The DSR Daily Brief Newsletter – Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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Ukraine

Zelensky looks to negotiate a prisoner swap with Russia for the Azovstal soldiers. Javelins are aiding the fight in the Donetsk region. 

Russia vows to rebuild all of the Ukrainian infrastructure it just destroyed, with no apparent irony. Meduza offers profiles of ‘collaborators.’ Ukraine was not a consensus topic at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Moscow.

The Americas

A Department of Justice lawsuit against casino mogul and Trump supporter Steve Wynn alleges attempts to peddle Chinese influence with Trump’s National Security Council.

The State Department launches an initiative to archive and analyze evidence of war crimes in Ukraine. 

The ‘America First’ element within the GOP is creating a rift on additional support for Ukraine. Fifth columnist comparisons are tempting, but we’ll avoid them here.

Europe and Central Asia

The EU is allocating another EUR 500 million for weapons purchases for Ukraine. Once approved, this will bring the EU’s total to EUR 2 billion. Germany is now investing billions in a permanent move away from Russian energy, regardless of the war outcome.

Turkey’s latest grievance with Sweden: its Syria-related sanctions against Turkey. This is in addition to Sweden’s alleged support for the PKK, as previously noted. A popular pundit view is that these are simply negotiating ploys, as with the unwelcoming of Swedish and Finnish delegates to Ankara. 

For a deeper dive on Turkey’s long-standing issues with Kurdish independence (which is sometimes conflated with the PKK), start with the treaties of Sèvres and Lausanne.

The Indo-Pacific

A five-month slump in Chinese manufacturing means a potential shortage in chips and other electronic components for smartphones and electric vehicles. 

The space race for moon minerals is on. We calculate Greenland to be a little closer, however.

The Middle East and Africa

Some questionable trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo by former Mossad Director Yassi Cohen come to light.

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)