First and second, links to Associated Press and Reuters reports, both linked to others. (Note: the news services’ stories are constantly updated so headlines and texts may differ from what appears below.) Third, a talk on YouTube by Ray McGovern, a cofounder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity. Then, Washington Post columnist Henry Olsen writes on long-term challenges to Western dominance. Finally, links to four segments heard on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition.” — MCM
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Russia pounds eastern Ukraine as West promises Kyiv new arms, by Yesica Fisch and Jon Gambrell | The Associated Press TORETSK, Ukraine — Russia pounded eastern Ukraine today as the U.S. defense secretary promised to “keep moving heaven and earth” to get Kyiv the weapons it needs to repel the new offensive even as Moscow warned such support risked widening the war. . . . U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that more help was on the way, as he convened a meeting of officials from around 40 countries at the United States’ Ramstein Air Base in Germany to pledge more weapons. Germany announced it cleared the way for delivery of Gepard anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine. “This gathering reflects the galvanized world,” Austin said . . . READ MORE . . .
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Moscow cites risk of nuclear war as U.S., allies pledge heavier arms for Ukraine, by Phil Stewart and Pavel Polityuk | Reuters * Russia warns U.S. against arming Ukraine * U.S. eyes ammunition for howitzers, tanks, grenade launchers * UK to send ambulances, fire engines and medical supplies | RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany / KYIV — Russia accused NATO of creating a serious risk of nuclear war by arming Ukraine in a proxy battle as Washington and its allies met today to pledge the heavy weapons Kyiv needs to achieve victory. U.S. officials have shifted emphasis this week from speaking mainly about helping Ukraine defend itself to bolder talk of a Ukrainian victory delivering a blow to Russia’s ability to threaten its neighbours. . . . In a marked escalation of Russian rhetoric, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was asked on state TV about the prospect of World War Three and whether the current situation was comparable to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis that nearly caused nuclear war. “The danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it,” Lavrov said, according to the ministry’s transcript of the interview. “NATO, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war.” READ MORE . . .
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Ray McGovern on Ukraine: It’s not what they’re telling you. Via YouTube. In an hour and a half talk including questions and answers, the retired intelligence analyst puts the war in a six-decades context. Click HERE to watch and listen (no transcript available).
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Is this the Western alliance’s last hurrah? by Henry Olsen | The Washington Post The unity of Western democracies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is marvelous and long overdue. But these nations’ fading economic power might mean this is the old order’s last hurrah. . . . The liberal, rules-based international order that arose in the latter part of the 20th century rested on those nations’ continued global economic dominance. Other nations . . . READ MORE . . .
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NATO defense officials meet in Germany to decide the next steps for Ukraine. NPR’s Leila Fadel talks with former U.S. Ambassador Ivo Daalder about what options NATO has left as Washington wants to weaken Russia to the point where it can’t wage a war like this again. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, to read.
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As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on, what is the endgame for sanctions? Reported by Asma Khalid | NPR Before Russia invaded Ukraine, the threat of harsh economic sanctions was wielded as a deterrent. But the White House message has evolved. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, to read.
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Deep scars remain after Russian troops pulled out of Trostyanets. Reported by Franco Ordoñez | NPR A small Ukrainian town near the Russian border was the first to be liberated after a four-week Russian occupation. Its challenges provide a window into the tough road ahead for similar communities. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, to read.
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Investigating the timing and implications of Brittney Griner’s arrest in Russia. NPR’s Rachel Martin talks with Yahoo Sports writer Jeff Eisenberg about suspicions surrounding the case of WNBA all-star Brittney Griner, still being held in a Russian prison months after her arrest. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, to read.