MILNEWS.ca Highlights + #UKR Update – June 14, 2019

#MLI-Africa/#OpPRESENCE

• “Canada delays departure from Mali until end of August”
• “Liberals push end of Mali peacekeeping mission to August”
• “La mission canadienne au Mali se terminera en août”
• “Canada plans responsible departure from Mali peacekeeping mission” (Govt of Canada info-machine)
• “Tit-For-Tat Killings in Mali Escalate a Cycle of Ethnic Violence”
• “Attack in Mali demonstrates growing jihadist threat, (NGO) official says”
• “ECOWAS condemns attacks in Mali and offers support to goverment”
• “Malian president visits massacre site”
• “Mali president urges restraint after massacre”
• “What’s behind Mali massacre and how to stop escalating violence”
• “Mali’s council of ministers fired the governor of its central Mopti region after gunmen killed dozens of people in the latest ethnic killings there, it said in a statement …”

#IRQ-Middle East/#OpIMPACT

• “U.S. blaming Iran for oil tanker attack, weighing all options in response”
• “U.S. military says video shows Iran removing unexploded mine from oil tanker”
• “Iran categorically rejects US accusations over attacks on tankers”
• “Iran rejects US blame for tanker attacks in Gulf of Oman”
• “Gulf of Oman tanker attacks: What could be Iran’s motive?”
• “Gulf of Oman Attacks Trigger Tighter Security on Key Shipping Routes”
• More on Gulf of Oman ship attacks (Google News)
• “UN Security Council to hold consultations on situation in Gulf of Oman”

#RUS-Baltics-Cold War 2.0/#OpREASSURANCE

• “COBRA Company of 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, organized a course “DP2 –Weapons Detachment Member” at Camp Adazi in Latvia to strengthen interoperability between nations contributing to the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia …” (CAN Army info-machine)
• “Russia warns NATO over US-Poland troop move”
• “NATO and Russia: Maneuvers and countermaneuvers on the Baltic Sea”
• “Military exercise BALTOPS kicks off along Estonia’s coast”
• “New Tank Regiment?” (Russian Defense Policy blog)
• “Turkey to retaliate if US takes sanctions over S-400 contract, says foreign minister”
• “US continues attempts to convince India not to purchase Russia’s S-400 systems — official”
• “Russia’s Glonass navigation satellites to switch to domestic components by 2023”

#UKR/#OpUNIFIER

• “A summary of the situation in the area of ​​the operation of the United forces as of 07:00 June 14, 2019” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “JFO: МAP – 14.06.2019” (UKR NSDC)
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 13 June 2019”

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• “Militants shell dwelling houses in Mariinka: 9-year-old child injured,” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire five times over 24 hours” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)
• “Ukrainian military defuse 40 mines with foreign marking in Donbas” (UKR media)
• “House burns down, 9 civil infrastructure facilities damaged as Kiev shells Zolotoye-5” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)
• “Donbas: Two Ukrainian servicemen wounded over 24 hours” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 125 times over the week, 28 houses damaged” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)
• “One Ukrainian serviceman wounded in Donbas over 24 hours” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 14 times in 24 hours” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)
• “One Ukrainian soldier wounded amid Donbas hostilities in past 24 hours” (UKR media)
• “Four people injured, incl. child, as Russia-led forces shell Maryinka” (UKR media)
• “Two Ukrainian soldiers wounded in Donbas amid 29 enemy attacks in past day” (UKR media)
• “Russian-led forces launched 29 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” (UKR media)

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• “Russian occupation forces build first rail track on Kerch Strait Bridge” (UKR media)
• “Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with families of sailors detained near the Kerch Strait” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “Zelensky to families of seamen captured by Russia: “They will be released soon”” (UKR media)

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• “Ukraine calls on NATO to develop strategic deterrence capabilities in Black Sea” (UKR media)
• “Russia’s Black Sea Fleet aircraft and air defense troops hold coastal defense drills” (RUS state media)

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• “Ukraines’s SBU finds Kremlin involved in downing IL-76 over Luhansk in 2014” (UKR media)
• “Ukraine commemorates airborne troops who perished in IL-76 downing in June 2014” (UKR media)
• “Ukrainian president honors Il-76 plane crash victims” (UKR media)
• “Ukraine names Russians who downed Il–76 with 40 paratroopers near Luhansk in 2014” (UKR media)
• “Volodymyr Zelensky honored the victims of the catastrophe of the IL-76 and other defenders who died on June 14 in different years of the war” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• 2014 Ukrainian Air Force Il-76 shootdown (Wikipedia)

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• “Vilkha MLR systems set to be accepted for service with Ukraine Army: defense minister” (UKR media)
• “Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Danyliuk and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak participated in the tests of modernized missiles of the “Vilkha” multiple launch rocket system” (UKR NSDC)
• “NSDC expects advancing anti-corruption reform in defense industry with arrival of Abromavicius to Ukroboronprom’s supervisory board” (UKR media)
• “Ukroboronprom’s Civil Aviation Plant 410 boosting aircraft repair in interests of Armed Forces, foreign customers” (UKR media)

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• “Electing Zelensky creates new opportunity to reach peace in Donbas, – Bolton” (UKR media)
• “Trump adviser: Zelensky’s election creates new opportunity to push for peace in Donbas” (UKR media)

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• “Zelensky appoints Mykola Balan as Commander of National Guard” (UKR media)
• “Zelensky appoints Serhiy Deineko as head of Ukraine’s State Border Service” (UKR media)

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• “Demolishing of Zhukov bust in Kharkiv: police hold searches” (UKR media)

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• “Ukrainian security forces detain head of ‘Central Election Commission of DPR’ ” (UKR media)
• “Ukrainian law enforcers detain ‘DPR’ CEC chief responsible for organizing 2014 sham referendum” (UKR media)

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• “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajcak to discuss the role of the OSCE in regulating the conflict in Donbas, including the role of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine …” (UKR media)
• “Zelensky and Lajčák discuss ceasefire and return of peace to Donbas” (UKR media)

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• “DPR investigates over 500 criminal cases on Ukrainian war crimes” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)

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• “MH17: JIT next week to name individuals behind jet downing” (UKR media)

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• “(UKR) Foreign Ministry condemns issuance of Russian passports to residents of occupied Donbas” (UKR media)
• “Russia begins issuing passports to residents of occupied Donbas” (UKR media)
• “First group of Donbas residents arrive in Russia for passports – Russian media” (UKR media)
• “Russia registeres 12,000 applications for citizenship from LPR residents” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)
• “Russia approves 1,200 applications for passports from DPR residents” (pro-RUS rebel info machine)
• “Russian Interior Ministry receives 12,000 passport applications from Donbass residents” (RUS state media)

#CHN/Pacific Rim

• “Canadian minister dismisses suggestion to block Huawei CFO’s extradition”
• “La Chine blâme le Canada pour la dégradation de leur relation”
• ” ‘Chinese’ cyber spy ring accused of targeting key players in Belt and Road Initiative”
• “United Nations’ counterterrorism chief Vladimir Voronkov in China to visit Xinjiang internment camps”

Way Up North

• “In the Arctic as in space, Russia and West can look past differences to pursue common goals: study”
• “Russians ‘Welcome Climate Change’ for Arctic Dominance Plans”
• “Maersk explores Arctic shipping route with Russia”

Internal Security

• “Sajjan taken to task about white supremacists in the Canadian Forces – military says it’s dealing with the issue”
• “PO1 Bressette defended colleagues from knife attacker” (RCN info-machine via Facebook) – Ayanle Hassan Ali (Google News)
• “Charity suspended over terror financing concerns gets Canada Summer Jobs grant”
• “Trudeau Government Gives Canada Summer Jobs Money To Group Suspended By CRA For Possible Terrorist Financing” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• “Fake online stories claim Trudeau begged foreign leaders ‘to send him a million immigrants’ “

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Citadelle de Québec King’s Bastion restoration project” (DND info-machine)

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Craig Dalton, Canada’s new veterans ombudsman, says he fears his office has lost the trust and respect of some former soldiers and their families. He’s calling for an independent review of his mandate — one that would include the possibility of having him report independently and directly to Parliament, instead of the veterans minister …”
• “House of Commons unanimously adopts motion urging end to veteran homelessness”
• “Vétérans sans-abri: les Communes proposent une solution”
• “MP Ellis motion to end veteran homelessness supported in the House”
• In the Chamber on Twitter: “Earlier today, Private Members’ Business Motion #M225 (Veteran homelessness in Canada) was adopted by unanimous consent.… “

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Opinion: Without civilian oversight, sexual-assault survivors in the military will not be well served”

Remembering

• “Victoria will not ask Ottawa to help pay for Remembrance Day ceremonies”
• “Victoria city council will continue to fund Remembrance Day events, councillors apologize to veterans”
• “Military won’t be asked to fund Remembrance Day costs after Victoria shoots down proposal”
• “A contrite Victoria council backs away from plan to ask military to foot bill for policing events such as Remembrance Day”
• “Offer made to pay for Remembrance Day in Victoria ahead of council debate”
• “London Drugs says it will pay for Victoria’s Remembrance Day ceremonies”
• “Veterans boycott Victoria after city councillor’s tirade against Remembrance Day ceremony”

Other Military News

• “A Conversation with a Member of the Canadian Reserves”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights + #UKR Update – June 10, 2019

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Bidding criteria for Canada’s $19B fighter jet competition seem to favour the F-35”
• “Bidding criteria for Canada’s $19B fighter jet competition will emphasize strategic attack and ground-strike capabilities — seeming to favour the F-35”
• “Davie says Ottawa has never alerted it when journalist call about contracts”
• “The federal government intends to turn to a third Canadian shipyard for the construction of its long-awaited polar ice breaker, according to officials at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which oversees the Canadian Coast Guard …”
• “Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade protects sailors from quieter submarines and torpedoes” (RCN info-machine)

#IRQ-Middle East/#OpIMPACT

• “Canadian general says Islamic State defeated but ideology ‘alive and well’ “
• “ISIS: Resilient, Adaptable, Decentralized”
• “La France rapatrie de Syrie douze enfants orphelins de jihadistes”

#CHN/Pacific Rim

• “Canadian Prof Accused of Stealing Technology for China Had Funding From Ottawa in Same Period: Report”
• “Des subventions pour un espion”
• “Trump’s Softer Stance on Huawei is ‘New Nuance,’ Canada Says”
• “31st Chinese naval escort taskforce wraps up visit to Australia” (CHN military media)
• “Huawei Signs Contract to Build 5G Network in Russia”
• “Assessment of the Effects of Chinese Nationalism on China’s Foreign Policy” (Divergent Options paper)

#MLI-Africa/#OpPRESENCE

• “Attack on Mali village ‘kills 100′”
• “Mali: une centaine de morts dans un nouveau “carnage”, le gouvernement appelé à agir”
• “Malian Mi-35 spotted ahead of delivery”
• “Russia to send military to the Central African Republic by end of June”

#Russia-Baltics-Cold War 2.0/#OpREASSURANCE

• “NATO: Alliance exercises in Baltic are not directed against third countries”
• “USAF aircraft arrives in Poland to practice offensive operations”
• “GAO Report: Navy not doing enough missile testing in Poland”
• “Large-Scale NATO exercises begin in Lithuania”
• “Multinational Exercise Iron Wolf to begin on Saturday: tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery systems will move to defence positions across Lithuania” (LTU MoD)
• “Latvian government to evaluate plan to mobilize the army”

#UKR/#OpUNIFIER

• “JFO: МAP – 10.06.2019” (UKR NSDC)  
• “Briefing of the English spokesman of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (video)” (10 June, UKR MoD) 
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 9 June 2019” 
• “A summary of the situation in the area of ​​the operation of the Joint Forces at 0700 hours on June 9, 2019” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian) 
• “JFO: МAP – 09.06.2019” (UKR NSDC) 
• Essence of Time summary, 6-9 June 2019 (pro-RUS site, with maps, in Russian) 
• “A summary of the situation in the area of ​​the operation of the Joint Forces at 07:00 June 08, 2019” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian) 
• “JFO: МAP – 08.06.2019” (UKR NSDC) 
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 7 June 2019”

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• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire once over 24 hours” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Russia-occupation forces attack Ukrainian positions in Donbas 26 times in past 24 hours – JFO HQ” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 17 times in 24 hours” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Kyiv: Russia deployed heavy weapons to the demarcation line in Donbas” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 100 times over the week” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “26 attacks by Russian proxies yesterday: no losses among Ukrainian soldiers, 10 Russian terrorists wounded” (UKR media)
• “Two KIA, five WIA amid Donbas hostilities in past 24 hours” (UKR media)
• “Escalation in Donbas: Ukraine reports 26 enemy attacks warzone in past day” (UKR media)
• “Russian media repeat false claim on use of force in Donbas – Polygraph” (UKR media)
• “Ukraine says enemy in Donbas firing from artillery, tanks” (UKR media)
• “Day in Donbas: One Ukrainian soldier wounded” (UKR media)
• “Day in Donbas: Fourteen attacks by pro-Russian militants” (UKR media)
• “Russian-backed militants shell peaceful settlements in Donbas combat zone” (UKR media)
• “Donbas war: Occupants violate armistice 11 times on June 9” (UKR media)
• “Russian-led forces launched 26 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” (UKR media)
• “Soldiers in JFO area have full right to return fire under own decision” (UKR media)

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• “Russia Argues Against Ukraine’s Black Sea Case Before Arbitration Panel” (USA govt funded media)

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• “Spot Report: Bullets near SMM patrol in area of Molodizhne” (OSCE)
• “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission patrol comes under fire in Donbas” (UKR media)
• “OSCE reports bullets passing above SMM patrol in Donbas on June 9” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces fire at SMM patrol – People’s Militia” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)

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• “Ukraine fails 80th attempt to disengage forces in Stanitsa Luganskaya zone (PHOTOS)” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “LPR ready to disengage forces in Stanitsa Luganskaya zone – People’s Militia (PHOTOS)” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Armed Forces of the Russian Federation tore up planned for June 16, the breeding of forces and means in the district of Stanislau Luhansk” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Russian-backed miiltants frustrate separation of forces in Donbas combat area” (UKR media)
• “Militants disrupt decouplement near Stanytsia Luhanska, – Joint Forces Operation command” (UKR media)

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• “Western advisers kill Ukrainian soldiers to escalate the situation” (Donbass Insider, pro-RUS site)
• ““Western advisers kill Ukrainian soldiers for the sake of exacerbating the situation in the Donbass” – author of the project “Way Wiesenthal” ” (pro-RUS rebel media, in Russian)
• “West continues to sponsor the war in the Donbass” (highlights comms hardware/software, pro-RUS site)
• “West continues to sponsor a war in the Donbass” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine, in Russian)
• “Ukrainian fighters sell ammunition to the defenders of Novorossia” (pro-RUS site)

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• “DPR Prosecutor General’s Office opens more criminal cases following June shelling” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)

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• “Escalation of the situation in DPR – Kiev’s crappy excuses” (pro-RUS site)

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• “Zelensky urges Russia to stop attacks in Donbas” (UKR media)
• “Zelensky’s spokesperson explains earlier statement on “Russia’s loss of control over mercenaries”” (UKR media)

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• “Volker wishes Kuchma success representing Ukraine in TCG” (UKR media)
• “Zelensky’s adviser: Pinchuk helps to persuade Kuchma to re-join Minsk talks” (UKR media)
• “Ukraine risks going for concessions on Donbas but getting nothing in return – Rzeczpospolita” (UKR media)
• “Russia expects Kiev to take steps for Minsk accords implementation, says Putin’s aide” (RUS state media)

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• “China turns to Ukraine to upgrade its military, – The Washington Post” (UKR media)
• “Russia, again, trying to tar Ukraine in bid to squeeze it out of Indian arms market” (UKR media)
• “Ukraine’s Armed Forces adopt Yatran system for detecting enemy’s objects under water” (UKR media)

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• Meanwhile, Next Door …
  
• “Protests planned as Moldovan Parliament says state “seized”, forms new government” (UKR media)
• “EU recognizes new coalition government in Moldova” (UKR media)
• “Statement by the NATO Spokesperson on the situation in the Republic of Moldova” (NATO info-machine)
• “NATO concerned about over Moldova’s political crisis” (UKR media)
• “Statement by the Foreign Ministry in connection with the events in the Republic of Moldova” (RUS MFA info-machine)
• “Foreign Ministry of Ukraine urges to thwart Russian scenario of Moldova’s federalization” (UKR media)
• “Prospect of Russia creating bridgehead in Moldova to pose threat to Ukraine’s south – FM Klimkin” (UKR media)
• “SBU strengthens counter-intelligence regime on Ukraine-Moldova border” (UKR media)
• “Counterintelligence activities involving radical Russians stepped up on Ukraine-Moldova border – SBU” (UKR media)
• “Kremlin: Russia set to work with Moldova’s new coalition government” (RUS state media)
• “Moldovan Political Crisis Brings Great Opportunities but Also Serious Risks” (Jamestown Foundation)
• “Moldova calls early election as President Dodon suspended from office” (BNN News)

Internal Security

• “Canada’s military spies can collect and share information about Canadian citizens – including material gathered by chance – as long as it supports a legitimate investigation, says a newly disclosed federal directive …”
• “Directive Reveals Canada’s Military Spies May Gather Data on Country’s Citizens – Report”
• “Canadian Military Spies Can Take Information From Your Phone”
• “Minister Goodale meets with United States Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan” (Public Safety Canada info-machine)
• “How social networks are recruiting teenage extremists”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans Ombudsman Craig Dalton today released his office’s 2019 Report Card, which reports on the Government’s progress to improve services and support for Veterans and their families. The release was made before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs …” (Vets ‘Budman info-machine)
• “2019 Report Card” (Veterans Ombudsman)
• “Are military personnel’s and veterans’ suicides casualties of war?”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Military sexual-assault trials have high acquittal rate despite zero-tolerance policy, study finds”
• “Defence Watch podcast: The military’s sexual misconduct problem”

Other Military News

• “Royal Canadian Navy to Welcome New Commander, New Command Chief Petty Officer” (DND info-machine)
• “The court martial of Canada’s chief military judge kicked off Monday with testimony about Col. Mario Dutil’s close professional and “familial” relationship with the judge presiding over his trial: Dutil’s own deputy. The testimony delivered on the first day of Dutil’s court martial, in which he is facing eight charges, underscored the unprecedented nature of the case — and why the court martial is considered a test of the military justice system …”
• “Initiatives launched to retain and increase RCAF personnel experience levels” (RCAF info-machine)
• “Facing pilot shortage, Canada’s Air Force offers new bonuses”
• “Minister of National Defence to welcome provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa at third Seamless Canada Meeting” (DND info-machine)
• “Royal Canadian Navy ships visit St. Lawrence Seaway-Great Lakes communities in 2019” (itinerary, via RCN info-machine)
• “Isitt blames bad timing for controversy over his call for military-cost review”
• “The only thing surprising about (Victoria BC councillor) Ben Isitt’s Remembrance Day comments is that anybody is surprised”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights + #UKR Update – May 27, 2019

D-Day -10

• “Uncovering D-Day: Canadians unearthing, preserving Hitler’s Atlantic Wall as reminder of war”
• “Bid to get D-Day beaches added to list of UN World Heritage Sites in limbo”
• “La Monnaie royale canadienne lance une pièce de circulation de 2 $ soulignant le 75e anniversaire du jour J”
• “Royal Canadian Mint honours Canadians who landed at Juno Beach with a $2 circulation coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day” (RC Mint info-machine)

#MLI-Africa/#OpPRESENCE

• “Canada must not abandon Mali”
• “Mali: Returning to a destroyed land”
• “6th Chinese peacekeeping force to Mali returns home” (CHN mil media)
• “Sub-Regional Forces in the Fight against Violent Organisations: the G5 Sahel Joint Force in Mali” (academic paper)
• “Four Christians killed in attack on Catholic church in Burkina Faso”
• “Russian Defense Ministry opens representative office in Central African Republic”
• “Russian military specialists going to Congo Republic”

#IRQ-Middle East/Op IMPACT

• “How a suspected Iran-based campaign tried to get Canadian media to spread fake news”
• “Trump: Japan-Mediated Iran Talks ‘Would Be Fine’ “
• “Iraqi premier to reopen heavily fortified Green Zone during Eid al-Fitr”
• “Parliament to elect new Kurdistan Region President on Tuesday”
• “(USA) Congressmen affirm support for Kurds against Turkish threats”
• “Controversial Norway-based Kurdish cleric Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad, known as Mullah Krekar, has said he would support Tehran against the “infidels” if a war breaks out between Iran and the United States …” (Kurdish media)
• “Iraqi court sentences 3 French nationals to death for joining Islamic State”
• “Three French ISIL members sentenced to death in Iraq”
• “Islamic State: Iraq sentences French citizens to death”

Way Up North

• “Russia, Canada and Denmark discuss claimed ‘disputable’ Arctic shelf zones”
• “Canada Makes Substantial Step in Arctic Territory Delimitation, Submits Claim Which Includes North Pole”
• “Latest Arena for China’s Growing Global Ambitions: The Arctic”
• “Canada’s Navy forges ties with Inuit Nunangat” (DND info-machine)
• “Russian nuclear powered icebreaker could facilitate India’s round year entry to Arctic”
• “Launch of icebreaker «Ural» will give boost to year-around Northern Sea Route shipping”
• “Russian Murmansk-BN jamming systems take the globe under control” (pravda.ru)
• “Here is the Northern Fleet’s secret marine mammal facility”

Russia-Baltics-Cold War 2.0/#OpREASSURANCE

• “Design flaws delay Russia’s most high-tech nuclear submarine”
• “Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas at NATO Headquarters on Monday (27 May 2019) to discuss the Alliance’s continuing adaptation and preparations for the upcoming London Summit in December …” (NATO info-machine)
• “What Happens If America Leaves NATO? Russia Wins.”

#UKR/Op UNIFIER

• “A summary of the situation in the area of ​​the operation of the United forces as of 18:00 on May 27, 2019” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Briefing of the English spokesman of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (video)” (UKR MoD, 27 May 2019)
• “JFO: МAP – 27.05.2019” (UKR NSDC)
• “SUMMARY OF SQUAD “THE ESSENCE OF TIME” FOR MAY 23-26” (pro-RUS site, with maps, in Russian)
  

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• “Day in Donbas: Two attacks by pro-Russian militants over the day” (UKR media)
• “Ukraine reports three enemy attacks in Donbas warzone in past day” (UKR media)
• “Ukrainian reconnaissance drone downed in LPR” (RUS state media)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire six times in 24 hours” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 67 times over the week” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire once over 24 hours” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Three attacks by Russian proxies yesterday: no losses among Ukrainian soldiers” (UKR media)
• “No casualties reported amid Donbas hostilities in past 24 hours – JFO HQ” (UKR media)
  

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• “Pentagon to supply Ukraine with anti-ship missiles” (Defence Blog)
• “An important decision we have been waiting for. Active engagement with the US Congress and the Pentagon, increasing confidence in Ukraine, yields its result. US Senate proposes to increase to $ 300 million and significantly expand security assistance to Ukraine in the defense budget for 2020 …” (Embassy of Ukraine in USA FB page)
  

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• “Russian portable ground surveillance radar Kredo-M1 PSNR-8 spotted in the occupied territory” (InformNapalm.org, pro-UKR OSINT site)
  

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• “Turchynov says he is no longer NSDC Secretary” (UKR media)
• “Chesnakov: Zelensky is not going to fulfill Minsk Agreements” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Kremlin regrets on withdrawal of Medvedchuk from Donbas talks” (UKR media)
• “Russia regrets on withdrawal of Medvedchuk from Donbas talks” (UKR media)
• “No prospects of Minsk deal’s implementation under Zelensky, notes Russian expert” (RUS state media)
• “Russian expert says no future for Minsk-2 with Zelensky as Ukraine’s president” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
  

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• “Special arbitration to be set up to hear case on Ukrainian POWs – Zerkal” (UKR media)
• “Kremlin comments on ITLOS decision to free Ukrainian sailors” (UKR media)
• “Kremlin Rebuffs Call to Release Detained Ukrainian Sailors” (RUS independent media)
• “NATO calls on Russia to immediately free Ukrainian sailors, ships” (UKR media)
• “Kremlin not to execute Tribunal’s decision on release of Ukrainian POWs” (UKR media)
• “Yatsenyuk urges Zelensky to demand UN Security Council session as Russia does not fulfill ITLOS decision” (UKR media)
• “Kremlin vows to continue defending Moscow’s position on Kerch Strait” (RUS state media)
  

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• “Kiev continues war against Donbass following Washington’s guidelines – Russian political expert” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
  

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What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted:  “Personal Defence Weapon (x 48) … DND has a requirement for a concealable, automatic, (9 mm or 5.56mm) sub-machine gun to enable soldiers to operate in tactical environments in an independent manner …” – Statement of Work (20pg PDF)
• Wanted:  Public Affairs “target analysis”
• Wanted:  Boil in a bag meals
  

Afghanistan

• “New Afghanistan memorial will be opened to public, Gen. Jonathan Vance says”
• “ON TARGET: Beechwood perfect fit for Kandahar memorial”

Big Honkin’ Ship Document Leak Case

• “Sajjan touts female recruitment numbers, says Norman’s reinstatement in Vance’s hands”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “A former top military adviser who was on an infamous Canadian Forces junket that resulted in a sex assault charge being laid against a former NHL player, and complaints about harassment of flight attendants, is now working as a consultant for the military’s sexual misconduct response team. Former Chief Warrant Officer Kevin West, who retired last year, acknowledged there have been questions about why he didn’t act during what has been dubbed by military personnel as the “party flight.” …”
• “Military slow to address sexual harassment problem: Senators”

Other Military News

• “Canadian soldier of the First World War discovered in France and identified” (DND info-machine)
• “Building a national consensus on defence”
• “Trudeau puts partisan politics ahead of national security”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights + #UKR Update – May 26, 2019

• Big Honkin’ Ship Document Leak Case
• “Vice Adm. Mark Norman and Gen. Vance hold first meeting but naval officer still not back on the job”
• “Vice-Admiral Mark Norman had talks with Gen. Vance about returning to work”
• “Mark Norman met with Chief of Defence Staff about returning to former post: source”
• Afghanistan
• Statement from the Chief of the Defence Staff: “… The best of intentions have led to unintended harm. When it comes to the opening last week of the Afghanistan Memorial Hall at the new National Defence Headquarters, we unintentionally went down that path. We owe the family and friends of our Fallen, all who served in Afghanistan, and Canadians an apology for not properly including you and not properly communicating with you. I am truly sorry for our insensitivity and the pain, anger and frustration that this decision caused you. I accept full responsibility for it all …”
• ” ‘I am truly sorry’: Vance apologizes to slain soldiers’ families over closed-doors Afghan war monument”
• “Vance ‘truly sorry’ for Afghanistan memorial decision”
• “New Afghanistan memorial will be opened to public, Gen. Jonathan Vance says”
• “New Afghanistan memorial will be opened to public, Gen. Jonathan Vance says”
• “Le général Vance réagit à la polémique sur le Hall commémoratif de l’Afghanistan”
• “Christie Blatchford: Retired soldier who helped bring back Kandahar memorial is furious, too, about its fate”
• #IRQ-Middle East/Op IMPACT
• “Trump Sends More Troops to the Middle East to Deter Iran”
• “Iraq Offers to Mediate in Crisis Between its Allies Iran, US”
• “Sources: Turkey Arms Syrian Rebels Facing Russian-Backed Assault”
• Way Up North
  “Russia and Canada may hold conference on Arctic in 2020”
• “Canada Applies to UN on Delimiting Its Outer Continental Shelf in Arctic”
• “Russia Launches Nuclear Icebreaker as It Eyes Arctic Future”
• “Russia launches world’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker to open up Arctic shipping routes”
• “Russia Launches New Icebreaker As It Seeks To Dominate Arctic”
• “State-of-the-Art Russian Nuclear Icebreaker Floated Out in St. Petersburg”
• #UKR/Op UNIFIER
• “Ukraine’s President Zelensky invited to visit Canada on July 2 – Ambassador” (UKR media)
• “Canada expects Zelensky on June 2, – Canadian Ambassador” (UKR media)
• “Zelensky invited to visit Canada on July 2 – ambassador” (UKR media)
  

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• “A summary of the situation in the area of ​​the operation of the Joint Forces at 07:00 on May 26, 2019” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “JFO: МAP – 26.05.2019” (UKR NSDC)
• “Summary of the situation in the area of ​​the operation of the Joint forces as of 18:00 on May 25, 2019” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “JFO: МAP – 25.05.2019” (UKR NSDC)
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 24 May 2019”
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 23 May 2019”
  

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• “Kiev forces open artillery fire on DPR south, damage reported” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “JFO: Ukraine reports four enemy attacks in Donbas May 25” (UKR media)
• “LPR Air Defense downs Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV” (pro_RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Donbas war: Occupants violate ceasefire regime six times over 24 hours” (UKR media)
• “Kiev forces shell five settlements in Donetsk republic, official says” (RUS state media)
• “Day in Donbas: Occupant opens fire four times, no casualties” (UKR media)
• “Day in Donbas: Occupants violated ceasefire regime 17 times, one Ukrainian soldier died and one more wounded” (UKR media)
• “Russia-led forces mount six attacks on Ukrainian positions on May 25”
• “Day in Donbas: Occupants violated ceasefire regime 10 times, one Ukrainian soldier wounded” (UKR media)
  

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• “Names of Ukrainian servicemen captured in Donbas on May 22 became known” (UKR media)
  

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• “UN Maritime Tribunal Rules Russia Must Release Ukrainian Sailors, Ships” (USA govt funded media)
• “Case concerning the detention of three Ukrainian naval vessels (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures” (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea)
• “Russia’s aggression in Kerch Strait: Court allows to detain 15 Russian military”
• “Intl Tribunal for Law of Sea obliges Russia to release three Ukrainian vessels, 24 sailors, return them to Ukraine” (UKR media)
• “Russia Must Release Detained Ukrainian Sailors – Maritime Tribunal” (RUS independent media)
• “Russia ordered to immediately release 24 Ukrainian seamen in major victory for Ukraine” (Human Rights in Ukraine. NGO)
• “Maritime Tribunal obliges Russia to report on release of Ukrainian sailors no later June 25” (UKR media)
• “UN Tribunal rules Russia should release detained Ukrainian sailors” (RUS state media)
• “NATO demands release of Ukrainian sailors detained in Russia” (RUS state media)
  

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• “Setting Ukrainian sailors free, Rusia can signal its willingness to solve the problems in a civilized manner – President of Ukraine on the order of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “Zelensky: Russia’s execution of ITLOS order to release Ukrainian sailors could be signal of readiness to end conflict with Ukraine”
• “Execution of ITLOS order to release Ukrainian sailors by Russia could be first signal of readiness to end conflict with Ukraine” (UKR media)
  

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• “Russia says it won’t abide by ITLOS decision to free Ukrainian sailors”
• “UN Convention does not apply to Kerch Strait incident dispute – Foreign Ministry” (RUS state media)
• “Moscow: Int’l Tribunal for Law of Sea Has No Jurisdiction Over Kerch Strait Case” (RUS state media)
• #CHN/Pacific Rim
• “Relations ‘at rock bottom’, says China’s ambassador to Canada”
• “China’s navy is being forced to rethink its spending plans as cost of trade war rises”
• “China slams US maritime provocations” (CHN COmmunist Party media)
• What’s Canada Buying?
• “Matt Gurney: The Navy’s not our only fleet crippled by government incompetence”
• “Serco Inc. announced that the Company has entered into a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire Alion Science & Technology Corporation’s Naval Systems Business Unit, including its Canadian business and a small number of related contract operations (collectively ‘NSBU’), for $225 million …”
• Omar Khadr, Continued …
• “CBC’s ‘Tout Le Monde En Parle’ Suspended From Twitter For ‘Glorifying Terrorism’ After Disgraceful Omar Khadr Segment” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF
• “Canada’s military should stop dragging its feet on ending sexual abuse”
• Other Military News
• “Canadian naval ships to make first ever port call at Vietnam military base”
• “MAPLE RESOLVE 19: Canadiens et alliés s’entraînent pour faire face aux complexités des conflits modernes”
• “… There we have the Canadian defence policy dilemma, for the past 75+ years, in a nutshell: “Canada can either take an active part in our own security … [do enough, in other words, to prevent an alternative which ones hopes is unacceptable to most Canadians] … or leave it to the United States,” and, in effect, surrender our sovereignty to the Americans …” (Ted Campbell’s Point of View)
• “Canada faces a foreign-policy fork in the road. Are voters hungry for change?”
• “Exploring the Possibility of Mexican Membership in NATO”
• “Introducing the Canadian Defence and Security Network — The time has come to roll out the Canadian Defence and Security Network. We have been working on funding the CDSN for several years, so we are elated and just a wee bit anxious …” (Saideman’s Semi-Spew blog) – Canadian Defence and Security Network web site

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 23, 2019

• What’s Canada Buying?
• “Ottawa introduces $15.7-billion program to renew coast guard fleet, navy”
• “Canada builds new Arctic patrol vessels”
• “Trudeau unveils plan to address Coast Guard ship needs”
• “Trudeau pledges billions for new coast guard fleet but mum on how he plans to circumvent delays”
• “Canada to Spend $11.7Bln on New Coast Guard Ships – Statement”
• “Ottawa achèterait deux autres navires à Irving pour éviter des licenciements”
• Way Up North
• “Canada marks major milestone in defining its continental shelf in Arctic Ocean — After more than a decade’s worth of scientific and legal work to determine the limits of Canada’s undersea landmass in the Arctic, Canada today filed a 2,100 page submission with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf at United Nations headquarters in New York …” (Global Affairs Canada info-machine)
• “Canada’s Arctic Ocean continental shelf submission”
• “For 2nd day in a row, US military jets intercept Russian bombers off Alaska”
• “U.S. Will Not Increase Presence in Arctic Until 2025”
• “Alaskans at war with U.S. military over readiness exercises”
• “Arctic Russia: Military towns growing while overall population slides”
• “US Aims at Turning Arctic Region into Theater of Military Operations: Moscow”
• “Putin appoints new leader of Northern Fleet”
• Afghanistan
• “Top soldier admits handling of Kandahar memorial ‘hit a nerve;’ vows access”
• “Private ceremony ‘slap in the face’ for families of dead soldiers”
• “Secret dedication of Afghanistan war memorial slammed by former mission commander”
• “EDITORIAL: Make the Afghan war memorial open to all”
• “A war memorial ‘built for soldiers by soldiers’ — that soldiers can’t even go see”
• Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF
• “Canadian Military Has Made Minimal Progress On Sexual Misconduct Issue: Statistics Canada”
• “Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces” (Stats Canada)
• “Sexual misconduct persists in military despite efforts to curb assault, StatsCan reports”
• “Sexual misconduct still a ‘destructive problem’ in the Canadian Armed Forces”
• “Minimal progress in military’s fight against sexual misconduct, survey finds”
• “Les inconduites sexuelles dans les Forces armées canadiennes” (StatsCan)
• “Pas de baisse des inconduites sexuelles dans l’armée malgré les efforts déployés”
• “Inconduites sexuelles dans l’armée: pas de baisse malgré les efforts déployés”
• “Christie Blatchford: Canadian military has bigger problems beyond the curse of sexual misconduct”
• #OpREASSURANCE/Russia-Baltics-Cold War 2.0
• “Russia and America Are Taking Turns Probing Each Other’s Air Space”
• “U.S., Estonia Sign 5-Year Road Map of Defense Cooperation” (USA DoD info-machine)
• “Estonia, US sign five-year road map for continued defense cooperation”
• “Baltic Sea mine warfare exercises Open Spirit concluded in Lithuania”
• “State Security Service has yet to observe foreign influence over EP elections in Latvia”
• “Russia Will ‘Take Measures’ Against U.S. Radar Near Its Border, Thought to Be Part of Missile Defense”
• #OpPRESENCE/#MLI-Africa
• “What to Make of the Government’s Decision not to Extend its Mission in Mali” (NATO Association of Canada)
• “Brazil expresses regret for attacked UN mission in Mali”
• “UAE offers Malian army tanks to fight terrorism”
• “Mission de paix : le Bénin prolonge le séjour de ses policiers au Mali”
• “Gros plan sur la mission des militaires belges au Mali”
• “G5 Sahel : le QG de la force conjointe indésirable à Bamako”
• “German government steps up military intervention in Mali” (World Socialist Web Site)
• “UNHCR Mali Situation: 2019 Funding Update (as of 21 May 2019)”
• “Atrocity Alert No. 155: Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka and Healthcare in Armed Conflict” (Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect)
• “We need a Marshall Plan for West Africa — to keep us all safe”
• Other Military News
• ” The Department of National Defence is looking to the entertainment industry to help fill its ranks as military membership continues to languish. Canada’s armed forces have struggled for years to attract and retain talent. The latest reports only highlight the growing gulf between the number of members required for a fully staffed service, and the lack of actual personnel. On May 7, Procurement Canada published an expression of interest notice asking the film and television industry to help boost the military’s brand among millennials and young Canadians …”
• “Interment ceremony for a Canadian soldier of the Second World War” (DND info-machine)
• “Canada and the Poundmaker Cree Nation to mark exoneration of Chief Poundmaker at special community ceremony” (Crown-Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs Canada info-machine)
• Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker) (The Canadian Encyclopedia)
• Pîhtokahanapiwiyin (Wikipedia)
• “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians need to learn the real story of a prominent Saskatchewan chief who was a peacemaker, not a criminal. Trudeau set the record straight Thursday by fully exonerating Chief Poundmaker of treason after the Cree leader’s conviction 134 years ago …”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 21, 2019

• What’s Canada Buying?
• “US clears $1 billion in Raytheon weapons for Canada, South Korea and Japan … Canada has been cleared to purchase $387 million worth of MK 54 lightweight torpedo conversion kits …”
• “Canada – MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes — The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of MK 54 lightweight torpedoes with support for an estimated cost of $387 million …” (Defense Security Cooperation Agency info-machine)
• “Canada to buy 425 MK 54 lightweight torpedo conversion kits”
• “Boeing offered Super Hornet Block III fighters to Canada”
• Big Honkin’ Ship Document Leak Case
• ” ‘It was my decision and my responsibility’: Vance speaks on suspension of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman”
• “Liberals stymie Commons defence committee inquiry into Mark Norman case”
• “Liberals vote down attempt to launch probe into Mark Norman case”
• “Les libéraux refusent d’entendre Mark Norman en comité parlementaire”
• “Andrew Scheer veut une enquête publique dans l’affaire Mark Norman”
• “Conservatives say they’re ‘confident’ Mark Norman will expose more Liberal wrongdoing”
• ” ‘The fight of your life’: Mark Norman finally tells his side of the story”
• “Le vice-amiral Mark Norman raconte son cauchemar”
• “How the Liberals spent the week blaming everyone else for the Mark Norman fiasco”
• “Mark Norman has been vindicated – but the navy-procurement crisis ticks on”
• “Chantier Davie: une enquête de la GRC lancée après une colère de Trudeau”
• Afghanistan
• “Canadian Forces Afghan memorial dedicated in ceremony (14 May) – officials decided to limit publicity”
• #CHN/Pacific Rim
• “Canada sends delegation to China to press for release of citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor”
• “Canada sends delegation to China to press for release of citizens”
• “Two Canadians Arrested on State Secrets Charges”
• “Kovrig is ‘holding up as well as one could hope for,’ says Canadian detainee’s boss”
• “China’s offensive on Canada, in plain sight”
• “Chinese businessman-turned-Taoist leader confirms he is father of the student who was kidnapped in Canada”
• “USS Preble Sails Near Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea”
• “Coast Guard Gives US New Tool in Disputed South China Sea”
• “South China Sea: US Destroyer Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation Near Scarborough Shoal”
• “China opposes US provocation in South China Sea” (CHN mil media)
• “Experts: It’s of little effect for US to gang up allies and stir up the South China Sea” (CHN mil media)
• “(US) Navy has four ships patrolling South China Sea”
• “What does the reduction of Okinawa-based US Marine Corps imply?” (CHN mil media)
• “Xi stresses military personnel education for strong armed forces” (CHN mil media)
• “Chinese, Russian senior diplomats agree to boost joint efforts on global strategic stability” (CHN mil media)
• “Trump Bans China’s Huawei In US Amid National Security Concerns”
• “Australia – caught between the U.S. and China – has banned Huawei. Why can’t Canada?”
• #OpPRESENCE/#MLI-Africa
• “Mali violence: Nigerian peacekeeper killed in Timbuktu”
• “Burkina Faso Seeks Broad Sahel Anti-Terror Coalition”
• “Christians in Burkina Faso seek refuge”
• “Islamic State claims it killed 28 Nigerien soldiers”
• “Group 1 of China’s 6th batch of peacekeepers to Mali return home” (CHN mil media)
• “G5-Sahel force five years on”
• Way Up North
• “Winning at all costs: the bizarre position of the Trump administration on the Northwest Passage”
• “Russia says its radio-electronic shield now covers the Arctic”
• “Moscow as Beijing’s ‘Useful Partner’ in the Arctic Region”
• “F-22s Intercept Russian Bombers, Fighter Jets Off Coast of Alaska”
• “U.S. fighter jets intercept Russian warplanes off Alaska”
• “U.S. fighters escort Russian strategic bombers over Arctic, Pacific oceans”
• “Denmark threatens Russia with fighter jets in Arctic region”
• “US fighter jets intercept Russian warplanes off the coast of Alaska”
• “Putin makes Arctic push”
• “The Arctic is America’s Next Maritime Frontier”
• “Chinese rig makes massive gas discovery in Arctic Russia” 
• #OpREASSURANCE/Russia-Baltics-Cold War 2.0
  
• “Lithuanian Armed Forces prepares for Exercise Defender 2020” (LTU MoD)
• “Russia’s Special Operations Forces Command and the Strategy of Limited Actions”
• Internal Security
  “Turkey willing to help Canada repatriate ISIS members held in Syria, official says”
• “NATO researchers consult federal government on foreign election meddling”
• “Protecting Elections: A Strategic Communications Approach” (NATO info-machine)
• “Canada introducing digital charter to combat hate speech, misinformation”
• ” ‘Distasteful alliances’: The secret story of Canada’s fight against migrants”
• Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)
• “Disabled Veterans Under attack by VAC” (open letter via Facebook)
• Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF
• “The Department of National Defence and Statistics Canada will hold a news conference to address the findings in the 2018 Statistics Canada Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces on Wednesday, May 22, at 9 a.m. (EDT) …” (DND info-machine)
• “Sexual Harassment and Violence in the Canadian Armed Forces” (Senate of Canada)
• “Inconduite sexuelle toujours omniprésente au sein des Forces armées canadiennes, conclut un comité sénatorial”
• “Former sailor remembers persecution that followed decriminalization of homosexuality”
• Other Military News
• Did the headline writer REALLY mean this?  “High schoolers go commando at military co-op placement”
• “Gen. Vance receives a raise – Trudeau recommended increase to upper limit of $306,500”
• “Canada, NATO, and the ‘Dumbbell’ Concept”
• “Better bang for a bullet: Artillery school aligns core exercises with courses” (Canadian Army Today)
• “Parliament Hill excavation uncovers pre-Confederation military complex”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 13, 2019

Domestic Ops

• “Army to remain in Quebec flood zones to help with cleanup operations”
• “Soldiers help protect Pembroke, Ont., against historic Ottawa River flooding”
  

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  F-35 Tug o’ War

• “Canada Caves to US Pressure on F-35, Stands to Lose $14 Bln in Benefits – Report”
• “Canada reportedly takes more lenient approach to fighter offsets”
• “New Canadian fighter jets will need U.S. certification: DND”
• “Government Says Canada Needs U.S. Permission On Fighter Jet Choice” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• “Why America and a Key Ally are Going to ‘War’ Over the F-35”
• “Lockmart Throws Tantrum … Gets Rules Changed … Slightly” (Best Fighter for Canada blog)
  

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  What’s Canada Buying?

• “QinetiQ Wins C$51M Contract to Supply UMS SKELDAR V-200 Unmanned Helicopter-Based ISTAR Solution to Canadian Armed Forces” (QinetiQ info-machine)
• “MDA Awarded $39M Contract to Deliver 10 SAR Repeaters for Canada’s MEOSAR System”
• “Government of Canada awards contract for new space-based search and rescue technology” (Gov’t of Canada info-machine)
• “Le gouvernement du Canada attribue un contrat pour une nouvelle technologie de recherche et de sauvetage spatiale”
• “Vard explores concepts for Canadian Coast Guard future fleet”
  

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  Big Honkin’ Ship Document Leak Case

• “In an inspired performance, Norman lawyer Marie Henein did incalculable damage to the Trudeau brand”
• “On Mark Norman case, heads should roll … and not the junior ones”
• “Harjit Sajjan won’t give Vice Admiral Mark Norman his job back after being vindicated”
• “Conservatives, NDP call for emergency committee meeting on Mark Norman case”
• “The Liberals may be ticked about Mark Norman, but they should be relieved”
• “Opposition force emergency meeting of defence committee on Norman affair”
• “Norman was told by Harper cabinet to talk to Quebec shipyard about leasing deal”
• “Questions abound over ‘ugly’ defence procurement system following Mark Norman case”
• “Sajjan says he regrets the process Mark Norman had to go through”
• “Investigation into Norman affair is doomed, but Trudeau still likely to take damage”
• “Mark Norman fiasco brutally lays bare Ottawa’s incompetence”
• “Peter MacKay says RCMP should have questioned Tories on Mark Norman case”
• “Blatchford: My top three ‘lessons learned’ from the Mark Norman case”
• “GoFundMe campaign for Vice-Admiral Mark Norman will remain active for now”
• “Mark Norman should be next chief of defence staff, says MacKay”
• “Mounties defend their handling of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman case”
  

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  #LVA/Europe – Op REASSURANCE/Cold War 2.0

• “Russia Won’t Start a (Conventional) War in the Baltics”
• “The largest Spring Storm military exercise is on the way in Estonia”
• “(UK) Armed Forces Minister meets 1,000 UK personnel based in Estonia on NATO mission” (GOV.UK info-machine)
• “Lithuania’s cyber security status report: more complex cyber-attacks, vulnerable devices and websites” (LTU MoD)
• “A member of the (EST) Defence Forces was turned into a propaganda scandal in Sillamäe” (propastop.org, fact checking site)
• “Baltic Pipe to Cut Poland’s Gas Dependence on Russia”
• “(BLR Pres) Lukashenko: overthrow of power in Belarus is impossible”
• “To What Extent Is Russia Cutting Military Spending?” (Warsaw Institute)
• “New Missiles for the ‘Bear’ and ‘Blackjack’”
• “MiG-35 Update” (Russian Defense Policy blog)
• “Proportion of advanced weapons in Russia’s strategic nuclear forces reached 82%”
• “Navy Command Swapped Out” (RUssian Defense Policy blog)
  

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  #MLI – Op PRESENCE/Africa

• “Mali: Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel – Report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/371)” (UN)
• “Mali: Conclusions du Conseil sur le Sahel (13 mai 2019)” (EU)
• “Militants kill 18 Mali civilians in double ambush: officials”
• “Mali: 15 morts et plusieurs blessés suite à une attaque contre le village Hermakono”
• “Mali [Urgent]: Au moins 12 civils tués dans une attaque dans le cercle de Niono”
• “Mali : 26 personnes perissent dans l’explosion d’une mine”
• “Assessment of the Efficacy of the French Military Intervention in the Northern Mali Conflict” (Divergent Options paper)
• “Six dead in Burkina Faso church attack”
• “Gunmen attack Catholic church in Burkina Faso; 6 killed”
• “UN condemns deadly attack on Burkina Faso church” (UN News)
• “Burkina Faso church attack reflects rising threat in the Sahel”
• “French army rescues four hostages in Sahel, two soldiers killed in operation — During the rescue operation to free four hostages in Burkina Faso, two French soldiers were killed. Many had given up hope as each day passed by, but the two French tourists kidnapped on May 1 along with the American and South Korean are now safe …”
• “French troops free hostages in Burkina Faso”
• “French Military Frees Foreign Hostages from Burkina Faso”
• “Deux Français enlevés au Bénin libérés par l’armée au Burkina Faso”
• “French military frees hostages in Burkina Faso, two commandos killed”
• “Au Burkina Faso, les djihadistes ne cessent de gagner du terrain”
• “Attacks in Burkina Faso — a simmering Islamist conflict”
• “Antiterrorisme : une guerre sans fin en Afrique ?”
  

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  #CHN/Pacific Rim

• “Canadian consular officials in China meet with detainee Michael Kovrig”
• “Relations between Canada and China at ‘worst since Tiananmen Square’: expert”
• ” ‘China is punishing Canada’: John Bolton latest Trump ally to condemn Beijing for detentions”
• “U.S. Sen. Jim Risch Says Canadians Michael Kovrig, Michael Spavor Face ‘Harsh’ Treatment In China”
• “Un sénateur républicain défend deux Canadiens détenus en Chine”
• “The “report on Chinese military power” undermines China-US mutual trust: spokesperson” (CHN mil media)
• “China, Japan to hold talks on maritime affairs” (CHN mil media)
• “Chinese guided missile destroyer suitable for mass production: experts” (CHN mil media)
• “Special Forces Of Russia’s Eastern Military District To Take Part In ASEAN Drills In China” (CHN mil media)
  

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  #CANinIRQ/Mid East – Op IMPACT

• “45,000 ISIS kids returning home a ‘ticking time bomb’ “
• “What signals does US carrier strike group deployment to Middle East send to Iran?” (CHN mil media)
  

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  Way Up North

• “Blog – Did Finland fail as Chair of the Arctic Council?”
• “Leaders downplay divisions at Arctic Circle conference in China”
• “China seeks a more active role in the Arctic”
  

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  Internal Security

• “Canada looked at ‘possible options’ for bringing back ISIS members, document shows”
• “Canada Considers Most Far-Reaching Intell Reforms in Decades” (Just Security blog)
• ” ‘We’re a target’: Canada’s places of worship are fortifying, and the government is helping pay for it”
  

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  Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “17 ways the government can better care for Canada’s Veterans” (RC Legion info-machine)
  

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  Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Tiger Williams’ sex assault case almost lost in Norman coverage”
  

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  Other Military News

• “Veterans Affairs bungles VE-Day video by showing Nazis”
• “Tips for spotting Nazis: The obvious signs of German soldiers that Veterans Affairs missed in their VE-Day tribute”
• “Canadian Armed Forces Announces Top Employers of Reservists” (DND info-machine)
• “Canada’s Minister of Defence is an Arms Pusher” (alternative media)

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