Today's briefing

"Hello, it's Jeff. Let's not talk too much and start right on."

July 29, 2023

Russian missiles have struck the security service headquarters in Ukraine, causing damage and injuries. Tensions continue to escalate in the Russia-Ukraine war, with Ukrainian forces expressing their intention to de-occupy Crimea. The US has pledged to assist Australia in missile manufacturing to counter China's influence. In the ongoing conflict, Russia has targeted a residential block in Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump criticized his rivals and highlighted his lead in the polls at an Iowa campaign dinner. The European Union has suspended financial support and security cooperation with Niger following a military coup.

"Russian Missiles Strike Security Service Headquarters in Ukraine, Escalating Tensions"

In an alarming escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian missiles targeted the security service headquarters in Dnipro, Ukraine, causing damage and injuring at least nine people. The attack comes as Ukrainian forces express their intention to de-occupy Crimea, which has been under Russian control since 2014. With ongoing attacks and counter-offensives, the situation remains tense, raising concerns about the presence of the Wagner mercenary group in Belarus and threats to civilian vessels in the Black Sea.

"US Pledges to Aid Australia in Missile Manufacturing to Counter China's Influence"

As part of their defense cooperation to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific, the United States has pledged to assist Australia in manufacturing guided missiles and rockets by 2025. This commitment follows a trilateral partnership announcement with Britain to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The move aims to strengthen the defense industrial base and technological edge of both countries. Despite some opposition, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remains confident in securing bipartisan support from the U.S. for the submarine deal.

"Russia Strikes Residential Block in Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict"

In the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Russia has once again targeted Ukraine, this time striking a residential block in Dnipro. This attack comes shortly after an explosion in Taganrog, Russia. With reports of a "bomb" blast on Russian territory and a rocket explosion in a border city, the conflict shows no signs of abating, as both sides continue to engage in acts of aggression.

"Trump Criticizes Rivals and Highlights Lead in Polls at Iowa Campaign Dinner"

Former President Donald Trump made an appearance at a campaign dinner in Iowa, where he criticized his 2024 rival Ron DeSantis and boasted about his lead in the polls. Trump addressed his legal troubles, suggesting that he wouldn't be facing charges if he wasn't running for president. Despite receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, except for one candidate who mentioned his legal challenges and was booed off stage, Trump emphasized that he is the only Republican who can win the 2024 election.

"EU Suspends Financial Support and Security Cooperation with Niger After Military Coup"

Following the military coup in Niger, the European Union has suspended financial support and cooperation on security with the country. The African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum for the military leaders to restore the democratic constitution and institutions. The EU's decision, which includes the indefinite suspension of all cooperation in the security field and non-recognition of the coup authorities, will have a significant impact on Niger, a major recipient of western aid. This coup is the latest in a series of military takeovers in West Africa.