NewzIntel.com

Category: Ukraine

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Tracy McEwan, School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, University of Newcastle

    Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

    On Easter Sunday, he used his message and blessing to appeal for peace in Middle East and Ukraine.

    Pope Francis will be remembered as a pastoral leader who cared deeply about the environment and those impacted by migration, poverty and war.

    During his Pontificate, he did make important changes to the patriarchal structure of the Catholic Church – but did he go far enough?

    A pope for all?

    Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis highlighted the struggles of women in society. He took important steps to expand opportunities for women in the church and address its patriarchal structure.

    This was showcased by his inclusion of women in the 2024 synod (a global meeting of the whole church, represented by bishops) and his granting of voting rights for 57 women out of a total of 368 attendees.

    His appointment of around 20 women to positions of authority in the Vatican is unprecedented.

    This includes the recent 2025 appointment of an Italian religious sister, Simona Brambilla, to lead a Vatican department.

    During his papacy, Pope Francis also strongly supported the ongoing involvement of women in positions of leadership in the Roman Curia (the governance body of the church).

    At local levels, in parishes, he made it possible for women to be formally appointed to the positions of catechist and lector – roles previously reserved for men.

    He also emphasised a need for more women to study and teach theology.

    An ‘urgent challenge’

    However, these changes barely scratched the surface of securing full equality for women in the Catholic Church.

    Pope Francis himself stated women still encountered obstacles, and opportunities for women to participate were under-utilised by local churches.

    In his autobiography, published in January this year, he wrote of the “urgent challenge” to include women in central roles at every level of church life.

    He viewed this move as essential to “de-masculinising” the church and removing the problem of clericalism.

    Importantly, the reasoning that underpins women’s limited role in the life of the church remains unchanged.

    In particular, Pope Francis referred to gender stereotypes and supported the theology of complementarianism (a view that women are different but equally valued, where their central contribution is to motherhood, femininity and pastoral care responsibilities).

    While Pope Francis was genuinely committed to dialogue about and with women, his legacy remains contradictory.

    Equality is still lacking

    Women have been appointed to administrative and management positions, but decision making and ministry still largely rest with clerical men.

    Pope Francis’ emphasis on the “feminine nature” women bring to roles, rather than their gifts and talents, limited women.

    And although he called out discrimination against women in broader society, he expressed opposition to contemporary feminism, which he titled “gender ideology” and “machismo with a skirt”.

    Moreover, despite ongoing discussions, Pope Francis appeared to be unresponsive to calls for a greater role for women in ministry.

    Women cannot preach during Mass or be ordained to the priesthood or deaconate, despite multiple attempts by Catholic reform groups to advocate for women’s inclusion.

    The 2023 International Survey of Catholic Women, which surveyed more than 17,000 Catholic women from 104 countries and eight language groups, found women across the world were keen for church reform that recognises women’s leadership capacities and ongoing contribution to church communities.

    More than eight in ten (84%) of the women surveyed supported reform in the church. Two-thirds (68%) agreed women should be ordained to the priesthood, and three-quarters (78%) were supportive of women preaching during Mass.

    The survey reported on the deep frustration and despair women experienced for not having their gifts and talents recognised.

    Women also stated they are dissatisfied with the burden of labour they carry in the church.

    In this regard, Pope Francis did not address the financial burdens and exploitation of Catholic women who work for the church without adequate recognition or pay. This leaves women, particularly those working in parishes, open to exploitation.

    More worryingly, decades after cases of abuse were reported to the Vatican, Pope Francis publicly acknowledged that women, particularly nuns, were significantly affected by spiritual and sexual abuse.

    While this recognition is important, church responses to abuse remain inadequate and more needs to be done to safeguard women in pastoral settings.

    With regard to sexual and reproductive decision-making, the International Survey of Catholic Women found the majority of respondents wanted more freedom of conscience around such issues. This is because when they are denied by church law, women’s agency was diminished and their vulnerability to situations of gendered violence increased.

    The papacy of Pope Francis has made no reforms in this area, leaving many Catholic women frustrated and disappointed.

    Hope for the future?

    More than 60 years ago, Vatican II generated hope for change among Catholic women.

    Pope Francis reignited that hope, and listened. But responses have been too slow and Catholic women are still waiting for genuine reform.

    Tracy McEwan receives funding from the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme (DAAD) and Australian Research Theology Foundation Inc. (ARTFinc).

    Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation, the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme (DAAD) and the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation.

    – ref. Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success – https://theconversation.com/pope-francis-tried-to-change-the-catholic-church-for-women-with-mixed-success-250911

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracy McEwan, School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, University of Newcastle

    Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

    On Easter Sunday, he used his message and blessing to appeal for peace in Middle East and Ukraine.

    Pope Francis will be remembered as a pastoral leader who cared deeply about the environment and those impacted by migration, poverty and war.

    During his Pontificate, he did make important changes to the patriarchal structure of the Catholic Church – but did he go far enough?

    A pope for all?

    Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis highlighted the struggles of women in society. He took important steps to expand opportunities for women in the church and address its patriarchal structure.

    This was showcased by his inclusion of women in the 2024 synod (a global meeting of the whole church, represented by bishops) and his granting of voting rights for 57 women out of a total of 368 attendees.

    His appointment of around 20 women to positions of authority in the Vatican is unprecedented.

    This includes the recent 2025 appointment of an Italian religious sister, Simona Brambilla, to lead a Vatican department.

    During his papacy, Pope Francis also strongly supported the ongoing involvement of women in positions of leadership in the Roman Curia (the governance body of the church).

    At local levels, in parishes, he made it possible for women to be formally appointed to the positions of catechist and lector – roles previously reserved for men.

    He also emphasised a need for more women to study and teach theology.

    An ‘urgent challenge’

    However, these changes barely scratched the surface of securing full equality for women in the Catholic Church.

    Pope Francis himself stated women still encountered obstacles, and opportunities for women to participate were under-utilised by local churches.

    In his autobiography, published in January this year, he wrote of the “urgent challenge” to include women in central roles at every level of church life.

    He viewed this move as essential to “de-masculinising” the church and removing the problem of clericalism.

    Importantly, the reasoning that underpins women’s limited role in the life of the church remains unchanged.

    In particular, Pope Francis referred to gender stereotypes and supported the theology of complementarianism (a view that women are different but equally valued, where their central contribution is to motherhood, femininity and pastoral care responsibilities).

    While Pope Francis was genuinely committed to dialogue about and with women, his legacy remains contradictory.

    Equality is still lacking

    Women have been appointed to administrative and management positions, but decision making and ministry still largely rest with clerical men.

    Pope Francis’ emphasis on the “feminine nature” women bring to roles, rather than their gifts and talents, limited women.

    And although he called out discrimination against women in broader society, he expressed opposition to contemporary feminism, which he titled “gender ideology” and “machismo with a skirt”.

    Moreover, despite ongoing discussions, Pope Francis appeared to be unresponsive to calls for a greater role for women in ministry.

    Women cannot preach during Mass or be ordained to the priesthood or deaconate, despite multiple attempts by Catholic reform groups to advocate for women’s inclusion.

    The 2023 International Survey of Catholic Women, which surveyed more than 17,000 Catholic women from 104 countries and eight language groups, found women across the world were keen for church reform that recognises women’s leadership capacities and ongoing contribution to church communities.

    More than eight in ten (84%) of the women surveyed supported reform in the church. Two-thirds (68%) agreed women should be ordained to the priesthood, and three-quarters (78%) were supportive of women preaching during Mass.

    The survey reported on the deep frustration and despair women experienced for not having their gifts and talents recognised.

    Women also stated they are dissatisfied with the burden of labour they carry in the church.

    In this regard, Pope Francis did not address the financial burdens and exploitation of Catholic women who work for the church without adequate recognition or pay. This leaves women, particularly those working in parishes, open to exploitation.

    More worryingly, decades after cases of abuse were reported to the Vatican, Pope Francis publicly acknowledged that women, particularly nuns, were significantly affected by spiritual and sexual abuse.

    While this recognition is important, church responses to abuse remain inadequate and more needs to be done to safeguard women in pastoral settings.

    With regard to sexual and reproductive decision-making, the International Survey of Catholic Women found the majority of respondents wanted more freedom of conscience around such issues. This is because when they are denied by church law, women’s agency was diminished and their vulnerability to situations of gendered violence increased.

    The papacy of Pope Francis has made no reforms in this area, leaving many Catholic women frustrated and disappointed.

    Hope for the future?

    More than 60 years ago, Vatican II generated hope for change among Catholic women.

    Pope Francis reignited that hope, and listened. But responses have been too slow and Catholic women are still waiting for genuine reform.

    Tracy McEwan receives funding from the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme (DAAD) and Australian Research Theology Foundation Inc. (ARTFinc).

    Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation, the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme (DAAD) and the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation.

    – ref. Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success – https://theconversation.com/pope-francis-tried-to-change-the-catholic-church-for-women-with-mixed-success-250911

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Russia: Activist Daria Kozyreva conviction for poetic anti-war protest exposes continued repression

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the conviction of 19-year-old anti-war activist Daria Kozyreva for “repeated discreditation of the Russian armed forces,” Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director, said:

    “Today’s verdict is another chilling reminder of how far the Russian authorities will go to silence peaceful opposition to their war in Ukraine.”

    “Daria Kozyreva is being punished for quoting a classic of 19th-century Ukrainian poetry, for speaking out against an unjust war and for refusing to stay silent. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Daria Kozyreva and everyone imprisoned under ‘war censorship laws’.”

    Background

    On 18 April, the Petrogradsky District Court of St. Petersburg sentenced Daria Kozyreva, a former medical student, to two years and eight months in a penal colony under the draconian law on “discreditation of the armed forces” (Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code). She was convicted for peaceful acts of dissent: posting a blog entry criticizing Russia’s war in Ukraine; giving an interview to a RFE/RL media project; and affixing a quote from the poem “Testament” by renowned Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko to his monument in St. Petersburg. The quote read: “Oh bury me, then rise ye up / And break your heavy chains / And water with the tyrants’ blood / The freedom you have gained”.

    Daria Kozyreva spent nearly a year in pre-trial detention and was subjected to forced psychiatric evaluation. On 7 February 2025, she was released from pre-trial detention, as she had been held for the maximum time allowed. Her freedom remained restricted: she was under curfew and prohibited from using her phone or the Internet and from talking to the media.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Russia on Ukraine – Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Media stakeout by Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russian Federation to the United Nations, on the situation in Ukraine.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjSIKKhqEZ0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Russia, Ukraine and multilateralism – Joint Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Joint press encounter delivered by Samuel Žbogar, Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the UN Security Council, joined by representatives of the Denmark, France, Greece and the United Kingdom on Russia, Ukraine and multilateralism.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zVrH4lwcWU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia says repelled Ukrainian attacks amid Easter truce

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday that it repelled Ukrainian attacks overnight amid a unilateral Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Ukraine accused Russia of violating the ceasefire.

    The ministry said Russian troops “remained at previously occupied lines and positions” while Ukrainian troops “attempted to attack the positions of Russian troops” in the Donetsk region overnight.

    It added that Ukrainian forces had fired at Russian positions 444 times and counted more than 900 Ukrainian drone attacks.

    Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that 26 Russian assault actions have taken place from 00:00 (2100 GMT on Saturday) to noon (0900 GMT), accusing Russia of violating its self-declared ceasefire.

    Putin said the truce starts from 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) on Saturday and lasts until midnight on Sunday into Monday (2100 GMT on Sunday). Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine will respond in kind to the ceasefire. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia, Ukraine swap 492 prisoners of war

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Russia and Ukraine on Saturday exchanged 492 prisoners, said the Russian Defense Ministry.

    It said that 246 Russian servicemen were “returned from Kiev-controlled territory,” while 246 Ukrainian prisoners were freed as well.

    It added that Russia has handed over 31 wounded prisoners to Ukraine in exchange for 15 Russian soldiers requiring urgent medical care.

    The swap followed a negotiation process mediated by the United Arab Emirates, the ministry said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 80 years after atomic bombs devastated Japan, Donald Trump’s actions risk nuclear proliferation

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jamie Levin, Associate Professor of Political Science, St. Francis Xavier University

    The policy of every American president since Harry S. Truman has been to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

    They have not always been successful. The world’s most powerful weapons spread, with nine countries now possessing them. But no United States president has actively sought their further proliferation, as the belligerent policies of Donald Trump are now set to do.

    In 2018, during his first term as president, Trump tore up the Iran nuclear deal, which had successfully placed limits on the enrichment of weapons-grade materials in exchange for sanctions relief.

    Iran has since accelerated its nuclear weapons program. Estimates now put Iran within months or even weeks of producing several bombs.

    A short time later, after a series of escalating threats, Trump suggested that North Korea had agreed to denuclearize. Talks ensued, but a deal never materialized.

    In fact, Trump failed to stop, let alone roll back, North Korea’s ambitious nuclear weapons programs. North Korea is now said to possess at least 50 warheads as well as the means to deliver them.

    No longer an ally

    Under the second Trump administration, the world is facing a rapidly growing proliferation risk of a different kind, one that is found not only among the usual suspects in Iran and North Korea, but also among a long list of U.S. allies who once basked in American security guarantees.

    Merely two months into Trump’s second term, America’s European allies have grown increasingly concerned that the U.S. is no longer a reliable ally.

    That’s due to his suspension (and then reinstatement) of weapons transfers and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, an explicitly prioritized rapprochement with Russia, open denigration of its NATO allies, suggestions that the U.S. would not come to their defence if attacked, and his active and repeated threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Canada, Greenland and Panama.

    Against this backdrop, Trump’s guiding Project 2025 principles advocate escalating nuclear testing, breaking a long-held taboo.

    Once protected by its nuclear umbrella, America’s closest allies are now threatened by it. Europe’s loss of confidence in the U.S. is so severe that finding alternatives has now become part of serious discussions in capitals across the continent. France and the United Kingdom are poised to fill the void by extending their nuclear deterrence to the likes of Germany and Poland.

    The scene in Asia

    But the risk of proliferation is greatest in East Asia. On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump mused that Japan and South Korea might need to develop nuclear weapons. “It’s only a matter of time,” he said.

    That time is unfortunately now.

    While Trump has been busy burning bridges in Europe and North America, his allies in East Asia — South Korea and Japan — have been watching the implosion of the U.S.-led international order in dismay. They have no alternative to the American nuclear umbrella but to build their own deterrent capabilities.

    Polls now show that more than two-thirds of South Koreans support their country’s acquisition of nuclear weapons independent of the U.S. Key figures across the political spectrum as well as a growing chorus of academics and journalists have also openly floated the idea of nuclearization.

    To address South Korea’s growing anxiety and check its nascent nuclear ambitions, the previous Joe Biden administration launched a bilateral initiative called Nuclear Consultative Group in 2023.

    It established a regular mechanism between the two countries to discuss the state of the nuclear umbrella and perform joint defence exercises. This measure went a long way to quiet the voices calling for South Korean nuclearization — until Trump returned to the White House.

    South Korea

    Trump’s so-called America First foreign policy has given every reason for South Korea to once again question the reliability of U.S. security guarantees. If the Trump administration is willing to throw its oldest and closest allies in the North Atlantic under the bus, there is little reason for South Koreans to place their continued faith in the U.S.

    As important as South Korea has been to an American grand strategy, it has always been a second-tier ally and its bilateral alliance with the U.S. was never as important as NATO or as special as the Canada-U.S. relationship. South Korea is much more vulnerable to abandonment, and it now appears to be expandable in the second Trump administration.

    Going nuclear is not a question of means for South Korea. It has one of the most advanced civilian nuclear industries in the world, with 24 reactors in operation and more than enough scientific know-how to churn out weapons in a short time, estimated at six to 12 months.

    The question has always been one of political will, the absence of which has rested on American security assurances. With the Trump administration actively demolishing security guarantees to its closest allies, South Korea may conclude that the only viable path to its continued existence in the post-American world is acquiring nuclear weapons.

    Japan

    South Korea’s nuclearization would likely lead to a domino effect, triggering a new wave of nuclear proliferation across the region. If South Korea makes a dash for the bomb, Japan will have no choice but to follow suit.

    Japan has a full nuclear fuel cycle, including a uranium enrichment plant, spent-fuel reprocessing facilities, nine tons plutonium and 1.2 tons of enriched uranium that can be easily fashioned into thousands of nuclear bombs in as little as six months.

    While the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have long served as a guardrail against nuclearization in Japan, that moral taboo was sustained by a credible U.S. nuclear umbrella. And once the nuclear genie is out of the bottle, Taiwan will have every incentive to resurrect its earlier clandestine nuclear weapons program and seek its own deterrence capability.

    Catastrophic dangers

    While going nuclear may be individually rational for the East Asian countries, the collective outcome for the region and beyond is fraught with catastrophic risks.

    The world is now grappling with the most dangerous collective action problem because the solution that has worked so well for decades — credible American security assurance — is eroding.

    In upending the very international order that the U.S. established, the Trump administration is not merely chipping away at the global security architecture underpinned by myriad American security guarantees. It’s imploding the post-Second World War security order from within and the moral, political and institutional bulwark against nuclear proliferation.

    In this predatory, zero-sum world of Trumpian foreign policy, putting America First necessarily means putting everyone else last — and, along the way, inadvertently fuelling nuclear proliferation.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. 80 years after atomic bombs devastated Japan, Donald Trump’s actions risk nuclear proliferation – https://theconversation.com/80-years-after-atomic-bombs-devastated-japan-donald-trumps-actions-risk-nuclear-proliferation-254459

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank

    UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace

    UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region.

    Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

    Whilst on Thursday (17 April) another two Typhoons scrambled from the base, to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.

    The intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN and come just weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

    It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.   

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

    Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

    The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change.

    This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.

    The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the UK’s latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts, following successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year.

    It also represents a landmark in NATO integration with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens – the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.

    The intercepts come after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week where he reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.

    The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, which is defending our security whilst creating jobs back home.  

    The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain ready to protect UK airspace around the clock, while deployed operations like Op CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Putin declares Easter truce in Ukraine conflict

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday declared a unilateral Easter truce for the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

    The truce will start from 6:00 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) on Saturday and last until midnight on Sunday into Monday (2100 GMT on Sunday).

    “I have ordered a complete cessation of hostilities during this period,” Putin was quoted by the Kremlin’s Telegram account as saying at a meeting with Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

    Putin also noted that Russia hopes Ukraine will follow suit and cease hostilities during the period.

    “Our armed forces must remain on high alert to repel possible ceasefire violations, provocations and any aggressive actions by the enemy,” the Russian president added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer, Meeks to Introduce Major Russian Sanctions, Ukraine Assistance Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), former Majority Leader, and Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee introduced a comprehensive bill to support Ukraine and thwart Russia’s ability to wage its illegal war there. Like the Senate bill introduced earlier this month by Senator Lindsey Graham, this legislative package imposes numerous sanctions and other economic measures against Russia should it fail to cease its war of aggression against Ukraine. But this legislation also includes further vital provisions to sustain security assistance to Ukraine for its defense, generate resources for post-war reconstruction, and override presidential actions to terminate existing sanctions without cause. The bill also imposes new sanctions and export control authorities to place additional pressure on Russia, including to curb tankers carrying Russian oil above the international price cap and to ensure dual-use controls on semiconductors and other technologies that could be used to support Russia’s weapons capabilities.

    A section by section of the legislation can be found here. A PDF of the bill can be found here.

    Additional cosponsors of the bill include Representatives William Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Ranking Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). 

    “The US-led international response to Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine has isolated Moscow as a global pariah, devastated the Kremlin’s capacity to fund this war, and provided essential support to the Ukrainians fighting for freedom. Now is not the time to ease up on this successful approach nor put pressure solely on the victim, Ukraine. The U.S. must remain committed to shoring up Ukraine’s ability to negotiate a just, acceptable end to this war and to holding Russia – and those supporting its illegal invasion – accountable for as long as Putin’s war of choice continues. This weekend’s missile attack in Sumy that claimed dozens of civilian lives, including children, further demonstrates the barbarity Russia has used to sow terror throughout this war, and the need to impose serious consequences for its atrocities. Make no mistake – Vladimir Putin started this war. He is a bully with no respect for peace, Ukrainian sovereignty, or international norms, and he will only end this illegal war when the world compels him to,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

    “Our allies in Ukraine are on the front lines of freedom – fighting not only for their nations’ sovereignty but also against authoritarianism worldwide. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing urgently needed legislation that will support our allies in Ukraine and invest in their recovery through tougher sanctions on Russian oil exports, security and military assistance, and dual use export provisions. Importantly, this legislation also includes provisions that will allow the Congress, a coequal branch of government, to advance resolutions of disapproval if the President waves his authority – and assert with our own voice that Ukraine has bipartisan support in the United States,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer. “I thank Ranking Member Greg Meeks for his work to put together comprehensive legislation that reflects our values, strengthens our democracy, and ensures the United States remains on the right side of history. We must not give aid and comfort to our enemy, Russia, and we must remain steadfast in the battle for democracy.”

    “I am co-sponsoring this legislation because it reaffirms the American people’s unwavering commitment to a sovereign, democratic Ukraine,” said Ranking Member Keating. “As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion, it is critical that the United States stands firmly by its side—not just militarily, but economically and diplomatically. This legislation includes key provisions from my own bills that aim to support Ukraine across multiple fronts. It provides war risk insurance to ensure the continued flow of international commerce with Ukraine, blocks illegal U.S. technology exports to Iran where they are used to manufacture drones deployed by Russia, and promotes the diversification of Ukraine’s energy supply. Ukraine’s victory requires more than military support – it demands a comprehensive strategy to help rebuild its economy, secure its infrastructure, and restore its independence.”

    “Our friends in Ukraine are fighting for the democratic ideals we share against a war criminal, Vladimir Putin, and the rising threat of authoritarianism globally,” said Ranking Member Connolly. “The American commitment to Ukraine, its sovereignty, and its recovery must be lasting and ironclad. We must stand firmly behind the Ukrainian people by countering Russian disinformation, advocating for multilateral support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, providing additional U.S. security assistance, and implementing crippling sanctions on Russia and its enablers to force Putin to the negotiating table. That’s why this bill includes provisions from my bipartisan legislation to expand sanctions on North Korea for its material support for Russia’s illegal invasion. The war in Ukraine is a battle between dictatorship and democracy. Between freedom and oppression. The United States must remain on the right side of history. Slava Ukraini.” 

    “Pleased to join Rep. Meek’s comprehensive bill, including provisions I authored to stop laundered Russian oil imports and to use frozen Russian assets for compensation to Ukrainians. We support Ukraine and reaffirm our recognition of Putin as a war criminal with sole responsibility for the war. We reject appeasement by Trump and his Republican enablers of Putin, who should bear the ever-mounting costs of his ongoing destruction. The world is watching whether America will remain a beacon of hope, standing with our democratic allies, or drift itself into Russian-style authoritarianism,” said Rep. Doggett.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: A Path Forward to End the Russia Ukraine War

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador Steve Witkoff, and Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg are in Paris today with a clear motivation: to find a path forward to end the Russia-Ukraine war in order to stop the bloodshed. — Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytb5DfJj-5Q

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Trump of the United States: 18 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with President Trump of the United States: 18 April 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this afternoon.

    The leaders began by discussing the ongoing and productive discussions between the UK and US on trade. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to free and open trade and the importance of protecting the national interest.

    The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, Iran and recent action taken against the Houthis in Yemen.

    They agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley, Menendez Lead 39 House Democrats in Demanding Answers After Ukrainians Living in the U.S. Legally are Mistakenly Told to Leave the Country

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Rob Menendez (NJ-08) led a letter signed by 39 House Democrats to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem condemning the fear and confusion inflicted on Ukrainians living in the U.S. legally who received an erroneous email falsely revoking their protections under the Uniting for Ukraine (“U4U”) program. In light of this error, the letter demands answers from the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) as to the future of the U4U program. 

    “Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. In the face of Russia’s horrific violence, many Ukrainians have found safety and stability on American shores,” said Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mike Quigley. “The Trump administration’s capitulation to Putin has already caused fear in this community which was compounded by this unacceptable error. With their homeland still under assault, Ukrainian refugees deserve certainty about their future. The administration owes Ukrainians an explanation and clarity about the Uniting for Ukraine program.” 

    “Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes because of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of their country, and the Uniting for Ukraine program has served as a lifeline for so many of those families,” said Rep. Rob Menendez. “After years of suffering and anxiety in the Ukrainian community, made worse by President Trump’s recent cooperation with Russia, this email was a terrifying shock to Ukrainians in my district and across the country. DHS must make clear what caused this error and what their plans are for the future of the U4U program.” 

    The April 4 email followed the Trump Administration’s misguided decision to pause all applications, petitions, and benefit decisions under the U4U program in January. It not only directed recipients to immediately leave the United States, but also threatened law enforcement actions, criminal prosecution, civil fines, and additional penalties for failure to self deport within seven days. It also notified recipients of the rescission of benefits associated with parole such as work authorization. Immediately following this notification, Members of Congress received concerned inquiries from Ukrainians across the country who were under the impression that they must leave the country. The notice was retracted later that day.

    For full text of the letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States – Italy Joint Leaders’ Statement

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held their first official meeting yesterday in Washington, D.C., where they confirmed their resolve to promote a mutually beneficial relationship and further strengthen the U.S. – Italy strategic alliance across security, economic, and technological issues.
    U.S.- Italy Cooperation for SecurityThe U.S. and Italy underscore that the war in Ukraine must end, and fully endorse President Trump’s leadership in brokering a ceasefire and delivering a just and lasting peace.     The U.S. and Italy reiterate the unwavering commitment to NATO and to the principle of developing their collective and individual capacity to contribute to the Alliance’s goals. We therefore commit to ensuring our national security and defense are aligned and funded to meet the challenges of today, and critically, the risks of tomorrow.     Our defense cooperation must rely on a deep and extensive transatlantic supply chain. We are facing a complex security environment, and we are ready to further increase defense equipment and technology cooperation, including co-production and co-development that strengthen U.S. and Italian defense industrial capacity and protect it from foreign adversaries.     The U.S. and Italy reaffirm their shared commitment to counter illegal immigration and to ensure that legal migration is used as a tool to benefit our nations and not to create a security problem for our citizens. We will step up our common efforts to eradicate international organized crime groups engaged in migrant smuggling and human trafficking.     The U.S. and Italy confirm their joint effort to fight the production, distribution, and sale of illicit synthetic drugs, especially synthetic opioids and the criminal networks trafficking these drugs, which collectively damage the health, security, and well-being of our citizens and people around the world.
    U.S. – Italy Cooperation for Shared ProsperityThe United States and Italy agree to work to ensure that trade between the United States and Europe is mutually beneficial, fair, and reciprocal.     We highlight the importance of information technology to enabling free enterprise across the Atlantic. We agreed that a non-discriminatory environment in terms of digital services taxation is necessary to enable investments from cutting-edge tech companies.     We welcome American investments in AI computing and cloud services in Italy to maximize the opportunities of digital transformation and support Italy as the key regional data hub for the Mediterranean and North Africa.      Developing a workforce that can deliver on the needs of our economies is vital. The United States and Italy are proud partners in industrial endeavors that will benefit employment in both countries, playing a vital role for each other’s supply chains and strengthening our industrial bases. Italy will contribute to the maritime renaissance of the U.S. shipbuilding sector, while the U.S. will look into the investment opportunities offered by the increasingly positive Italian business environment, including through the incentives granted by the new Single Special Economic Zone (SEZ) established in Italy.     The U.S. and Italy cooperate to strengthen energy security by further encouraging the diversification of Italy’s energy supply source and by increasing exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Italy in a mutually beneficial manner.     The U.S. and Italy will work together to develop the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, one of the greatest economic integration and connectivity projects of this century, connecting partners by ports, railways, and undersea cables and stimulating economic development and integration from India, to the Gulf to Israel, to Italy, and onward to the United States.      Following the example of the President Trump’s successful Abraham Accords approach, the U.S. and Italy will cooperate on crucial infrastructural projects and consider leveraging on the Mattei Plan’s potential.
    U.S. – Italy Cooperation for TechnologyThe United States and Italy recognize the need to protect our national critical and sensitive infrastructure and technology, which is why we commit to using only trusted vendors in these networks. There is no higher trust than our strategic alliance, which is why there can be no discrimination when it comes to U.S. and Italian vendors.     We are proud to partner on Space Technology, including through two Mars Missions in 2026 and 2028, and lunar surface exploration on future Artemis missions.     As we transition to and innovate on the technologies of the future, such as 6G, AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, we also commit to exploring opportunities for enhanced partnerships in these critical industries that protect our data from adversaries that would exploit it.
    Invitation to Visit ItalyPresident Trump accepted Prime Minister Meloni’s invitation to pay an official visit to Italy in the very near future. There is also consideration to hold, on such occasion, a meeting between U.S. and Europe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukraine, US sign memorandum on minerals deal

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Ukraine and the United States signed a memorandum on minerals deal on Thursday, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

    “Ukraine and the United States of America signed a Memorandum, which attests to the constructive collaboration of our teams and the intention to finalize and conclude an agreement that will benefit both our peoples,” Svyrydenko wrote in a Facebook post.

    According to the post, the document was signed by Svyrydenko in Kiev and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.

    Svyrydenko said the two countries will finalize the text of the minerals agreement and sign it in the near future, adding that the agreement will be subject to “ratification by parliaments.”

    Earlier on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the agreement could be signed next week.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: RBB Bancorp Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 Per Common Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ: RBB) and its subsidiaries, Royal Business Bank (“the Bank”) and RBB Asset Management Company (“RAM”), collectively referred to herein as “the Company”, announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share. The dividend is payable on May 12, 2025 to common shareholders of record as of April 30, 2025.

    Corporate Overview

    RBB Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of $4.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full service commercial bank, which provides consumer and business banking services predominantly to the Asian-centric communities in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County in California, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York, in Edison, New Jersey, in the Chicago neighborhoods of Chinatown and Bridgeport, Illinois, and on Oahu, Hawaii. Bank services include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, SBA 7A and 504 loans, 1-4 single family residential loans, trade finance, a full range of depository account products and wealth management services. The Bank has nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, one branch in Orange County, California, one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, three branches and one loan operation center in Brooklyn, three branches in Queens, one branch in Manhattan in New York, one branch in Edison, New Jersey, two branches in Chicago, Illinois, and one branch in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company’s administrative and lending center is located at 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90017, and its finance and operations center is located at 7025 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, California 90621. The Company’s website address is www.royalbusinessbankusa.com.

    Contacts

    Lynn Hopkins, EVP/Chief Financial Officer, (657) 255-3282

    Safe Harbor

    Certain matters set forth herein (including the exhibits hereto) constitute forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations and our future financial position and operating results. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; the potential for additional material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential control deficiencies of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our current and future geographic markets, including the tight labor market, ineffective management of the U.S. federal budget or debt or turbulence or uncertainly in domestic of foreign financial markets; the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments; our ability to attract and retain deposits and access other sources of liquidity; possible additional provisions for credit losses and charge-offs; credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to, including potential supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation, including any amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; the effects of having concentrations in our loan portfolio, including commercial real estate and the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; environmental liabilities; our ability to compete with larger competitors; our ability to retain key personnel; successful management of reputational risk; severe weather, natural disasters, earthquakes, fires, such as the recent California wildfires; or other adverse external events could harm our business; geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East and increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, which could impact business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad; public health crises and pandemics, and their effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate, including our credit quality and business operations, as well as the impact on general economic and financial market conditions; general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations; failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; climate change, including any enhanced regulatory, compliance, credit and reputational risks and costs; cybersecurity threats and the cost of defending against them; our ability to adapt our systems to the expanding use of technology in banking; risk management processes and strategies; adverse results in legal proceedings; the impact of regulatory enforcement actions, if any; certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in tax laws and regulations; the impact of governmental efforts to restructure the U.S. financial regulatory system; the impact of future or recent changes in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance assessment rate of the rules and regulations related to the calculation of the FDIC insurance assessment amount; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standards setters, including Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 (Topic 326, “Measurement of Current Losses on Financial Instruments, commonly referenced as the Current Expected Credit Losses Model, which changed how we estimate credit losses and may further increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses in future periods; market disruption and volatility; fluctuations in the Company’s stock price; restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; issuances of preferred stock; our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, and the potential resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; the soundness of other financial institutions; our ongoing relations with our various federal and state regulators, including the SEC, FDIC, FRB and California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (“DFPI”); our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items and all other factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report as filed under Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company’s earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: US-Ukraine-Europe trilateral talks held in Paris

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    France hosted a trilateral meeting on Ukraine on Thursday, marking the first time the United States, Ukraine and Europe sat at the same negotiation table since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January.

    It was the first time Americans, Ukrainians, and Europeans have been “at the same table,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the News Channel LCI.

    Barrot emphasized that the meeting was “essential” as it aimed to advance a shared objective: peace in Ukraine. However, he also stressed, “A lasting peace can only be achieved with the consent and contribution of the Europeans.”

    European leaders have voiced concern and frustration over the Trump administration’s approach to talks on the Ukraine-Russia conflict that leave Kiev and its European backers on the sideline.

    They have consistently emphasized that “no durable peace” can be achieved in Ukraine without European participation in the talks.

    A second round of such talks is scheduled to take place in London next week, according to LCI.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 287 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) today examined the area near the plant’s training centre where a drone was reportedly shot down and crashed, once again underlining potential risks to nuclear safety during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    The IAEA requested access to the purported crash site after receiving information from the ZNPP that the incident had occurred on Wednesday afternoon, local time. The crash sparked a fire that ignited surrounding vegetation but caused no casualties nor structural damage to the training centre itself, which is located just outside the site perimeter, the ZNPP added.

    At the impact site, the IAEA team observed white ash covering a small area and was shown what the ZNPP identified as the remains of a drone, including four small electric motors still lying on the ground. Plastic fragments, apparently parts of the body of a drone, were also visible.

    The latest incident came a few months after a similar report about a drone incident near the same training centre for the ZNPP. In February 2025, a drone attack caused significant damage to the New Safe Confinement structure at the Chornobyl site in northern Ukraine. There are also frequent reports of drones detected near Ukraine’s other nuclear sites.

    “Any attempt to target a nuclear site with drones can have serious consequences. Whilst offensive drones may be relatively small, they can have serious implications for nuclear safety, for example by causing fires or structural damage. I continue to call for utmost military restraint near all nuclear facilities,” Director General Grossi said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Lamola concludes working visit to Russia

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has concluded a two-day working visit to Russia. 

    During his visit to Moscow, Lamola co-chaired the 18th session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alongside Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. 

    ITEC is a structured bilateral mechanism that aims to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and the Russian Federation.

    The 18th ITEC session facilitated a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation across key sectors. 

    These include trade, investment, agriculture, education, digital technologies, mass communication and transport. 

    On the margins of the ITEC proceedings, the Minister held a constructive dialogue with Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

    “The discussions underscored the enduring diplomatic ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation,” the statement read.  

    According to the department, Lamola also extended sincere appreciation to Russia for its unwavering support for South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency and its advocacy for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is equitable representation of the Global South, including African nations, within multilateral institutions.  

    “In reaffirming South Africa’s principled commitment to global peace and stability, Minister Lamola emphasised the urgent imperative of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through inclusive dialogue and diplomacy. He articulated profound concern over the devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including the tragic loss of civilian lives, destruction of critical infrastructure, and broader regional instability.” 

    The department said South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate a negotiated settlement. 

    “South Africa stands ready to support all credible, inclusive multilateral efforts to address the root causes of conflicts, achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace.

    “South Africa remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering international cooperation and peaceful resolution to conflicts.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump takes a line from ‘world’s coolest dictator’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    What a difference a dictator makes. Some world leaders get a rough ride in their Oval Office meetings with Donald Trump – most famously, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who the US president and his entourage publicly disparaged in their now-notorious meeting at the end of February. But not El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, the self-styled “world’s coolest dictator” – an autocrat whose country’s incarceration rate is the highest in the world – with whom Trump swapped a few friendly quips this week about authoritarian leadership.

    “They say that we imprisoned thousands. I say we liberated millions,” said Bukele about his record of jailing people without due process, adding that: “To liberate that many, you have to imprison some.”

    “Who gave him that line? You think I could use that?” replied Trump to general merriment.

    Bukele has obliged Trump by incarcerating hundreds of Venezuelan and Salvadoran migrants deported from the US on suspicion of being members of criminal gangs – none of whom have had their day in court. One person of particular interest to the journalists was Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported due to an “administrative error”. The US Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to do everything in its power to “facilitate” his return to his wife and family in the US.

    “Of course I’m not going to do it,” Bukele said, when asked if he would send Abrego Garcia back to the US, adding that it would be like “sending a terrorist back to the United States”. Smiles all round from the US officials. This apparently makes it a matter of foreign policy rather than a failure of US justice – or, just as crucially, an impending constitutional crisis over the Trump administration’s failure to obey a Supreme Court ruling.

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

    Bukele knows a thing or two about circumventing constitutional law, writes Amalendu Misra, a professor of international politics at Lancaster University, who has written extensively about Latin America for The Conversation. The Salvadoran president is serving a second term, despite his country’s constitution previously restricting a president from serving two consecutive terms.

    Critics say Bukele used his considerable majority to replace five members of El Salvador’s Supreme Court in order to get the decision he wanted – which may also have raised him in the US president’s estimation.

    Misra charts Bukele’s rise to power and his achievements in office, which include transforming El Salvador from the murder capital of the world to having one of the lowest homicide rates in the western hemisphere. But not without considerable infringements of human rights and civil liberties – something to which, as we’ve seen, Bukele unabashedly owns up.



    Read more:
    Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s strongman leader doing Donald Trump’s legwork abroad

    Meanwhile, constitutional scholars are picking apart the US Supreme Court’s ruling in the matter of Abrego Garcia, who is currently sitting in El Salvador’s notorious Center for Terrorism Confinement (Cecot) mega-prison.

    What exactly did the court mean when it instructed the Trump administration to “facilitate” his return to the US? The US attorney-general, Pam Bondi, offered her interpretation on Wednesday – saying the decision was completely up to Bukele, and that if he wanted to send Abrego Garcia back, “we would give him a plane ride back”.

    Trump’s relationship with US constitutional law is already coming under a fair bit of scrutiny, as he and his senior officials have embarked on a concerted effort to push back against court rulings which seek to reverse or delay some of his policies.

    “Trump’s approach seems to be one of testing the limits of the law,” writes Stephen Clear, a constitutional law expert at Bangor University. Clear believes that Trump’s second term is going further, faster, than his first in putting pressure on the system of checks and balances on which the US constitution depends.

    Clear looks at Trump’s strategy of using executive orders to make policy – there have been 124 in his first 85 days (executive orders don’t need congressional approval). The federal courts are now examining many of these orders, which have been challenged on the grounds of unconstitutionality. The US Supreme Court is already facing an unprecedented number of emergency applications, and it remains to be seen when the justices will decide – and, crucially, how the administration responds to the Supreme Court’s decisions.



    Read more:
    Trump’s tactics for creating disruption are testing the limits of presidential power – a legal expert explains

    A federal court judge whose ruling regarding the deportation of 100 migrants to El Salvador was apparently disregarded by the Trump administration has released an opinion that this failure to comply constitutes “probable cause” to hold members of the administration in criminal contempt.

    US district court judge James Boasberg wrote that a judicial order “must
    be obeyed – no matter how erroneous it may be – until a court reverses it”. US legal scholar Cassandra Burke Robertson answers our questions about this matter.



    Read more:
    Federal judge finds ‘probable cause’ to hold Trump administration in contempt – a legal scholar explains what this means

    In the end, the most reliable test of Trump and the Republican party is still at the ballot box. The mid-term elections, the first real test of the US public’s approval of Trump 2.0, are more than 18 months away. But how is the second Trump administration going down with Americans?

    It depends who you ask, writes Paul Whiteley of the University of Essex. Whiteley, an expert scrutineer of public opinion, was interested to see whether the recent upheaval created by Trump’s tariffs plan had affected the way the US public views his performance.

    Committed Republicans still tend to give credit to Trump that he knows what he is doing, while Democrats, as you’d expect, remain fundamentally opposed to the administration. And the same goes, broadly speaking, for their respective views on his handling of trade policy. But the big shift, Whiteley observes, is among people identifying as independents, where Trump’s approval rating has fallen considerably, particularly over the tariffs.

    This is significant, Whiteley believes, because independents now make up the largest voter group in the US. He concludes: “If this shift continues, and independent voters support Democrat candidates in the 2026 mid-term elections, it means that the Democrats are likely to take control of Congress.”



    Read more:
    Have Trump’s tariffs affected his popularity? Here’s what approval data shows

    A tale of two peace talks

    Another Trump campaign promise is coming under increasing scrutiny: his pledge to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours”. The US president now insists he was “being sarcastic” when he made that claim – but, after nearly three months, Trump’s efforts to end the war are “struggling to get off the starting blocks”, writes Jennifer Mathers from Aberystwyth University.

    Despite Zelensky having unconditionally accepted the initial proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and backing US efforts to establish a limited ceasefire – applying to energy infrastructure and on the ocean – Russia has redoubled its attacks. The recent Palm Sunday strikes, which killed at least 35 civilians in the border town of Sumy, appeared particularly gratuitous given that the two sides are supposed to be talking peace.

    Mathers writes that Vladimir Putin is deliberately doing all he can to drag his feet over negotiations, while maintaining Russia’s original demands for huge swaths of Ukrainian territory, guarantees that Kyiv will drop its plan to join Nato, and for elections to be held in Ukraine. You’d have to imagine that Moscow will pull out all the stops to ensure the winner is more to its liking than Zelensky.

    One of the main problems, as Mathers sees it, is that the various American diplomats keep repeating Putin’s demands, lending them legitimacy. It goes without saying that these demands find no favour with Kyiv, as they amount to virtually complete Ukrainian capitulation.



    Read more:
    Why is Donald Trump failing to bring peace to Ukraine like he promised?

    The other big diplomatic gambit involving the Trump White House is in Oman this weekend, as representatives from the US and Iran meet to discuss the possibility of a new deal on Iran’s nuclear programme. The initial signs aren’t good. Trump has threatened dire consequences unless Iran is willing to give up its nuclear ambitions. Iran refuses to countenance this idea.

    But there are signs that behind the scenes, there may be some progress. Iran’s leaders are under heavy domestic pressure to get sanctions lifted as its economy continues to tank. And it has been reported that Trump refused to approve joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

    Simon Mabon from Lancaster University – a specialist in Middle East security and particularly the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran – examines what the talks mean for the broader stability of the Middle East. He believes the outcome of the talks are being watched particularly closely by China, which has its own ambitions for the region.



    Read more:
    US-Iran: future stability of Middle East hangs on success of nuclear deal – but initial signs are not good

    Indian democracy

    Last year’s election in India was the biggest democratic exercise the world has ever seen, involving upwards of 642 million people casting their votes in seven phases across this vast country. It was, in fact, the biggest election ever to be held in India, surpassing the first elections held in 1951-52 after the country achieved independence from Britain.

    Tripurdaman Singh, a fellow of the University of London’s School of Advanced Study, has traced the progress of democracy in India from what he describes as “a moment of such staggering idealism and exuberance, a leap of faith so audacious, that the famous jurist and scholar Kenneth Wheare termed it ‘the biggest liberal experiment in democratic government’ that the world had seen”.

    Singh takes a detailed look at this experiment in democracy, examining the fledgling country’s constitution and how it has been interpreted since. He finds that this “idealism” was more of an aspiration than an actuality, and that power has always been firmly held by the executive. But, he writes, the sheer diversity of the electorate has – in the main at least – successfully prevented tyrannical impulses from India’s leaders. At least, it has thus far.



    Read more:
    Birth of India: ‘biggest experiment’ with democracy was a huge gamble. Happily the people have made it work – here’s how

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Trump takes a line from ‘world’s coolest dictator’ – https://theconversation.com/trump-takes-a-line-from-worlds-coolest-dictator-254809

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tariffs don’t just affect the global economy, but create political instability as well

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    United States President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have created economic chaos in their aftermath. The stock markets are off to their worst start to a presidential term in modern history.

    The economic implications of Trump’s actions are well-documented. Furthermore, despite Trump’s temporary halt to the tariffs, their impact will resonate well into the future.

    But it’s important to understand that the economy is not detached from broader society. Trump’s disruption of the global economy could also lead to an increase in global conflict.

    Economic prosperity and war

    Economic prosperity does not automatically equate with political stability. Europe prior to the First World War was both prosperous and integrated. Nevertheless, while scholars and activists at the time argued these favourable conditions made war impractical, one of the worst conflicts in human history came to pass.

    Domestic economic prosperity can bind societies together. But tensions that otherwise might not be brought into focus, such as regionalism, emerge in times of economic hardship and transition. Reform Party founder Preston Manning’s recent stoking of separatist sentiments in Canada’s West is a case in point.

    Trump’s tariffs, if fully implemented, will result in economic recession for dozens of countries throughout the world. They will first impact the world’s most vulnerable countries, many of which have institutions that are either unstable or lack the fiscal backing needed to weather the storm.

    An example of such a development in recent history was the emergence of the Arab Spring in 2011. The 2008 financial crisis and ongoing agricultural failure created political strain for authoritarian states in the Middle East. They could not absorb the increased cost of grain to stabilize their societies.

    Governments, cognizant of this fact, will look for any means of retaining their power. Redirecting local disappointment abroad can be one such measure, much as Saudi Arabia did by blaming Iran during the Arab Spring.

    Look outwards, point fingers

    Governments have, historically, used foreign affairs as a means of distracting their populations from domestic problems. This feature occurs regardless of a state’s ideology. The banality of its occurrence in international relations is such that Hollywood made a satirical film, Wag the Dog, on the subject.

    Authoritarian states, however, are more susceptible to this phenomenon. Their governments’ lack of popular legitimacy means that an economic downturn weakens one of the levers they use to buy acquiescence from its citizens.

    Furthermore, economic uncertainty undermines authoritarian governments’ patronage networks. Not only do such governments lose the support of a majority of citizens to the economic uncertainty, but they also lose the important minority groups they use to maintain their rule.

    As such, authoritarian governments in the face of economic uncertainty will look outwards to build their legitimacy. But these governments need an ideology that will motivate their societies. For contemporary governments, one of the most effective mechanisms is nationalism.



    Read more:
    Argentina’s Javier Milei is playing the democratic game, but using authoritarian tactics

    The power of nationalism

    Nationalism’s utility for authoritarian states is twofold. First, nationalism emphasizes the collective over the individual. States, by stressing the importance of the nation, can encourage individuals to overlook the personal struggles they face in times of economic uncertainty.

    Second, nationalism by its nature creates an “in group” and an “out group.” Governments can use the out group as a rallying cry for its local population. While there are several instances where such developments are possible, China’s increasingly antagonistic stance towards Taiwan is an example.

    Governments, by rallying nationalist sentiment, will either indirectly or actively stoke the potential for conflict.

    Extending conflict

    Economic downturns, furthermore, force governments to make difficult decisions on what programs to cut. Some of the first programs governments chop in uncertain times are those focused on international aid. This phenomenon was already occurring, but tariffs will exasperate it.

    These cuts pose a problem for several reasons. Right-wing politicians have alleged in recent months that international aid is ineffective. But that’s not accurate — international aid benefits the countries that provide it; it’s not just a moral imperative. Specifically, it facilitates trade as well as accruing political advantages to the giving state.

    The more immediate concern, however, is that many states were dependent upon foreign aid for political stability. The loss of international aid will increase internal instability in vulnerable countries. Just look to the current instability in South Sudan as declining aid weakens South Sudanese social and government institutions.

    Not only is this development bad for the societies in question, but it will invariably increase the number of refugees seeking aid and safety beyond their borders.

    Individual choice

    It’s not just state responses to the tariffs that will create instability. The unilateral application of tariffs, and resulting economic and political fallout, will significantly increase the number of people seeking a better life.

    Economic migration is not a new phenomenon. While conflict-centred migration remains the focus of international law, economic migration continues to occur unabated.

    The lost economic opportunities in various states affected by tariffs will cause their populations to seek economic prosperity, at first internally and then abroad. This is not to suggest that migration itself creates instability. Instead, large-scale and unplanned migration will create strain both in countries that people leave and in the nations receiving them.

    Economic affairs rarely stay within the realm of business. Instead, Trump’s tariffs will create greater instability in international affairs for the foreseeable future.

    James Horncastle 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. Tariffs don’t just affect the global economy, but create political instability as well – https://theconversation.com/tariffs-dont-just-affect-the-global-economy-but-create-political-instability-as-well-254045

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tactics for creating disruption are testing the limits of presidential power – a legal expert explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Clear, Lecturer in Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Public Procurement, Bangor University

    In less than 100 days, Donald Trump’s second term has proved the most disruptive and transformative start to a US presidency ever. Using executive orders and mass firings, he has moved quickly on his far-reaching agenda to consolidate his power.

    Trump has actually signed fewer bills into law at this point than any new president for seven decades. But he has signed 124 executive orders (which don’t need congressional approval). Joe Biden signed 162 of these over his whole term.

    Executive orders are a way of pushing through a presidential directive, usually based on existing statutory powers, without it going to a vote. So far, these have covered issues from energy policy to TikTok’s ownership.

    Using this tactic, Trump has stretched his authority far more in just a few months than any recent president.

    While the president may issue executive orders, he cannot create laws without the support of Congress. This has led, in part, to the launch of lawsuits regarding the statutory basis of some of these orders. Some are now going through the federal courts on constitutional and lawfulness grounds.

    But the Supreme Court can also review and overturn executive orders that lack legal authority. These orders cannot contradict or supersede existing laws passed by Congress, or violate the US constitution.

    A system of checks and balances that prevents US presidents from becoming too powerful is facilitated by the “separation of powers”, which is written into the US Constitution. The legislative (members of Congress), executive (president) and judiciary (the courts) are all separate bodies – in part to prevent an over-concentration of power in any one body or person.

    Bills passed by presidents in first 85 days

    The US Congress has a key supervisory role through its two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, which work together to pass laws. But there are many reasons why this president may not be that concerned by these constitutional safeguards.

    The Democratic opposition is in an exceptionally weak position to take on Trump. It is in the minority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and is routinely outvoted by the Republicans.

    And Trump is often dismissive of congressional oversight. House committees have previously launched multiple investigations into his conduct, business dealings, and whether he has financially benefited while serving as president. Congress also issued subpoenas for documents and testimonies in 2022, but Trump often resisted or delayed them.

    Congress controls federal spending and can, in theory, deny funds for presidential initiatives. But it is currently full of Republicans who, so far, have not been willing to challenge the president.



    Read more:
    Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s strongman leader doing Donald Trump’s legwork abroad

    Testing the legal limits

    Trump’s approach seems to be one of testing the limits of the law. This was seen with the travel ban imposed on mostly Muslim countries in his first term, which the Supreme Court initially struck down as unconstitutional. The court later upheld a significantly revised version.

    In terms of impeachment, Trump has already been there on two occasions. He was first impeached in 2019 after he allegedly pressured Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, to investigate Joe Biden in the run-up to the 2020 election.

    This claim of illegality on the part of Trump stemmed from it being illegal to ask foreign entities for help in winning a US election. The House of Representatives impeached him for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, but the Senate ultimately acquitted him.

    Trump was impeached again in 2021, after he was accused of inciting the January 6 Capitol riots. For the first time in US history, a president was impeached after leaving office – but he was again acquitted by the Senate.

    Trump has suggested these impeachment attempts are evidence of him being persecuted for his efforts to “drain the swamp” (how he describes Washington’s political establishment). Overall, the president seems to favour testing the limits of executive policy-making, then making changes later if challenged.

    Judges also have an important role to play in checking the work of the president. They can declare presidential actions unconstitutional. For example, in US v Nixon (1974), the Supreme Court ruled the president does not have executive-privilege immunity from court actions.

    Some may think that as the president appoints top judges, this undermines their independence. However, once judges are appointed, they are bound to execute their duties fairly while upholding the rule of law. Importantly, they do not answer to the president for their decisions.

    The US constitution also puts some limits on the office of the president. As part of their oath of office, presidents vow to uphold and defend the constitution and faithfully execute their responsibilities. In that sense, a US president must execute diligence in ensuring the law is faithfully followed. They cannot simply ignore laws they do not like.

    Donald Trump’s Oath of Office.

    And despite claims that Trump is prepared to seek a third term, the 22nd Amendment limits an individual to a maximum of two – although Trump has hinted at a plan to find a way around this.

    As was seen with his previous administration, the voters can turn against sitting presidents and vote them out of power. Businesses and market pressures can also play a significant role, as was seen in the recent pauses in the president’s international tariff decision-making.

    What needs to change?

    A significant amount of change has been achieved via Trump’s executive orders in just 85 days. Meanwhile, judicial oversight and checks will take time to filter through the courts and, if necessary, be tested in the Supreme Court.



    Read more:
    Federal judge finds ‘probable cause’ to hold Trump administration in contempt – a legal scholar explains what this means

    Nonetheless, the judiciary is starting to flex its muscles more. For example, a federal judge has said he would find administration officials in contempt unless they engaged with a legal process to secure the return of Maryland resident Kilmar Ábrego García, after he was illegally sent to an El Salvador prison. This is already being hailed as a test case for the rule of law.

    It’s also noteworthy that recent polls of US citizens indicate 82% want the president to obey federal court orders.

    One area where more explicit clarity in US law might be needed is over the scope of executive orders – to curtail some of the testing of their limits we are currently seeing. While Congress already has the power to legislate to reverse and override an executive order, as well as to refuse to provide the funding necessary to carry out policy measures contained within an order, it (so far) seems unprepared to execute this power.

    In the next few months, the US public and politicians will be able to see the impact of these executive orders – and there will be a wealth of judicial rulings to add to the debate. Whether that will change how Trump operates is as yet unclear.

    Stephen Clear 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. Trump’s tactics for creating disruption are testing the limits of presidential power – a legal expert explains – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tactics-for-creating-disruption-are-testing-the-limits-of-presidential-power-a-legal-expert-explains-254120

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Babbidge Library Exhibit Offers Powerful Images of War, and Hope, Created by Ukrainian Children

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In the drawing, two little children hold hands, the taller figure with shoulder-length hair.

    The shorter figure has hair cropped short, and holds a teddy bear in their other hand, one of the toy’s eyes missing and portrayed as an X.

    Between the two is an umbrella, seemingly their only protection from what’s falling from the sky above them – a cluster of ominous black bombs.

    ‘With faith in victory,’ an original drawing by Anastasiia B., a 14-year-old from Ukraine, from the ‘Children Draw War, Not Flowers’ exhibit, on display at the Babbidge Library until August 1, 2025. (Contributed image)

    The umbrella is striped – yellow, blue, yellow – in the colors of the flag of the artist’s home country: Ukraine.

    It’s a simple drawing, but poignant, and made ever more so by the fact that the artist who created the work, entitled “With faith in victory,” was only 14 years old when they drew it in September 2022, seven months after Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine.

    This drawing, and many others like it – created by Ukrainian children during the ongoing Russo-Ukraine War – are on display at the UConn Library’s Homer Babbidge Library as part of the “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” exhibit, which opened on April 8.

    In the fall of 2022, the Cherkasy Regional Universal Scientific Library, funded by the School of Information at San Jose State University in California, held a drawing competition in 40 public regional libraries in communities where over 220,000 displaced Ukrainians resided.

    Children from the ages of 6 to 18 created more than 450 drawings documenting their experiences of war, trauma, and hope. Those drawings are now part of “Children Draw War, Not Flowers,” which has traveled to a number of institutions but will reside at UConn Storrs until later this summer.

    Its stop at UConn was made possible by a collaboration with Ulia Gosart from San Jose State University, an assistant professor, scholar, writer, and human rights activist who received her bachelor’s degree from Kiev University of Arts in Ukraine and her master’s in library and information science from Southern Connecticut State University, according to Jean Cardinale ’04 MS, head of communication and marketing for the UConn Library.

    “Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Gosart has been supporting Ukrainian libraries by raising awareness and fundraising through programming, including curating this traveling exhibit,” says Cardinale. “She supports her community engaged in war through the power of libraries, and the UConn Library was honored to be asked to take part in her important work.”

    The “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” exhibit includes 70 drawings depicting weapons, loss, soldiers, and destroyed buildings and artifacts. But the drawings also show symbols of hope and pride. The blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag are abundant. Angels hover over Ukrainian soldiers. Sunflowers and storks, images of national solidarity, hang over depictions of war.

    The exhibit’s goal, explains Cardinale, is to help visitors gain greater understanding of the realities Ukrainian people – and especially Ukrainian children – face in the midst of war.

    “Thankfully, living through war is something most of us have not had to experience, and we are geographically so far away that it’s easy to disassociate from what is happening,” Cardinale says. “When you see these pieces where children have drawn themselves amid bombings, fires, and saying goodbye to their homes and their families, you see the trauma that effects children of war.”

    The exhibit at the Babbidge Library also includes drawings from the Mia Farrow Collection, donated to the UConn Library’s Archives & Special Collections in 2009, that were made by refugee children escaping war and ethnic cleansing at the Djabal Refugee Camp in Eastern Chad in 2002.

    “Our Archives & Special Collections has many collections that focus on documenting human rights violations and struggles for social justice in the United States and internationally,” says Cardinale. “Their guiding principles are to enable us to understand the past to inspire our future. Displaying these two collections of drawings together shows parallels in how children have used art to express their feelings during war.”

    For children who may not yet know who to talk with about their feelings, art encourages them to explore their emotions and perceptions through their creativity, Cardinale notes. The images these children have created during two different conflicts, occurring decades apart, show the similarities of their struggles in a powerful and visual way.

    ‘Ukraine will win!’ an original drawing by Yana Kh., an 8-year-old from Ukraine, from the ‘Children Draw War, Not Flowers’ exhibit, on display at the Babbidge Library until August 1, 2025. (Contributed image)

    The exhibit also serves as a reminder that Ukrainian and Ukrainian American students at UConn continue to feel the ongoing impact of the war that may not always be clearly visible to the community at large.

    “We have had the opportunity to connect with the Ukrainian Students Association here at UConn, and at the exhibit’s opening reception, they brought their personal experiences of family members directly affected by the war,” she says. “So, it also serves as a reminder that our students may be experiencing many different challenges that we don’t see and deserve some grace during this stressful time of the semester.”

    “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” will be on display at the Gallery on the Plaza at the Homer Babbidge Library in Storrs through August 1, 2025.

    To view drawings from the “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” collection online, please visit Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online at gallery.sucho.org/collections.

    For more information about this and other exhibits at the UConn Library, as well as collections maintained by the library’s Archives & Special Collections, visit lib.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Drone Market Projected to Reach $57.8 Billion By 2030 as Usage and Demands Soars

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Industry experts are predicting a bright spot of good news about the drone industry value in 2025. New estimates project that the global drone market will be worth $57.8 billion by 2030. That’s a huge increase from previous forecasts, which had the drone industry worth $40.6 billion in 2025. That’s according to a fresh report, dubbed the Drone Market Report 2025-2030. It’s put out by Drone Industry Insights, which is a German consulting group. DII has been putting out similar reports for years now — and this latest report starts by looking at the drone industry value in 2025. From there, it looks at where the commercial drone space is headed over the next five years. As it turns out, the numbers are bigger than experts previously expected. The report said: “So why is the forecast different (and better) than usual? After all, the consumer drone market has not been doing well. But as is the case with many industries, the money is in the business side — not the consumer side. And for the former, drones have become essential tools in industries like construction, agriculture, and energy. Plus, they are increasingly finding their way into fields like logistics (as evidenced by growing drone deliveries, and public safety. As it turns out, most people are making money in drones not by building them, but by actually operating them. The commercial services segment is by far the largest within the drone industry. That’s people who fly for everything from wedding photography to making advanced maps. There’s also increasing military use of small, portable drones. That’s evidenced by groups like Dignitas fighting the war in Ukraine with drones. “Drones as a service” is a broad, widely-encompassing segment, but nonetheless it’s expected to reach $29.4 billion by 2025.  Behind that is the drone hardware industry. In 2025, drone hardware is worth $6.7 billion — but it’s also the fastest-growing segment. That’s likely fueled by recent innovations in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) technology. It also has to do with growing trends like the proliferation of automated drone docking stations.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH).

    The report continued: “Around the world, the number of global drone flights jumped 25% in 2024. Yes, takeoffs rose from an estimated 15.5 million to 19.5 million. Asia saw the most flights at 6.3 million, followed by North America (3.9 million) and Europe (3.8 million). We’ve seen this trend of Asian dominance in all sorts of facets of the industry… it’s impossible to ignore to China’s dominance in drone manufacturing. Of course, recent U.S. economic news around tariffs and free trade could upend this at any time. Just this month, China sanctioned a handful of companies, including some American drone companies. The retaliatory move is China’s way of hurting the U.S. drone industry — but it could also upend who really is the leader. Drone pilots around the world even wonder what the news — which on the surface only impacts the U.S. — could mean for prices and availability of drones for sale in their own countries (even if there isn’t a formal ban on DJI drones imposed on those countries). And with that, pay attention to the emerging role of Latin America and Africa. As drone accessibility improves and local ecosystems flourish, these regions could be the next big thing.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) to Showcase Drone as a Service (DaaS) and AI Drone Innovation for Commercial and Defense Markets at Two Premier Investor Conferences — D. Boral Capital Conference and Ladenburg Technology Innovation Expo25 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that the company was invited and will participate at two prominent investor conferences next month: the D. Boral Capital Conference and the Ladenburg Thalmann Technology Innovation Expo.

    These high-profile investor events bring together a variety of institutional investors to explore cutting-edge technologies and investment opportunities. ZenaTech’s leadership team will present an overview of the company and engage in one-on-one meetings on the latest developments regarding its AI drone solutions for commercial and defense markets and the expansion of its Drones as a Service (DaaS) business model.

    Conference Details:

    D. Boral Capital Inaugural Global Conference: One of the most prestigious events for emerging growth issuers and institutional investors in the world, it showcases dynamic public and private companies across multiple sectors in an intimate setting. Approximately 75 presenting companies and hundreds of institutional investors are expected to attend. Date and Venue: May 14, 2025, The Plaza Hotel — 5th Avenue at Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

    Ladenburg Thalmann Technology Innovation Expo25: The Expo is a full-day event showcasing approximately 50 AI-driven technology companies through presentations, live demos, and one-on-one meetings. Designed to foster meaningful investor engagement, the conference brings together public company executives, institutional investors, and industry professionals. Date and Venue: May 21, 2025, Convene — 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY

    To book a one-on-one meeting with ZenaTech at one of these events, please refer to the conference website links. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, has recently said that it has successfully closed the previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 4,724,412 shares of common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $30 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The offering closed on April 11, 2025.

    “We believe this financing positions Red Cat for significant growth in the drone industry focused on aerospace and defense technologies, establishing Red Cat as one of the fastest growing drone companies based in the United States,” said Jeff Thompson, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat.

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 15, 2025. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.ehang.com/ and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/.

    The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at ir@ehang.com.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

    SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

    Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven security solutions, recently announced that its white paper, “Drone-Based AI for Landmine and UXO Detection and Mapping” has been accepted for presentation at the Annual Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP) 2025 event hosted by The Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS). The paper showcases the Company’s patented, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, drone-based imagery analysis technology’s application in the rapidly growing defense and humanitarian sectors.

    SAGEEP is a premier international conference focusing on the near surface, where practitioners, academics, researchers, consultants, students, and government representatives gather to hear presentations or view posters representing the latest in new approaches and methods in environmental and engineering geophysics. The technical program will also incorporate special sessions planned in Future of Geophysics- Innovative Geophysics and Engineering (FOG), Unmanned Vehicles and Drones, Geophysics for Archaeology and Forensics, GPR Platforms and case studies, HVSR, and Underwater Munitions Response Operations.

    About FN Media Group:
    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why is Donald Trump failing to bring peace to Ukraine like he promised?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jennifer Mathers, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Aberystwyth University

    Ending Russia’s war in Ukraine was one of Donald Trump’s campaign promises, and one that he famously boasted could be achieved in 24 hours. But three months after taking office, the Trump administration has only managed to negotiate a partial ceasefire that has done nothing to stop the fighting.

    On April 13, for example, Russia fired ballistic missiles into the city of Sumy in north-eastern Ukraine, killing at least 35 civilians gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday and injuring over 100 more.

    Military attacks have continued despite numerous meetings between senior Russian and US officials, and phone conversations where Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have spoken directly.

    So, why are Trump’s efforts to end the war struggling to get off the starting blocks? The most important reason is that Russia is blocking progress. Moscow has created obstacles, deployed delaying tactics and has generally muddied the waters.

    Fighting in Ukraine has continued as Washington and Moscow discuss the future of Ukraine.
    Institute for the Study of War

    Trump’s major initiative is his proposal for a 30-day general ceasefire to prepare the way for broader peace negotiations. While Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, agreed to this immediately when it was proposed in March, Putin did not. He instead offered a counter proposal: a partial ceasefire banning attacks on energy infrastructure.

    Russia relies heavily on the export of energy, especially oil, to fund the war. But Ukraine has been systematically targeting Russia’s oil refineries and storage facilities, mainly using domestically produced drones. Ukraine is estimated to have destroyed 10% of Russia’s refining capacity since the beginning of 2025.

    By narrowing the scope of the ceasefire, Putin was able to shield Russia’s energy production while continuing to attack Ukraine. Moscow needs the fighting to continue to achieve its openly stated goal of controlling all of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, the four regions of Ukraine it claimed to annex in 2022.

    Another Russian tactic has been to take every opportunity to present a list of demands for Ukrainian concessions. These include Kyiv giving up its claims to Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia, abandoning its goal of joining Nato, and reducing its armed forces significantly. Russia also wants Ukraine to agree to a change of political leadership.

    This tactic is important for two reasons. First, Russia’s demands make it clear that Moscow envisages the war as the first stage in a longer-term plan to exercise control over all of Ukraine, not only the annexed territories. And second, repeatedly stating Russia’s demands gets them into the public discourse.

    When journalists – or, especially, US officials – repeat them, as Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff did recently, they gain an air of legitimacy. This creates the expectation that a peace agreement will comply with Moscow’s agenda.

    Russia is also good at deflecting attention away from ending the war. Sometimes Putin does this with flattery and by appealing to Trump’s sense of self-importance.

    In an interview about his March trip to Moscow, Witkoff glided over his failure to secure a pledge from the Russians to agree to a general ceasefire and instead conveyed a touching story demonstrating Putin’s regard for Trump.

    Putin apparently told Witkoff that he went to church and prayed for Trump’s recovery after he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during the election campaign. Putin also sent Witkoff back to the US with a portrait of Trump, painted by an artist who is known for producing flattering portraits of Putin himself.

    Another effective tactic of deflection involves money. Russian officials dangle the prospect of lucrative deals involving trade and investment in front of Trump administration officials. This was evidently the focus of much of the first meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia in February, although it was convened to discuss plans for peace.

    It is also probably the reason for Kirill Dmitriev’s visit to Washington at the beginning of April. Dmitriev, a figure close to Putin and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, confirmed to journalists that his discussions encompassed possible deals with the US involving rare-earth metals, exploiting resources in the Arctic, and resuming direct flights between the US and Russia.

    Trump’s role

    While Russia places obstacles in the path of peace, Trump and his officials do nothing to remove them. This allows Moscow to continue waging war without constraints.

    Despite Trump’s occasional tough talk about running out of patience with Moscow, as well as his threats of secondary tariffs on countries that buy oil from Russia, no measures that would put pressure on Russia have been implemented.

    Trump has instead made excuses for Moscow. He described the attack on Sumy as a “mistake”, and has expressed admiration for Putin for dragging his feet to get a better deal with Washington.

    This contrasts sharply with Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. Zelensky was publicly humiliated during his meeting with Trump and US vice-president, J.D. Vance, in the Oval Office in February. Trump has even accused Zelensky of starting the war, which was launched by a mass invasion of Russian forces.

    Trump and his team have shown far less interest in Ukraine’s security needs than in striking a lucrative deal to extract the country’s natural resources. The prospect of the Trump administration negotiating a peace agreement that the Ukrainians would accept seems remote.

    So, where does this leave the peace process? When the partial ceasefire arrangement comes to an end later in April, Washington will have to decide whether to resume its efforts to secure a general ceasefire or chart a new course.

    Based on his track record so far, Trump might just blame the Ukrainians for refusing to surrender to Russia’s terms, abandon attempts to reach a negotiated settlement to the war, and go straight to reestablishing normal relations with Russia.

    Jennifer Mathers 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 is Donald Trump failing to bring peace to Ukraine like he promised? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-donald-trump-failing-to-bring-peace-to-ukraine-like-he-promised-254546

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukraine extends martial law, general mobilization

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Ukrainian parliament voted on Wednesday to extend the country’s current martial law and general military mobilization for another 90 days, parliament member Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on social media Telegram.

    According to Zheleznyak, 357 lawmakers supported the extension of martial law, while 346 backed the mobilization — well above the 226 votes required for approval.

    The new extension will be from May 9 to Aug. 6, reported the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

    Ukraine first imposed martial law and declared nationwide mobilization following the outbreak of the ongoing conflict with Russia in February 2022, and has repeatedly extended both measures.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Joins Governors in Asking EPA for Fuel Waiver to Benefit Summer Drivers

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Joins Governors in Asking EPA for Fuel Waiver to Benefit Summer Drivers

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed onto a letter from a bipartisan group of governors to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are asking Administrator Lee Zeldin to issue an emergency waiver to ensure regulatory consistency for fuel suppliers heading into the summer months.

    Nebraska is one of several Midwest states approved to sell E15 year-round starting April 28. However, establishing a nationwide waiver will help provide a stable supply of fuel and stem shortages and price hikes during the busy summer driving season.

    The letter explains:

    “While our primary goal remains uninterrupted access to E15 for our consumers, we do support the calls for nationwide E15 relief. Given the national energy emergency we are currently experiencing, our consumers need reliable and affordable fuel options, like E15, during the busy summer driving season. The extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and other geopolitical factors that have left U.S. stocks of crude oil and petroleum products near 20-year lows.”

    The governors stressed having a waiver that covers both E10 and E15 blends will ensure equal regulations, boost supply and thereby reduce prices for drivers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, Hoyer Introduce Major Russian Sanctions, Ukraine Assistance Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer today introduced a comprehensive bill to support Ukraine and thwart Russia’s ability to wage its illegal war there. Like the Senate bill introduced earlier this month by Senator Lindsey Graham, this legislative package imposes numerous sanctions and other economic measures against Russia should it fail to cease its war of aggression against Ukraine. But this legislation also includes further vital provisions to sustain security assistance to Ukraine for its defense, generate resources for post-war reconstruction, and override presidential actions to terminate existing sanctions without cause. The bill also imposes new sanctions and export control authorities to place additional pressure on Russia, including to curb tankers carrying Russian oil above the international price cap and to ensure dual-use controls on semiconductors and other technologies that could be used to support Russia’s weapons capabilities.

    A section by section of the legislation can be found here. A PDF of the bill can be found here. 

    Additional cosponsors of the bill include Representatives William Keating, Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Gerry Connolly, Ranking Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Lloyd Doggett. 

    “The US-led international response to Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine has isolated Moscow as a global pariah, devastated the Kremlin’s capacity to fund this war, and provided essential support to the Ukrainians fighting for freedom. Now is not the time to ease up on this successful approach nor put pressure solely on the victim, Ukraine. The U.S. must remain committed to shoring up Ukraine’s ability to negotiate a just, acceptable end to this war and to holding Russia – and those supporting its illegal invasion – accountable for as long as Putin’s war of choice continues. This weekend’s missile attack in Sumy that claimed dozens of civilian lives, including children, further demonstrates the barbarity Russia has used to sow terror throughout this war, and the need to impose serious consequences for its atrocities. Make no mistake – Vladimir Putin started this war. He is a bully with no respect for peace, Ukrainian sovereignty, or international norms, and he will only end this illegal war when the world compels him to,“ said Ranking Member Meeks.

    “Our allies in Ukraine are on the front lines of freedom – fighting not only for their nations’ sovereignty but also against authoritarianism worldwide. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing urgently needed legislation that will support our allies in Ukraine and invest in their recovery through tougher sanctions on Russian oil exports, security and military assistance, and dual use export provisions. Importantly, this legislation also includes provisions that will allow the Congress, a coequal branch of government, to advance resolutions of disapproval if the President waves his authority – and assert with our own voice that Ukraine has bipartisan support in the United States,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer. “I thank Ranking Member Greg Meeks for his work to put together comprehensive legislation that reflects our values, strengthens our democracy, and ensures the United States remains on the right side of history. We must not give aid and comfort to our enemy, Russia, and we must remain steadfast in the battle for democracy.”

    “I am co-sponsoring this legislation because it reaffirms the American people’s unwavering commitment to a sovereign, democratic Ukraine,” said Ranking Member Keating. “As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion, it is critical that the United States stands firmly by its side—not just militarily, but economically and diplomatically. This legislation includes key provisions from my own bills that aim to support Ukraine across multiple fronts. It provides war risk insurance to ensure the continued flow of international commerce with Ukraine, blocks illegal U.S. technology exports to Iran where they are used to manufacture drones deployed by Russia, and promotes the diversification of Ukraine’s energy supply. Ukraine’s victory requires more than military support – it demands a comprehensive strategy to help rebuild its economy, secure its infrastructure, and restore its independence.”

    “Our friends in Ukraine are fighting for the democratic ideals we share against a war criminal, Vladimir Putin, and the rising threat of authoritarianism globally,” said Ranking Member Connolly. “The American commitment to Ukraine, its sovereignty, and its recovery must be lasting and ironclad. We must stand firmly behind the Ukrainian people by countering Russian disinformation, advocating for multilateral support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, providing additional U.S. security assistance, and implementing crippling sanctions on Russia and its enablers to force Putin to the negotiating table. That’s why this bill includes provisions from my bipartisan legislation to expand sanctions on North Korea for its material support for Russia’s illegal invasion. The war in Ukraine is a battle between dictatorship and democracy. Between freedom and oppression. The United States must remain on the right side of history. Slava Ukraini.” 

    “Pleased to join Rep. Meek’s comprehensive bill, including provisions I authored to stop laundered Russian oil imports and to use frozen Russian assets for compensation to Ukrainians. We support Ukraine and reaffirm our recognition of Putin as a war criminal with sole responsibility for the war. We reject appeasement by Trump and his Republican enablers of Putin, who should bear the ever-mounting costs of his ongoing destruction. The world is watching whether America will remain a beacon of hope, standing with our democratic allies, or drift itself into Russian-style authoritarianism,” said Rep. Doggett.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British soldiers take down drone swarm in groundbreaking use of radio wave weapon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    British soldiers take down drone swarm in groundbreaking use of radio wave weapon

    British soldiers have successfully tracked, targeted and defeated swarms of drones in the latest trial of a new directed energy weapon developed in the UK.

    Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator

    • UK-made, invisible radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms for the first time.
    • Weapon has potential to help protect against drone threats as nature of warfare changes.
    • The project supports more than 135 highly skilled jobs across the UK.

    The trial was completed at a weapons range in West Wales and was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise the British Army have conducted to date.

    The weapon system demonstrator is a type of Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) and has proven capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.

    The UK Government has invested more than £40 million in RF DEW research and development to date, supporting 135 highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and the South-East of England.

    It uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside drones, causing them to crash or malfunction. 

    At an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, if developed into operational service it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems. 

    RF DEW systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare.

    The successful trial comes as drone swarms are increasingly seen in use in frontline combat in Ukraine. UK Defence Intelligence estimates that last year Ukraine had to defend against attacks from more than 18,000 drones.

    With national security a foundation for the Plan for Change, the government is significantly increasing the proportion of MOD’s equipment procurement spend on novel technologies, spending at least 10% from 2025-26. It follows the announcement of the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, as the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by April 2027.

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said:

    This significant experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation – driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent. 

    We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.

    The project has been delivered by Team Hersa – a collaboration between Defence Equipment & Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The RF DEW demonstrator has been developed by an industry consortium led by Thales UK.

    Successful experiments included the Army taking down two swarms of drones in a single engagement, and the project saw more than 100 drones being tracked, engaged and defeated using the weapon across all trials.

    Sgt Mayers, a Senior Remotely-Piloted Air Systems Operator from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery, had the honour of being the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radiofrequency weapon.

    Sgt Mayers said:

    RF DEW is an exciting concept. We found the demonstrator quick to learn and easy to use. With improvements on range and power, which could come with further development, this would be a great asset to Layered Air Defence.

    Protecting national security is the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change and the development of RF DEW systems could help to protect the UK from unidentified drones at security sensitive areas such as defence bases, and could play a role in preventing disruption at airports. 

    The RF DEW development supports the Defence Industrial Strategy – to support the UK defence industry in mobilising to help face down global threats and ensuring the sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK. The MOD is working with a range of industry partners to deliver powerful future RF DEW capabilities for UK forces.

    Thales, which led the development of the RF DEW demonstrator, employ around 100 highly skilled engineering and manufacturing staff in Northern Ireland on the project, and there are a further 30-35 highly skilled supply chain jobs in Chelmsford, Essex, that directly contribute to the development of the weapon demonstrator. 

    Nigel MacVean, MD of Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems, said: 

    Thales continues to be at the forefront of this pioneering technology, and we are proud to continue the research and development in this sector alongside our partners in Government.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –