MILITARY NEWS AND PENTAGON

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin © RIA Novosti / Russia's Foreign Ministry  

RT: Russia outlines conditions for Ukraine peace deal  

Kiev should rule out joining NATO and the EU and respect the rights of minorities, Moscow’s deputy foreign minister says  

The Ukraine conflict could be settled if Kiev were to re-commit to its neutral status, recognize “new territorial realities,” and declare Russian as a state language, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview released on Saturday. 

Speaking to TASS news agency, the diplomat said Moscow “is convinced that a peace settlement will be possible only if the Ukrainian armed forces cease hostilities, and Western weapons shipments are stopped.”  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Russia’s Foreign Ministry says conditions for peace include Ukraine recognizing ‘new territorial realities’ and Russian as state language (Meduza)  

Update #2: Russia begins talking about peace again, seeking "recognition of territorial arrangements" and cessation of Ukrainian forces' actions (Ukrainska Pravda)  

WNU Editor: Ukraine is already on the record refusing all of these conditions.

Reuters: At Least Three Killed in Clash on Iran-Afghan Border 

DUBAI (Reuters) - Two Iranian border guards and one Taliban fighter were killed after shooting broke out near a border post between Iran and Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman and Iran's state media said on Saturday.

It was not immediately clear what had provoked the incident, in which several people were also injured, but it came amid tensions between the two countries over water rights. 

Iran has accused Afghanistan's Taliban rulers of violating a 1973 treaty by restricting the flow of water from the Helmand river to Iran's parched eastern regions, an accusation denied by the Taliban. 

"Today, in Nimroz province, Iranian border forces fired toward Afghanistan, which was met with a counter-reaction," spokesman for the Taliban-run interior ministry, Abdul Nafi Takor, said in a statement. 

"The situation is under control now. The Islamic Emirate does not want to fight with its neighbours," the spokesman said, without identifying the victims.  

Read more .... 

Iran, Taliban Exchange Heavy Fire Amid Border Water Dispute  

Iran exchanges heavy gunfire with Taliban on Afghan border, escalating tensions over water rights -- AP  

Iranian Border Guards Killed in Taliban Clash Amid Water Dispute -- Bloomberg 

Iranian and Taliban forces engage in shootout on border over water dispute -- Times of Israel  

Taliban clash with Iranian forces – reports -- RT  

At least three killed in shooting at Iran-Afghan border -- Al Jazeera

DW: 50 million people trapped in 'modern slavery' — report 

The number of people living in modern slavery has risen sharply in the last five years, according to a new report. North Korea and Eritrea have the highest rates in the world. 

There has been a significant rise in the number of people becoming victims of modern slavery in recent years, a new study published in London on Wednesday shows. 

An estimated 50 million people were "living in situations of modern slavery" in 2021, according to the Global Slavery Index released by the human rights organization Walk Free. 

That represents an increase of 10 million since a previous estimate five years ago.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The report is here .... Global Estimates of Modern Slavery (Walk Free). 

 New Report Says 50 Million People Are Trapped In 'Modern Slavery'  

50 million people in modern slavery: UN report -- United Nations  

20 richest countries account for over half of 50 million people in 'modern slavery,' report says -- AP  

50 Million People Are Living in 'Modern Slavery' -- Time 

US 1 of 17 countries practicing ‘modern slavery’ with forced labor: report -- The Hill  

Modern slavery most common in North Korea, Eritrea, report says -- Al Jazeera

BBC: Hundreds of expelled Germans set to leave Russia 

Hundreds of Germans working in the education and cultural sectors will be expelled from Russia next month, the German foreign ministry says. 

It confirmed media reports that Russia had decided to cap the number of German employees from the start of June. 

They include teachers at the German school in Moscow and staff at the Goethe Institute cultural association. 

The move follows tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats and increasingly strained relations between Russia and Germany. Last month, Russia and Germany each declared 40 employees of their respective embassies personae non gratae - or unwelcome - and expelled them.  

Read more .... 

Kremlin Expels Hundreds of German Government Employees  

German civil servants expelled from Russia -- DW  

Russia to expel hundreds of German workers by start of June -- Euronews  

Hundreds of German civil servants set to leave Russia -- RTE  

Hundreds of German civil servants are being expelled from Russia -- CNN  

Moscow forced to respond to Berlin’s anti-Russian steps — diplomat -- TASS

Ukrainian serviceman operates a reconnaissance unmanned aerial device over the outskirts of Bakhmut town, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, near a frontline Donetsk region, Ukraine May 25, 2023. Reuters  

The Telegraph: Drone attack damages Russian oil pipeline facility hundreds of miles from Ukraine 

Ukrainian drones attacked and damaged oil pipeline infrastructure hundreds of miles inside Russia on Saturday, Russian officials said. 

One of the pipelines reportedly attacked was the Soviet-built Druzhba pipeline in the Tver province of northwest Russia, 300 miles from the border with Ukraine. 

“There were no casualties. Emergency services are currently working at the scene,” the Tver government said in a statement. 

Russia has accused Ukraine of hitting oil pipelines previously, including the Druzhba pipeline, which sends oil to Europe.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Since the fall of Bakhmut (last week), Ukraine has been launching numerous drone and long range missile attacks deep into Russia. This is a definitely a new phase in the war. 

 Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Pipeline Installations With Drone Attacks  

Ukraine targets Russian oil pipeline installations with drones - Russian media (Reuters)  

Drones Damage Building In Russia’s Pskov Region – Governor -- AFP  

Explosion Rocks Southern Russia’s Krasnodar in Apparent Drone Attack -- Moscow Times 

At least 2 dead in strikes on Russian territory, officials say -- ABC News  

Ukraine targets Russian oil pipeline installations with drone attacks, Russian media says -- ABC News Australia

NEW YORK — Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman to deliver a commencement speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, lauded graduating cadets Saturday for their noble sacrifice in serving their country, but noted they were entering an “unsettled world” because of Russian aggression and the rising threats from China.

“The world has drastically changed,” Harris told the roughly 950 graduating cadets, referring to the global pandemic that took millions of lives, the fraught shifts in global politics in Europe and in Asia, and other challenges.

“It is clear you graduate into an increasingly unsettled world where long-standing principles are at risk,” she said.

The vice president highlighted the pursuit of international security and prosperity, and reminded the cadets that America’s democratic ideals “inspire billions.”

“In the face of all these challenges, America plays a singular role of leadership,” she said. “Cadets, global security and global prosperity depend on the leadership of the United States of America. And a strong America remains indispensable to the world.”

The vice president also singled out Russia and China for criticism.

New approach at West Point has cadets attacking future war problems

She called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the first major ground war in Europe since World War II, “an attack on the lives and freedom of the Ukrainian people and an attack on international rules and norms that have served as the foundation of international security and prosperity for generations.”

And she warned cadets to be wary of China because it is “modernizing its military and threatening both the freedom of the seas and rules of international commerce.”

“At the same time, autocrats have become bolder, the threat of terrorism persists, and an accelerating climate crisis continues to disrupt lives and livelihood,” Harris said.

Harris touched on the importance of having institutions reflect the diversity of the broader United States.

“Our military is strongest when it reflects the people of America,” she said.

When the graduating cadets first arrived at West Point in 2019, 23 percent were women. The class was 71% Caucasian, 15% Black, 12% Hispanic and 8% Asian.

Defense secretary tells Naval Academy graduates they’re ready to serve

West Point dates to 1802. Since then, the college has educated many future military leaders including Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Gen. George Patton and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Harris was joined at the commencement by Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, who in 2021 became the first woman to hold the military service’s top civilian post, and Gen. James C. McConville, the Army chief of staff.

Upon graduation, the cadets were commissioned as Army second lieutenants.

“To the Class of 2023: You join the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen,” Harris said. “And in years to come, I promise you, you will be tried, and you will be tested.”

“And I am so very confident that you will rise to each occasion. Whatever comes your way. You are ready. And you are ready because you are true leaders of character.”

— Army Times staff contributed to this report.

WNU Editor: A lot of updates on the Russia - Ukraine war from the Military Summary channel (see above). Alexander Mercouris gives his updates on the war below. 

Ukraine destroyed 22 Russian artillery systems within a day [yesterday, Friday, May 26th.]. This is claimed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russian air defense has shot down 10+ Storm Shadow low-observable, long-range, air-launched missiles and missed 6 says report tracking attacks over past 2 weeks

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft sits parked on flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 8, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin)  

Business Insider: Flying the F-16 in Ukraine is 'high risk,' and Kyiv's air forces can't just fly the fighter jet headlong into Russia's defenses 

* Momentum is building for Ukraine to receive the F-16s it has long sought. 

* If Kyiv's air forces get the jet as expected, they won't be able to fly them directly at Russian defenses. 

* Airpower experts, including former pilots, say Ukraine will have to get creative. 

Ukraine is a lot closer to getting US-made F-16s, but once it finally gets its hands on them, Kyiv's air force likely isn't going to be flying them into Russian-held territory or dogfighting with Russian fighters right out of the gate — at least not if it wants to keep them. 

The jet can't risk going head-to-head against the Russian military's more modern systems, like its air superiority fighters and the formidable S-400 air defense system, not without weakening them first. "And nobody's advocating for that," an air power expert told Insider. "That's nuts."  

Read more ....  

Update #1: F-16s are heading to Ukraine - but will they pose a credible threat to the Russian Air Force? (SKY News)  

Update #2: How Can Ukraine Use the F-16? Retired USAF Generals and F-16 Pilots Explain. (Air & Space Forces)  

WNU Editor: Deploying these F-16s are not going to be cheap .... '$2B for 10 Aircraft': Pentagon Looks to Allies to Fund Ukraine F-16 Training (Military.com).

RND is sounding the alarm about possible decrypted communication between Ukrainian soldiers. The information is based on conversations with Ukrainian soldiers.

Reuters: Serbia President Puts Military on Combat Alert, Orders Army to Move Closer to Kosovo Border 

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic placed the country's army on full combat alert and ordered its units to move closer to the border with Kosovo, the Tanjug news agency reported on Friday. 

Vucic's orders came as Serbs in the northern Kosovo's municipality of Zvecan clashed with Kosovo police who were trying to help the newly elected ethnic Albanian mayor enter his office. 

The local vote had been boycotted by Serbs who represent a majority in the area. Local media reported that Kosovo police fired tear gas at a crowd gathered in front of the municipality building.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It looks like what Kosovo is doing is backfiring .... US, EU allies scold Kosovo for escalating tensions with Serbia (Politico.eu). 

Serbia Puts Army On High Alert After Kosovo Serbs Clash With Police  

Serbia sends troops to border after Kosovo clashes -- BBC  

Serbia sends army to Kosovo border as protest escalates -- DW  

Kosovar Police Clash With Protesters In Serb-Majority Northern Towns, Drawing U.S., EU Rebukes -- RFE 

Serbian border troops to maintain highest state of alert after ethnic clashes inside Kosovo -- AP  

Serbia's president says NATO-led troops 'did not do their job' to stop 'brutal' violence in Kosovo -- SKY News  

Serbia puts army on high alert as Kosovo Serbs clash with police -- Al Jazeera

Employees, mostly veterans of military computing units, use keyboards as they work at a cyber hotline facility at Israel's Computer Emergency Response Centre (CERT) in Beersheba, southern Israel February 14, 2019. Picture taken February 14, 2019. REUTERS/Amir Cohen  

Reuters: Israel Aims to Be 'AI Superpower', Advance Autonomous Warfare 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel aims to parlay its technological prowess to become an artificial intelligence "superpower", the Defence Ministry director-general said on Monday, predicting advances in autonomous warfare and streamlined combat decision-making. 

Steps to harness rapid AI evolutions include the formation of a dedicated organisation for military robotics in the ministry, and a record-high budget for related research and development this year, retired army general Eyal Zamir said.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Israel's goal is to be AI 'powerhouse' -- JNS  

Update #2: Between Iran, Russia and AI: Israel braces for a new phase in cyberwarfare -- Haaretz  

WNU Editor: The Israeli Defence Ministry director-general is stating what every military planner in the world is thinking. AI systems and networks is the future of warfare.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant delivers a video message at an Israel Air Force base on May 23, 2023. (The Ministry of Defense) 

Al-Monitor: Israeli brass sounds alarm on Iran's readiness to launch nuclear attack 

Israeli officials are watching tensely as intelligence indicates Iran is working on the detonation mechanisms needed for a nuclear bomb. 

TEL AVIV — Israeli security chiefs have become especially worried recently, not only over Iran’s moves to enrich uranium, but also on Tehran's rapidly growing capabilities to launch a military nuclear attack. 

Even in amid speculation about a US push to forge a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia, Israel’s top commander sounded an ominous warning. Speaking on May 23 at the annual Herzliya Conference, Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi warned of negative developments that could lead to Israel taking action against Iran.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iran's allies are also adding to the current tensions .... Hezbollah chief responds to Israeli warnings: You’re not threatening war, we are (Times Of Israel). More here .... 'We Are Talking About A Big War': Hezbollah Leader Threatens Israel (I24NEWS). 

More News On Growing Nuclear Tensions Between Israel And Iran  

Israel's defense chief warns Tehran against further nuclear development: 'We have the ability to hit Iran' -- FOX News 

Israeli national security chief: New Iranian nuclear facility not immune from attack -- AP  

Israel: Iran May Soon Enrich Uranium to 84% Purity -- Jewish Press  

Israel ‘Modifying’ F-15EX Fighters To ‘EXterminate’ Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Using Bunker-Busting GBU-57 Bombs -- EurAsian Times 

War Clouds Gather over Israel as Iran Makes Peace with Arab Rivals -- Newsweek

The missile is called Kheibar — a reference to a Jewish castle overrun by Muslim warriors in the early days of Islam.(Reuters: Iran's Ministry of Defence/West Asia News Agency)  

Times of Israel: US warns of ‘serious threat’ after Iran unveils new ballistic missile  

State Department spokesman asserts that administration using variety of tools, including sanctions, to counter further advancement of Tehran’s ballistic missile program  

WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday called Iran’s missile program a “serious threat” after the clerical state unveiled a new model with its longest range to date. 

“Iran’s development, and proliferation of, ballistic missiles poses a serious threat to regional and international security and remains a significant non-proliferation challenge,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters during a briefing.  

Read more .... 

Iran Says It Has Successfully Test-Launch A 2000km-Range Ballistic Missile

Iran unveils latest version of ballistic missile amid wider tensions over nuclear program -- AP 

Iran says it has successfully test-launched ballistic missile -- Reuters  

Iran tests missile with 1250-mile range as Israel threatens 'action' over nuclear programme -- Daily Mail  

Iran says it has successfully launched 2,000km-range ballistic missile -- SKY News

Iran test-launches upgraded ballistic missile capable of reaching Israel -- ABC News Australia

Defense News: Biden picks Brown to be Joint Chiefs chairman 

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced he has nominated Air Force Gen. CQ Brown to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a brief ceremony in the White House’s Rose Garden. 

“Gen. Brown is a warrior, descended from a proud line of warriors,” Biden said, referencing Brown’s Vietnam veteran father as well as his grandfather, who led a segregated unit in World War II.

Brown’s command roles in the Indo-Pacific region, the Middle East and Europe give him “an unmatched firsthand knowledge of our operational theaters, and a strategic vision to understand how they all work together to ensure security for the American people,” Biden said, flanked by Brown, Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.  

Read more .... 

Biden Nominates Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown As The Next Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff  

Biden Nominates 'Top-Notch Strategist' as Next Joint Chiefs Chairman -- US Department of Defense 

Biden picks history-making Air Force fighter pilot to serve as next Joint Chiefs chairman -- AP  

Biden formally announces Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as next top military officer -- The Hill  

Biden nominates Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- CNN  

Gen Charles "CQ" Brown Jr: History-making fighter pilot picked as new Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman -- BBC  

Who is Charles ‘CQ’ Brown Jr., Biden’s nominee to be the top U.S. general? -- Washington Post

An F-15QA Advanced Eagle [also known as F-15QA Ababil] with serial number 17-0037 performed its first check flight at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Warzone/The Drive: Iranian Underground Nuclear Facility May Be A Hard Target For America’s Biggest Bunker Busters  

The U.S.’s heaviest conventional bunker busters may face challenges penetrating new underground tunnels near Iran’s Natanz nuclear site.  

The U.S. military’s most powerful, deeply burrowing Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker buster bombs, or MOPs, may be unable to penetrate a buried nuclear facility in central Iran, analysis of new satellite images suggests. The Air Force’s 30,000-pound class GBU-57/B MOPs are guided weapons specifically designed to penetrate highly fortified targets such as Iran’s underground nuclear facilities and can impact surfaces above targets with great accuracy. Most recently, a rare ‘live’ MOP was pictured at Whiteman Air Force Base, as you can read more about here.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: An Iranian nuclear facility is so deep underground that US airstrikes likely couldn’t reach it (AP)  

Update #2: US bombs unlikely to reach underground Iran nuclear site: Report (Al Jazeera)  

WNU Editor: It looks like The U.S. needs to build a bigger and more powerful bomb.