The DSR Daily Brief Newsletter – Friday, April 22, 2022
The Ukraine Daily Brief is now ‘The DSR Daily Brief.’ Please be sure to rate and review. (We know that many of you are receiving the podcast in our member feed, but reviews help with discoverability.) Some notable links referenced in today’s podcast can be viewed here. We invite you to help shape our evolving coverage at udb@thedsrnetwork.com.
Ukraine
Russia details its latest military ambitions in Ukraine. Ukraine’s defense ministry interprets Russia’s statements as acknowledging that the goal is no longer ‘victory over the mythical Nazis, but simply the occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine.’ Zelensky issues a Good Friday message to servicemen, medics, and volunteers.
A little good news: Ukraine is receiving a new lethal aerial weapon from the Pentagon, the Phoenix Ghost, as part of the latest US aid package.
The Americas
Canada launches a C$15 billion growth fund to support its Critical Minerals Strategy. The strategy includes net-zero emissions for mining companies. Biden announced a critical minerals plan in March. Appearing on Russia’s new blacklist of ‘Russophobic’ policy makers is a badge of honor for some in DC.
In a speech at Stanford, Obama calls on Big Tech to combat the ‘disinformation problem’ with greater transparency.
Europe and Central Asia
In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Nina Khrushcheva says Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine was ‘horrible’ and predicts that ‘everything will end badly’ for Russia. The UK’s Foreign Office sanctions Russian generals with ‘Ukrainian blood on their hands.’
Russia closes Baltic country consulates in St. Petersburg and Pskov and PNGs the consuls. Lukoil’s president and founder, Vagit Alekperov, steps down.
Germany allocates EUR 37 million to help Ukraine restore electricity networks and other critical infrastructure destroyed by Russian forces. Scholz declares avoiding a direct military confrontation with Russia his top priority for NATO.
The Indo-Pacific
Shanghai tightens Covid-19 lockdowns. Tesla resumes production at its Shanghai factory nevertheless.
The Middle East and Africa
Leaving Zelensky’s plea for air defense technology unanswered, Israel’s Defense Minister says he’s sending flak jackets and helmets.
African heads of state are gathering in May to discuss the future of the metals and minerals mining sector and a ‘reset’ of US-Africa relations. Survey results from the latest IRI Sierra Leone poll are in. The US Navy launches a Red Sea task force.
DSR Exclusives
On the latest episode of Deep State Radio, David Rothkopf and David Sanger discuss Russia’s nuclear threat with guests Dr. Emma Belcher, Douglas Lute and Jon Wolfsthal.
Tune in to Monday’s podcast for new and evolving stories.
The DSR Network Team (Chris Cotnoir, Grant Haver, and Katherine Hill)
