And we should be optimistic about the change that it will deliver. 

    Nonetheless, in the short-term

    This investment can only be funded through hard choices. 

    And so today I have decided that we will fund the initial increase in defence spending

    By cutting our spending on overseas development

    Moving from 0.5% of GNI to 0.3%. 

    I want to be clear – that this is not an announcement I am happy to make. 

    I am proud of Britain’s pioneering record on overseas development

    And we will continue to play a key humanitarian role

    In war-torn countries like Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza

    In tackling climate change

    And supporting international efforts on global health challenges like vaccination.  

    And we will do everything to move towards a world where we can rebuild our development capacity. 

    However, the realities of our dangerous new era

    Mean that the defence and national security of our country must always come first. 

    That is what I campaigned on in the general election

    It is what we are delivering today. 

    A new approach to defence

    A revival of our industrial base

    A deepening of our alliances

    The instruments of our national power – brought together

    Creating opportunity.

    Assuring our allies.

    Delivering security for our country. 

    At moments like this in our past

    Britain has stood up to be counted. 

    It has come together. 

    And it has demonstrated strength.  

    That is what the security of this country needs now

    And it is what this Government will deliver. 

    I will now take questions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Third Anniversary Of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion Of Ukraine, Durbin Reiterates Bipartisan Congressional Support For Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 24, 2025
    Durbin: We should make sure Ukraine’s sovereignty and future are secure and not given away in appeasement to Putin—a move that could cost us dearly in the future
    WASHINGTON – On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, spoke on the Senate floor in support of Ukraine. During his speech, Durbin condemned President Trump’s appeasement to Russian President Vladimir Putin—where Trump announced key concessions to Putin regarding Ukraine, while apparently ignoring Ukraine’s key demands.  Durbin began his speech by reflecting on President Reagan’s powerful speech at the Berlin Wall where he told the Soviets to “tear down this wall.”
    “Ronald Reagan understood all too well what the Soviet regime was all about—it was a regime that had seized eastern Europe and condemned millions of individuals to live under a cruel and repressive communist dictatorship. My mother’s family originally came from Lithuania—once an independent country then a republic of the Soviet Union. Now an independent, democratic country again. That country meant a lot and still does to my family. I certainly recall the stories of my grandparents leaving the Russian domination and coming to America. Until recently, Americans across the political spectrum—including Republican presidents and members of Congress—also saw such Russian tyranny for what it was—until now,” said Durbin.
    “Today, we see President Trump doing the bidding of Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin,” Durbin continued. “That’s right—the President of the United States of America is using talking points that sound like they were whispered in his ear by the Kremlin—all while denigrating and bullying our true allies in the region.”
    Durbin detailed how President Trump has spewed outrageous comments when talking about Ukraine. He claimed, Ukraine started the war with Russia. He then attacked the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—who was democratically elected in a free and fair election. Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections.” Both comments are similar to lies said by Putin. 
    Durbin said, “But it gets worse, with Donald Trump having negotiated away in public key concessions to Russia to end the war including appeasement of Ukraine’s sovereign borders or possible future NATO membership. Trump, with one phone call, gave those away without even negotiating and certainly didn’t involve the Ukrainians who have lost 46,000 brave Ukrainians who have died because of Putin’s invasion. Today, in a stunning, shameful move, the United States voted with Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and a handful of dictatorships at the United Nations against a resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine.”
    Former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said of this tragic and unbelievable state of affairs, that it sounded like there was a handout prepared by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov from which the Trump Administration is now reading. He warned if President Trump continues to back Russia, then, “threats to European security will grow immensely. Putin will get braver, meaning more war in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and beyond.”
    “President Trump’s affinity for autocrats like Putin and selling out or bullying our allies will not make America stronger or our world safer. Nor will his petulant and bumbling weekend gutting of our top military officers—a troubling act that raises serious questions about the politicization of our proud, professional fighting force in America. Let me be clear: We cannot let President Trump rewrite history or upend proven alliances with decades of bipartisan support… And ultimately, only the Ukrainian people can decide Ukraine’s future. Doing the bidding of foreign dictators and playing politics with our military only undermines America’s [safety],” Durbin said.
    Today, Durbin joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and others in leading a simple resolution that expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of thousands of lives to Russian aggression; rejects Russia’s attempts to militarily seize sovereign Ukrainian territory; reaffirms U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; and states unequivocally that Ukraine must be at the table for negotiations over its future.
    Durbin also introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return.
    “When the war started, Republicans across the country opened their hearts and communities to desperately fleeing Ukrainians, even actively petitioning President Biden to protect them from deportation. So far, not a single Republican has cosponsored my bill [the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act]. But I urge them to join this simple act of American compassion. Standing up to dictators and speaking out for victims of war should never be a partisan issue,” Durbin said.
    Durbin concluded his speech by showing a photo of himself and the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on a bipartisan delegation CODEL to Ukraine in 2014. At the time, Russia had begun its attempts to seize Crimea and capture additional territory in the eastern part of the country.
    “We should show no less courage here, today on a bipartisan basis, in making sure Ukraine’s sovereignty and future are secure and not given away in appeasement to Putin—a move that could cost us all dearly in the future,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine war: game theory reveals the complexities (and fragility) of a nuclear deterrent

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Renaud Foucart, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University

    Since the cold war, deterrence has been a fundamental principle underpinning peace between global superpowers. The idea is that if two sides have nuclear weapons, the consequences of actually using them mean the button never gets pressed.

    But the strategy goes beyond the countries which own the weapons. In practice, for instance, most of Europe relies on the US for a nuclear “umbrella” of deterrence. And any country with nuclear weapons can offer guarantees of peace to others.

    This is what happened in 1994 when Russia, the UK and the US signed the Budapest memorandum in which Ukraine renounced its nuclear weapons from the Soviet era in exchange for a promise to “respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine”. This was widely seen as a good idea for Ukraine and the world, reducing the risk of a nuclear accident.

    But that memorandum has not served Ukraine well. As North Korea, India, Pakistan or Israel know, owning nuclear weapons – even against international agreements – ensures your protection. A piece of paper does not.

    And now, across the world, the ability to offer the equivalent of a Budapest memorandum to other countries has vanished. A key part of the theory behind a successful nuclear deterrent has fallen away.

    This is described in game theory – the mathematical study of strategic interactions – as the idea of a “credible commitment”. To deter a military invasion, the country offering protection must be ready to do something that hurts its own interests if it happens.

    In the case of Ukraine, this has so far involved allies sending costly military equipment, financial support and enduring the small risk of further escalation of the conflict. Being a trustworthy guarantor is a matter of international reputation: a country that delivers is considered credible. But no one will trust a guarantor that breaks its promises.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: what is the Budapest Memorandum and why has Russia’s invasion torn it up?

    And while credible retaliation is important, so too is avoiding escalation. For it is also in everyone’s interest to reduce the probability of a catastrophic outcome.

    Over the years, the small number of countries with internationally accepted nuclear arsenals (the US, UK, France, Russia and China) have developed nuclear doctrines. These are sophisticated and often deliberately opaque rules for escalation and deescalation.

    The Nobel prize-winning economist, Thomas Schelling, argues that the uncertainty around these rules is what makes them so effective. It strengthens a system in which protection can be offered to other countries in exchange for them not developing their own nuclear capabilities.

    War games

    Game theory research has also shed light on the complexity of these rules of engagement (or non-engagement), such as the expectation (and necessity) of credible retaliation against an attack.

    Imagine, for example, that China launches a nuclear bomb that completely destroys Manchester. A rational British prime minister may prefer to end hostilities and accept the destruction of a major city rather than retaliate and risk the total destruction of human life.

    But for the deterrent to actually work, they must retaliate – or expect to see Birmingham and London disappear.

    Another difficulty comes in finding the appropriate response to varying levels of provocation. When Russian-affiliated soldiers were found guilty by Dutch courts of downing a Malaysian Airlines civilian flight with 298 people onboard, including 196 Dutch nationals, there was no talk of proportional retaliation. No one seriously contemplated shooting down a Russian plane or bombing a small Russian city.

    Nor was there any retaliation to Russian interventions in European elections, or to the sabotage of infrastructure in Baltic states, or to murders and attempted murders on European soil.

    And after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the reaction of the west was consistent with principles designed to avoid escalation. Sanctions were imposed on Russia, military aid was sent to Ukraine.

    But to abandon Ukraine now, forcing it to cede territory after three years of fighting, death, and destruction, would be a significant shift. It would represent a clear and deliberate abandonment of the international guarantees Ukraine thought it had.

    Arsenals and agreements

    Game theory also suggests that the most likely consequence of abandoning those commitments is that no country will repeat Ukraine’s mistake of giving up its nuclear capabilities. And no country will want to place their trust in potentially unreliable allies.

    Europe for instance, will aim to develop its own nuclear umbrella, potentially combining French and British capabilities. It will also hasten to integrate the next likely targets of Moscow’s military ambitions.

    This will include the parts of Ukraine not annexed by Russia, but also Georgia, already invaded by Russia in 2008, and Moldova, partly occupied by Russia.

    The second consequence is that the west will no longer have a good reason to convince countries to abandon their nuclear ambitions. That means no credible deal for North Korea, no convincing offer for Iran, and even fewer prospects to end the nuclear programmes of Pakistan, India or Israel.

    Looking at the ruins of Mariupol or Gaza City, and comparing them to Pyongyang, Tel Aviv or Tehran, many countries will conclude that a nuclear weapon is a better way to ensure security than any piece of paper.

    So if the west does abandon Ukraine, game theory suggests that the world should expect a proliferation of nuclear powers. Each will need to learn, as Russia and the US have, to live on the threshold of diastrous confrontation. But research shows that establishing a situation of reduced risk takes time.

    And that could be a time filled with increased potential for events reminiscent of the Cuban missile crisis – and a growing belief that nuclear war is inevitable.

    Renaud Foucart 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. Ukraine war: game theory reveals the complexities (and fragility) of a nuclear deterrent – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-war-game-theory-reveals-the-complexities-and-fragility-of-a-nuclear-deterrent-249995

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ukraine: Post-war reconstruction set to cost $524 billion

    Source: United Nations 4

    Economic Development

    The total cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine is estimated at $524 billion (€506 billion) over the next decade, according to a new study published on Tuesday. 

    The updated joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4) commissioned by the Ukrainian Government, the World Bank Group, the European Commission and the UN, comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its fourth year. 

    It covers damage incurred since intensified conflict erupted on 24 February 2022 through to 31 December 2024.

    This year, the Government of Ukraine, with support from donors, has allocated $7.37 billion (€7.12 billion) to address priority areas such as housing, education, health, social protection, energy, transport, water supply, demining, and civil protection.

    As a total financing gap of $9.96 billion (€9.62 billion) for recovery and reconstruction needs remains, mobilizing the private sector remains critical.

    Russian attacks continue

    “In the past year, Ukraine’s recovery needs have continued to grow due to Russia’s ongoing attacks,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

    RDNA4 reveals that direct damage in Ukraine has now reached $176 billion (€170 billion), up from $152 billion (€138 billion) from the previous assessment issued in February 2024. The hardest hit sectors are housing, transport, energy, commerce and industry, and education.

    Thirteen per cent of all housing stock in the country has been damaged or destroyed, affecting more than 2.5 million households. The energy sector has also experienced a 70 per cent increase in damage or destroyed assets, including power generation, transmission, distribution infrastructure, and district heating

    Housing hard hit

    Across all sectors, the regions closest to the frontline – Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kyiv – sustained about 72 percent of the total damage. 

    Reconstruction and recovery needs are the highest in housing, accounting for almost $84 billion (€81 billion)) of the total long-term needs. The transport sector follows at almost $78 billion (€75 billion), with the energy and extractives sector coming in third at nearly $68 billion (€66 billion).

    Meanwhile, reviving commerce and industry will require over $64 billion (€62 billion), and agriculture over $55 billion (€53 billion).

    The assessment noted that the Russian invasion continues to have severe impacts on Ukraine’s agriculture sector, which had previously contributed 10 per cent to GDP, employed 14 per cent of the labour force and accounted for over 40 per cent of all exports.

    Additionally, across all sectors, the cost of debris clearance and management alone reaches almost $13 billion (€12.6 billion).

    Private sector support

    RDNA4 identifies and excludes over $13 billion (€12.6 billion) in needs across eight sectors that have already been met by Ukraine, with support from partners and the private sector. 

    For example, government data shows that at least $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) was disbursed from state budget and donor funds last year for housing sector recovery, while over 2,000 km of emergency repairs were carried out on motorways, highways, and other national roads. 

    Furthermore, the private sector has met some of the critical needs, highlighting its key role in the recovery and reconstruction process, and many firms have started to invest in repairs and resilience. Estimates indicate that the private sector could potentially cover a third of total needs.

    © UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov

    Alina, 12, stands next to her damaged home in Kobzartsi, Mykolaiv region.

    Investment and inclusion

    The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, noted that “the true cost of war is measured in human lives and livelihoods,” and the international community must help to create more opportunities for Ukrainians to rebuild their lives with dignity.

    “This means investing in dignified jobs, education, healthcare, and prioritizing the inclusion of vulnerable groups among women and girls, children, displaced people, Roma communities, war veterans and persons with disabilities,” he said.

    “The path forward requires strengthening partnerships, de-risking investments and a steadfast commitment from all of us not just help structures but support restoring the social fabric of war-impacted communities.”

    RDNA4 also highlights that prioritizing investments in recovery and reconstruction will be critical for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (EU) and long-term resilience. 

    Thus, recovery provides an opportunity not just to address the destruction caused by the ongoing invasion but also to build back better by adopting innovative solutions and reforms that meet the expectations of EU membership.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Archbishop Nappa appointed Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 25 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Emilio Nappa as the new Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, with effect from 1 March 2025. This was announced today by the Holy See Press Office.Until now, Archbishop Nappa has been adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, in the Section for First Evangelization and the new particular Churches, and president of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS).Archbishop Nappa was born in Naples on August 9, 1972. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Aversa on June 28, 1997. He received a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2004 and has held various offices in the diocese, including that of Rector of the Church of San Rocco, Director and Permanent Professor of Fundamental Theology at the Interdiocesan High School of Religious Sciences “Ss. Apostles Peter and Paul” of the Caserta Region in Capua and Canon of the Cathedral. He was also a local collaborator of the Apostolic Nunciature in Italy and an official of the General Affairs Department of the Secretariat of State. In September 2022 he was appointed Official of the Secretariat for the Economy.On December 3, 2022, Pope Francis appointed him Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization and President of the Pontifical Missionary Societies, conferring on him the title of Archbishop and assigning him the titular See of Satriano.The episcopal ordination was celebrated on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Archbishop was consecrated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Missionary Dicastery.Archbishop Nappa’s motto is “Caritas diffusa est” and refers to a passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. At the liturgy for the episcopal ordination at the papal altar in St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Deputy for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State, and Angelo Spinillo, Bishop of Aversa, were the co-consecrators.In the more than two years of Archbishop Nappa’s activity at the head of the Pontifical Mission Societies, a National Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Albania was established and a representation of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, called “Missio Avona”, was set up. Work is still underway to set up a National Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Ukraine.During Archbishop Nappa’s presidency, synergies between the International Secretariats and National Directions were also intensified, with the aim of strengthening the network of assistance with which the Pontifical Mission Societies support the mission in the local Churches on a daily basis. (Agenzia Fides, 25/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher W. Grady’s Phone Call with France’s Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Thierry Burkhard

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

    Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs

    February 25, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

    Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher W. Grady spoke with France’s Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Thierry Burkhard yesterday by phone.

    Adm. Grady and Gen. Burkhard shared perspectives on the latest developments in Syria, as well as the Gaza and Lebanon ceasefire agreements. Additionally, the military leaders discussed ongoing deliberations regarding Ukraine.

    The long-standing military alliance between the U.S. and France is essential to peace and stability around the world.

    For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
    Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
    Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
    LinkedIn and Flickr.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Data443 Announces Product Launch – ClassiForAI (CAFAI)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (OTCPK: ATDS) (“Data443” or the “Company”), an AI data security and privacy software company for “All Things Data Security,” today announced new capabilitis for its data classificaiton and governance product line – ClassiForAI (CAFAI). This offering leverages the companies’ significant and ongoing investments in Machine Learning to accelerate customer adoption of AI & LLMs.

    The product capabilty includes access to their new datacenter facilitities in the heart of Research Triangle Park and Data LLM Training engineering. The capability enables customers to come with their own AI engine of choice (Amazon, Microsoft, HuggingFace, ChatGPT, etc.) and have their internal corporate documents form the foundation for a very accurate, safe and confidential AI model for end users, advanced analytics, and of course – to train new AIs. Most importantly, Data443’s capability includes identification of extremely sensitive content that is not allowed to be generally exposed in any way by the AIs.

    “As we spoke to analysts about our approach, the result was the same – ‘Customers are struggling with what do to, don’t trust the public cloud, and really do not have the capabilities inside their own business. Plus, they are nervous about disclosure of sensitive content to employees and customers. Customers have no way of separating this data.”, stated Jason Remillard, CEO and Founder of Data443.

    The methology that Data443 applies is simplistic and focussed on fast results and high accuracy. A known issue with AI engines is that if you train it on too much data, mixed use data or data that is not specific enough – you end up with unreliable models which are prone to problems of hallucianation and unsourced content. Data443’s ClassiForAI utilizes its existing capabiltiy of classifying content with over 1,400 policies in 43 languages. The company can scan a massive content repository (of almost any kind in legal, finiance, defence, government) and produce reference examples of extremely high confidence datasets that match the policy – for example – (Personal Privacy Information) and language (German).

    ‘We’ve been offering our classification engine for different use cases for years, and the feedback is always the same – your policy frameworks are unique and on target. By leveraging our ecosystem (including physical hosting of the models) Data443 is able to provide full lifecycle services for AI accuracy, and reverse train negative outputs for usage in security and disclosure environments. To truely garner the benefits of AI, it isn’t useful if it is inaccurate, making up informtation, or its capabilities degrade over time. Our solutions are designed to be a full life cycle implementation – with continues subscriptions in place to continuously refine models, execute data transactions with them and in some cases, host the hardware and softare components on behalf of the customers”.

    The acquisition coincides with significant market validation of AI-powered email security solutions, evidenced by Abnormal Security’s anticipated IPO and growing enterprise demand for intelligent security platforms like Sailpoint. This strategic move positions Data443 to capture an expanding share of the email security market, which is experiencing rapid growth driven by the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and its recent acquisitions of Cyren.

    The announcement today will deliver immediate benefits to Data443’s customers:

    • Offline and live training of AI LLMs
    • Rental of Data443’s AI hardware, including NVidia, Tenstorrent, AMD, Cerebras Systems.
    • Secured facilites in its new USA-based data center.
    • High power draw capabilities for certain physical premises
    • Continuous leasing of AI engines for continuous data analysis while it is being used for training or queries.
    • Identification and removal of extremely sensitive content as defined by the customer.
    • Reducing exposure of content by LLM’s in chatbots, emails and other distribution types

    “This offering has been a long time in coming as the industry continues to iterate. Much like our investments with Ripple XRP, these long term plays differentiates us from others as we have mature technology, usually with 1-2 decades of runtime, with actual customers. The startup space has much excitement and investment dollars – which we appreciate. We like our position as recognized experts in data center management and classification,” added Remillard. “Like our recent acquisition of Breezemail.ai – we will continue to share with the industry as we win customer engagements.”

    Interested parties may review the offering at the website: https://data443.com/classi-for-ai-cafai/

    About Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (OTCPK: ATDS) provides software and services to enable secure data across devices and databases, at rest and in flight/in transit, locally, on a network or in the cloud. We are All Things Data Security™. With over 10,000 customers in over 100 countries, Data443 provides a modern approach to data governance and security by identifying and protecting all sensitive data regardless of location, platform or format. Data443’s framework helps customers prioritize risk, identify security gaps and implement effective data protection and privacy management strategies.

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of terms such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursuant,” “target,” “continue” or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding Data443’s plans, objectives, future opportunities for Data443’s services, future financial performance and operating results, and any other statements regarding Data443’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance, or regarding the anticipated consummation of any transaction, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are difficult to predict or are beyond Data443’s control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. They may relate to the outcome of litigation, settlements and investigations; actions by third parties, including governmental agencies; volatility in customer spending; global economic conditions; inability to hire and retain personnel; loss of, or reduction in business with, key customers; difficulty with growth and integration of acquisitions; product liability; cybersecurity risk; anti-takeover measures in the Company’s charter documents; and the uncertainties created by global health issues, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID, and political unrest and conflict, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. These and other important risk factors are described more fully in the Company’s reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“the SEC”), including in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2024, and subsequent filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Data443 undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

    “DATA443” is a registered trademark of Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this press release are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

    For further information:        
    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/data443-risk-mitigation-inc/
    Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZXDhJcx-XgMBhvE9aFHRdA
    Sign up for our Investor Newsletter: https://data443.com/investor-email-alerts/

    To learn more about Data443, please watch the Company’s video introduction on its YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1Fp93jOxFSg

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matthew Abenante
    ir@data443.com
    919.858.6542

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: War in Ukraine: Three Years of Commitment at Sciences Po

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    Three years ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shook Europe and the world.

    From the very first days of the conflict, Sciences Po mobilised to support students, researchers, and teachers affected by the war:

    Having dealt with the urgent matter of repatriating and ensuring the safety of the Sciences Po students of various nationalities who were on academic exchange or completing internships in Ukraine or Russia at the time of the invasion, from March 2022 onwards, Sciences Po began hosting Ukrainian students forced to flee their home country.

    Since then, 68 Ukrainian refugee students have been studying on the different Sciences Po campuses, principally the Dijon, Paris, Reims and Nancy Campuses. They come from our partner universities: the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) and Taras Shevchenko University.

    The European Commission, through its Erasmus+ programme, made it possible for our institution to welcome those students by providing near 350,000 euros of scholarships.

    The tuition fees for students enrolled in Master’s degree programmes are fully funded by our donors.

    In addition, the university has assisted a dozen Ukrainian students who were enrolled at Sciences Po at the time of the invasion. An exceptional Master’s admissions procedure was introduced, with substantial financial aid made available for these students.

    Among our generous contributors: the Stanton Foundation, the Fondation Vinci pour la Cité, Eurazeo and numerous individual donors… We would like to thank this massive wave of solidarity and the mobilisation of donors, companies, and foundations.

    In 2022, Sciences Po welcomed, as part of the institutional programme PAUSE, the Ukrainian researcher Ievgeniia Gubkina, and provided her an academic affiliation to the Urban School, urgent housing (for her daughter and herself), and administrative support.

    These courses have been given on a voluntary basis by our professors from autumn 2023, at the request of our partner, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA). We would like to thank the professors for their commitment.

    Since the Russian invasion, Sciences Po has expanded its partnership network in Ukraine with the signing of exchange partnership agreements with Taras Shevchenko University (2022) and the Kyiv School of Economics (2024).

    As a founding member of CIVICA, the European University of Social Sciences, which brings together ten higher education institutions as a pilot European university, Sciences Po is a participant in the “CIVICA for Ukraine” project, launched in December 2022, with five Ukrainian universities: Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), Kyiv National Economic University (KNEU), National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv (UCU), and Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University (Vasyl’ Stus DonNU).

    “CIVICA for Ukraine” provides a framework for cooperation whose aim is to protect Ukraine’s academic potential and support its higher education in view of an increased collaboration with EU universities after the war. This initiative allows the students and faculty members at Ukrainian partner universities to access the activities of the CIVICA alliance at all degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD). It also has a research component.

    At the start of the 2024 academic year, Dmytro Kuleba, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister, joined Sciences Po as an Adjunct Professor and Harvard University as a Senior Fellow.

    Since January 2025, Dmytro Kuleba has been teaching a course on wartime diplomacy at the Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) to students enrolled in the Master International Security and the Master International Governance & Diplomacy.

    Three years on, we remain committed to supporting the Ukrainian academic community, and our researchers continue to study this conflict from an academic perspective.

    > Access all articles related to the war in Ukraine and international conflicts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s Oral Statement to the House of Commons: 25 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Prime Minister’s Oral Statement to the House of Commons: 25 February 2025

    The Prime Minister’s Oral Statement to the House of Commons.

    Mr. Speaker, three years since Russia launched its vile assault on Ukraine, I would like to address the international situation and the implications for Britain’s national security. 

    Mr. Speaker, in my first week as Prime Minister, I travelled to the NATO summit in Washington with a simple message. 

    That NATO and our allies could trust this Government would fulfil Britain and indeed the Labour Party’s historic role to put our collective security first. 

    I spoke of my great pride, Mr Speaker, to lead the party that was a founding member of NATO, the inheritor of the legacy of Clement Attlee and Ernest Bevin – who not only stood behind Winston Churchill in wartime but ‘won the peace’ by establishing the great post-war order here and abroad. 

    Mr. Speaker, it is a proud legacy but in a world like ours it is also a heavy one. Because the historical load we must carry to fulfil our duty is not as light as it once was. 

    We must bend our backs across this House because these times demand a united Britain, and we must deploy all of our resources to achieve security. 

    Mr. Speaker, as a young man, I vividly remember the Berlin Wall coming down. It felt as if we were casting off the shackles of history, continent united by freedom and democracy. If you had told me then, that in my lifetime we would see Russian tanks rolling into European cities again I would not have believed you. 

    Yet here we are, in a world where everything has changed. Because three years ago that is exactly what happened. 

    Britain can be proud of our response. British families opened their doors to fleeing Ukrainian citizens, the ‘yellow and light blue’ fluttering on town halls and churches, the length and breadth of this country.

    And the party opposite, in Government was robust in our response. I supported that in opposition; I applaud them for it now.

    And we have built on that, bringing our support for Ukraine to a record level this year. 

    Mr. Speaker, we should not pretend that any of this has been easy. 

    Working people have already felt the cost of Russian actions through rising prices and bills.  

    Nonetheless, one of the great lessons of our history is that instability in Europe will always wash up on our shores, and that tyrants like Putin only respond to strength. 

    Russia is a menace in our waters, in our airspace and on our streets. They have launched cyber-attacks on our NHS – only seven years ago, a chemical weapons attack on the streets of Salisbury. 

    We must stand by Ukraine – because if we do not achieve a lasting peace, then the economic instability, the threats to our security, they will only grow. 

    And so, as the nature of that conflict changes, as it has in recent weeks, it brings our response into sharper focus. 

    A new era that we must meet, as we have so often in the past, together – and with strength. 

    Mr. Speaker, the fundamentals of British strategy are unchanged. 

    I know that the current moment is volatile, but there is still no good reason why they cannot endure.  

    So let me spell out to the House exactly how we will renew them for these times. 

    First, NATO is the bedrock of our security – and will remain so. 

    It has brought peace for 75 years. It is as important today as the day on which it was founded.  

    Putin thought he would weaken NATO; he has achieved the exact opposite. 

    And it remains the organisation which receives the vast bulk of our defence effort, in every domain, and that must continue.  

    Second, we must reject any false choice between our allies, between one side of the Atlantic or the other. That is against our history – country and party – because it is against our fundamental national interest. 

    The US is our most important bilateral alliance. It straddles everything from nuclear technology, to NATO, to Five Eyes, AUKUS and beyond.

    It has survived countless external challenges in the past. We’ve fought wars together; we’re the closest partners in trade, growth and security.

    So this week when I meet President Trump I will be clear. I want this relationship to go from strength to strength. 

    But Mr. Speaker, strength in this world also depends on a new alliance with Europe. 

    As I said in Paris last week, our commitment to European defence and security is unwavering. But now is the time to deepen it. 

    So we will find new ways to work together on our collective interests and threats, protecting our borders, bringing our companies together, seeking out new opportunities for growth. 

    Third, Mr Speaker, we seek peace not conflict, and we believe in the power of diplomacy to deliver that end. 

    That, of course, is most pressing in Ukraine. Nobody in this House or this country wants the bloodshed to continue – nobody.

    And Mr. Speaker, I have seen the devastation in Ukraine first-hand. 

    What you see in places like Bucha – that never leaves you. 

    But for peace to endure in Ukraine and beyond, we need deterrence.  

    I know that this House will endorse the principle of winning peace through strength. 

    So we will continue to stand behind the people of Ukraine. We must ensure they negotiate their future and we will continue to put them in the strongest position for a lasting peace. 

    Fourth, Mr. Speaker, we must change our national security posture. 

    Because a generational challenge requires a generational response. 

    That will demand some extremely difficult and painful choices. 

    And through those choices, as hard as they are, we must also seek unity.

    A whole society effort that will reach into the lives, the industries and the homes of the British people. 

    I started this statement by recalling the era of Attlee and Bevin, and, of course, this year we will mark many anniversaries of that greatest generation. 

    We must find courage in our history. Courage in who we are as a nation because courage is what our own era now demands of us. 

    So, starting today, I can announce this Government will begin the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. 

    We will deliver our commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence but we will bring it forward so that we reach that level in 2027. 

    And we will maintain that for the rest of this Parliament.

    Let me spell that out, Mr Speaker. That means spending £13.4 billion more on defence every year from 2027. 

    But Mr. Speaker, we also face enemies that are sophisticated in cyber-attacks, sabotage, even assassination.

    And so our intelligence and security services are an increasingly vital part of protecting both us and our allies. 

    So on top of the funding of 2.5% that I have just announced, going forward, we will recognise the incredible contribution of our intelligence and security services to the defence of the nation, which means, taken together, we will be spending 2.6% on defence by 2027.

    But Mr. Speaker, we must go further still. 

    I have long argued that in the face of ongoing, generational challenges, all European allies must step up and do more for our own defence. 

    So, subject to economic and fiscal conditions, and aligned with our strategic and operational needs, we will also set a clear ambition for Defence spending to rise to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament. 

    Mr Speaker, I want to be very clear, the nature of warfare has changed – significantly. That is clear from the battlefield in Ukraine, and so we must modernise and reform our capabilities as we invest. 

    I equally want to be very clear that like any other investment we make we must seek value for money.

    And that’s why we’re putting in place a new Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan, jointly led by my Right Honourable Friends the Chancellor and the Defence Secretary.

    This investment means that the UK will strengthen its position, as a leader in NATO and in the collective defence of our continent, and we should welcome that role. 

    It is good for our national security. It is also good for the defining mission of this government to restore growth to our economy.  And we should be optimistic of what it can deliver in those terms. 

    But Mr. Speaker, in the short-term, it can only be funded through hard choices. 

    And in this case, that means we will cut our spending on development assistance, moving from 0.5% of GNI today to 0.3% in 2027 fully funding our increased investment in Defence.  

    I want to be clear to the House, that is not an announcement I am happy to make.  

    I am proud of our pioneering record on overseas development, and we will continue to play a key humanitarian role in Sudan, in Ukraine and in Gaza, tackling climate change, supporting multinational efforts on global health and challenges like vaccination.  

    In recent years the development budget was redirected towards asylum backlogs, paying for hotels. So, as we are clearing that backlog at a record pace there are efficiencies that will reduce the need to cut spending on our overseas programmes. 

    But nonetheless, it remains a cut – and I will not pretend otherwise.

    We will do everything we can to return to a world where that is not the case and rebuild our capacity on development.

    But at times like this, the defence and security of the British people must always come first. That is the number one priority of this Government.  

    But Mr. Speaker, it is not just about spending. Our whole approach to national security must now change. 

    We will have to ask British industry, British universities, British businesses, and the British people to play a bigger part; use this to renew the social contract of our nation, the rights and responsibilities that we owe one another.  

    The first test of our defence policy is, of course, whether it keeps our country safe. But the second should be whether it improves the conditions of the British people, does it help provide the economic security that working people need.

    Because ultimately, as Attlee and Bevin knew, that is fundamental to national security as well. 

    We will use this investment as an opportunity.

    We will translate defence spending into British growth, British jobs, British skills, British innovation; we will use the full powers of the Procurement Act to rebuild our industrial base. 

    And, Mr. Speaker, as the Strategic Defence Review is well underway and across Government we are conducting a number of other reviews relevant to national security, it is obvious that these reviews must pull together. 

    So before the NATO summit in June, we will publish a single National Security Strategy and we will bring it to this House. 

    Because Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, that is how we must meet the threats of our age – together and with strength.  

    A new approach to defence. A revival of our industrial base. A deepening of our alliances. 

    The instruments of our national power brought together, creating opportunity, assuring our allies, delivering security for our country. 

    Mr. Speaker, at moments like these in our past, Britain has stood up to be counted. It has come together, and it has demonstrated strength.  

    That is what the security of our country needs now, and it is what this Government will deliver. 

    And I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting prioritizes ‘real’ independence from the US − but what does that mean and is it achievable?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Garret Martin, Senior Professorial Lecturer, Co-Director Transatlantic Policy Center, American University School of International Service

    Germany’s presumptive new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, faces challenges both at home and overseas following his conservative alliance’s election victory on Feb. 23, 2025.

    A strong showing from the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) – which Merz, in line with other mainstream German parties, refuses to countenance as a coalition party as part of an unofficial “firewall” against extremism – will make forming a functioning government tricky.

    But in the moments after the election results, it was the future of the European Union and its relationship with America that was his immediate focus: “My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA.”

    To understand why that is such a concern for Germany now and what “real independence” from Washington means, The Conversation U.S. turned to Garret Martin, an expert on U.S.-Europe relations at American University, for answers.

    What prompted Merz’s ‘real independence’ line?

    Presumably it was a response to a series of recent announcements and actions by the Trump administration that have shocked the German political establishment. This includes the sudden revelation that the U.S. would negotiate directly with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, but seemingly without the Europeans or Ukrainians involved. That development went down like a lead balloon in Berlin, especially considering Germany’s significant financial support of Kyiv since 2022.

    Moreover, the German establishment has also frowned at a series of recent declarations by members of the Trump administration. Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, in which he harshly criticized Europe for allegedly undermining freedom of expression, provoked clear pushback from German leaders. Trump, for his part, hardly endeared himself to his German allies when he denounced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator.”

    And, of course, Elon Musk’s interference in the German elections – as well as his open support for the far-right Alternative for Germany – provoked a fierce response from Merz. The then-candidate promised that Musk would need to be prepared for legal consequences for his meddling.

    Elon Musk addresses, via videolink, the election campaign launch rally of the far-right Alternative for Germany on Jan. 25, 2025.
    Sean Gallup/Getty Images

    How would this ‘real independence’ be achieved?

    Defining what “real independence” means and being able to implement such a drastic change in transatlantic relations will be a tall order. If by “real independence” Merz means that Germany would no longer rely on the U.S. for its security, then that would require several major steps.

    Merz would first need to convince his likely coalition partners, the Social Democrats, that this is the right goal. After all, German governments are bound by very detailed coalition agreements. Second, Merz would need to significantly increase German defense spending. As it stands, Germany’s annual defense budget is slightly over US$90 billion, or 2% of its GDP. But a recent study by the economic think tank Bruegel suggests Berlin would need to increase its budget by $145 billion annually to defend Europe without the assistance of the U.S.

    But to achieve this, Merz will likely need to increase defense spending by such a level that it will contravene the country’s “debt brake.” This 2009 constitutional rule essentially caps the annual deficit that the government can take on. But overturning this mechanism would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the German Parliament. Merz’s Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union party won 28.6% of the vote – and even with the support of the country’s main center-left party, the Social Democrats, Merz will fall short of the parliamentary votes needed.

    Finally, “real independence” would also require convincing other European Union partners to join him down that path. Assuming that the Trump administration continues its current trajectory and further undermines NATO, the EU would have to step in to become a more prominent security actor for the continent. It might also require, as Merz hinted, that the United Kingdom and France be ready to share their nuclear weapons, since the U.S. may not be trusted anymore to defend NATO countries.

    All of these steps would cover “real independence” only in the security sphere and not touch other crucial policy areas, such as trade and energy. And that would be an equally tall order given the level of economic ties binding Germany to the U.S., as well as the looming threat of tariffs.

    What does this mean for German-US relations?

    Merz’s “real independence” statement would have been noteworthy coming from any German chancellor. But it is even more striking when one considers the fact that Merz is a committed transatlanticist who deeply admires the U.S. and counts Ronald Reagan as one of his role models.

    At 69, Merz came of age during the final years of the Cold War, when the U.S. played a key role in enabling German reunification. He worked for years for Atlantik-Brücke, a lobbying group pushing for closer transatlantic ties. And he has, by his own account, traveled more than 100 times to the U.S.

    Independence will not likely mean a complete divorce between the U.S. and Germany – the ties binding the two countries, whether economic, cultural or political, run too deep. However, we can expect that Berlin will not hesitate to take a more combative approach toward Washington when necessary, so to protect German and European interests. As Merz pointed out, it is clear that the Trump administration does “not care much about the fate of Europe.”

    What does this signal for Merz’s view of Germany’s position in the EU?

    Merz’s win will certainly lead to important shifts in Germany’s position in the EU, and could be a major boost for a union in need of leadership. His predecessor, Olaf Scholz, was hampered by a weak economy, divisions within his coalition and indecisive leadership in Europe. Moreover, poor relations with French President Emmanuel Macron also stalled the Franco-German partnership, normally a key engine of leadership in the EU.

    Merz certainly plans to take a very distinct approach toward the EU than his predecessor. His calls for “real independence” will certainly be very welcome in France, which has long called for Europe to be more responsible for its own security. As such, it opens up the possibility of far closer ties between Paris and Berlin than we saw in recent years. Moreover, Merz, with his more hawkish position toward Russia, could be counted on to provide greater support for Ukraine.

    Garret Martin receives funding from the European Union for the Transatlantic Policy Center, which he co-directs.

    – ref. Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting prioritizes ‘real’ independence from the US − but what does that mean and is it achievable? – https://theconversation.com/germanys-chancellor-in-waiting-prioritizes-real-independence-from-the-us-but-what-does-that-mean-and-is-it-achievable-250708

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister sets out biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, protecting British people in new era for national security

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Prime Minister sets out biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, protecting British people in new era for national security

    The Prime Minister has today (Tuesday 25 February) set out his commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.

    • Defence spending to increase to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
    • Reinvigorated approach to defence industry will drive economic growth and create jobs across the UK, while bolstering national security and protecting borders. 
    • Commitment will see the biggest investment in defence spending since the Cold War as the UK enters era of intensifying geopolitical competition and conflict.

    As the UK faces a period of profound change, with conflicts overseas undermining security and prosperity at home, the Prime Minister has today (Tuesday 25 February) set out that his commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.  

    He has also set an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next parliament, as economic and fiscal conditions allow, in order to keep the British people safe and secure for generations to come.

    As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government. In recent years, the world has been reshaped by global instability, including Russian aggression in Ukraine, increasing threats from malign actors, rapid technological change, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. 

    The Prime Minister has today set out how the UK will be stepping up to meet this generational challenge with a generational response.

    The announcement comes the day after the third anniversary of Russia’s barbaric illegal war in Ukraine and shows that the UK will step up and meet this pivotal moment of global instability head-on, with a commitment that will see the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War. 

    The Prime Minister knows that the working people of Britain have paid the cost of malign actors abroad, whether through increased energy bills, or threats to British interests and values. He is committed to making the country safer, more secure, and increasingly resilient against these interconnected threats. 

    Today’s announcement demonstrates the UK’s global leadership in this space. In calls with foreign leaders over the weekend, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to securing a just and enduring peace in Ukraine and the need for Europe to step up for the good of collective European security.

    The investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth. 

    The increased spending will sustain our globally competitive industry, supporting highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the whole of the UK. In 2023-24, defence spending by the UK Government supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60. 

    68% of defence spending goes to businesses outside London and the South East, bolstering regional economies from Scotland to the North West.

    Through the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, this substantial investment will drive R&D and innovation across the UK, including developing technologies such as AI, quantum and space capabilities. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    It is my first duty as Prime Minister to keep our country safe. In an ever more dangerous world, increasing the resilience of our country so we can protect the British people, resist future shocks and bolster British interests, is vital.

    In my Plan for Change, I pledged to improve the lives of people in every corner of the UK, by growing the economy. By spending more on defence, we will deliver the stability that underpins economic growth, and will unlock prosperity through new jobs, skills and opportunity across the country.

    As we enter this new era for national security, Britain will once again lead the way.

    In addition to our plan to reach 2.5%, the Prime Minister also announced that the definition of defence spending will be updated to recognise what our security and intelligence agencies do to boost our security, as well as our military. This change means that the UK will now spend 2.6% of GDP on defence in 2027.

    This shift recognises that the activities of our intelligence increasingly overlap and complement that of our Armed Forces, emphasising the need for total deterrence against the modern hybrid threats we face, from cyber-attacks to sabotage. 

    The increase in defence spending will be funded by reducing Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI and reinvesting it into defence. 

    This difficult choice reflects the evolving nature of the threat and the strategic shift required to meet it whilst maintaining economic stability, a core foundation of the Plan for Change. Meeting the fiscal rules is non-negotiable, and the government will take the tough but necessary decisions to ensure they are met. 

    The UK remains fully committed to making the world a safer and more prosperous place. In the current geopolitical environment, the Prime Minister is clear that the best way to do that is by deterring and preventing conflict and targeting our aid more effectively. For example, we have delivered an increase of £113m in humanitarian funding for people in Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries, which will help to reduce migration flows to the UK and help address one of the major humanitarian crises of our era. 

    The government remains committed to reverting spending on overseas aid to 0.7% of Gross National Income, when the fiscal conditions allow.

    This comes alongside an ongoing review into ODA spend which will ensure that every pound of development assistance is spent in the most impactful way. 

    This increase in defence investment will help us build a modern and resilient Armed Forces. It will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge capabilities that are vital to retain a decisive edge as threats rapidly evolve. Targeted investment will reverse the hollowing out of recent decades and rebuild stockpiles, munitions, and enablers depleted after a period focused on international terrorism and global crises. 

    This modernisation will be supported through improved productivity, efficiency, and financial discipline across defence.

    The Prime Minister has also committed to publishing a single new national security strategy, bringing together all reviews into one document and reflecting the decisions on resource set out today. This will be published following the Spring Statement next month and ahead of the NATO Summit in June. 

    The new commitment on spending comes ahead of Prime Minister’s visit to Washington DC this week, where he will tell President Trump that he wants to see the UK-USA bilateral relationship strengthened and deepened even further, to secure the prosperity and security of both nations for decades to come. 

    The government has already significantly increased investment in its national security capabilities, increasing spending on defence by nearly £3 billion in this year alone at the Budget. In addition to growing the defence budget, spending on the Single Intelligence Account was increased by around £340 million between 2023-24 and 2025-26, ensuring that our world-leading intelligence agencies maintain their cutting-edge capabilities. 

    Notes to editors

    Defence spending benefits every nation and region of the country – 68% of defence spend with UK businesses goes outside of London and the South East. In 2023-2024, the MOD spent the following across the UK:

    • £7.1bn in the South East
    • £6.9bn in the South West
    • £3.8bn in the North West
    • £2.1bn in Scotland
    • £2.1bn in London
    • £1.6bn in the West Midlands
    • £1.5bn in the East of England
    • £1.4bn in the East Midlands
    • £910m in Wales
    • £630m in Yorkshire and the Humber
    • £380m in the North East
    • £240m in Northern Ireland

    This spending supported a breadth of industry specialisms across the country. Early work on the Defence Industrial Strategy suggests that the following UK sub-sectors have the highest growth potential: AI, autonomous systems, combat air, cyber, missiles, nuclear submarines, quantum, shipbuilding design and space.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China opposes EU listing Chinese firms, individuals in Russia sanctions package

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s commerce ministry said on Tuesday that the European Union (EU) decision to include several Chinese firms and individuals in its 16th package of sanctions against Russia would have a negative impact on bilateral trade ties.

    The EU’s move was contrary to the consensus reached between leaders of both sides, said a spokesperson with the ministry, who urged the EU to stop listing Chinese companies and individuals and cease smearing and shifting blame to China.

    China always opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council, the spokesperson added.

    China steadfastly believes that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis, and always supports peace talks, the spokesperson stated, while also noting that China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bank accounts will be “gutted” – Central Bank warns of dangerous virus

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Sours: Mainfin Bank –

    How does the new scheme for stealing funds from Russians’ accounts work?

    The fraudulent scheme involves a program like SpyNote, which is disguised as harmless applications – the victim may not realize that the smartphone is infected. The theft scheme is carried out in stages:

    First, the victim installs an application on the phone, not realizing the danger – the spy can pretend to be, for example, a game. Fraudsters remotely monitor the smartphone screen – they see the passwords entered, SMS codes, incoming calls. After some time, the attackers open an online bank and empty the accounts, withdrawing all the money. In the same way, fraudsters can gain access to other services, including sending messages to friends asking for a transfer of funds.

    “The applications of individual banks are protected from such a virus, but not all financial institutions have protection, which puts clients in a vulnerable position,” the Central Bank of the Russian Federation noted.

    In addition, the installation of a virus program can be carried out even without the participation of the smartphone owner – recently the Ministry of Internal Affairs warned Russians about the dangers of the WhatsApp messenger: the victim only needs to follow the link for the device to be infected.

    What should you remember to protect yourself from fraud?

    Security experts are once again calling on Russians to remain vigilant in order to protect their savings from fraudsters. The main rules of protection include:

    ban on installing applications from dubious sources; refusal to communicate passwords, SMS codes and personal data to third parties; connecting a mobile bank – information about transactions will be received immediately; excluding third-party access to the smartphone; timely updating of the phone number in case of replacement in the service bank.

    Fraudsters often call potential victims, inventing various legends: renewal of the compulsory medical insurance policy, recalculation of work experience, financing of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, extension of the contract with the telecom operator, etc. When receiving such a call, it is recommended to refuse communication by hanging up.

    14:45 02.25.2025

    Source:

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/ Bankovsky-account-Blazut-Prohrosien-CB-Buscal-Ob-O-hazard-Virus

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ukraine, Sudan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:

    – Secretary-General Travels
    – Ukraine
    – Sudan
    – Sudan/Humanitarian
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – West Bank
    – Occupied Palestinian territory
    – Peacekeeping
    – Haiti
    – DR Congo/Humanitarian
    – DR Congo
    – Mozambique
    – Colombia

    UKRAINE
    The Secretary-General issued a statement in which he affirmed that the war in Ukraine stands as a grave threat not only to the peace and security of Europe but also to the very foundations and core principles of the United Nations.
    After three years of death and destruction, he once again calls for urgent de-escalation and an immediate end to the hostilities.  The Secretary-General welcomes all efforts towards achieving a just and inclusive peace. The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts.
    This afternoon, at 3pm, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will brief the Security Council on Ukraine.

    SUDAN
    The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces and affiliated civilian actors and armed groups of a political charter that expresses an intention to establish a governing authority in Rapid Support Forces areas of control. This further escalation in the conflict in the Sudan deepens the fragmentation of the country and risks further entrenching the crisis. Preserving Sudan’s unity, Preserving Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains key for a sustainable resolution of the conflict and the long-term stability of the country and the wider region.
    The Secretary-General also condemns the persistent violence perpetrated against civilians across Sudan by both parties to the conflict, including ethnically motivated attacks. Sudanese women, Sudanese children and men are paying the heaviest price for the continued military offensives by the belligerents in this conflict.
    The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is engaging the warring parties and all other relevant stakeholders to achieve progress on a cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and humanitarian access and to promote de-escalation.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24%20February%202025

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s Ukraine reception remarks: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Prime Minister’s Ukraine reception remarks: 24 February 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke at a 10 Downing Street reception marking three years since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    It’s a privilege to welcome you all here to Downing Street this afternoon.

    This, of course, is not only my office and the centre of our government but it is also my home. So it is appropriate that I throw open the doors to my home to you and make you feel welcome in this building, which is where you should be.

    And particularly fitting that you are here in my home today as we recognise people who have been welcomed into homes across the country, and I know there are many of you here.

    I’ve just had the privilege and the opportunity to talk with a number of you who have been here some for some little time now and often with children. There are people here who have come, people here who have opened their doors and there are many others across the country.

    We are really proud of the people who have opened their doors, opened their hearts as well – because it’s not just a shelter, it’s opening hearts and making you feel welcome particularly in this time of conflict and uncertainty.

    And I said to the people I was talking to just now, I would love to be able to get you all together here again on a future occasion that isn’t an anniversary of an awful conflict because that is, of course, what it is today.

    Because in the face of that conflict, I do think the bond between our two countries has got stronger and stronger. I think it was a good strong bond anyway, but it has got much stronger and that’s happened across the kitchen tables up and down the nation, as well as the meeting tables.

    And of course, I have had the privilege of meeting President Zelenskyy very many times now, on a number of occasions in different places, including here in Downing Street and, of course, in Kyiv.

    I’ve actually been to Kyiv four times. I went twice before the conflict, because before I was a politician, I was the chief prosecutor and we were working with criminal justice colleagues in Kyiv. And so I have seen Kyiv in peace – a brilliant, fantastic city – and I’ve seen it twice, once as leader of the opposition and just a few weeks ago as Prime Minister, in this terrible conflict.

    When I was there just a few weeks ago, I was able to express our solidarity and support, and I was struck again by the resilience and strength of the Ukrainians, because that sense of civic duty, going and doing everyday work, and treating it as work for the nation was very, very strong.

    When I was there four weeks ago, I went to the burns unit at one of the hospitals and saw for myself some of those who have been on the frontline who were being treated in hospital with terrible burns from blasts, really life-changing injuries, and civilians as well who had been caught up in blasts.

    In one sense, it’s obvious when you’re in conflict you are going to see things like that but when you’re there and you see it right there, the human impact is huge.

    Because this isn’t just about discussions of defence and security in Europe, although it is that, it isn’t just about sovereignty and it is that, it is about the impact on human beings.

    When I was there I met children in a school in Kyiv, they were primary-school age so they were 8, 9, 10-years-old, living under the threat of bombardment all of the time. It’s what they are growing up with and I met some of them who had already lost their parents on the frontline at that tender age. That is really humbling, it really brought home to me the human impact of all of this.

    Politics is about the decisions you make but it is also about who you have in your mind’s eye when you make your decisions. And I think it is very important that we have you in our mind’s eye.

    When I was there with President Zelenskyy just a few weeks ago, we then went to have our discussion as two leaders and at that point a drone – a Russian drone – was up in the sky and had to be shot down right above the presidential palace, which for me was just a real reminder of what it is like to live in Kyiv and to have that threat every day now with the drones going up. It brought home to me the uncertainty and the fear – not just obviously for yourselves and the people living in the conflict, but all of their loved ones, and your family and extended family, and friends, and communities who are there and must be in your mind’s eye all of the time. And for your children and your country in the years to come.

    So, amongst my messages here this afternoon is you are not alone.

    We stand with you, and we have stood with you throughout this conflict and we will walk with you through this conflict, and we will continue to do so for as long as is necessary.

    I am proud that we opened our homes; I’m proud of our NHS workers in the hospital I went to Kyiv, who had gone out there with their skills to try and work with those working in the hospitals; the soldiers that are training Ukrainian troops.

    This is incredibly humbling work. I went to see it for myself down in Salisbury. Not only the professionalism of our troops who are doing the training but also the Ukrainian civilians, as they were, who had come to do the training. Through interpreters I talked to a number of them and they had been plumbers, they had been architects, working in local government, and here they were training to go to the frontline. And it was training that would normally take months being truncated into weeks. It was a real sense of what it is like to go through this awful conflict.

    Because we know that this fight is about Ukraine – it is about you, your communities – but it is also about us. This is bigger than Ukraine – it is, of course, about Ukrainian sovereignty but it not just Ukrainian sovereignty. It is about our way of life, our freedoms, about security and defence in Europe, and security and defence here in the United Kingdom, and the values that we hold dear. 

    That’s why last time I was there I signed a 100-year partnership with Ukraine which is to signal the ongoing relationship that we want to build over many, many decades to come. 

    It’s why we are sending £4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year – that’s more than ever before. And working with our international partners to guarantee the security of Ukraine for generations to come.

    Because I strongly believe that whatever happens next, Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position. We must, we must, we must get peace through strength. 

    The temptation is always there to think that it is job done, or something is about to happen. We have got to make sure that we continue with our full support, whether that is capability, whether that is money, whether that’s training – all the other support that we can put in. And that’s my constant message in the discussions I am having with international leaders 

    We also need to be really clear as there are lots of discussions at the moment about negotiations: we can’t negotiate about Ukraine without Ukraine – you just can’t – and we must be absolutely clear about this.

    After everything you and your people, your country has been through, all the suffering and hardship – this is about the future of Ukraine and Ukraine must be at the table. It’s an absolute pre-condition.

    And we must work for a lasting peace. One of my biggest fears is that there is a ceasefire which is a temporary reprieve but simply gives Putin the space to come again and that would be the worst of outcomes.

    It must be a lasting peace for you, your children and your children’s children, so that you can live as you should be able to live, in a proud, safe and sovereign Ukraine; able to make sovereign decisions as a country about the alliance that Ukrainians want to make; the partnerships that Ukrainians want to make, and the way of life that Ukrainians want.

    So we will not falter in our support.

    We will not stop our efforts to end this war.

    And we will not rest until the people of Ukraine can live peacefully and safely in their own country.

    So thank you for being here; I do hope that I can have the privilege of seeing you here or elsewhere on an occasion where we are not celebrating another anniversary of this conflict but genuinely celebrating freedom and peace for Ukraine and for Europe.

    Thank you very much.

    Slava Ukraini.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ukraine on Ukraine – Security Council Media Stakeout

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Joint Statement by Ms. Betsa Mariana, Deputy Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, on Ukraine – Security Council Media Stakeout.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnlQOh4ivOs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vote on Ukraine: General Assembly adopts resolution

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The UN General Assembly adopts a draft resolution calling for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

    The resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, 18 against and 65 abstentions.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHgPNWpO46g

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ukraine’s destiny is Europe’s destiny and Europe will stand with Ukraine

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    On February 24 2022 Ukraine, a peaceful nation, was invaded.
    It is not only Ukraine’s destiny that is at stake, Europe’s destiny is also at stake.

    We will stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

    One Fine Day by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9zJLM0Tp8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool marks the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia

    Source: City of Liverpool

    People from across Liverpool will come together with members of the Liverpool branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain to mark the 3rd anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

    A service will take place at Liverpool Parish Church of St Nicholas on Monday 24 February at 6.30pm, which will include an introduction from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp and a bible reading by the Kings Representative on Merseyside, the Lord Lieutenant, Mark Blundell.

    There will be moving music performances by Ukrainian choirs. The Rev Bill Addy, of the Parish Church will conduct the service jointly with rev. dr Taras Khomych the Ukrainian Priest and Chair of the AUGB Liverpool Branch.

    On Monday, there will also be a gathering at St Luke’s Church (the Bombed Out Church) at 5.30pm.

    For more information and to reserve a space at the service, please visit the dedicated eventbrite page.

    The event organiser, Liuda Sergiienko said: “We believe that it is important that on the third anniversary of the invasion of our country by Russia, we remined people of the problems that our country is facing. It also gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude for the help we have received from the people of Liverpool. Above all it is an opportunity to remind people that Ukrainians are dying in the field of battle to protect not only our borders and land but also to protect the Eastern border of Europe as a whole.”

    Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp said: “We are pleased that the Ukrainian community in the wider Liverpool area are uniting on this anniversary to remind us of the terrible sacrifices being made by the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they stand against our common enemy, Russia. I have been privileged to attend many Ukraine events and know how much help they are receiving from each other and the wider community. We hope that peace will soon come to their country and that they will soon be able to go home. In the meantime, we are pleased to be able to support their work in this Country and recognise the colour and vitality that they bring to our City.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra energy bill support for the country

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Extra energy bill support for the country

    The government is bringing forward strengthened support for millions of households to help pay their energy bills next winter.

    • Nearly 3 million more families would be eligible to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount next winter under new proposals to help people with their energy bills
    • 1 in 5 families in Britain would get help with their bills through these proposals, giving households a helping hand to deal with an unpredictable international energy market
    • comes alongside plans to accelerate a debt relief scheme which will help tackle debt and reduce households’ energy costs

    Almost 3 million more households, including almost 1 million households with children, would get support to pay their energy bills next winter, as the government consults on proposals to offer more support to consumers across the country.  

    Due to global gas price spikes this winter and the continued impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the energy regulator Ofgem has announced today (Tuesday 25 February) an increase in the energy price cap for April to June 2025. This price is set independently of the government, reflecting changes in wholesale prices and global markets. 

    In response, the government is acting to protect billpayers by consulting on the expansion of the Warm Home Discount, giving eligible households £150 off their energy bills. This would bring around 2.7 million households into the scheme – pushing the total number of households that would receive the discount next winter up to an estimated 6.1 million.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This is worrying news for many families.

    This government is determined to do everything we can to protect people from the grip of fossil fuel markets. Expanding the Warm Home Discount can help protect millions of families from rising energy bills, offering support to consumers across the country.

    Alongside this, the way to deliver energy security and bring down bills for good is to deliver our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower- with homegrown clean power that we in Britain control.

    The government will also work closely with Ofgem to accelerate proposals on a potential debt relief scheme, first consulted on last year, to target unsustainable debt built up during the energy crisis.  

    The proposed debt support scheme, alongside the Warm Home Discount, is an important first step to cut the costs of servicing bad debt, which is currently contributing to higher bills for all billpayers. Under these plans, the target would be to reduce the debt allowance to pre-crisis levels, with Ofgem estimating that these plans could lower these costs by £25 to £30 per year. 

    This additional support for households complements the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, delivering energy security and bringing down bills for good. The expected rise in the price cap shows once again the cost of remaining reliant on the unstable global fossil fuel markets that are driving price increases. Three years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wholesale gas prices have now risen by 15% compared to the previous price cap period, which is directly affecting the cost of generating power and heating of homes. Moving to a power system based on homegrown, clean energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on volatile markets and protect billpayers. 

    To achieve this, government has set out the most ambitious reforms of the UK’s energy system in a generation. Within its first 8 months in office, the government has lifted the onshore wind ban, established Great British Energy, approved nearly 3 GW of solar, delivered a record-breaking renewables auction and kickstarted the carbon capture and hydrogen industries in the UK. Reforms to nuclear planning rules have also been introduced to clear a path for smaller, and easier to build nuclear reactors – helping to deliver energy security, grow the economy and deliver clean, cheap energy.

    Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley said:

    Energy debts that began during the energy crisis have reached record levels and without intervention will continue to grow. This puts families under huge stress and increases costs for all customers.

    We’re developing plans that could give households with unmanageable debt the clean slate they need to move forward. We welcome the government’s support for these plans, and their plans to expand the Warm Home Discount, which will also offer financial help to nearly 3 million more households that need it most.

    While the government presses on with the clean power mission, swift action has already been taken to shield energy consumers from high prices. These measures include:

    • extended the Household Support Fund to provide help through local councils to struggling households with essential costs, including energy bills
    • worked with energy suppliers to negotiate a £500 million winter support package for consumers
    • rolled out the next steps of the Warm Homes Plan, which will upgrade 300,000 homes this financial year
    • consulting on boosting living standards in the private rented sector by requiring all private landlords in England and Wales to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties by 2030, which will help a million renters out of fuel poverty
    • announced a comprehensive review of the energy regulator Ofgem, empowering it to facilitate growth and innovation and become a stronger champion for consumers
    • driving forward with pro-consumer reforms: 

      • challenging unlawful back billing; taking action on inaccurate bills
      • driving the smart meter rollout
      • giving every family the option of a zero standing charge tariff, so they have more choice in how they pay for their energy
      • ensuring compensation for wrongful installation of prepayment meters

    In addition, government has also moved quickly to protect working people from wider cost of living pressures, including:

    • helping to keep prices down at the pumps by freezing fuel duty for an additional 12 months, saving motorists £3 billion in 2025 to 2026
    • targeting support with the largest increase to the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit since it was introduced in 1976 – worth £41 a week
    • capping the amount that can be deducted cut from Universal Credit payments when repaying short-term loans and debts, saving 1.2 million of the poorest families in the UK £420 a year on average
    • through the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock, millions will see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900 over this parliament

    Taken together, these reforms will help to improve the lives of working people and put more money in their pockets, secure home-grown energy and kickstart economic growth, as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Through this ambitious programme, the government will deliver a decade of national renewal and fix the foundations of the country.

    Notes to editors

    The consultation sets out proposals to expand the reach of the Warm Home Discount Scheme by removing the high-cost-to-heat threshold in the current Warm Home Discount (England and Wales) Regulations 2022 (for winter 2025 to 2026) and increasing the level of spend available in Scotland for suppliers to allocate through the Broader Group. All households in receipt of means-tested benefits would then be eligible to receive the £150 electricity bill rebate. 

    If you live in England and Wales, you currently qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, are on a means tested benefit and have high energy costs.

    If you live in Scotland, you currently qualify if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, are on a means tested benefit in Scotland and / or meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

    Further information on the Warm Home Discount scheme can be found here: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview 

    Ofgem’s confirmation that they would progress work on the proposed debt relief scheme can be found here: Debt Strategy.

    Ofgem’s consultation on establishing a debt relief scheme closed on Thursday 6 February. The consultation document can be found here: Resetting the energy debt landscape: the case for a debt relief scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rising energy bills: what you need to know

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    News story

    Rising energy bills: what you need to know

    A summary of why energy prices are rising and how clean power will protect households from unstable global fossil fuel markets.

    What is the price cap?  

    The price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge consumers on default tariffs for each unit of energy and standing charge.   

    The new price cap figure, quoted at £1,849 – represents the projected annual energy cost for a typical household, based on this maximum charge for each unit of energy and standing charges. This is 6.4% higher than the figure for the first 3 months of 2025.  

    In practice, this rise will mean an increase of around £9 per month for a typical household over the next 3 months. 

    People’s actual bills will still vary depending on their energy usage, region and payment type.   

    This projection is adjusted every 3 months. The next announcement will be in May 2025 for the July to September price cap level. The price cap level set in February 2025 will only apply to bills from 1 April to 30 June.   

    Why are energy bills rising?  

    International gas prices have risen, bringing British energy bills up with them.   

    That’s because the price we pay for energy in the UK is set by gas prices on the global market, over which we have no control. 

    As a result of recent events that have affected the market, which the whole of Europe is dealing with, wholesale gas prices covered by the period of this price cap are around 15% higher than they were in the period covered under the previous price cap. This is comparable to the rise in prices across Europe.  

    Around 80% of this increase to the price cap level between Q1 2025 and Q2 2025 is a consequence of the increase in the wholesale price of gas.  

    Why have international gas prices risen?  

    The UK’s gas network is interconnected with Europe and with the global market through liquefied natural gas imports, meaning that factors affecting European gas prices affect our prices too.   

    Across the Channel a perfect storm of factors drove a steep increase in the wholesale price of gas since the start of 2025.   

    The pipeline delivering Russian gas to European countries through Ukraine was switched off at the start of the year, a consequence of the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine.  

    How does the UK compare to other European countries?  

    Wholesale gas prices have risen consistently across Europe over the past few months.    

    However, Britain’s power system, inherited from the previous government, is more heavily reliant on gas than some other European countries, which is why the UK’s electricity prices are higher than those of some countries with less reliance on gas.   

    Norway, for example, gets much of its energy from hydropower, while France has historically invested more in nuclear power. As a result, these countries currently have lower electricity bills than the UK.    

    Other countries with lower bills, like Spain, have a warmer climate and lower heating requirements. Spain has also invested heavily in renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power.  

    Our plan for clean power by 2030 will reduce our reliance on gas, and moving to a system that that is primarily based on homegrown renewable power sources can bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China calls on Security Council to play constructive role in promoting peace talks on Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Chinese envoy on Monday called on the UN Security Council to play a constructive role in forging consensus for peace and promoting peace talks, as the world marked the third anniversary of the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis.

    “At present, when the Ukraine issue is at a critical juncture for a negotiated settlement, we expect the international community to create a favorable atmosphere for promoting a political solution to the crisis,” Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    China expects the United Nations and the Security Council to play a constructive role in forging consensus for peace among member states, and the actions of the council to further the call for peace by promoting peace talks, he said after voting on a draft resolution on Ukraine.

    “The ultimate resolution of any conflict lies at the negotiation table,” he said. “As we speak, the call for a negotiated settlement of the Ukraine issue is constantly on the rise, and the window for peace is opening.”

    Although the parties’ positions may not be aligned, dialogue is still better than confrontation, and talks are better than fights, the envoy said, adding that China supports all efforts dedicated to peace, and supports the U.S.-Russia agreement to start peace talks.

    “China expects all parties and stakeholders to participate in the peace talks at an appropriate time, so as to find a just and lasting solution that takes into account each other’s concerns and to reach a binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned,” he said.

    Fu urged Europe to play its part for peace, to jointly address the root causes of the crisis, and to find a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework, so as to achieve long-term security and stability on the European continent.

    China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis at the request of the parties concerned, taking into consideration the concerns of the international community, especially those of the Global South, he said.

    The Security Council on Monday adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution appealing for a swift end to the conflict and urging a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. The resolution received 10 votes in favor, none against, and five abstentions from France, Britain, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Her Majesty The Queen to unveil iconic statue in Canterbury city centre

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Her Majesty The Queen to unveil iconic statue in Canterbury city centre

    Her Majesty The Queen will visit Canterbury in Kent today (Tuesday 25 February) to unveil a statue of the first full-time professional woman writer in the English language, Aphra Behn.

    Her Majesty will then visit The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge and Canterbury Library to help celebrate the city’s passion for heritage and literature.

    The statue has been given to Canterbury City Council, and therefore to the city, by the Canterbury Commemoration Society.

    Its Chair, Stewart Ross, said: “We’re very excited to be able to welcome Her Majesty to our wonderful city in the heart of the garden of England.

    “The A is for Aphra campaign started five years ago when members of the community began asking why one of Canterbury’s most famous literary heroes was not celebrated in the city where she grew up.

    “The campaign group joined forces with the Canterbury Commemoration Society to celebrate Aphra and to raise the statue back in the same streets Aphra knew as a child.

    “Over the course of the campaign, many people from the community have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for a sculpture to be placed in the city.

    “This included an academic conference at the University of Kent, a revival of Behn’s play The Amorous Prince by the Canterbury Players and a public exhibition about Behn at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge last year.

    “Canterbury City Council’s successful Levelling Up Fund bid was able to support this project and The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge was chosen as a location that highlights the city’s passion for heritage and literature.”

    Aphra (1640–1689) was baptised in Harbledown, just outside Canterbury, and spent her formative years in the city during the English Civil War.

    The creation of the bronze statue by sculptor Christine Charlesworth followed an extensive period of research, consultation and fundraising.

    After an international design competition, four shortlisted maquettes were toured across the UK and the public asked which they thought would be the most fitting memorial.

    The design by Christine Charlesworth won the public vote.

    The winning design presents a 17-year-old Aphra, book in hand and theatrical mask behind her back, looking wistfully about her as she sets out for London with her family.

    After the unveiling, Her Majesty will be treated to a tour around The Beaney, one of Canterbury City Council’s museums, and Canterbury Library which is run by Kent County Council (KCC).

    The city council’s Head of Culture, Leisure and External Development Michelle Moubarak said: “The Beaney is home to the museum collection, art galleries, the city’s visitor information centre, the library and registration services.

    “It underwent an extensive renovation in 2012 to enable more people to enjoy it especially among those who have been underrepresented in the past.

    “Since its transformation, it has attracted 3.5million visitors including almost 50,000 schoolchildren, seen more than 7,000 people take part in health and wellbeing activities and has benefited from 360 volunteers giving up 12,245 hours of their time.”

    KCC’s Head of Libraries, Registration and Archives James Pearson said: “Canterbury Library stands as one of our most popular libraries in the county.

    “It is a cherished cornerstone of the community offering a warm and welcoming environment for people to sit, relax, read and learn.

    “It currently houses 50,215 books and continues to expand including a Home Library Service with dedicated volunteers delivering books to those in need that are unable to access our physical or mobile library network.

    “The service has recently introduced a collection of books in Ukrainian to support those who have temporarily relocated to Canterbury at such a difficult time for Ukraine.

    “There is a dedicated community hub for reading groups, Talk Time sessions and literacy groups.

    “The local studies collection boasts a wealth of materials, ranging from maps to books of local interest.

    “Among these treasures is our oldest book, Somner’s Antiquities of Canterbury, published in 1640.

    “The modern Canterbury Library continues to evolve in step with the ever changing and diverse needs of the community – forever fostering a love for reading, community, connection to others, inclusivity and lifelong learning. It is a place where everyone is truly welcome.”

    The Queen’s visit, which will celebrate the work both councils undertake around health and wellbeing, will include:

    • an Aphra Behn workshop with Year 3 children from St Peter’s Primary School
    • a look around the library with a focus on community engagement, volunteering, its collection of literature from Ukraine, its Book Club and Reading Well group
    • a look around The Beaney’s Curious Stories exhibition and the different ways of experiencing it with the Sensing Culture visually impaired group and their assistance dogs and the Power of the Object group which supports people living with dementia and their carers
    • a performance of an excerpt from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Behn’s play The Rover directed by Loveday Ingram
    • a reading by Pilgrims Way Primary School pupil Ahmad Raza of his poem All About Me which won the five to eight-year-old category in the Canterbury Festival’s Poet of The Year competition
    • a reading by St Anselm’s School pupil Emily Corbett of her poem Counting Stars which won the nine to 11-year-old category in the same competition
    • a reading of a Behn poem by Gyles Brandreth, President of the Aphra Behn Society of Canterbury

    Her Majesty will also be invited to view the first edition of Behn’s novel Oroonoko and meet its donor, Anna Astin, before signing the visitors’ book at the end of the visit.

    Music for the statue unveiling will be provided by the 2nd Whitstable Sea Scout Band, led by Bandmaster Mark Wilkins.

    Published: 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Ukraine on Third Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen, Co-Chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, alongside 14 of their Senate colleagues, introduced a bipartisan resolution acknowledging the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressing the U.S. Senate’s unwavering support for Ukraine. 

    “As we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is critical that we maintain our support for the Ukrainian people and hold Putin accountable as the United States seeks to secure a lasting peace,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution reinforces our bipartisan commitment to supporting Ukraine as a free and sovereign nation.”

    “As Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal full-scale invasion enters its fourth year, I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that clearly states our unwavering support for and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemns Russia’s aggression,” said Senator Shaheen. “During my recent visit to Ukraine with Senators Tillis and Bennet, we witnessed the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ determined resistance and the government’s commitment to democracy, despite constant Russian attacks. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, supports Ukraine’s Euro Atlantic integration, and emphasizes the need for Ukraine to be at the negotiating table when determining its own future.” 

    Background: 

    The resolution expresses the U.S. Senate’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while condemning Russia’s illegal aggression and attempts to seize Ukrainian territory. It also commends NATO, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and the international community for their continued efforts to support Ukraine’s defense and the protection of human rights and emphasizes Ukraine’s right to be included in any discussions with Russia about its future. 

    In addition to Senators Tillis and Shaheen, the resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Steve Daines (R-MT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). 

    Full text of the resolution is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The gold price has surged to record highs. What’s behind the move?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Dirk Baur, Professor of Finance, The University of Western Australia

    The gold price has surged to a new all-time high above US$2,900 (A$4,544) an ounce this month.

    It has risen by 12% since the start of the year and clearly outperformed US and Australian stock markets. The US stock index S&P500 is up 4% and the ASX 200 has gained just 2% in that time.

    That follows an extraordinary run in 2024, when the precious metal surged 27%, the biggest rise in 14 years.

    The drivers behind this surge include heightened uncertainty and fear of inflation that has been stoked by US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, together with increased demand from central banks.

    What explains gold’s recent rally?

    There are many factors at play.

    The supply of gold through gold mine production and recycling is relatively constant over time. But the demand is more variable, and consists of four major components: jewellery, technology, investment and central banks.

    In 2024, jewellery accounted for about 50% of total demand, technology or industrial demand was 5%, investment demand was 25% and central bank demand was 20%.

    Investment demand refers to investors who buy gold as an asset. Central banks generally buy gold to diversify their reserve holdings.

    As all four demand components vary over time (some more than others), gold price movements are sometimes driven by jewellery demand, sometimes by investor demand, and sometimes – as has happened recently – by central bank demand.

    What adds to the difficulty is that both the gold supply and gold demand are global. The supply comes from gold mines across the globe, from emerging countries in Africa and industrial countries such as Australia and Canada.

    The same is true for demand. While China and India dominate jewellery demand, the demand comes from many countries, as does investment demand. Central bank demand stems from large and small central banks around the world.

    Why is there demand for gold?

    One key reason for the popularity of gold is that it is considered to be a store of value. This means gold rises with inflation and maintains its value in the long run.

    In other words, an ounce of gold buys the same basket of goods (or more) today than 20 years ago. This is not the case for money (or fiat currency) such as the US or Australian dollars.

    Due to inflation, the value of money is not constant but depreciates over time. Because gold holds its value, it is also called an inflation hedge.

    While the store of value property holds in the long run, there is another important property that is more short-lived and particularly relevant during crisis periods.

    Gold is seen as a safe haven in troubled times

    The safe haven property of gold means gold prices increase when investors seek shelter in response to a shock or crisis. For example, investors bought gold in reaction to the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks, the start of the global financial crisis in 2008, and the outbreak of COVID in 2020.

    The safe haven effect of gold is generally short-lived, often resulting in falling gold prices after about 15 days.

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the subsequent sanctions on Russia – especially the freeze of Russia’s foreign government bond holdings abroad – has highlighted the risk to governments of losing access to foreign currency holdings.

    It appears some governments or central banks reacted to this with increased gold purchases. This led to a record high of 1,082 tonnes of central bank gold purchases in 2022.

    2023 saw the second-highest annual purchase in history at 1,051 tonnes, followed by 1,041 tonnes in 2024.

    The potential reaction of central banks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is akin to investors seeking a safe haven, but is a rather new phenomenon for central banks.

    There is an additional, secondary, effect of such central bank purchases and rebalancing from US dollars to gold.

    Selling US dollars for gold implies a weakening US dollar, which increases the price of gold. (If the US dollar weakens, you need more US dollars to buy gold.) The inverse relationship between gold prices and currencies also makes gold a currency hedge. That means gold can protect investors from potential losses due to fluctuating exchange rates. This effect is particularly strong for rather volatile currencies such as the Australian dollar.

    In contrast to the shock caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the more recent increase in gold prices is harder to associate with a single shock.

    Broader economic worries

    The election of Trump has not only increased the risk of higher inflation due to tariffs and a trade war, it has also increased geopolitical risk as the US government reassesses its alliances with other countries.

    The relative unpredictability of Trump compared with his predecessors and with politicians more generally may have increased uncertainty and gold prices.
    The recent gold price trend highlights that “gold loves bad news”.

    Gold prices may anticipate geopolitical shocks or higher inflation. Gold prices rose well before inflation increased after the pandemic and started to fall when inflation had peaked in 2022.

    It is not clear exactly why gold has risen to all-time highs in 2025, but it’s possibly not good news for the world economy.

    Dirk Baur 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. The gold price has surged to record highs. What’s behind the move? – https://theconversation.com/the-gold-price-has-surged-to-record-highs-whats-behind-the-move-250391

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The gold price has surged to record highs. What’s behind the move?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dirk Baur, Professor of Finance, The University of Western Australia

    The gold price has surged to a new all-time high above US$2,900 (A$4,544) an ounce this month.

    It has risen by 12% since the start of the year and clearly outperformed US and Australian stock markets. The US stock index S&P500 is up 4% and the ASX 200 has gained just 2% in that time.

    That follows an extraordinary run in 2024, when the precious metal surged 27%, the biggest rise in 14 years.

    The drivers behind this surge include heightened uncertainty and fear of inflation that has been stoked by US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, together with increased demand from central banks.

    What explains gold’s recent rally?

    There are many factors at play.

    The supply of gold through gold mine production and recycling is relatively constant over time. But the demand is more variable, and consists of four major components: jewellery, technology, investment and central banks.

    In 2024, jewellery accounted for about 50% of total demand, technology or industrial demand was 5%, investment demand was 25% and central bank demand was 20%.

    Investment demand refers to investors who buy gold as an asset. Central banks generally buy gold to diversify their reserve holdings.

    As all four demand components vary over time (some more than others), gold price movements are sometimes driven by jewellery demand, sometimes by investor demand, and sometimes – as has happened recently – by central bank demand.

    What adds to the difficulty is that both the gold supply and gold demand are global. The supply comes from gold mines across the globe, from emerging countries in Africa and industrial countries such as Australia and Canada.

    The same is true for demand. While China and India dominate jewellery demand, the demand comes from many countries, as does investment demand. Central bank demand stems from large and small central banks around the world.

    Why is there demand for gold?

    One key reason for the popularity of gold is that it is considered to be a store of value. This means gold rises with inflation and maintains its value in the long run.

    In other words, an ounce of gold buys the same basket of goods (or more) today than 20 years ago. This is not the case for money (or fiat currency) such as the US or Australian dollars.

    Due to inflation, the value of money is not constant but depreciates over time. Because gold holds its value, it is also called an inflation hedge.

    While the store of value property holds in the long run, there is another important property that is more short-lived and particularly relevant during crisis periods.

    Gold is seen as a safe haven in troubled times

    The safe haven property of gold means gold prices increase when investors seek shelter in response to a shock or crisis. For example, investors bought gold in reaction to the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks, the start of the global financial crisis in 2008, and the outbreak of COVID in 2020.

    The safe haven effect of gold is generally short-lived, often resulting in falling gold prices after about 15 days.

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the subsequent sanctions on Russia – especially the freeze of Russia’s foreign government bond holdings abroad – has highlighted the risk to governments of losing access to foreign currency holdings.

    It appears some governments or central banks reacted to this with increased gold purchases. This led to a record high of 1,082 tonnes of central bank gold purchases in 2022.

    2023 saw the second-highest annual purchase in history at 1,051 tonnes, followed by 1,041 tonnes in 2024.

    The potential reaction of central banks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is akin to investors seeking a safe haven, but is a rather new phenomenon for central banks.

    There is an additional, secondary, effect of such central bank purchases and rebalancing from US dollars to gold.

    Selling US dollars for gold implies a weakening US dollar, which increases the price of gold. (If the US dollar weakens, you need more US dollars to buy gold.) The inverse relationship between gold prices and currencies also makes gold a currency hedge. That means gold can protect investors from potential losses due to fluctuating exchange rates. This effect is particularly strong for rather volatile currencies such as the Australian dollar.

    In contrast to the shock caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the more recent increase in gold prices is harder to associate with a single shock.

    Broader economic worries

    The election of Trump has not only increased the risk of higher inflation due to tariffs and a trade war, it has also increased geopolitical risk as the US government reassesses its alliances with other countries.

    The relative unpredictability of Trump compared with his predecessors and with politicians more generally may have increased uncertainty and gold prices.
    The recent gold price trend highlights that “gold loves bad news”.

    Gold prices may anticipate geopolitical shocks or higher inflation. Gold prices rose well before inflation increased after the pandemic and started to fall when inflation had peaked in 2022.

    It is not clear exactly why gold has risen to all-time highs in 2025, but it’s possibly not good news for the world economy.

    Dirk Baur 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. The gold price has surged to record highs. What’s behind the move? – https://theconversation.com/the-gold-price-has-surged-to-record-highs-whats-behind-the-move-250391

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Japanese House of Representatives Member Tamaki Yuichiro

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai meets Abe Akie, wife of late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan
    On the morning of February 21, President Lai Ching-te met with Abe Akie, the wife of late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan. In remarks, President Lai thanked Mrs. Abe for carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe, being a benevolent and determined force for regional peace and prosperity, and calling on all parties to continue to place attention on peace in the Taiwan Strait. The president stated that Taiwan will carry on the legacy and spirit of former President Lee Teng-hui and former Prime Minister Abe, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Last May, Mrs. Abe came to Taiwan to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, and we reminisced about the past here at the Presidential Office. I would like to warmly welcome her back today. I am also delighted to be meeting with all guests in attendance. Yesterday, Mrs. Abe and I attended the opening of the very first Halifax Taipei forum, for which Mrs. Abe also delivered a keynote speech earlier today. In her speech, she offered valuable input on global security and democratic development. I would like to thank Mrs. Abe for making this special trip to Taiwan to take part, showing her strong support for Taiwan. Former Prime Minister Abe pioneered the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and called on the international community to pay attention to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific. These have become common strategic goals of democratic countries around the world and will have a far-reaching influence over international developments and Taiwan’s security. They were important contributions that former Prime Minister Abe made in regard to the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, current Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and United States President Donald Trump held a meeting and jointly reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as opposed unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. This shows that Prime Minister Ishiba is furthering the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe. We are very grateful for the former prime minister’s friendship toward Taiwan, and to Mrs. Abe for carrying on his legacy. Mrs. Abe is a benevolent and determined force for regional peace and prosperity, and has called on all parties at numerous public venues to continue to place attention on peace in the Taiwan Strait. Last December, for instance, she traveled at the invitation of President Trump and his wife to the US, where she addressed cross-strait issues and spoke up for Taiwan. We were deeply moved by this. As authoritarian states continue to expand, Taiwan will keep working alongside like-minded nations such as Japan and the US, as well as the European Union, to jointly contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. I look forward to continued advancement of regional peace and prosperity with the help of Mrs. Abe’s efforts. Mrs. Abe will also be meeting with daughter of former President Lee and Lee Teng-hui Foundation Chairperson Annie Lee (李安妮) tomorrow. Former President Lee and former Prime Minister Abe were both fully devoted to promoting Taiwan-Japan relations. We will carry on their legacy and spirit, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship. In closing, I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Mrs. Abe then delivered remarks, first expressing her sincere thanks to President Lai for taking the time to meet. She said that former Prime Minister Abe hailed from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and that accompanying her that day were House of Councillors Member Kitamura Tsuneo, Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor Muraoka Tsugumasa, Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly Deputy Speaker Shimata Noriaki, and many other important figures from Yamaguchi. If former Prime Minister Abe’s spirit could look upon this scene, she said, he would certainly be very pleased. Mrs. Abe recalled that when the former prime minister passed away, then-Vice President Lai traveled to their official residence to express his condolences and pay tribute. She said that she will never forget such a gesture of deep friendship, heartfelt condolences, and care. The year before last, she indicated, a memorial photo exhibition for former Prime Minister Abe was held in Taiwan, and many Taiwanese people from all walks of life came to view it. Last year, Mrs. Abe continued, she had the privilege of attending President Lai’s inauguration ceremony, where she met with many friends from Taiwan and personally felt the close and beautiful ties that Taiwan and Japan share. Mrs. Abe stated that she will carry out the wishes of former Prime Minister Abe and do her utmost to help raise Taiwan-Japan relations to new heights, saying that she looks forward to hearing the advice that President Lai and all those present have to offer. The delegation also included Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai attends opening of 2025 Halifax Taipei forum
    On the afternoon of February 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2025 Halifax Taipei forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Halifax International Security Forum for their strong support for Taiwan, and for having chosen Taiwan as the first location outside North America to hold a forum. Noting that we face a complex global landscape, the president called on the international community to take action. He said that as authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity, and called on the international community to create non-red global supply chains, as well as unite to usher in peace. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will work toward maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and collaborate with democratic partners to form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and together greet a bright, new era. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I want to give a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests here at the very first Halifax Taipei forum. The Halifax International Security Forum, held every year in Canada, has been an important gathering for freedom-loving nations worldwide. I would like to thank Halifax and President [Peter] Van Praagh for their strong support for Taiwan. Every year since 2018, Taiwan has been invited to participate in the forum. Last year, former President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to speak, and this year, Halifax has chosen Taiwan as the first location outside North America to hold a forum. As President Van Praagh has said, “While the security challenges ahead are too big for any single country to solve alone, there is no challenge that can’t be met when the world’s democracies work together.” Today, we have world leaders and experts who traveled from afar to be here, showing that they value and support Taiwan. It demonstrates solidarity among democracies and the determination to take on challenges as one. I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to all of you for serving as defenders of freedom. At this very moment, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing. Authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran continue to consolidate. China is hurting economies around the world through its dumping practices. We face grave challenges to global economic order, democracy, freedom, peace, and stability. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, directly facing an authoritarian threat. But we will not be intimidated. We will stand firm and safeguard our national sovereignty, maintain our free and democratic way of life, and uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan cherishes peace, but we also have no delusions about peace. We will uphold the spirit of peace through strength, using concrete actions to build a stronger Taiwan and bolster the free and democratic community. I sincerely thank the international community for continuing to attach importance to the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Recently, US President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru issued a joint leaders’ statement expressing their firm support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and for Taiwan’s participation in international affairs. As we face a complex global landscape, I call on the international community to take the following actions: First, as authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity. Just a few days ago, the top diplomats of the US, Japan, and South Korea held talks, underlining the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also conveyed their stance against “any effort to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security.” On these issues, Taiwan will also continue to contribute its utmost. I recently announced that we will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP.  Soon after I assumed office last year, I formed the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. This committee aims to combine the strengths of government and civil society to enhance our resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. We will also deepen our strategic partnerships in the democratic community to mutually increase defense resilience, demonstrate deterrence, and achieve our goal of peace throughout the world. Second, let’s create non-red global supply chains.  For the democratic community to deter the expansion of authoritarianism, it must have strong technological capabilities. These can serve as the backbone of national defense, promote industrial development, and enhance economic resilience. So, in addressing China’s red supply chain and the impact of its dumping, Taiwan is willing and able to work with global democracies to maintain the technological strengths among our partners and build resilient non-red supply chains. As a major semiconductor manufacturing nation, Taiwan will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We will collaborate with our democratic partners to form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. The achievements of today’s semiconductor industry in Taiwan can be attributed to our collective efforts. Government, industry, academia, and research institutions had to overcome various challenges over the last 50 years for us to secure this position.  We hope Taiwan can serve as a base for linking the capabilities of our democratic partners so that each can play a suitable role in the semiconductor industry chain and develop its own strengths, deepening our mutually beneficial cooperation in technology. This benefits all of us. Moreover, it allows us to further enhance deterrence and maintain global security. Third, let’s unite to usher in peace. China has not stopped intimidating Taiwan politically and militarily. Last year, China launched several large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. Its escalation of gray-zone aggression now poses a grave threat to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will maintain the status quo. We will not seek conflict. Rather, we are willing to engage in dialogue with China, under the principles of parity and dignity, and work toward maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As the agenda of this forum suggests, democracy and freedom create more than just opportunities; they also bring resilience, justice, partnerships, and security. Taiwan will continue working alongside its democratic partners to greet a bright, new era. Once again, a warm welcome to all of you. I wish this forum every success. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were Mrs. Abe Akie, wife of the late former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan, and Halifax International Security Forum President Van Praagh.

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai meets British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group delegation
    On the morning of February 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation members, the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and the UK government for continuing to demonstrate support for Taiwan through a variety of means. He also stated that Taiwan-UK relations have advanced significantly in recent years, noting that the Taiwan-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) is the first institutionalized economic and trade framework signed between Taiwan and any European country. The president said he looks forward to continuing to deepen Taiwan-UK relations and jointly maintaining regional and global peace and stability, and indicated that together, we can create win-win developments for both Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan and European nations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: This is the first UK parliamentary delegation of the current session to visit Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to you all. APPG Chair Sarah Champion visited Taiwan last May to attend the inauguration ceremony of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. In July, she also attended the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), which was held in Taipei. I am delighted that we are meeting once again. Taiwan-UK relations have advanced significantly in recent years. I would especially like to thank our distinguished guests, as well as the UK Parliament and government, for continuing to demonstrate support for Taiwan through a variety of means. For example, the House of Commons held a debate on Taiwan’s international status last November. After the debate, a motion was unanimously passed affirming that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. Responding to the motion, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West stated that the UK opposes any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. This highlighted concrete progress in Taiwan-UK bilateral relations. I would also like to thank the UK Parliament and government for openly opposing on multiple occasions any unilateral change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and for emphasizing that the security of the Indo-Pacific and transatlantic regions is closely intertwined. We look forward to continuing to deepen Taiwan-UK relations and jointly maintaining regional and global peace and stability. Together, we can create win-win developments for both Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan and European nations. For example, the Taiwan-UK ETP is the first institutionalized economic and trade framework signed between Taiwan and any European country. We hope to swiftly conclude negotiations on signing sub-arrangements on investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero transition. This will facilitate even more exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. We also hope that the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Together, we can build even more resilient global supply chains and further contribute to global prosperity and development. I believe that this visit adds to a strong and solid foundation for future Taiwan-UK cooperation. Thank you once again for backing Taiwan. I wish you a fruitful and successful visit. Chair Champion then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his warm welcome and for the hospitality he has shown to her and the delegation, and thanking Taiwan’s excellent team of officials for their care and attention. Chair Champion expressed that she thinks the IPAC conference held in Taiwan at the end of July last year was very significant, with legislators from 23 countries coming to show support for Taiwan, adding that that is something they have built on since the conference. She stated that she is also very proud that the UK Parliament supported the motion which made very clear that UNGA Resolution 2758 is specific to China and only to China, expressing that it was important and powerful that they recognize that. The chair went on to say that after the UK’s general election, more than half of the members of parliament are now new. She said she is very proud that there are new MPs as part of the delegation, and that she hopes it gives President Lai reassurance that their commitment to Taiwan is still there.  Chair Champion emphasized that the all-party group is important because it is indeed all-party, and that they work together for their common interests, stating that the common interest for the UK and for the world is to maintain Taiwan’s sovereignty. She also noted that the United States has now come out very much in support of Taiwan, which she said she hopes encourages other countries around the world to do the same. Chair Champion said that the UK will be going into the 27th trade negotiation with Taiwan, and that they hope the partnership that develops is very fruitful. The chair closed by saying that it is wonderful for the delegation to be meeting President Lai, as well as legislators and ministers, and to be understanding more about the culture of Taiwan so that they can build a deeper, longer-lasting friendship. The delegation also included Lord Purvis of Tweed of the House of Lords and Members of Parliament Ben Spencer, Helena Dollimore, Noah Law, and David Reed. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Political and Communications Director at the British Office in Taipei Natasha Harrington.  

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai meets former United States Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger
    On the morning of February 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former United States Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger. In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through their visit. The president pointed out that increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes is posing risks and challenges to the geopolitical landscape and regional security. He emphasized that only by bolstering our defense capabilities can we demonstrate effective deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and around the world. The president stated that moving forward, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities. He also expressed hope of strengthening the Taiwan-US partnership and jointly building secure and resilient non-red supply chains so as to ensure that Taiwan, the US, and democratic partners around the world maintain a technological lead. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome our good friends Mr. Pottinger and retired US Rear Admiral Mr. Mark Montgomery to Taiwan once again. Last June, Mr. Pottinger and Mr. Ivan Kanapathy came to Taiwan to launch their new book The Boiling Moat. During that visit, they also visited the Presidential Office. We held an extensive exchange of views on Taiwan-US relations and regional affairs right here in the Taiwan Heritage Room. Now, as we meet again eight months later, I am pleased to learn that Mr. Kanapathy is now serving on the White House National Security Council. The Mandarin translation of The Boiling Moat is also due to be released in Taiwan very soon. This book offers insightful observations from US experts regarding US-China-Taiwan relations and valuable advice for the strengthening of Taiwan’s national defense, security, and overall resilience. I am sure that Taiwanese readers will benefit greatly from it. I understand that this is Mr. Montgomery’s fourth visit to Taiwan and that he has long paid close attention to Taiwan-related issues. I look forward to an in-depth discussion with our two friends on the future direction of Taiwan-US relations and cooperation. Increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes is posing risks and challenges to the geopolitical landscape and regional security. One notion we all share is peace through strength. That is, only by bolstering our defense capabilities and fortifying our defenses can we demonstrate effective deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and around the world. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities. We also hope to strengthen the Taiwan-US partnership in such fields as security, trade and the economy, and energy. In addition, we will advance cooperation in critical and innovative technologies and jointly build secure and resilient non-red supply chains. This will ensure that Taiwan, the US, and democratic partners around the world maintain a technological lead. We believe that closer Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation not only benefit national security and development but also align with the common economic interests of Taiwan and the US. I want to thank Mr. Pottinger and Mr. Montgomery once again for visiting and for continuing to advance Taiwan-US exchanges, demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to deepen Taiwan-US relations. I wish you a smooth and fruitful visit.  Mr. Pottinger then delivered remarks, first congratulating President Lai on his one-year election anniversary and on the state of the economy, which, he added, is doing quite well. Mentioning President Lai’s recent statement pledging to increase Taiwan’s defense budget to above 3 percent of GDP, Mr. Pottinger said he thinks that the benchmark is equal to what the US spends on its defense and that it is a good starting point for both countries to build deterrence. Echoing the president’s earlier remarks, Mr. Pottinger said that peace through strength is the right path for the US and for Taiwan right now at a moment when autocratic, aggressive governments are on the march. He then paraphrased the words of former US President George Washington in his first inaugural address, saying that the best way to keep the peace is to be prepared at all times for war, which captures the meaning of peace through strength. In closing, he said he looks forward to exchanging views with President Lai.

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai meets Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini
    On the afternoon of February 11, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai thanked Eswatini for continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation at international venues. The president stated that Taiwan and Eswatini work closely in such areas as agriculture, the economy and trade, education, and healthcare, and expressed hope that the two countries will continue to support each other on the international stage and strive together for the well-being of both peoples.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our distinguished guests to the Presidential Office. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla previously visited Taiwan while serving as minister of foreign affairs. This is her first time leading a delegation here as deputy prime minister. I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla has earned a high degree of recognition and trust from His Majesty King Mswati III. She was not only Eswatini’s first woman foreign minister, but is also the second woman to have held her current key position. She shows an active interest in people’s welfare, and has a reputation for being deeply devoted to her compatriots. I have great admiration for this. I am truly delighted to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Dladla today. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to His Majesty the King for leading a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao last year. This demonstrated the close diplomatic ties between our countries. I also want to thank Eswatini for continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation at international venues. I would ask that when Deputy Prime Minister Dladla returns to Eswatini, she conveys Taiwan’s greetings and gratitude to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. Diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini have endured for over half a century. Our two nations have continued to work closely in such areas as agriculture, the economy and trade, education, and healthcare. Our largest collaboration to date has been assisting Eswatini in the construction of a strategic oil reserve facility. We will continue to push forward with this project, and look forward to achieving even greater results in all areas. I understand that Deputy Prime Minister Dladla is very concerned about issues regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment. During her term as foreign minister, she facilitated bilateral cooperation in those areas. Now, as deputy prime minister, she is actively attending to the disadvantaged and advancing social welfare. These policies are very much in line with the priorities of my administration. I look forward to strengthening cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister Dladla for the benefit of both our societies. Taiwan and Eswatini are peace-loving nations. Faced with a constantly changing international landscape and the growing threat posed by authoritarianism, we hope that our two countries will continue to support each other on the international stage and strive together for the well-being of both our peoples. In closing, I wish Deputy Prime Minister Dladla and our distinguished guests a pleasant and successful visit. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla then delivered remarks, first greeting President Lai on behalf of the King, the Queen Mother, and the people of Eswatini, and extending gratitude for the warm reception afforded to her and her delegation, which underscores the strong bonds of friendship between our two nations. The deputy prime minister stated that, in reflecting on the fruits of our partnership, the evidence of Taiwan’s commitment to Eswatini is all around us. The strategic oil reserve project launching in April, she indicated, will redefine Eswatini’s energy security, and the Central Bank complex and electrification project stand as monuments of Taiwan’s vision for Eswatini’s progress and indicate that our partnerships are very strong. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla pointed out that education is the foundation of any nation’s progress, and that Taiwan’s contribution to Eswatini’s education sector cannot be overstated. Through Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programs, she said, Eswatini has sent numerous students to Taiwan, where they’ve received world-class education in various disciplines, including engineering, business, and medicine. In turn, she said, these graduates are now contributing to the development of Eswatini. The deputy prime minister stated that Taiwan has also strengthened Eswatini’s industrial and technological sectors, with collaborations and partnerships that create new opportunities for employment and innovation, and that Taiwan’s technical and medical assistance has strengthened Eswatini’s healthcare systems and uplifted the expertise of its professionals. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla also congratulated President Lai once again on his presidency, which she stated will lead Taiwan to new heights, adding that His Majesty coming to Taiwan personally for the inauguration was a resounding declaration of Eswatini’s enduring support for Taiwan’s sovereignty, stability, and rightful place on the world stage. She emphasized that Eswatini stands with Taiwan always and unwaveringly. In conclusion, the deputy prime minister stated that Eswatini fully agrees with Taiwan that we must all safeguard our national sovereignty and protect the lives and property of our people. She said that our common enemy will always be poverty and natural disasters, but against all odds, we will stand united, and we shall remain united and be one. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Eswatini Ambassador Promise Sithembiso Msibi.

    Details
    2025-02-14
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia, Ukraine agree to evacuate displaced Kursk residents

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russia has reached an agreement with Ukraine to evacuate displaced Kursk residents to Russia, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said Monday.

    Authorities have located Kursk residents in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, Moskalkova said.

    “There is an agreement with the Red Cross and with the Ukrainian side that they will be evacuated through Belarus to Russia,” she added.

    The Ukrainian military launched an offensive in Russia’s Kursk region over six months ago. Moskalkova previously said that since Ukraine’s incursion, more than a thousand requests have been made by relatives seeking to locate missing Kursk region residents, including those forcibly removed by Ukraine.

    MIL OSI China News –