The DSR Daily Brief Newsletter – Monday, May 23, 2022

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Ukraine

As of Monday morning, Russian troops were encircling Severodonetsk in what the governor of Luhansk called a ‘scorched earth’ policy. Ukraine has ruled out peace talks and ceding territory.

The Russian frigate Admiral Makarov may be maneuvering to a strike-distance position in the Black Sea. The ship has been the subject of other reports, including that it was sunk (false) and that it will be the new flagship, replacing the Moskva (true, according to Russian sources).

The Americas

Biden looks to assert US presence in Asia, announcing that the US will intervene to protect Taiwan if China invades it. 

The Pentagon is exploring options to bolster security at the recently reopened US embassy in Kyiv.

Donald Trump is conspicuously absent from Putin’s latest blacklist of prominent Americans.

Europe and Central Asia

On a trip to Astrakhan, Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev said that sanctions ‘virtually broke … logistics.’

Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, argued that NATO membership for Ukraine would actually reduce the nuclear threat from Putin. His reasoning is along the lines of mutually assured destruction expressed elsewhere.

The Indo-Pacific

Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese is Australia’s new PM. The election outcome is viewed as a referendum against Scott Morrison and his disregard for climate change. Among implications for the region, China reportedly hopes for a relationship ‘reset’ with Australia’s new leadership.

The Middle East and Africa

Tunisians are protesting in favor of democracy and against President Kais Saied’s authoritarian rule. 

Regarding LGBTQ soccer fans at the 2022 World Cup, Qatari leader Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said visitors must ‘respect [Qatar’s] culture.’

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)