The DSR Daily Brief Newsletter – Thursday, May 26, 2022
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Ukraine
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said Ukraine should cede territory to Russia in order to achieve peace. Some Ukrainian officials politely disagreed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a bit more blunt, drawing comparisons to appeasement with Hitler.
The Americas
Many US politicians are speaking out against gun violence and lax gun laws, but stricter legislation is unlikely to be enacted in the current congress. The international press strives to make sense of it all.
Europe and Central Asia
German media reports an informal agreement among NATO members not to send battle tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine, fearing escalation with Russia. No formal statement was issued by NATO. However, this follows rumors that Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not want to approve the shipment of Marder and Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine. Scholz – who has been accused of waffling on the issue – is scheduled to make a speech in Davos today.
The UK backed a Lithuanian proposal to export grain using a non-NATO ‘naval escort operation.’ This would still require Russia’s consent, which comes with currently untenable concessions. For additional background, have a listen to yesterday’s podcast.
The Indo-Pacific
Further ‘food protectionism’ by India may target rice exports. Wheat and sugar exports are already restricted, contributing to global food scarcity. Meanwhile, violence erupted in Kashmir between separatists and Indian security forces. This came after the sentencing of separatist leader Yasin Malik to life in prison.
The Middle East and Africa
Israel declined a request to approve the transfer of Spike anti-tank missiles from Germany – where they are produced – to Ukraine. The missile factory is Israeli-owned and the technology is proprietary. Israeli Ministry of Defense Amir Eshel reiterated Israel’s policy of only supplying nonlethal aid to Ukraine. Israel’s relationship with Russia is a complicating factor.
A boat carrying migrants from Libya sank off the coast of Tunisia, highlighting an increase in the number of people willing to risk the dangerous journey for a chance at a better life in Europe.
DSR Exclusives
For in-depth analysis, check out our sister podcasts on the DSR Network and stay tuned to the DSR Daily podcast for new and evolving stories from around the world.
The DSR Network Team (Chris Cotnoir, Grant Haver, and Katherine Hill)
