Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine over three years ago with the intent, among other things, of stealing its children.

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Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 5, 2025

European and NATO officials emphasized that a strong Ukrainian military backed by European security guarantees remains the most effective deterrent against future Russian aggression to ensure long-term peace in Ukraine and Europe. NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte gave an interview to Ukrainian outlet New Voice on April 5 and stated that the "first level" of security guarantees for Ukraine should be the Ukrainian military, which Rutte stated is the "first line of defense in deterrence."

Iran Update, April 4, 2025

US Central Command (CENTCOM) is conducting a military operation in Yemen that aims to render the Houthis unable or unwilling to continue attacks that threaten US ships and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. This does not imply that CENTCOM must destroy all Houthi missiles, drones, and launchers in Yemen.

Iran Update April 3, 2025

Iran is continuing to try to bolster its air defenses in preparation for a potential US or Israeli strike on Iran. Iran has built a new Ghadir phased-array radar in West Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran in recent months, according to commercially available satellite imagery. An open-source analyst reported on April 2 that Iran also recently built two Ghadir radars in southern Iran near the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz

Alawite Insurgents Seek to Use Sectarian Violence to Destabilize the Interim Government in Syria

Alawite insurgents are trying to foment sectarian conflict to undermine and destabilize the interim Syrian government. Sectarian violence and disinformation have intensified in Syria in recent weeks, jeopardizing the political transition from the Bashar al Assad regime. The insurgents have presented themselves as defenders of the Alawite community, as the interim government is predominantly Sunni and has done little to prevent Sunni violence against the Alawite minority.