Uncrowned Guard

UK and Norway Initiate Defense Pact Talks Amid Russian Threats In response to intensifying concerns over Russian aggression and wavering American commitment to Europe's security, the United Kingdom and Norway embarked on negotiations for a comprehensive defense pact on Feb. 20. This proposed diplomatic agreement is set to bolster both nations' armed forces while fostering industrial alliances. The British government voiced their stance: "With Russia persisting in the militarization of the High North and Arctic, this novel agreement will fortify the security of the U.K., Norway, and our NATO allies, strengthening defenses on NATO’s northern fringe." The dialogue includes explorations around the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, in the wake of several recent cable damages suspected of Russian interference. U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey affirmed the nation's intent to step into a central role in ensuring European security, exhibiting solidarity in the face of adversity to protect shared interests. European Security Conscious of U.S. Withdrawal Amid signals from the Trump administration that suggest a reduced presence, European nations are joining forces to reinforce security measures. The U.S. has urged Europe to back Ukraine in the face of Russian threats. In response, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to propose a peacekeeping plan involving 30,000 European soldiers in Ukraine during his impending visit to Washington to meet with President Trump. Swedish Undersea Cable Damage Sparks Investigations Following a new incident of undersea cable damage, Swedish authorities have initiated a sabotage inquiry. According to a report by Goteborgs-Posten on Feb. 21, this case adds to a sequence of damaged undersea infrastructure in the region, which some have linked to hybrid attacks and Russia's "shadow fleet." The fiber-optic cable running between Finland and Germany suffered some damage near Gotland Island within Sweden's Exclusive Economic Zone, as stated by the Swedish Coast Guard. Though Finnish telecom operator, Cinia, characterized the damage as slight and maintained that the cable remained functional, Finnish media notes this is the third such incident within a short span. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored the gravity of the situation: "We take all reports of potential damage to infrastructure in the Baltic Sea very seriously. As I have already said, these incidents must be viewed in the context of the existing serious security situation." NATO Increases Presence in Baltic Sea Amid Heightening Tensions Following repeated cases of infrastructure damage, NATO has augmented its presence in the Baltic Sea by assigning extra patrol vessels to counter potential sabotage. Despite numerous Russian-linked vessels being seized in connection to the incidents, there are divergent views within U.S. and European intelligence communities, with some attributing these to simple accidents. These incidents continue to strain NATO-Russia relations, particularly as Western nations rally behind Ukraine in light of the Russian invasion. View full article

President Trump Dismisses Gen. Charles Q. Brown as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff In an unexpected move, President Donald Trump dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown from his role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last Friday. This decision sees a decorated and history-making pilot and senior officer removed from office amidst an ongoing drive to erase leaders advocating for diversity and equity within military forces. As the second Black general to hold the role of Chairman, Brown’s exit will likely send ripples through the Pentagon. His tenure, though short-lived at 16 months, had been dominated by ongoing conflict in the Ukraine and escalating unrest in the Middle East. Reactions to Gen. Charles Q. Brown's Dismissal "I want to express my gratitude to General Charles 'CQ' Brown for his extensive contribution, spanning over 40 years of service to our country, including his recent role as our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a gentleman of exceptional caliber and an inspiring leader. I wish him and his family all the best for their future," President Trump remarked on social media. President Trump also announced his nomination for Brown's successor, Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine. In a surprising turn of events, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proclaimed on Friday evening that Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force James Slife would also be removed from their positions. Franchetti earned her place in history in 2023 when she became the Navy's first female leader. Further Changes to Senior Military Leadership Moreover, advocates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force are also set to be replaced, according to Hegseth. This decision comes despite Brown's widespread congressional support and a seemingly amicable encounter with the President in mid-December at the Army-Navy football game. Brown had been regularly conferring with Hegseth, who only assumed his role at the Pentagon a mere four weeks ago. Hegseth expressed confidence in his statement regarding Caine, affirming that his embodiment of the "warfighter ethos" made him an ideal candidate for this critical role. "I look forward to collaborating with him," Hegseth stated. Furthermore, he lauded Brown for his distinction throughout a long-standing career, spanning four decades of duty, and praised him for his thoughtful advisement. View full article

Nimitz-class Aircraft USS Harry S. Truman Command Change In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. Navy has announced the relieving of the commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman. Citing a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," This development in the Navy command structure affirms the strict standards adhered to for naval officers. Dismissal Stemming from Collision Incident The dismissal of Captain Dave Snowden, the commanding officer (CO) of the aircraft carrier, arrives a little more than a week following a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, on Feb. 12. The Feb. 16 statement from the U.S. 6th Fleet sheds light on the incident, disclosing damage to the Truman’s exterior wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance space. The damage also extended to a line handling space, the fantail, and the platform over one of the storage spaces. Despite the unfortunate incident, the Navy remains committed to its motto to hold on to high standards and accountability. Interim Appointment and Admiral Snowden's Future The commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, has been named as the officer responsible for relieving Snowden. Snowden's forthcoming assignment will be with the Naval Air Forces Atlantic. Filling in the gap after Snowden, Capt. Christopher Hill, currently commanding officer of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, will take on the role of interim commanding officer of the Truman. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance following its deployment in July 2024 to U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command. This strategic change in command is stated to be without impact on the Truman’s ongoing deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. A Year of Challenges for the USS Harry S. Truman While the USS Harry S. Truman is accustomed to challenging situations, the past year has been particularly eventful. In a separate incident, Truman’s F/A-18 fighter was inadvertently shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg in the Red Sea in December last year, with both crew members ejected and safely recovered. Despite these incidents, the USS Harry S. Truman continues its mission, portraying the resilience of the American Navy in the face of challenging situations. Rear Adm. Sean Bailey's Announcement Full Text In the full release, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey was confirmed to be relieving Snowden, who had been the aircraft carrier’s commanding officer since December 2023. The transfer follows the collision on Feb. 12 involving Truman and the merchant vessel Besiktas-M in the vicinity of Port Said, Egypt. Bailey reiterated the line in the sand that the U.S. Navy has drawn – commanding officers are held to the highest standard and actions are taken when those standards are not met. Capt. Christopher Hill will temporarily serve as the commanding officer of the Truman. He assures that the change in command will not impact the deployment or the mission of the Harry S. Truman in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. View full article

Trump's Special Envoy Meets President Zelensky Amidst Controversy In an urgent diplomatic engagement on February 20th, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine sat down with Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine. The meeting focused on various critical issues, most notably the current battle conditions, the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), and the potential for stronger security arrangements. President Zelensky conveyed his country's readiness for a mutually beneficial agreement regarding significant U.S. investments and security enhancements. "Our proposal outlines the quickest and most efficient route to achieve the desired outcomes," Zelensky expressed on the social media channel, Telegram. Washington had initially planned a press briefing post this meet, however, a direct request from the U.S. led to no joint statements being issued, according to Ukraine’s presidential spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov. Kellogg's Diplomatic Mission in Focus One day prior to the meeting, on February 19th, Kellogg landed in Ukraine to forward Washington's conflict resolution efforts amidst the escalating full-scale war with Russia. On arrival, he expressed a keen intent to address Kyiv's concerns and to relay key insights to Washington. This visit follows close on the heels of the U.S.-Russia secret negotiations in Saudi Arabia on February 18th. These exclusive talks were conducted without Ukrainian representation, a development strongly decried by Zelensky who asserted his country's right to be involved in all conversations revolving around peacebuilding for the region. Tensions Simmer as Trump's Unfounded Claims Stir Outrage This diplomatic engagement comes amidst escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington, fueled by President Trump's unfounded allegations against Ukraine. Erroneously labeling Zelensky a "dictator" and alleging a refusal to conduct elections on his part, Trump's baseless accusations have not only stirred controversy but also blatantly overlooked Ukraine's constitutional clause barring elections during martial law, enacted due to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. In addition to meeting with Zelensky, Kellogg also discussed key issues with top-ranked Ukrainian military and government officials during his visit to Ukraine. Although Kellogg's specific role in Trump's peace efforts is still ambiguous, there is palpable speculation in the diplomatic gallery about his absence from the talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18th. Suspicions attribute this absence to his perceived pro-Ukraine stance, triggering possible objections from Russia. Trump's recent pronouncements have stirred apprehension in Kyiv and amongst European allies, causing them to question Washington's wavering stance on the war. View full article

Collision Incidents Cause Noticeable Damage to USS Harry S. Truman Recently released images of the U.S. Navy warship, the USS Harry S. Truman, reveal significant damage sustained after colliding with a mercantile vessel last week. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, with an impressive length of 1,100 feet, took a notable beating to its exterior starboard quarter during the mishap. Post-incident, the warship had to undergo repairs and was subsequently docked at the U.S naval station in Souda Bay, Greece. The shots, made public by the Navy on Saturday, give a glimpse into the damaged areas that included the outer wall of two storage units and an area dedicated to maintenance tasks. Impact of the Incident on Combat Capabilities & Repair Plans Despite visible damage, the essentials of the ship remain intact and unaffected. The Navy confirmed in a statement that the accident did not compromise the ship's combat ability. It has been engaged in flight functions since the collision incident on Wednesday. Preparing to mend the situation, a group that includes structural engineers and naval architects is devising a comprehensive repair plan. The Navy has refrained from announcing a potential timeline for implementing this plan, keeping information about the duration of repair work under wraps. Details of the Collision and Its Ramifications In the Mediterranean Sea, near Egypt's Port Said, the Truman made an unfortunate collision with the Besiktas-M; a 617-foot, Panamanian-flagged carrier. This collision occurred in the congested waters close to the entrance to the Suez Canal. While the collision caused damage to both vessels involved, it fortunately did not lead to injuries aboard either ship as confirmed by the Navy post-incident. This occurrence happened near a popular anchorage area for ships crossing the canal, highlighting the hazards of marine navigation in crowded waterways. Expert Views on Risk Factors & Operational Status of the Warship Carl Schuster, a former U.S Navy captain and a current instructor at Hawaii Pacific University, comments on the inherent risk of navigating in restricted waterways due to the limited space for maneuvering. He explains, "Both ships need about one nautical mile to stop. Quick endangerment is possible due to minor navigation errors, such misinterpretation of the other ship's movements, or delay in decision-making." Prior to the unexpected incident, the Truman was involved in a working port visit to Souda Bay following two months of combat missions in the Central Command location. During this period, multiple strikes were conducted against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Air strikes were also launched against ISIS in Somalia, according to the Navy. Despite the incident, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, the commander of Truman's carrier strike group, assures that the Truman remains operational within the region. The group includes a guided missile cruiser and three destroyers. Bailey emphasizes the commitment to responding to any challenges in this dynamic and globally significant security environment. View full article

US-Russia High-Level Talks Spotlight Ukraine Crisis On February 18, top officials from the US and Russia convened in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marked the first substantive interaction between the two nations since Russia's full-fledged invasion of the conflicted region. Representing Washington was a delegation headed by State Secretary Marco Rubio, while his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov led his nation's delegation. High-level officials of both nations were present at this pivotal meeting held in Riyadh's Diriyah Palace. Post-meeting remarks from the Russian side painted a mixed picture of the talks, only deeming them as "not bad" and providing little clarity on possible points of agreement between the two nations. Intensive Diplomatic Engagements Amid Ukrain's Absence Following the US-Russia bilateral, another diplomatic dialogue involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to occur later this week in Saudi Arabia. Despite being the nation at the center of these discussions, neither Ukraine nor Europe was invited to the main round of talks, triggering unease in Kyiv and other European capitals. Zelensky stressed in an interview with the German network ARD that any peace agreement should involve Ukraine directly. He categorically rejected the notion of Ukraine accepting a peace deal that they played no part in negotiating. Amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia refuses to consider any territorial concessions to Ukraine. Notably, Russia controversially annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014 and took over Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts in 2022. Post-Talks Violence and Disinformation Accusations Following the US-Russia talks, the region of central Ukraine was troubled by a large-scale Russian drone attack. The attack damaged a residential block in the city of Dolynska, injuring a mother and her two children and sparking a rapid evacuation of inhabitants. In the ensuing counteroffensive, Ukraine claims to have shot down 103 of the 176 drones deployed by Russia, with 67 falling before reaching their targets due to electronic countermeasures. Amid these international discussions and military clashes, US President Donald Trump added more fuel to the fire by suggesting that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy should hold another election due to his supposedly low approval rating. Zelenskyy swiftly rebutted this claim and labeled it as Russian "disinformation," affirming his significant support among voters and his legitimate position as the Ukrainian President. As the war wages on, Ukraine finds itself negotiating the challenging terrain of military conflict, diplomatic discourse, and complex geopolitical interests. View full article

Estonia Questions US About HIMARS Production, Considers Alternative Options Uncertainty clouds the possibility of Estonia purchasing a second batch of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin, with the US government's ability to expedite production and provide better delivery slots in question. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has indicated that Estonia's decision hangs in the balance and an alternative course could be charted in the coming months. "Current data shows that the waiting period for the product delivery is quite prolonged, and unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of excessive time," Pevkur noted during a recent sideline interview at the Munich Security Conference. One of their key advantages is the ability to strike fixed targets. HIMARS has been a formidable asset for Ukraine, effectively disrupting Russian supply lines, ammunition depots, and command-control centers. Over 40 HIMARS units have already been supplied by the US to Ukraine, as stated on a US State Department factsheet. Alternative Avenues for Defense Assets and Equipment The US government's response determines if Estonia will pursue a second HIMARS consignment or divert to an alternate route, said Pevkur, suggesting the choice of a preferred platform could be announced in a few months. Rocket production firms such as Rocketsan's Khan from Turkey and the Israeli-built Elbit Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) seem likely contenders for Estonia's consideration. Pevkur specifically highlighted South Korea's K239 Chunmoo, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, as a strong competitor. Boasting clientele in Poland and under consideration by Norway, Hanwha Aerospace is no stranger to Estonia. The South Korean firm also supplies Estonia with 36 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, bolstering its chances. HIMARS Significance for Estonia Amidst Ukraine Support Estonia has prioritized investment in long-range weaponry, partly owing to its significant contribution of equipment towards Ukraine's defense efforts. These donations have required Estonia to refill the void in its hardware. Tallinn has made substantial headway in acquiring six HIMARS units, a $200 million deal that features rockets capable of traveling between 70km and 300km, as well as communication systems, training, and logistics. The official keys to these systems have been handed over to Estonia in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's headquarters last month, and they are expected to be delivered soon. While Pevkur indicated there still is some time to decide about future procurements like the XA-180 armored personnel carrier replacement. Currently, both Lockheed Martin and the US State Department have remained tight-lipped about queries related to HIMARS production. View full article