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From the SitRoom to the E-Ring, the inside scoop on defense, national security and foreign policy. | | | | |  | | By Alexander Ward and Quint Forgey | Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Alex | Email Quint
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President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Russia and Ukraine on April 21, 2022. | Win McNamee/Getty Images | Another $800 million in military aid. About $500 million in economic assistance. A new immigration program for 100,000 Ukrainians to enter the United States. And a ban on Russian-flagged ships entering American ports. Those are the four big announcements President JOE BIDEN made this morning , deepening his administration’s involvement in backing Kyiv and Ukrainians since the Russian invasion began Feb. 24. Let’s take each in turn: $800 million in military aid: Biden announced the new military-assistance package, noting he was nearly exhausting his presidential drawdown authority authorized by Congress last month. The Defense Department soon followed up with specifics of what the U.S. is transferring: 72 155mm Howitzers and 144,000 artillery rounds; 72 Tactical Vehicles to tow 155mm Howitzers; over 121 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems; and field equipment and spare parts. The “Phoenix Ghost” is the surprise of this tranche. As Quint reported , the drone will require “minimal training,” a senior U.S. defense official told him and other reporters. The official likened it to the Switchblade drones that the United States previously sent to Ukraine because they are “one-way” weapons, suggesting that the new drone may be a loitering weapon that flies to a target and detonates an explosive warhead, although the official did not offer clarity on that specific point. Biden wants more drawdown authority to make similar future announcements. “In order to sustain Ukraine for the duration of this fight, next week I’m going to … be sending to Congress a supplemental budget request to keep weapons and ammunition flowing without interruption,” he said. $500 million in economic assistance: The war in Ukraine is hitting the local economy hard and dwindling Kyiv’s coffers. Biden said he wanted to help Ukrainian President VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY with that problem. “This is money the government can help use to help stabilize their economy, to support communities that have been devastated by the Russian onslaught, and pay the brave workers that continue to provide essential services to the people of Ukraine,” the president said. The U.S. has now provided Ukraine with $1 billion in economic aid over the last two months. ‘Uniting for Ukraine’: Biden unveiled a new refugee program called “Uniting for Ukraine,” which will allow 100,000 Ukrainians to come directly to the U.S. from Europe. “This new humanitarian parole program will complement the existing legal pathways available to Ukrainians, including immigrant visas and refugee processing. It will provide an expedient channel for secure, legal migration from Europe to the United States for Ukrainians who have a U.S. sponsor, such as a family or an NGO,” Biden said. In a release ahead of the president’s remarks, the Department of Homeland Security made clear that one reason for this new program is to disincentivize Ukrainians from trying to get into America at the southern border. “Ukrainians should not travel to Mexico to pursue entry into the United States. Following the launch of Uniting for Ukraine, Ukrainians who present at land U.S. ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine will be denied entry and referred to apply through this program,” reads an agency statement. No Russian ships at ports: Biden made another move to isolate Russia from the global economy: barring Russian ships from docking at American ports. The European Union, Canada and the United Kingdom are also taking this measure. As our own ORIANA PAWLYK and DANIEL LIPPMAN reported, “[t]he move is more symbolic than impactful: Russian-flagged ships account for less than 1 percent of cargo that arrives at American ports.” Still, they noted, the move “builds on previous steps to ban other kinds of Russian transportation and commerce, including a prohibition on all Russian commercial flights in American airspace.” Biden concluded that no one should expect the U.S. to end its pressure campaign on Russia any time soon. “We will not lessen our resolve. We’re going to continue to stand with the brave and proud people of Ukraine. We will never fail in our determination to defend freedom and oppose tyranny. It’s as simple as that,” he asserted.
| | | SITUATION REPORT: We will only cite official sources. As always, take all figures, assessments and statements with a healthy dose of skepticism. War in Ukraine: — Since the war began on Feb. 24, Russia has lost roughly 21,000 personnel; 829 tanks; 2,118 armored combat vehicles; 393 artillery systems; 136 multiple-launch rocket systems; 172 warplanes; 151 helicopters; eight ships; and 166 drones. (Ukrainian Ministry of Defense) — “The opponent continued offensive actions in the Eastern Operation Zone in order to establish complete control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. At the same time, rocket-bomb strikes on military and civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine do not stop.” (Ukrainian Ministry of Defense) — “Russia likely desires to demonstrate significant successes ahead of their annual 9th May Victory Day celebrations. This could affect how quickly and forcefully they attempt to conduct operations in the run-up to this date. Russian forces are now advancing from staging areas in the Donbas towards Kramatorsk, which continues to suffer from persistent rocket attacks. High levels of Russian air activity endure as Russia seeks to provide close air support to its offensive in eastern Ukraine, to suppress and destroy Ukrainian air defence capabilities.” ( U.K. Ministry of Defense) Global Response: — U.K.: Britain has announced 26 new sanctions targeting key Russian military leaders like Lt. Col. AZATBEK OMURBEKOV, who was involved in the Bucha massacre, and Maj. Gen. VALERY FLYUSTIKOV, commander of special operations forces. Headlines: — The Associated Press: “2 months after Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds her case” –– The New York Times: “With Moskva Warship Sunken, Russia Disinformation Faces a Test” — The Wall Street Journal: “He Worked for Moscow’s Police for Nearly 20 Years. Then He Spoke Up About the Ukraine War.” PUTIN BACKS OFF MARIUPOL STEEL PLANT: Russian President VLADIMIR PUTIN told Defense Minister SERGEI SHOIGU to block off the metallurgical plant in Mariupol but not attack it, saying that his forces had already liberated the city. The Russian leader has effectively declared victory over the Ukrainian city, even if he still wants his forces to ensure “not even a fly comes through” the area of the surrounded plant. “The completion of combat work to liberate Mariupol is a success,” he told Shoigu. “Congratulations.” A few thousand Ukrainian resistance fighters are holed up in the sprawling complex, a labyrinthine area the locals know far better than the invaders. To not risk more troops, it seems, Putin isn’t sending his forces into a potential meat grinder. Biden contradicted Putin during his address today, saying he had yet to see hard evidence that Mariupol was firmly under Russian control. ‘FINLAND IS READY TO JOIN NATO’: A top member of Finland’s Parliament said his country is “ready to join NATO,” another sign that the long-time partner of the alliance is set to formalize its membership in coming months. PETTERI ORPO, chair of Finland’s center-right National Coalition Party and former deputy prime minister, told NatSec Daily in an interview today that Finland’s application to join NATO is basically a done deal. “Our decision will be that we will apply,” he said. Orpo is in Washington for meetings with congressional staff and policymakers, including Assistant Secretary of State for Europe KAREN DONFRIED and AMANDA SLOAT, the top National Security Council official for Europe. Orpo said he only heard strong support for Finland’s accession to NATO from American officials. The timeline, per Orpo, is that the Finnish Parliament will vote to join NATO in May. And then in June, Finland will present its formal application at NATO’s summit in Madrid. Orpo hopes the alliance will also formally invite Finland to join, thus expediting the process. At that point, the legislatures of all 30 members must approve of letting Finland into the political-military club. Orpo did say that he expects Russia to retaliate for this move, likely via cyberattacks, though a direct military confrontation is unlikely. Still, he said, Moscow will do “something.” SPAIN AND DENMARK HEADS VISIT KYIV: Two more European leaders, Spanish Prime Minister PEDRO SÁNCHEZ and Danish Prime Minister METTE FREDERIKSEN, visited Kyiv today as part of NATO nations’ continued show of support for Zelenskyy. "We intend to deliver more weapons to Ukraine because that is what is most needed," Frederiksen told reporters while walking around the capital. Their visit follows those of leaders from the European Union, United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Now there’s more pressure on the Biden administration to send a high-level official to meet with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, though U.S. officials have told POLITICO that neither Biden nor Vice President KAMALA HARRIS are likely to make the trip. The top contenders to represent the U.S. are Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN and Defense Secretary LLOYD AUSTIN. IT’S THURSDAY: Thanks for tuning in to NatSec Daily. This space is reserved for the top U.S. and foreign officials, the lawmakers, the lobbyists, the experts and the people like you who care about how the natsec sausage gets made. Aim your tips and comments at award@politico.com and qforgey@politico.com, and follow us on Twitter at @alexbward and @QuintForgey. While you’re at it, follow the rest of POLITICO’s national security team: @nahaltoosi, @woodruffbets, @politicoryan, @PhelimKine, @BryanDBender, @laraseligman, @connorobrienNH, @paulmcleary, @leehudson, @AndrewDesiderio and @JGedeon1.
| | A message from Lockheed Martin: Leveraging digital transformation to get Integrated Combat Systems capability to the fleet faster
Working with the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin is digitally transforming Aegis – using DevSecOps, Model Based System Engineering and Virtualization, plus third-party partnerships to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the fleet. Learn more. | | | | | | ISRAEL AND GAZA RENEW FIGHTING: “Militants in Gaza fired several rockets toward Israel overnight and early today and the Israeli Air Force said it retaliated by striking two military sites in Gaza, the most intense fighting between the two sides since the end of an 11-day war in May last year,” the New York Times’ PATRICK KINGSLEY reported. This fighting follows days of clashes over a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem and the deadliest wave of terrorist attacks inside Israel in years. But there’s some good news, per Kingsley: “[B]oth Israel and Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, have indicated in recent days that they both want to avoid another mini-war like the one last year. For now, the hostilities have followed a familiar routine that allows both sides to save face without forcing the other into a major escalation.” It’s currently unclear what role the U.S. is playing in trying to calm tensions, if any.
| | | FIVE EYES WARN RUSSIAN CYBERATTACKS COMING: The U.S. and four of its top allies warned late Wednesday that Russia is planning cyberattacks against countries that support Ukraine. “Evolving intelligence indicates that the Russian government is exploring options for potential cyber-attacks,” the so-called Five Eyes — U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada — said in an official cyber threat alert, adding “some cybercrime groups have recently publicly pledged support for the Russian government.” “Some groups have also threatened to conduct cyber operations against countries and organizations providing materiel support to Ukraine. Other cybercrime groups have recently conducted disruptive attacks against Ukrainian websites, likely in support of the Russian military offensive,” the bulletin continued. U.S. officials have long told NatSec Daily that a cyberattack was always among the likeliest Russian retaliations for the West’s economic and military aid to Ukraine. But Russia has failed to level a major cyber blow to both Ukraine and its friends, prompting the question on our minds: How much help is America and others giving Ukraine right now to fend off Kremlin-backed attacks?
| | | | INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | | NEW DIU OFFICES: Our friends at Morning Defense (for Pros!) report that the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit is opening a new hub today at the Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago — the Silicon Valley-based outpost’s latest expansion. DIU also has offices in Austin and Boston, and the “Midwest is underrepresented,” DIU Director MICHAEL BROWN said Wednesday at an C4ISRNet event. Brown said the Chicago office will focus on energy. Solutions the team will be looking for from the commercial industry include adopting cleaner sources of energy for the military and electrifying vehicles. “American innovators are crucial to increasing the strength and resiliency of our supply lines and leveraging the creativity and productivity of the American workforce,” KATHLEEN HICKS , the deputy secretary of Defense, said in a statement. “Today’s expansion of DIU will help to tap into talent and technology in the Midwest, and add a diverse resource to our innovation and modernization capabilities base.”
| | | ‘EVERY SINGLE OPTION NEEDS TO BE ON THE TABLE’: NatSec Daily asked a bipartisan group of senators if they agreed with Sen. CHRIS COONS’ (D-N.H.) recommendation that lawmakers and Biden administration officials agree on when or if it's appropriate to send American troops into Ukraine. Sen. THOM TILLIS (R-N.C.) agreed: “Every single option needs to be on the table. Why on earth would we send a signal to Vladimir Putin that any option would be off the table?” he told reporters on a conference call from Pristina during the delegation’s visit to the Balkans, calling Biden’s firmness on not deploying troops to Ukraine “bad strategy.” The two Democrats — Sens. JEANNE SHAHEEN (D-N.H.) and CHRIS MURPHY (D-Conn.) — were more cagey in their responses. “The administration is exploring potential responses to further actions by Vladimir Putin and the Russian military,” but she wouldn’t comment any further on what those were because she hasn’t been briefed on those responses. To be clear, we didn’t ask what the administration was considering, just whether the lawmakers agreed with Coons that a conversation between them and Biden’s team should be happening. Murphy added that U.S. forces should train their Ukrainian counterparts due to the sophistication of weaponry the U.S. is sending to Kyiv. “All of these conversations are iterative,” he continued. “We all look forward to anything the administration presents.”
| | | |   | | | | | | POLL: BIDEN NOT TOUGH ENOUGH ON RUSSIA: A new poll shows that the majority of Americans aren’t convinced that Biden has been tough enough on Russia since the invasion. “A poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 54% of Americans think Biden has been ‘not tough enough’ in his response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Thirty-six percent think his approach has been about right, while 8% say he’s been too tough,” the Associated Press’ NOMAAN MERCHANT and HANNAH FINGERHUT reported. Meanwhile: “Thirty-two percent of Americans say the U.S. should have a major role in the conflict. That’s ticked back down from 40% last month, though that remains slightly higher than the 26% who said so in February. An additional 49% say the U.S. should have a minor role.” We here at NatSec Daily would like to know why half of Americans feel the U.S. should have a “minor” role yet 54 percent think Biden hasn’t been “tough enough.” Either way, seems like there’s a sense those polled want Biden to have a more robust response while keeping the U.S. out of the conflict. “Go big and stay home,” seems to be the message.
| | | — TERRY WOLFF has joined the National Security Council to coordinate security assistance the U.S. and its partners are sending to Ukraine, a senior administration official told NatSec Daily. Wolff is a retired three-star general and army armor officer, with prior experience at the Pentagon, State and the NSC. — GIUSEPPE BONO is leaving the Italian-owned Fincantieri where he has served as CEO for the last 20 years. It’s likely that PIERROBERTO FOLGIERO will take over the shipyard as CEO in May.
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | | — IVO DAALDER, The Atlantic: “Let Ukraine In” — YANA PASHAEVA, Slate: “What the exodus of Western brands means for Russian workers” — MAX G. LEVY, Wired: “Drones Have Transformed Blood Delivery in Rwanda”
| | | — The Atlantic Council, 9:30 a.m.: “PIPEDREAM at the Disco: Implications for International Security and Operational Technology — with ANDY BOCHMAN, BRYSON BORT, DANIELLE JABLANSKI, BLAKE SOBCZAK and MEGAN SAMFORD” — The German Marshall Fund of the United States, 10 a.m.: “The Global Economic Impact of Russia’s War on Ukraine — with GIZEM ÖZTOK ALTINSAÇ, JACOB KIRKEGAARD, IAN LESSER, ISABELLA TÖRNGREN and RACHEL ZIEMBA” — The Middle East Policy Council, 10 a.m.: “ Capitol Hill Conference: The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Middle East — with MARK KATZ, SEAN MCFATE, JIM MORAN, AMIN SALAM and JASMINE ZAKI” — Washington Post Live, 11:30 a.m.: “BILL BROWDER, Author, ‘Freezing Order’ — with DAVID IGNATIUS” — American Security Project, 12 p.m.: “ Special Earth Day Discussion: A Conversation with Dr. VARUN SIVARAM” — The George Washington University, 12:30 p.m.: “South Korea’s Presidential Election and Expectation of the U.S.-ROK Alliance — with CELESTE ARRINGTON and MARK TOKOLA” — The George Washington University, 2 p.m.: “Implications of the Conflict in Ukraine on Middle East Security — with SINA AZODI, NICOLE GRAJEWSKI, NEGAR MORTAZAVI and ALEX VATANKA” Have a natsec-centric event coming up? Transitioning to a new defense-adjacent or foreign policy-focused gig? Shoot us an email at award@politico.com or qforgey@politico.com to be featured in the next edition of the newsletter. And thanks to our editor, John Yearwood, who says more than half of Americans believe he hasn’t been tough enough with us. | | A message from Lockheed Martin: Connecting multi-domain assets and evolving our Common Source Library to an Integrated Combat System
Warfighters need unmatched technology solutions to own the fight and maintain mission advantage. Lockheed Martin is leveraging digital transformation to increase speed and effectiveness and stay ahead of rapidly evolving global threats. Learn more. | | | | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Follow us | | | | |  |
