MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 21, 2017

Internal Security

• “Canada seeks to boost transparency with new security review agency”
• “How, when and where can Canada’s digital spies hack? Government makes some suggestions in CSE Act”
• “CSE getting ‘proactive’ mandate overhaul in major national security reform bill”
• “Loi antiterroriste: Ottawa veut pouvoir lancer des cyberattaques”
• “Ottawa crée une super-unité de surveillance du renseignement”
• “On national security, Liberals stake out the middle ground”
• “Liberals table bill to remodel national security services, oversight”
• “Canada going on offensive on cyberwarfare”
• “Liberals to create ‘super’ national security watchdog as part of anti-terror law overhaul”
• “New national security approach lets electronic spy agency play cyber-offence”
• “Canada Plans to Boost Oversight of Its Intelligence and Security Services”
• “Canada’s Spies, Police, and Border Agents Are Quietly Coordinating on Biometrics”
• “Le projet de loi C-59 destiné à remplacer la controversée loi antiterroriste des conservateurs a été déposé “

#CANvsISIL

• “Malgré l’escalade militaire en Syrie, le Canada poursuit sa mission”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

#Syria

• “Russia in Syria Monitor, June 13-20, 2017”
• “U.S. Shoots Down Armed, Iranian-Made Drone Over Syria Amid Russian Protests”  – “US Shoots Down Armed Drone Over Southern Syria” –  “US shoots down another Iranian UAV over Syria” – “The U.S. military just shot down another Syrian drone”
• “The Real Reason The Navy, Not The Air Force, Got The First Air-To-Air Kill Since Desert Storm”
• “Is Russia Ready to Fire at US Military Jets in Syria?”
• “Russian diplomat blasts US military presence in southern Syria as ‘illegal’ “
• “Senators want Congress to OK military action in Syria”
• “The US Has No Long-Term Plan In Syria, And That’s Dangerous”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Russia has no confirmation of IS leader’s death: Interfax”
• “ISIS media deputy minister killed in Mosul”
• ” ‘Fighting Joe’ Dunford Explains Exactly How Mattis’ ‘Annihilation Campaign’ Against ISIS Will Go Down”
• “Islamic State’s cyber army still ‘largely intact’ despite America’s efforts”
• “The Kurdish region of Iraq is going to vote on independence. Here’s what you need to know.”
• “Italian police arrest asylum seeker over ISIS propaganda”

#Ukraine

• MOAR Sanctions!  “Treasury Designates Individuals and Entities Involved in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine” (US Treasury info-machine)  – “Kremlin calls U.S. statement on eastern Ukraine inappropriate” – “Russia considering retaliatory sanctions against U.S.: Kremlin” – “Lavrov Accuses U.S. Of ‘Russophobic Mania’ After New Sanctions Imposed”
• #UKR Boss Drops By #USA  “President Poroshenko: President Trump can help bring peace to Ukraine” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “President met with U.S. Secretary of State” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “Readout of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis’ meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko” – “Ukraine leader says Trump voiced strong support for Kiev during talks” – From the pro-separatist press: “Nazi Coup Leader Of Ukraine Meets US President Trump For Only 10 Minutes, Coca Cola Or Dr. Pepper Tubby !” – “The United States and Ukraine might sign a security agreement stipulating for placement of American military equipment in Ukraine” (To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “US military on visit to Lviv Land Forces Academy” (UKR MoD)
• “Russia Expects United States Will Force Ukraine to Implement Minsk Agreements”
• “Ukraine can only defeat Russia with aid of allies, – MP”
• “Stepan Poltorak holds talks with Minister of Defence of France” (UKR MoD)
• “Minister Sajjan to Address Ottawa’s Ukrainian-Canadian Community (in Ottawa)”
• “Ukraine prepares new law on Donbas military operation”
• “34,000 Ukrainian soldiers in ATO zone, 100 servicemen killed this year” – “There are 34,000 military men of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in ATO zone”
• “Spot Report by the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): Armed man shoots at and violently attacks SMM in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata” (OSCE) – Play “Guess Which Side Wrote This Version”! “Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemns militants’ attack on OSCE observers” – “Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirm yesterday’s attack on OSCE observers” –  “Armed provocators detained in DPR after discrediting attack on OSCE SMM” – “Armed men who attacked OSCE SMM detained in DPR” – “OSCE monitors cannot say who attacked them in Yasinovataya. There were 6 armed people in balaclavas” – “Armed man in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata shoots at OSCE SMM amid violent attack”
• “OSCE SMM Deputy Chief Monitor visits DPR south with an inspection”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 19 June 2017” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 20 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 21, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, June 13-20, 2017” – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 06/20/2017” – “36 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”  – “Kiev forces shell LPR territory six times” – “LPR reports six ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Poroshenko says over 40,000 Russian troops in occupied Donbas” –  “Russian propagandists disclose air defense positions at Khmeimim air base” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Colonel of the National Guard of Ukraine goes missing without trace” – “(UKR) Defense Ministry do not confirm capture of missing National Guard officer”
• “Ukraine to block websites from Donbass and Crimea”
• “DPR activists pass 31 Ukrainian torture victims’ cases to International Criminal Court” – “ECHR files 1,400 DPR residents’ statements on Kiev war crimes” – “Russia opens trumped-up “criminal cases” against Ukrainian soldiers”
• From the Separatist Media  “Due To Low Moral, Drugs And Alcohol, Nazi Ukraine Units Abandon Front Line Positions, The Proud LPR People’s Army Take Control Without A Shot !” – “Defective army, uneducated generals, poor logistics cripple common Ukrainians” – “What can the Armed Forces of Ukraine teach NATO? — Another loud statement of the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister, Pavel Klimkin: he is sure that Ukraine has something to teach NATO and that Ukrainian soldiers are even better than the North Atlantic Alliance’s fighters.Is it so? …” – “US military reserves may be placed on Ukraine’s territory”
• “How An Entire Nation Became Russia’s Test Lab for Cyberwar — Russia’s Cyberwar on Ukraine Is a Blueprint For What’s to Come …”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canadian presence in Latvia reduces danger of Crimean-style takeover, Latvian ex-general says”
• “Canada and other NATO members continue pressing Putin”
• “Partnership of countries of NATO battalion to be more than military cooperation”
• “Lithuanian President and NATO SYG observe eFP Battle Groups’ Training Exercise” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “NATO Allies bridge the Suwalki Gap” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “NATO′s Jens Stoltenberg warns Russia during Baltic military drills”
• “Ministers of National Defence and Foreign Affairs met with NATO Secretary General” (Lithuanian DefMin)
• “US participates in NATO drill that approximates Russian invasion between Poland and Lithuania”
• “Norway Sent 200 Soldiers to Russia Border”
• “Latvia boosts defence spending”
• “Armed Russian Jet Comes Within 5 Feet of US Recon Jet” – “Russian Defense Minister’s Plane Harassed by NATO Jet”
• “Russia and China to hold a military exercise in the Baltic Sea”
• “Russia’s Military Precision Strike Capability Prioritizes Iskander-M”
• “Russia to supply batch of Su-30SM jet fighters to Belarus”
• “Russian troops to start Armata tank operational evaluation in 2019”
• “Putin Trying to Create His Own Praetorian Guard to Protect Him Against Internal Revolt”
• “European Response to Russia’s Disinformation and Cyber Aggression: Reaction or Strategy?”
• “Are Russia And The Saudis Planning A Natural Gas Cartel?”

Canada Into Africa?

• “Opération NABERIUS: première rotation de l’Armée canadienne complétée”
• “UN to vote on sending troops to Sahel after French-US deal”
• “Secretary-General Condemns Terrorist Attack in Bamako, Mali”
• “Mali: UN condemns terrorist attack at hotel on the outskirts of Bamako”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “USS Destroyer and Canadian Naval Warships make first docking at Jeju naval base”
• “US spy satellites detect activity at North Korean nuclear test site”  – “US-China to meet as ‘activity detected’ at North Korea nuclear test site”
• “Patriot batteries are Tokyo’s last line of defense against North Korean missiles” – “Japan missile defense drill aims to ease concern over North Korean threat”
• “South Korea says crashed North Korean drone a ‘grave provocation’ “
• “China Counters Trump, Says North Korea Efforts ‘Indispensable’ “
• “State Department presses North Korea to release detained Americans”
• “North Korea faces calls to release remaining U.S. prisoners after Otto Warmbier’s death”
• “Trump faces ‘land of lousy options’ with North Korea after Otto Warmbier’s death”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China, US to hold first diplomatic, security dialogue” – “North Korea Discussion Expected at U.S.-China Dialogue, DoD Official Says” (US DoD)
• “Chinese Navy commander meets with US Pacific Fleet commander”
• “China’s Formidable Nuclear Submarine Fleet Coming Soon”
• “China donates military equipment to Serbian Army”
• “A more loyal PLA rebuffs the heresy of separating the Party and military”
• “Scholarly soldiers — The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s flagship newspaper recently responded to netizens who suggested that the military is the last refuge for those who fail China’s highly competitive college entrance examinations, or gaokao …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Liberal ministers meet Lockheed Martin at Paris Air Show, snub Boeing”
• “U.S. could stand in the way of Canadian purchase of armed drones, DND documents warn”
• Wanted:  “PERSONNEL PARACHUTE, BACK”
• Wanted:  “Instructor … The Department of National Defence (DND) Air Force Aerospace Control Training (AF AEC Training) requires the services of a Contracted Instructor to facilitate the DND developed Air Force On Scene Controller Emergency Response Course (OSCER) …”
• “Even the US army wants the Made in Canada label on its tech devices”

Afghanistan

• “How Trump might break Afghan stalemate”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Top general urges new approach to injured soldiers”
• “MPs say Ottawa should reach out to soldiers who took mefloquine”

Other

• “Liberals face tough questions on Afghanistan and interim fighter jets”
• “Liberals planning $600M down payment on defence strategy”
• “Highlights from Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2017 : Video”
• “Joint statement on the occasion of the visit of the Australian Chief of Army to the Canadian Army”
• “Minister Of National Defence Appoints A New Judge Advocate General”
• “Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre to welcome new CO”
• “RCAF firefighter deploys on Iceland mission”

World War Two

• “Portrait of Courage: Alan Arnett McLeod, VC”

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Canadians Make It Into #UKR Separatist Media (Again)!

This just in via the Novorossia info-machine (web archived here, PDF of text available here):

Over A Dozen Canadian Soldiers Killed In Donbass, Trudeau Wants More To Come Home In Flag Draped Caskets, Mission Now Extends In Ukraine !

After having lost a dozen soldiers killed fighting in Donbass this spring, Ottawa is now trying to explain it away by giving “permission” for Canadian troops to train Ukrainians killing their own citizens in Donbass. It is now only a matter of time until more Canadians go home in flag covered boxes, having died for what American officials call, “the most corrupt nation on earth.”

This past spring a group of “expert” Canadian trainers got lost in Donbass and about a dozen men total were killed in a quick fight with DPR recon forces who mistook them for a vanguard or spearhead element of a more general NATO attack on Donetsk.

Canada’s military has quietly expanded its bootprint in Ukraine, giving commanders free rein to send their troops anywhere in efforts to run into Russian forces or separatist rebels and create an incident or excuse to further expand the conflict. Despite this being a clear violation of point 10 of the Minsk accords, which says all foreign troops are to leave the Ukraine.

The Canadians first deployed about 600 troops to Ukraine in the summer of 2015 to help train government forces in their fight against Russian-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country. Canada has a large Ukrainian population as an entire division of Ukrainian Nazi-SS men settled there.

The Canadians were required officially to previously stay in the western half of Ukraine, far from the conflict that has continued to rage over the last three years, leaving more than 10,000 people dead. But then this spring a group of “expert” Canadian trainers got lost in Donbass and about a dozen men total were killed in a quick fight with DPR recon forces who mistook them for a vanguard or spearhead element of a more general NATO attack on Donetsk.

These restrictions were eased in March when the government extended the mission for another two years and the operational area, a Canadian official told News Front, saying in an interview Wednesday, “After the Spartak incident, the President (Trudeau) did not like having to tell the families of the dead their sons died in a classified NATO operation. These measures are designed to give the military the room to do their job, as they wish.”

Looks like a bit of a re-write (with some political invective added) to the “Canadian special forces team led by Canadian military attache in Kiev killed” (alleged) story from September 2016.  That would be the lead item here — you can check the original source of that story here (links to archived English version of the story) and here (links to an archived version of original Russian story @ some content generation site).

With this, some other previous mentions of Canadians in the separatist media and the latest mention of naughty Canadian troops in Russian-language media in Latvia, does this mean “Canada’s back”?

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 16, 2017

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Anti-Canada propaganda greets troops in Latvia” – “The “Blue Division” of NATO has been entrenched in Latvia. Waiting for reinforcements” (vesti.lv, in Russian) – Google English translation – Vesti.lv search “Canadian” (in Russian)
• “Some say the biggest threat facing Latvia is Russian propaganda” (CTV video)
• “Gagetown troops headed to Latvia, new commanding officer says”
• “Russian World-views – Domestic power play and foreign behaviour” (Canadian Security Intelligence Service paper)
• “Russians in Estonia: A Case Study in Offensive Structural Realism”
• “US National Guard Soldiers Join Lithuania Troops in Urban Warfare Practice”
• “(BLR Pres) Lukashenko worried about NATO activity near Belarus’ western borders” – “Why Did NATO Drones Make Afraid Lukashenka?”
• “Belarusian-Russian-Serbian army exercise over in Brest Oblast”
• “Kaliningrad Region is the place for the WMD’s AiF and AD association, as well as the BF’s Naval Aviation — As part of the training tasks, the air group will practise in intercepting various air targets, including simulating cruise missiles and unmanned vehicles of the simulated enemy, and also carry out firing and bombing in the sea ranges of the Baltic Fleet …” (RUS MoD)
• ‘Baltic Fleet’s marines worked out anti-landing defence of the coast” (RUS MoD info-machine)
• “Military Games: Russia and U.S. Are Holding More War Drills In Europe”
• “US Senate Approves Russia Sanctions”
• “Direct Line with Vladimir Putin — The annual special Direct Line with Vladimir Putin was broadcast live by Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24 and Russia Today TV channels, and Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii radio stations …” (RUS Pres info-machine) – “Putin’s Q&A session: a ‘nationwide book of complaints’ “
• “Russia at final stage of developing advanced electronic warfare system”
• “Russian Inform And Influence Operations On Public Opinion” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “The West and the Rest: What does 2017 hold for the Baltic States?”
• “Poland to construct pipeline to provide an alternative to Russian gas supplies”
• “Russia, Palestine agree to expand anti-terror cooperation”

#Ukraine

• “U.S. Would Support New Solution to Ukraine War, Tillerson Says” – “U.S. ready to support alternative to Minsk accords” – “US Not to Be Leading Any New Plan for Ukraine Conflict Settlement”
• ‘Turchynov, NATO assistant secretary general discuss Ukraine’s defense sector transition to NATO standards”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 14 June 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 16 June 2017 – “55 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Donbas conflict: Militants fired 20 times over past day” – “LPR reports eight ceasefire violations, two Republic’s defenders wounded” – “Militants shell Ukrainian army positions 50 times on Thursday killing one serviceman” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire eight times, two LPR militiamen wounded” – “Ukraine reports 50 enemy attacks, 1 KIA in last day” – “Kiev forces fired almost 4,000 rounds at DPR in a week”
• “Ukraine ships fifth batch of new Oplot tanks to Thailand”
• “National Security and Defense Council supported concept of draft law on reintegration of occupied Donbas”
• “LPR teachers develop Ukrainian language, literature textbooks”
• “Court to consider Yanukovych’s high treason case per se on June 26”
• “SBU suggests criminal liability for enemy propaganda in Ukraine’s media” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “Yandex: Tool of Russian Disinformation and Cyber Operations in Ukraine”

#Afghanistan

• “Mattis’s Afghanistan War Plan: Be Patient, Convince Everyone” – “Mattis To Send Nearly 4,000 US Troops To Afghanistan” – “Statement by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Afghanistan Troop Levels” (CENTCOM info-machine) – “ISIS Hardliners Seize Control over Former Bin Laden Hideout”
• “An Open-Ended Afghan War Can Serve ‘America First’ “
• “ISIS Captures Tora Bora, Once Bin Laden’s Afghan Fortress” – “ISIS Just Moved Into Osama Bin Laden’s Infamous Afghan Stronghold Of Tora Bora” – “Tora Bora captured? Taliban dispute ISIS claim”

#Syria

• “Russia Claims Its Airstrike Near Raqqa Killed IS Leader al-Baghdadi” – “Putin Briefed on Russian MoD’s Report on Possible Daesh Leader Baghdadi Elimination – Kremlin” –  “Daesh Leader’s Reported Death to Facilitate Liberation of Raqqa – Russian Senator”
• “ISIS drones are attacking U.S. troops and disrupting airstrikes in Raqqa, officials say”
• “U.S. expands presence in Syrian desert, rebels say”
• “Russia says U.S. moves rocket launching system to Syria: agencies”
• “Putin says Russia aims to beef up Syrian military in mid-term”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Ankara Pushes Back on Iraqi Kurd Independence Bid” – “UN says won’t play a part in Iraqi Kurdish referendum”
• “300 Austrian imams condemn ISIS terrorists”
• “The Coalition’s Plan To Keep US Weapons Out Of ISIS Hands Is Garbage”
• “U.S. Sanctions Islamic State Coordinator of Paris, Brussels Attacks” – US State Department news release  – US Treasury Department details
• “Fight or Flight: How to Avoid a Forever War against Jihadists”
• ” Following the Money — A Primer on Terrorist Financing …”
• “Trump punishes “funder of terrorism” Qatar with $12 billion weapons deal”
• “ISIS’s Global Campaign Remains Intact” (ISW)
• “UN General Assembly approves new counter-terrorism office” – “General Assembly approves creation of new UN Counter-Terrorism Office” (UN info-machine) – “Capability of the United Nations system to assist Member States in implementing the United Nations Global Counter – Terrorism Strategy” (PDF via UN info-machine) – “Adoption of the Counter-terrorism resolution” (UN General Ass’y info-machine)

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Canada vows help for PH amid Marawi crisis … Canada’s assistance to Mindanao will continue amid the war in Marawi and the declaration of martial law in the region, an official said. Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines John Holmes said Canada “stands ready to help” … Holmes also said Canada is ready to work with the Philippines and offer assistance in fighting terrorism in terms of capacity building and information exchange. “We stand ready to work with the Philippines in that regard. We don’t normally… we wouldn’t be sending troops or anything like that but we do capacity building, exchanges of information, things like that. That’s been ongoing,” he said …”
• “China, US to hold security talks” – “U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue to be held June 21, 2017” (US DoD info-machine)
• “South China Sea: US commander says ships on course for more days in South China Sea”
• “Beijing shares Putin’s ideas of Russia-China cooperation”
• “Chinese naval fleet visits Iran”
• “Chinese naval escort taskforce visits New Zealand”
• “China lauds Pakistan’s support in fighting terrorism”
• “OPCW delegation visits Chinese military organizations”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “S. Korea willing to enter talks if North stops nuclear, missile tests: Moon”
• “Why Pyongyang turned down humanitarian aid from the South”
• “Why North Korea is best described a “guerrilla state” “
• “North Korean vessel may have captured Russian yacht, – TASS”
• “Can North Korea use drone for terrorism?”

Internal Security

• “Extremism experts are starting to worry about the left” (VICE News)

Way Up North

• “Russia’s Machines Are Well-Suited for Arctic Conflict — Icebreakers, sturdy bombers, attack subs and long-range fighters …”
• “Russian Military Becomes Unrivaled in Terms of Arctic Warfare”
• “Putin comments on plans to build bridge to Sakhalin Island — The president says the price of the bridge to Sakhalin should be lower than for the bridge to Crimea …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “National Defence considers the boots on the ground — In the wake of a striking new review of Canada’s military, and promises of a 20-year vision for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Department of National Defence has confirmed a new, high-tech, painstakingly engineered form of transportation for soldiers in the field. After years of niggling displeasure, CAF members can anticipate a sigh of relief. The department is buying new boots …”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Davie Celebrates Canada 150 with Public Unveiling of Resolve-Class AOR”  – “Resolve-class supply ship for Royal Canadian Navy to be unveiled next month” – “Resolve iAOR to be Unveiled July 20”
• Wanted:  “Peanut Butter IMP Program … This bid solicitation is being issued to satisfy the requirement of the Department of National Defence (the Client) to procure packages of Peanut Butter in support of the Individual Meal Packs (IMP) …”
• Wanted:  “Physicians Assistants Degree Granting … The Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp) plans to establish a contract with an accredited university in order to award academic credentials and the associated baccalaureate degree to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Physician Assistant (PA) Program graduates …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Six months after Nova Scotia murder-suicide, family members call for inquiry”
• “Team representing Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games announced” (DND info-machine) – “Prince Harry promotes Invictus Games in Canadian interview” – “Invictus Games ‘about inspiring others’ “ – “Invictus Games Canadian Team announced in Kingston” – “Ottawa annonce la composition de l’équipe qui représentera le Canada lors des Jeux Invictus 2017”

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “The Defence Policy Review: Déjà Vu All Over Again: James Fergusson for Inside Policy” (Macdonald-Laurier Institute)
• “Canada’s ruling elite applauds Liberals’ military spending hike”
• “Moula for the military ? I’ll believe it when I see it”
• “How To Profit From Canada’s Growing Military — Canada has recently announced an increased in military spending. This will directly effect Canada’s defense contractors …”

Other

• “Liberals Sinking Billions Into Used, Problem-Plagued Submarines”
• Speaking of Subs … “Le NCSM Chicoutimi percuté par un ORCA alors qu’il était amarré à Esquimalt”
• “PM opens (Jamaican Defence Force) Directorate of Training and Doctrine … Developed with support from the Government of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP), the facility, is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a lecture theatre …”
• “A World in Disarray: What Role for Canada in a Confused International System?” (CGAI Podcast)

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MILNEWS.ca #UKR + Cold War 2.0 Update as of 281540UTC May 2017

 War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “North Korea is top priority in international agenda – G7 communique”
• “North Korea Tests New Air Defense Missile System” – “North Korea reportedly tests domestically built air defence systems” – “North Korea tests new anti-aircraft missiles with Kim Jong-un watching” – “N. Korea’s Leader: New Anti-aircraft Weapon Ready for Mass Production” – “Video North Korea tests weapon that will ‘spoil enemy’s dream’ “ – “NKorea leader oversees ‘new’ weapon system test—KCNA” – “Kim Jong Un Watches Test of New-type Anti-Aircraft Guided Weapon System” (KCNA Watch)
• “Pentagon sent third strike carrier group of US Navy to restrtain DPRK” – “U.S. to deploy 3rd carrier group to deter North Korea” – “Sources: 3rd US Naval Strike Force Deployed to Deter North Korea” – “Third US Aircraft Carrier Headed Toward Asia-Pacific Region Amid N Korean Crisis”
• “Leery of North Korea, US Plans First Test of ICBM Intercept”
• Really???  “US Navy SEAL team gets lost inside North Korea” (RUS-registered news page) – “BREAKING NEWS: SEAL TEAM 6 POSSIBLY LIQUIDATED IN NORTH KOREA, ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT OF DEAR LEADER KIM JONG-UN !” (UKR separatist media)
• “KPA General Staff Spokesman Hits out at S. Korean Forces’ Reckless Military Provocation” (KCNA Watch)
• “Russia stands for diplomatic settlement of North Korean issue — presidential aide”
• “Russia, China urge caution in countering North Korea’s nuclear program” – “Moscow and Beijing call for complete denuclearization of Korean Peninsula”
• “Let Us Not Forget North Korea’s Chemical Weapons Arsenal and Its Cyberwar Threat”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “G7 Taormina Leaders’ Communiqué”  – “Canada to host 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec” (PM info-machine)
• “NATO PA debates increased EU/NATO cooperation against terrorism”
• “Trump’s Article 5 Omission Was an Attack Against All of NATO”
• “Le Canada à l’OTAN : Un bilan correct, mais qui nous laisse sur notre faim”
• “Kremlin: Russia will not be able to partner with West in fight against terrorism while under sanctions”
• “Putin and Erdogan want deeper strategic partnership: Kremlin” – “Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan” (Putin Info-machine)
• “Germany to decide about troop withdrawal from Turkey by mid-June”
• “Ministers of Defence of the CIS countries approved the plan of joint activities for the next year” (RUS MoD)
• “NATO kicks off news round of Baltic drills on Russia’s doorstep” – “Saber Knight exercise kicks off in Southern Estonia” – “Military Drills With US Participation Kick Off in Latvia”
• “Paramilitary: Total Mobilization On The Baltic — Latvia, like the other two Baltic States, is not just spending more money on defense but also implementing many reforms in an effort to deal with return of the Russian military threat and the fact that the three Baltic States are tiny compared to Russia and in need of some new thinking on how to keep the Russians out …”
• “Russia’s Plans for New Nuclear Carriers And Destroyers Delayed Indefinitely”
• Way Up North  “Russia will create in the Arctic research and experimental center for the military”
• “U.S. Senate Committee Advances Measure On Russian Propaganda, Election Meddling” (To Inform is to Influence)

#Ukraine

• “European Union Leaders Urge Continued Sanctions on Russia”
• “Trump administration earmarks more than $350 mln for Ukraine for 2018 FY”
• He Says, She Says …  “Eight local residents injured in Krasnohorivka attack” – “Ukraine’s Krasnohorivka under attack on Sunday: Hospital, school buildings damaged”  – “Kiev criminal forces shelled hospital in Krasnogorovka” – “DPR refutes Kiev’s accusations of bombing Krasnogorovka” – “DPR Command launches investigation into Krasnogorovka’s shelling” – “Russian-occupation forces opened fire with heavy weapons Krasnogorivka” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian) – “Refined information on the Ukrainian side STSKK Krasnogorivka fire” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 26 May 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 28 May 2017 – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 05/28/2017” – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 05/28/2017” – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 05/27/2017” – “Militants shell ATO positions 61 times over past 24 hours, 2 Ukrainian servicemen injured” – “Ukraine’s punishers launch 260 shells on LPR territory” – “Defense Ministry confirms losses among Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbas” – “One DPR soldier perishes in Ukrainian attack – Donetsk Command” – “Ukrainian forces shell 18 DPR localities in 43 ceasefire violations” – “Donbas conflict: 49 attacks reported, 8 Ukrainian soldiers wounded”
• “In Kharkiv held practical field sessions with soldiers territorial defense units” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “60 planes will be repaired and upgraded for the Ukrainian Air Force in 2017”
• “Ukraine is expected to unveil its upgraded T-84 tanks during celebration of the 26th anniversary of independence”
• “2,000 Russian Special Forces in Crimea exercise to seize Ukrainian property (video) — From May 24 through May 29, 2017, 2,000 troops of special forces of Russian FSB in Crimea exercise seizure of Ukrainian oil rigs and towing vessels …” (informnapalm.org)
• “Residents of the annexed Crimea held protests against land expropriation by the Russian government”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – April 27, 2017

Robert Dynerowicz, R.I.P.

• “Minister Sajjan reacts to the death of Sgt Dynerowicz” – “CDS Statement on the death of Sergeant Dynerowicz”
• “Canadian soldier killed in vehicle rollover remembered for ‘big heart’ “
• “Soldier killed at Wainwright was commanding LAV-3 vehicle, colonel says”
• “Type of vehicle involved in military training crash had been in other fatal accidents”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Big Honkin’ Ships (1)  Reminder:  None of these allegations have been proven in court  “RCMP affidavit that sheds light on the criminal investigation that led to the removal of Vice-Admiral” (well done, CTV, for sharing) – “Top admiral leaked Canada shipbuilding secrets: police” – “Les détails des fuites sur l’approbation du Projet Resolve et l’histoire de la chute d’un vice-amiral” – “Vice-Admiral Mark Norman leaked cabinet secrets to shipbuilding exec, RCMP allege” – “Vice-Adm. Norman leaked cabinet secrets, helped pressure Liberals in navy contract: RCMP affidavit” – “RCMP alleges Mark Norman provided CEO with stream of sensitive info on supply ship” – “Mark Norman, Military’s Second-In-Command, Leaked Cabinet Secrets To Pressure Feds: RCMP”
• Big Honkin’ Ships (2)  Colonel Ted:  “Fleets of ships — I’m going to write, for a few days, on how I believe Canada can (because it has the resources) and should (if it has the will) establish, maintain and use its military forces and ancillary service, too …”
• Wanted:  “Chemistry and Biochemistry Instructor … The Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre (CFHSTC), located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, Borden, ON, is responsible for the production of academically and clinically prepared Physician Assistants (PAs), able to competently provide primary health care services in a variety of settings under the supervision of a physician. Within the physician/PA relationship, PAs may be afforded significant autonomy in clinical decision-making. The PA program prepares graduates to meet job-entry level skills as specified by the Canadian Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) andthe Canadian Medical Association (CMA). The Department of National Defence (DND), CFHSTC at CFB Borden has a requirement to contract the services of a qualified educator to teach basic chemistry and biochemistry to the PA students …”
• Wanted (update):  “C3, 105mm Howitzer Barrels”
• Wanted:  “Meals and Accommodations, SK … The Department of National Defence (DND) will be conducting The Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest) Power Pilot Scholarship Training at Mitchinson Flying Service LTD, in Saskatoon, SK for the estimated period of June 25, 2017 to August 23, 2017. This requirement includes accommodations and food services …”
• Wanted:  “Halifax Class Work Period Contracts- Industry Day and One on One sessions … The Department of National Defence has a requirement to establish two (2) long term, performance based contracts with an initial contract period of four (4) years with options to extend the contracts for a period of up to a total of ten (10) years (2018 to 2028). The options can be one year or multiple year extensions and will be based on contractor performance assessment. The intent of these long-term work period contracts is to provide maintenance support services to the modernized Halifax-class in order to maintain long term operational capability and seamless transition from the current Multi-ship contracts, while aligning support services with the naval In-Service Support (ISS) …”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Pentagon expands rebuke of Turkey over Iraq, Syria strikes” – “Turkish Airstrikes in Syria, Iraq Kill Partner Counter-ISIS Fighters” (US DoD)
• “The Army Is Preparing To Field This Electromagnetic Rifle Against ISIS Drones”
• “Explosions Rock Damascus Airport; Syria Blames Israel” – “Syria says Israeli missile strike near Damascus airport confirmed” – “Syria war: ‘Israeli strike’ hits military site near Damascus airport”
• “Unprofessional Interaction between IRGCN vessel and USS Mahan in the Arabian Gulf — The guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) had an unprofessional interaction with an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessel while transiting the international waters of the Arabian Gulf, April 24 … “ (CENTCOM Info-machine)
• “Syria: UN aid officials urge end to airstrikes on hospitals”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas  

• “North Korea faces tighter sanctions under Trump strategy” – “DPRK slams US for seeking new UN sanctions” – “Besides stick, US should offer North Korea a carrot” (CHN Communist Party editorial) – “Leaders Brief Congress on Review of North Korea Policy — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed members of Congress at the White House (yesterday) on the review President Donald J. Trump ordered of U.S. policy toward North Korea …” – “Joint Statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats — Past efforts have failed to halt North Korea’s unlawful weapons programs and nuclear and ballistic missile tests. With each provocation, North Korea jeopardizes stability in Northeast Asia and poses a growing threat to our allies and the U.S. homeland. North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is an urgent national security threat and top foreign policy priority. Upon assuming office, President Trump ordered a thorough review of U.S. policy pertaining to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). (Wednesday), along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford, we briefed members of Congress on the review …” – “U.S. senators reassured, but hear nothing new in North Korea briefing” – “Controversial US. missile defense system moved into South Korea as tensions rise in the region” – “THAAD puts S.Korea’s prosperity at stake” (CHN Communist Party editorial) – “North Korea remains ‘most immediate threat’ to US in Indo-Asia-Pacific region, says PACOM chief” – “PACOM commander: No dice on calling off Korea military drills”
• “US Air Force test fires long-range missile” – “US Launches Ballistic Missile Test Amid Rising Tensions with North Korea” – More on ballistic missile test via Google News
• “Show of force – The South Korean Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) fires rockets during a joint live-firing drill between South Korea and the US at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, Wednesday …” (CHN Communist Party)
• “PACOM Commander Takes Blame for Carrier Carl Vinson Confusion”
• “Are the US and North Korea Heading for Conflict?” – “What North Korea Wants”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Has An RC-135U Combat Sent Signal Intelligence Aircraft “Covered” The Two F-35A Stealth Jets Visiting Estonia?” – “Spy Planes Tagged Along as U.S. Air Force F-35s Flew Near Russia”
• “Estonia says Russia may put troops in Belarus to challenge NATO”
• “In May, Estonia will begin marking its water border with Russia”
• “NATO conducts cyber defense exercise in Estonia” – “How a cyber attack transformed Estonia”
• “Germans deploy in Lithuania”
• “USAF deploys F-15C Theater Support Package to Bulgaria”
• “Moldova’s President Bars Military from NATO Exercise”
• “Enhancing NATO’s Forward Presence”
• “Russia: A Land Power Hungry for the Sea”
• “Russia’s Banged-Up Aircraft Carrier Prepares for Her Upgrade”
• “Russian defense minister comments on military cooperation with India”
• “Russia Steps Up Anti-U.S. Military Propaganda”
• “Russia Seeks to Influence European Politics Through Youth Wings of Far-Right and Far-Left Parties” (bellingcat)

Cold War 2.0:  China & Environs

• “Maiden flight of Sino-Pak JF-17 two-seat fighter trainer first flight” (Asian Defence News blog)  – “New dual-seat variant of the JF-17 fighter jet makes maiden flight”
• “China to regroup PLA Army”
• “Options for Managing Xinjiang (CHN’s) Uighur Ethnic Tensions” (Divergent Options paper)

#Ukraine

• From the Sepatatist media:  “Armed Forces of Ukraine declare readiness for introduction of martial law”
• “No one will ever embroil Belarus in war against Ukraine – Lukashenko”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 25 April 2017” – “News ATO. The construction of the press center ATO headquarters for the past day 06.00 as of April 27, 2017.” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian) – UKR govt ATO map, 27 April 2017 – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 04/27/2017” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire four times” – “18 attacks reported over past day in Donbas, one Ukrainian soldier wounded” – “42 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 5 times over 24 hours” – “Militants shell 47 times in ATO area, one Ukrainian soldier killed” – “Ukraine’s military launch 876 shells on DPR territory over 24 hours” – “Ukraine reports 47 enemy attacks, 1 KIA, 6 WIAs in last day” – “Kiev forces shell LPR as OSCE SMM chief monitor Apakan visits Republic”
• Pro-RUS/Separatist Media Worry About UKR Mil Moves  “Ukrainian army holds military drills close to Crimea” – “Ukraine building up military presence near Crimea” – “Saber-Rattling: Ukraine Building Up Military Presence Near Crimea” – “US Military Instructors Stay in Donbass” – “Europe provides assistance to Kiev regime provoking it to continue war – Chief of Russian Army”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …”  “Ukraine’s Defense Ministry expects further material, technical support from U.S., including defensive weapons”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Identified: War criminals from Russian 8th Mountain Motorized Rifle Brigade” (InformNapalm.org) – “OSINT group identifies more Russian war criminals in Donbas” – “How Putin Funds and Commands the Civil War in Ukraine”
• Minsk & Other Talking  “Trilateral Contact Group agrees to rapidly verify list of hostages who are not willing to move to occupied territories” – “Donbass war prisoners’ verification procedure to begin on April 28 morning” – “Ukraine disrupts verification of detainees’ IDs in LPR” – “Donbass POW verification procedure to begin on 28 April morning – Morozova” – “Minsk group did not find solution on trade blockade and nationalization of Ukrainian enterprises in Donbas, — Sajdik” – “Ukrainian army trained, reformed thanks to Minsk Agreements”
• “Ukraine readies project to jam separatist broadcasting”
• “Another Russian “humanitarian” convoy enters occupied Donbas” – “64th Russian humanitarian convoy arrives in Donetsk” – “Russia delivers 262 tons of baby formula, medications to DPR”
• “Belarus plans to send humanitarian aid to Donbass residents”

Canada Into Africa?

• From the CAF Info-machine  “West African deployment a “once-in-a-lifetime” journey”

Afghanistan

• “Russian Defense Minister Blasts Mattis For ‘Unprofessional’ Accusation Of Arms Sale To Taliban”
• “IS recruiting Taliban fighters in Afghanistan — Russia’s General Staff”

Other

• “Canadian Defence Minister Concludes Visit to Malaysia” – “Le ministre de la Défense du Canada Harjit Sajjan termine sa visite en Malaisie”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – April 26, 2017

Fatal Accident @ CFB Wainwright

• “One Canadian soldier has died and three other soldiers have been injured during a training accident — Sergeant Robert J. Dynerowicz from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa (Ontario), has died as a result of his injuries following a vehicle accident while conducting training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright (Alberta). Three other soldiers were injured. Today’s tragic accident occurred around 10 a.m. (Eastern), while Canadian Army personnel were participating on Exercise RUGGED BEAR …” (CF statement) – “Accident during training: Canadian soldier dies, three others wounded” – “Soldier killed, 3 others hurt in training exercise at CFB Wainwright” – “One soldier killed, three injured during training in Canada” – “Canadian soldier from CFB Petawawa dies in training accident in Alberta” – “Un soldat de la base de Petawawa meurt lors d’un exercice en Alberta” – “Un soldat canadien est décédé et trois autres soldats ont été blessés lors d’un entraînement”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• Commentary:  “… when the battle for Mosul is over, the question will turn to what is Canada doing in the counter-ISIS war? Given that the Special Operations folks will be done with their main mission, it might make sense to bring them home. But the government may fear that ending that part of the mission will give the Conservatives something to yell about: “hey, Trudeau is weak on defence because we will have fewer SOF in Iraq!!” And the sad thing is that the Liberals would be right. Because that is exactly what the Conservatives will do …”

The Kurds

• “(TUR’s) Erdogan vows to continue fight against Kurdish militants in Syria, Iraq” – “20 Syrian Kurdish fighters killed, 18 injured in Turkish attack: YPG” – “Turkish Strike Leaves Syrian Kurdish Fighters Fuming” – “Analysis: Why is Turkey bombing Yazidis in Iraq? — According to initial reports, the Turkish Air Force struck at bases used by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, and its ally, the Yazidi Shingal Protection Units …” – “Kurdish government calls on PKK to leave Sinjar after Turkish airstrikes” – “Kurds to protest Turkish airstrikes in European capital” – “Peshmerga, Injured by Turkish Airstrike, Receive Treatment in Turkey” – “Barzani to Help Resumption of Kurdish Peace Talks in Turkey” – “KRG seeks clarification on Turkish air strikes, blaming PKK presence” – “Five Peshmerga killed in Turkish air strike on Mount Shingal” – “Turkish jets bomb Kani Masi area in Kurdistan Region’s far north” – “(IRQ PM) Abadi says referendum should be held through Iraqi government”
• “Masrour Barzani: Turkish Bombing Raids on Mount Sinjar “a Surprise” “ – “Erdogan says Turkish strikes on PKK in Sinjar coordinated with Massoud Barzani” – “Pentagon: Turkey did not coordinate with U.S., Coalition regarding airstrikes”
• More on TUR bombing of IRQ, SYR Kurds here (via Google News)

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Eye on ISIS in Libya” 25 April 2017
• “Somehow the US Has Killed 70,000 ISIS Fighters — Twice as Many as It Says Exist”
• “Analysis: ‘Signs of Recovery for the Islamic State’ “ (Henry Jackson Society)
• “(AUS PM) Turnbull: Aussie troops to stay in Iraq, Afghanistan”

#Syria

• “Syrian War Daily – 25th of April 2017” (Syrian War Daily blog)
• “French intelligence report says Assad forces behind April 4 sarin attack in northern Syria” – “France Says Samples From April 4 Syria Chemical Attack Prove Government Used Sarin: (FRA Foreign) Minister” – “Kremlin denounces French report on Syria attack” – “Lavrov Dismantles UK-Led Sarin ‘Investigation’ in 30 Seconds – RI Staff”
• “Defense minister stresses US attack on Syrian base jeopardized Russian servicemen’s lives” – A reminder:  “The US warned the Russians ahead of Syria missile strikes”

Cold War 2.0

• “China launches its first home-made aircraft carrier” – “China’s First Domestically Built Type 001A CV17 Aircraft Carrier Getting Ready for Launch” (Chinese Military Review blog) – “Fist Chnese Built Type 001A Aircraft Carrier Launched” (Chinese Military Review blog) – “China Launches Its First Domestically Produced Aircraft Carrier” – “China launches its second aircraft carrier at the Dalian Shipyard” – “China launches aircraft carrier, boosting military presence” – More on China’s new carrier (via Google News)
• “PLA reveals new designation for first time — The designation of a newly established corps unit of PLA has been revealed for the first time since the country launched steps to reform its military system to build a stronger army …”
• “China, Belarus to cooperate on security issues under Belt and Road”
• The Koreas  “Kim Jong Un Observes and Guides Large Live Fire Combined Forces Exercise” (North Korea Leadership Watch blog) – “U.S. troops in South Korea began installing the equipment of THAAD anti-missile defense system” – “Corée du Sud: arrivée des premiers éléments du bouclier anti-missiles THAAD” – “Does Carl Vinson carrier have anything to fear from North Korea’s threats?” – “Do US Actions in the South China Sea Violate International Law?” – “Russian security chief warns external provocations may lead to war on Korean Peninsula” – “Latest Xi-Trump phone call turns N.Korea consensus into action: expert” –  “UN, USA, EU can do nothing to contain North Korea” (Pravda) – “Xi urges calm on N.Korea during phone call with Trump” – “A New Strategy toward North Korea: Proactive, Comprehensive, and Productive” – “US Navy conducts joint drills with South Korean, Japanese navies” – “(CHN) Border residents fearful after reports of upcoming N.Korea nuclear test” – “Every North Korean Missile Launch Since 1984 Visualized”
• “US Air Force F-35As land in Estonia”
• “Task Force Falcon Soldiers brief Apache capabilities during Operation Summer Shield”
• “U.S Marines, partner nations kick off Exercise Platinum Eagle 17.2”
• “MRF-E conducts patrol lanes with Romanian counterparts” (Pentagon info-machine)
• “Australian Foreign Minister visiting Estonia”
• “Russia takes steps in response to NATO’s activities in Europe”
• “Defense chief says NATO brings its military infrastructure closer to Russia’s Arctic”
• “His Greatest Achievement? — In the most recent iteration of what is basically an annual poll, Levada asked respondents to select one answer to the following question: “What would you call the main achievement of Vladimir Putin during his years in power?” Some 17 percent of those polled picked “Increasing combat capability and reform of the armed forces.” It was the top response in this year’s poll …” (Russian Defense Policy blog)
• RUS Foreign Minister to Esquire:  “… “Two empires existed at that time – the Western and the Soviet ones. Each of them was fomenting conflicts with the adversary in third countries, but never on their borders and never directly … Even the public rhetoric was softer. Both camps never crossed the red lines back then.  There are no rules anymore today,” the minister added.”
• “Lavrov warns about consequences of US global missile defense system deployment”
• From the Info/Cyber Fight  “Fake news abounds — Latvia’s Defense Ministry on April 25 warned about a variety of ‘fake news’ stories circulating in Russian-language media concerning the ‘Summer Shield’ military exercises currently drawing towards a close in Latvia …” – “Russia second largest threat to Netherlands: Military intelligence agency” – “Russia denies Dutch intelligence agency’s hacking allegations” – “Russian Cyber Operations 2017 — Featured Event: “Russian Cyber Operations: 2017 and Beyond” February 1, 2017, Harvard Kennedy School …” (Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs) – “Russian security chief: Fake news on cyberattacks used to undermine state sovereignty” – “Confessions of a (Former) State TV Reporter” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “Terrorist group related to Al-Qaeda claims responsibility for St. Petersburg attack”
• “Montenegro Coup Suspect Linked to Russian-backed “Ultranationalist” Organisation” (bellingcat)

#Ukraine

• Is that some kind of euphemism for something else?  “Russia ready to return to military technical cooperation with Ukraine“
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “Canadian military policemen to train Ukrainian military law enforcement staff in Lviv — A new Military Law Enforcement training centre hosted an opening ceremony of training course. Col. Vasyl Maksymenko, Deputy Chief of Central Directorate of Military Law Enforcement, stressed that the Ukrainian army was undergoing development under active support of international partners and in compliance with NATO standards …” (UKR MoD)  – “Cyborgs begin training with JMTG-U — This week, Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine welcomed the 1st Airborne Battalion, 79th Air Assault Brigade to the Combat Training Center near Yavoriv, Ukraine. The airborne battalion earned the moniker “cyborgs” from their relentless defense of the Donetsk Airport in 2014. Over the next 55 days, the cyborgs will test their mettle completing a training program led by Ukrainian CTC trainers and U.S. mentors from the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The 45th IBCT is also working alongside partners from Canada, the U.K., Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark whose missions complement that of JMTG-U …”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “Ukraine Embassy in U.S. explains reports on Washington’s possible assistance cut — Ukraine Embassy in U.S. explains reports on Washington’s possible assistance cut Information on 68.8% U.S. assistance decrease to Ukraine should be viewed in correlation with American financial assistance in the form of a loan guarantee …”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 24 April 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 26 Apr 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 25 Apr 2017 –  “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, April 25, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 04/25/2017” – “Escalation in Donbas at night: Two KIA’s, four WIA’s, enemy uses banned arms” – “Three Ukrainian soldiers killed in Donbas in past 24 hours” – “Escalation of hostilities in Donbas: 65 attacks over 24 hours” – “LPR Command reports five ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces” – “54 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukrainian soldier killed in attack on Avdiyivka on Tuesday” – “4 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed, 5 Wounded; Russia-Backed Forces Concentrate Attacks on Maritime Sector; OSCE SMM Resumes Patrols”
• Separatist Media:  “OVER 8,000 GONE AWOL, UKRAINE TOY SOLDIERS LEAVING IN DROVES, ALSO SPOTTED AMERICAN INSTRUCTORS (Full Report Col. Basurin)”
• Fatal OSCR Mine Strike Update  “OSCE mission resumes patrolling of Donbas” – “Statements of representatives of Luhansk People’s Republic concerning shelling the OSCE SMM incident site by Ukrainian army are false” (UKR MoD) – “Charges of leaders of so called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics concerning act of sabotage of Ukrainian army are groundless and discredit…” (UKR MoD) – “Washington Wants OSCE to Lead Investigation Into Deadly Car Blast in Ukraine” – “American OSCE observer killed in Donbass: Who benefits?” (Fort Russ, pro-RUS) – “OSCE in Donbass: When an American Dies at the Right Time” – “Landmine that wrecked OSCE vehicle could be Russian, – SBU” – “SBU seizes Russia-produced mines in ATO zone” – “Budget being passed, OSCE to continue working in LPR” – “Kyiv Opens Probe of OSCE Monitor’s Death”
• “OSCE rejects going into Donbass armed, Kiev saddened”
• “Ukraine test fires brand new Vilkha missiles”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Identification of the Boasting Scouts of the 17th Motor Rifle Brigade, Who Fought in the Donbas” (informnapalm.org) – ” “Person with call sign Khmuryi identified in many wiretapped terrorists’ conversations,” – SBU spokesperson on MH17 probe” – “Russia Supplies Surplus Equipment and Active Duty Russian Military to LPR and DNR in Donbass” (To Inform is to Influence) – “Russia Funds and Manages Conflict in Ukraine, Leaks Show” (Atlantic Council) – “US troops arrive in Donbass to kill ‘Russkies’ ” (Pravda)
• Kiev Cuts Power to Occupied Zones Update  “Blacked-out Lugansk seeks Kremlin power supply” – “LPR has no water supply from Kiev-controlled intakes” – “UN: Electricity Cuts Put Additional Burden on Civilian Population in Ukraine” – “Ukraine to resume power supplies to occupied territories after debts settled, – Minister Nasalyk” – “Ukraine may cut off electricity to Donetsk Republic, says energy company chief” – “Russia to supply power to Lugansk Republic after Ukraine cuts electricity – source” – “Russia to provide electricity to LPR” – “UN urges not to aggravate suffering of people in Donbass with electricity supply problems” – “Oleg Tsarev on Why Kiev Cut the Electricity Supply to the LPR”
• Info-Fight Point:  “Russia steps in after Ukraine cuts power to rebel-held east:Russia steps in after Ukraine cuts power to rebel-held east” (AP)
• Info-fight Counterpoint:  “The Associated Press Promotes Russian Propaganda” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “64th Russian humanitarian aid convoy to arrive in DPR on 27 April”
• “Russia’s Ukrainian community brings humanitarian aid for Odessa political prisoners” (separatist media)
• Minsk & Other Talking  “Minsk deal does not provide for peacemakers – Lavrov” – “Russia urges Normandy Four to intensify efforts with Kiev — Lavrov” – “Meeting of Contact Group on Donbass settlement to be held in Minsk” – “Minsk to host another round of talks group on Donbas conflict settlement”
• “Ukrainian Army Continues its Advance into Donbass” (globalresearch.ca “fake news” page)
• “The Ukraine Crisis: Why Everyone Loses” (Russia Matters blog)

Canada Into Africa?

• “General Warns Somali Pirate Actions Spiked In Last Months As Ships Attacked For Food”

Afghanistan

• “Ukrainian analysts to share proof of Russia’s aiding Taliban – Rada member”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Trudeau sought RCMP probe of cabinet leaks on navy supply ship”
• Wanted:  “PPP VALCARTIER TCEVC GPO PROJECT … This Letter of Interest (LOI) is released by the Government of Canada to announce an upcoming contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a pumping and treatment (P&T) system for the Department of National Defence (DND), located in Valcartier, Quebec …”
• Wanted:  “CLIP-ON SIGHTING DEVICE FOR SMALL ARMS … DRDC Valcartier Research Center seeks the purchase and delivery of 5 clip-on image intensifier sighting devices for small arms (Group A) and 5 clip-on infrared sighting devices for small arms (Group B) …”
• Other
• “Support to Bereaved Military Families” (CF Ombudsman’s report) – “Message From The (CF) Ombudsman – Support to Bereaved Military Families” – “Soutien aux familles militaires endeuillées: confusion et souffrance inutile, dénonce l’ombudsman” – “Globe editorial: The Canadian military needs to stop making terrible situations even worse”
• “This is a test Part 2 – Exercise tests rescue of Canadians in a failed state”
• “Big boom, eh? Canadian military unit trains at JBLM — Neighbors of Joint Base Lewis-McChord might notice an increase in noise and activity this week because a military unit from Canada is training with mortars and explosive charges at the base. The 39th Canadian Brigade Group from Vancouver, B.C., began its training session Tuesday …”
• “With continued reductions in military spending, Canada faces NATO partners in May”
• “Minding the Capability “Gap” “
• “Ivison: CAF Budget hits Post-War Low”
• More on DefMin’s Asian Tour  “Canada’s Defence Minister assures closer defence relations with Malaysia” – “Malaysia and Canada to jointly fight IS threat”
• “MPI Accepting Canadian Forces Driver’s Licences, ID Cards as Verification”
• “Royal Canadian Navy tests new galley equipment with cooking competition” – “La Marine royale canadienne met à l’essai le nouveau matériel de cuisine en organisant une compétition culinaire”

Korean War

• “Korea: Defence made the difference at Kapyong”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – April 25, 2017

Cold War 2.0

• The Koreas (1)  CHN Communist Party editorial:  “Will Pyongyang be wise to take a step back? … given North Korea’s current national strength as well as its peculiar geopolitical circumstances, it must learn how to be flexible as well as resolute. Taking a small step back will make a conflict easier to solve …”
• The Koreas (2)  “North Korea conducting live-fire drill” – “North Korea live-fire drill on army anniversary, South Korea confirms” – “Reports of N Korea artillery drill as US submarine docks in South” – “US sub in S. Korea port call, North defiant” – “North Korea Stages Long-Range Artillery Drills” – “Seoul to deploy new radar system to detect North Korean long-range artillery” – “China-Based Hackers Targeting South Korea Over THAAD: Report” – “Chinese forces in normal training along China-DPRK border: Ministry” – “Haley: Another missile test by North Korea could prompt US military action” – “Trump Says UN Security Council ‘Failed’ in Syria, Must Prepare for More North Korea Sanctions” –“Secretary Tillerson To Chair UN Security Council Meeting on Denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.)” – “North Korea’s ICBM arsenal: How advanced is it, and should we be worried?” – “What if North Korea Conducts a 6th Nuclear Test?” (Center for Strategic and International Studies) – “North Korea Takes another American Hostage” (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) – “N. Korean ships allowed into port for humanitarian reasons: China FM” – “To follow the course of recent Western political and media rhetoric, North Korean President Kim Jong-un is a reckless megalomaniac with a goofy haircut who is bent on a nuclear war with the U.S. …” – “Trump’s bluster doing nothing to neutralize North Korea’s nuclear ambitions”
• “Shanghai Agreement, Moscow Agreement set good example in easing tensions in border areas with neighboring countries”
• “No offensive weapons on China-Russia-Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan borders”
• “US F-35 Jets to Arrive in Estonia on Tuesday for Air Policing Missions” – “U.S. F-35A stealth fighters to move to Estonia tomorrow. Meanwhile, the British Typhoons have arrived in Romania.” – “In surprise, F-35s reportedly visiting Estonia”
• “Speaker Ryan in Estonia: the US commitment to NATO is resolute”
• “Latvia to purchase machine guns for 5.5 million euros (CDN $8.1 million)”
• “US armoured Strykers heading to Finland for offensive war exercise” – “Finnish Army’s mechanised exercise, Exercise Arrow 17, begins in Niinisalo … The exercise brings to Finland a reinforced US Army Europe infantry company of approximately 125 soldiers equipped with armoured Stryker personnel carrier vehicles as well as a Norwegian Brigade North mechanized platoon of approximately 50 soldiers equipped with CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, the exercise will include an instruction session on armour tactics with participants from Sweden, Denmark, and Estonia …” (Finnish military info-machine)
• “Russia’s Caspian Flotilla warships take to sea in snap combat readiness check”
• “Russian Pacific Fleet to receive new 636.3-project diesel-electric submarines in 2019”
• “Russia, Serbia to boost military cooperation”
• “Mongolia asks Russia to arm its air defense forces”
• “Russian Army – exercises of the Central Air Intelligence Agency, a multi-circuit reconnaissance fire system” (video)
• “Taking Stock of Russian Acquisition” (Russian Defense Policy blog)
• “PLA group armies to get greater role — A largely overlooked official report has uncovered the latest changes in China’s group armies, which suggests the groups will consist of different corps in the future, experts said. The 76th Group Army is the newest designation of China’s group armies made public after China announced a military reshuffle with 84 newly adjusted or established corps-level units, news site caixin.com reported …”
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “… is China challenging America? Yes! But the challenge is muted, nuanced, even modest in the details but the scope is global. China is, in my opinion, playing a “long game” and trying to position itself as a trusted world leader in fields ranging from military dominance to promoting and protecting free(er) trade ~ in the face of apparent American isolationism and protectionism …”
• “New Study: How do European democracies react to Russian aggression?”
• “How do European democracies react to Russian aggression?” (European Values Think-Tank)

#Syria

• “US Sanctions Syrian Officials Over Gas Attack” – “Treasury Sanctions 271 Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center Staff in Response to Sarin Attack on Khan Sheikhoun” (US Tres Info-machine) – “Syria Designations” (US Treas Info-machine list)
• “Moscow expects OPCW to send experts to Syria’s Khan Sheikhoun” – “Tillerson reiterates support for OPCW’s investigative mechanism in phone call with Lavrov”
• From the Info-fight  “Russia Casts More Doubt on the West’s Syria Chemical Attack Narrative” – “Ex-CIA officer: US officials behind chemical attack in Syria” – “Russian diplomat warns about possible false flag (chemical attack) near Damascus” – “Russian and western dispute over Syria chemical attack further muddies truth — Russian officials accuse Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons of siding with the west after rejecting plan to reinvestigate evidence of sarin gas …” – “Russian Fake News In Syria – With A Russian MFA Connection” (To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “Russia complains to US over exclusion from Syria chemical probe”
• “Attaque «chimique» en Syrie: Lavrov discute par téléphone avec Tillerson”
• So, Which Is It?  “Russia prepared to deploy ground forces to Syria: Sources” – “The Latest: No Russian troops for Syria’s Assad in IS fight”
• “Serbian military wants to take part in demining Palmyra”
• “ISIS moves its capital in Syria”
• “Al-Qaeda leader urges Islamists to unite, prepare for long ‘holly war’ in Syria” – “Al-Qaida Leader Tells Fighters to Prepare for Long Syria War” – “Al-Qaeda’s Zawahiri calls for ‘guerrilla war’ in Syria”
• “IHS: Assad is primary opponent of ISIS in Syria”  – “Study Shows Islamic State’s Primary Opponent in Syria Is Government Forces, IHS Markit Says — The Islamic State fought Syrian government forces more than any other opponent over the past 12 months, according to new analysis from Conflict Monitor by IHS Markit …”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Turkey Hits Kurdish Areas in Iraq and Syria” –“Turkish military says struck PKK targets in Iraq’s Sinjar and northeast Syria” – “Turkish jets hit PKK targets in Iraq, northeast Syria” –“Turkey carries out air strikes on ′Kurdish rebel positions′ in Iraq, Syria” “Pentagon Spokesman Updates Iraq, Syria, Yemen Operations” (US DoD) “Vimy-Ridge centennial flyby ‘close to home’ for 14 Wing pilot”
• “Officer Who Thinks ISIS War Is Illegal Heads Back To Court To Plead His Case”

#Ukraine

• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “U.S. may cut financial assistance to Ukraine by 70% in 2018 – media” – “U.S. draft budget for 2018 foresees almost 70% reduction in aid to Ukraine” –  “The End of Foreign Aid As We Know It” (Foreign Policy) – “Trump dumps Ukraine: USA cuts aid four times” (PravdaReport)
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “Secretary Tillerson’s Call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko” (US State Info-machine)
• No Ukrainian Power for YOU, Separatists!   “Ukrenergo completely halts power supplies to Luhansk People’s Republic” –  “Ukraine halts power supplies to occupied parts of Luhansk region” –  “Blackout in Luhansk: Ukraine cuts off electricity in occupied territories” – “Nazi Ukraine Regime Cuts Power And Electricity But Sister Republic Of Lugansk Restores Power Within One Hour !” –  “Donbas militants claim power supplies in Luhansk region restored” –  “Energy workers restore power to nearly all LPR territory – Ministry”
• Latest on Fatal OSCE Mine Blast in Occupied Area  “UN calls for probe and accountability following possible landmine blast in eastern Ukraine” (UN Info-machine) –  “Interfax: OSCE vehicle blown up in Luhansk region by Three Ukrainian saboteurs – LPR” – “Kyiv denies Ukrainian troops’ involvement in OSCE SMM vehicle blast” – “Minsk calls for thorough investigation of OSCE SMM car blast near Luhansk” – “Comment by the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus in connection with the accident with SMM monitors” (RUS MFA) – “OSCE mission to conduct own inquiry into its car blast in Luhansk region” – “Ukraine’s Defense & Security chief Turchynov blames Kremlin for OSCE car blast” – “Oleksandr Turchynov: The military-political leadership of the Russian Federation is responsible for the death of a member of the OSCE SMM and wounding of two members of the Mission” (UKR NSDC info-machine) – “Russia’s leadership bears responsibility for OSCE car blast in Donbas, – Turchynov” – “NATO PA President shocked and saddened at death of OSCE monitoring team member in Eastern Ukraine” (NATO Parl Ass’n info-machine) – “OSCE mission to partially resume patrolling in Donbas on April 25” – “Contact Group Meeting Scheduled For This Week Has Been Postponed Indefinitely Due To The Horrific Death Of American OSCE Member !” – “Ukraine reconciliation meeting in Minsk postponed over OSCE car blast The event will be postponed indefinitely” – “Moscow says OSCE car explosion in Donbass seems to be ‘provocation’, advocates negotiations” – “Ukraine: Russia responsible for casualties of OSCE observers” – “US urges Moscow to help ensure OSCE probe into blast of observer mission’s car” – “Russian Foreign Ministry slams OSCE car incident in Donbass as ‘provocation’ The ministry has described deadly incident with an OSCE SMM car as a provocation aimed at breaking down the settlement process in Donbass” – “Russia calls for unbiased investigation into incident with OSCE mission in Donbass” – “The first fatality of the OSCE SMM in Ukraine” (Odessa Talk blog)
• “OSCE Chief To Meet With Lavrov In Moscow, Discuss Ukraine Conflict”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 23 April 2017” –  UKR govt ATO map, 25 Apr 2017 (in Ukrainian) –  “Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, April 25, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 04/24/2017” – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 04/24/2017” – “Donbas conflict: Militants shell ATO positions 21 times” – “Donbas conflict: Enemy attacks 9 times, Ukrainian forces adhere to ceasefire regime” – “21 attacks in Donbas yesterday, involving Grad-P, mortars, AA guns and IFVs, – ATO HQ” – “DPR reports damages in 30 ‘silence regime’ violations over 24 hours” – “Ukraine reports 21 enemy attacks in Donbas in last day” – “LPR Command reports a ceasefire violation by Kiev forces”
• “Ukraine, NATO developing rehabilitation programs for ATO veterans”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Russian secret services plan provocations in Odesa on May 2, 9, – Defense Intelligence” – “Russia redeploys hardware and troops to frontline, disguises as preparations to military parade, – Intelligence” – “Russian Bereg coastal artillery complexes conducted firing against a naval target — In accordance to the combat training plan, a tactic exercise with the separate missile-artillery brigade of the Novorossiysk naval base of the Black Fleet is held at the Zhelezny Rog range in the Krasnodar Krai …” – “Russia remains key threat to Black Sea region, – EU ambassador in Ukraine” – “Policy shift shows Russia preparing to recognize its puppet republics in Donbas” (Euromaidan Press) – “Russia Funds and Manages Conflict in Ukraine, Leaks Show” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• ” ‘Head of DNR military intelligence’: Moscow responsible for MH17 tragedy,- media” – “Russian journalist presents exclusive proof of “Khmuryi” involvement in MH17 downing (Video)” – “Voice of “Gloomy” — Investigation of the shot down “Boeing” is completed. Pavel Kanygin found a colleague of the Russian colonel, who is considered responsible for the transportation of “Buka”, who shot down the Boeing MH17 …” (Novaya Gazeta, in Russian)
• “Kiev eager to drag a third force into Donbass conflict – DPR Head”
• “Kremlin reacts to proposal on UN peacekeepers’ deployment in Donbass”
• “Zakharchenko: The ship sailed. DPR will never be part of Ukrainian Federation.”

#Afghanistan

• “Top U.S. general in Afghanistan sees Russia sending weapons to Taliban” – “U.S. Concerned Russia Supplying Arms To Afghan Taliban” – “Russia May Be Supplying Taliban With Weapons: Mattis”
• “Russian ambassador denies Moscow supporting Taliban” – “Claims of Russian Assistance towards the Mujahideen are Baseless” (Taliban statement)
• “Taliban strikes US base in eastern Afghan”
• “U.S. Stands by Afghan People After Taliban’s Heinous Acts, Mattis Says” (US DoD)
• “U.S. considers deploying troops to Afghanistan in wake of deadly Taliban attack”
• “Afghan defense minister, Army chief of staff resign after deadly suicide assault”

Internal Security

• “(NZ) PM confirms ‘Five Eyes’ conference in Queenstown”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Construction work is underway in Bagotville” (CAF Info-machine) –  “Bagotville: début de la construction des bâtiments pour les sections du Transport et Génie électrique et mécanique”
• “Canada requests $195m sale of C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support from US”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Minister touts new money for vets”

Other

• “Military helicopters to fly low across Nova Scotia this week, including American Black Hawk” – “Armed Forces staging evacuation exercise, with Island as nation in chaos”
• “Russia Conducting Aerial Surveillance of CAF Bases via Post-Cold War Treaty”
• “L’exercice annuel du NCSM Donnacona montre une Réserve navale avec de nouvelles ambitions”
• “Out Standing in the Field: Vet shares story of abuse, misogyny and hope in Canada’s military”
• “Too many grieving families left in the dark: military ombudsman”
• “What to Look for in Canada’s New White Paper on Defence?”
• “John Ivison: New Liberal defence plan looks likely to leave military short-changed”
• “Futurs astronautes canadiens: 17 finalistes dont 10 militaires” – “Eight members of the RCAF among the 17 astronaut finalists” – “Army background ‘key’ to success, says (Canadian) astronaut candidate” (Army info-machine)
• “What Joining the Arms Trade Treaty Means for Canada”
• “Minister Hehr and Minister Sajjan mark ANZAC Day” – “The Anzac Day tradition” (Australian War Memorial)
• DefMin’s Trip Around Asia  “Sajjan invites India to take part in Canada’s Maple Flag” – “Le ministre de la Défense du Canada a conclu sa visite en Inde” – “Minister of National Defence to visit Malaysia”
• “Halifax to debate motion that could change commemoration of city’s founder — The story of Edward Cornwallis in Nova Scotia is told two ways: The tale of a brave leader and his entourage of soldiers and settlers trying to survive in a new world, or the commander of a bloody and barbaric extermination campaign against Mi’kmaq inhabitants. On Tuesday, Halifax council will debate a motion that could change how the city remembers its controversial founder …” – “Edward Cornwallis considered: The man behind Halifax’s divisive debate”

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