Category: Russia News Watch

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Exploring the Future of Naval Power and Army-Navy Football

As we prepare to launch our podcast series, “Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval PoIwer,” on December 7 2023.

Bill Cullifer Founder

I’ve had the privilege of engaging with multiple experts at the forefront of naval innovation and strategy.

These conversations have illuminated the significant technological strides and forward thinking in the U.S. Navy, particularly in the realm of autonomous vessels.

During a brief pause in these discussions, my thoughts drifted to the storied Army-Navy football game set for December 9, 2023. This annual event, steeped in tradition and camaraderie, sparked a curious reflection on the future intersection of technology and tradition.

In a creative moment, I envisioned autonomous Army and Navy football players – a fusion of technology and sport. This vision, while fascinating in a technological sense, also stirred a poignant realization.

The rapid evolution of autonomous technologies, while enhancing our naval capabilities, might also mean that future generations could miss out on traditional experiences. The prospect of serving at sea or competing on the football field might become memories of a bygone era.

This duality is at the heart of our upcoming series. While we explore the technological advancements and their implications for national security, we must also acknowledge the sentimental aspects. The camaraderie of sailors at sea, the saltiness in the air, the taste of ballpark hot dogs, and the roar of the crowd at a football game – these are experiences that shape character, foster bonds, and define human experiences.

As members and friends of Americans for a Stronger Navy, you understand the delicate balance between embracing innovation and preserving tradition. Our naval history is rich with tales of bravery and unity, and our future promises unprecedented technological prowess.

Let’s embrace this journey together, exploring how these advancements will shape the U.S. Navy while remembering the human element that has always been its backbone. The future of American naval power is not just about ships and technology; it’s about the people who serve and the traditions that bind us.

Join us in this exploration. Tune into “Charting the Course,” and let’s navigate these waters together, honoring our past while boldly steering towards the future.

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Upholding Security: The US Responds to Chinese and Russian Naval Patrol Near Alaska

Introduction

In a historic first, a joint naval patrol consisting of Chinese and Russian military vessels approached US territory near Alaska, raising concerns about security and territorial sovereignty. This article delves into the details of the event, the US response, and the implications for the region and international relations.

Summary

The Combined Naval Patrol: The Wall Street Journal reported on the joint naval patrol, which was the largest flotilla to approach US territory. Experts weighed in on the significance of this maneuver amid geopolitical tensions.

US Response: In response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, the US dispatched four navy warships and a reconnaissance airplane. The presence of these vessels aimed to assure the defense of the United States and Canada.

Chinese and Russian Statements: The Chinese embassy in Washington DC emphasized that the naval patrol was not targeted at any third party and was part of their annual cooperation plan. The US Northern Command corroborated this, stating that the patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a direct threat.

Alaska Senators’ Reactions: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan expressed vigilance in monitoring the situation closely. They stressed the importance of Alaska’s role in national defense and territorial sovereignty, especially given the proximity to China and Russia.

Key Takeaway:
The joint Chinese and Russian naval patrol near Alaska underscores the geopolitical complexities in the region. The US response demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding national interests and territorial integrity, sending a strong message of deterrence to potential adversaries.

Conclusion:
The recent naval patrol near Alaska serves as a stark reminder of the evolving security landscape and the need for continued vigilance. It highlights the significance of maintaining a strong navy to protect vital national interests and ensure stability in the region. The US must remain resolute in upholding its commitment to defend its territorial sovereignty while navigating complex international relations.

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Ukrainian Naval Drone Damages Russian Warship in Bold Black Sea Attack: A Call for a Stronger Navy

This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC appears to show the damaged Russian landing vessel Olenegorsky Gornyak leaking oil while docked at Novorossiysk, Russia, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (Planet Labs PBC via AP) (Planet Labs PBC/AP)

Introduction:

On August 4, 2023, a Ukrainian naval drone attacked a Russian Black Sea navy base at Novorossiysk, causing serious damage to a Russian warship. This marked the first time the Ukrainian navy projected its power so far from its shores.

Key Takeaway (credit to Reuters):

  • A Russian warship was seriously damaged in the attack, carried out by two Ukrainian sea drones.
  • The Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian Navy landing ship with around 100 Russian servicemen on board, was hit by a sea drone carrying 450 kilograms of TNT.

Summary

  • Russia accuses Ukraine of naval drone attack on port
  • Russian warship seriously damaged, civilian ship movement temporarily halted
  • Ukrainian attack repelled, drones destroyed, but Russian warship incapacitatedThe attack shows a significant increase in Ukrainian naval range
  • Tensions escalate in the Black Sea with repeated attacks on port facilities and grain silos

Analysis:

The attack highlights the growing capabilities of the Ukrainian navy and the escalating tensions in the Black Sea region. It signals a potential shift in the balance of power and the need for stronger naval capabilities.

Conclusion:

The Ukrainian naval drone attack on the Russian warship at Novorossiysk demonstrates the need for a stronger navy to defend against emerging threats in the region.

Support StrongerNavy.org:

For more information on the importance of a stronger navy to safeguard national security and address emerging challenges, visit StrongerNavy.org.

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US Navy Subs Displayed in Atlantic

USS San Juan off the coast of Iceland on April 26. US Embassy Reykjavik
The US Navy

Introduction:

The US Navy is demonstrating its strength in the North Atlantic by making its submarines more visible in several ports. This move comes amid growing concerns about the increasing activity and sophistication of Russia’s submarines, which are carrying new weapons closer to US shores.

The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to be part of the US Navy community that is working tirelessly to ensure the readiness of the US Navy.

Demonstrating US Navy’s Strength: Submarines on Rare Public Display in the North Atlantic

Summary:

The US Navy is increasing the visibility of its submarines in several North Atlantic ports to demonstrate its presence in the region.

This move comes as Russia’s submarines are becoming more active and carrying new weapons closer to US shores.

The visits by US submarines to ports in northern Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland reduce the time these submarines have to spend away from their operating areas, according to Vice Adm. William Houston.

This allows the US Navy to exchange people and materials off these submarines quickly, giving them an incredible strategic position.

Key Takeaways:

The US Navy is making its submarines more visible in North Atlantic ports to demonstrate its presence and readiness.
These visits to ports reduce the time that submarines have to spend away from their operating areas.
The increasing activity and sophistication of Russia’s submarines is a driving factor behind the increase in US submarine operations in the high north.

Conclusion:

  • The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to be part of the US Navy community that is working tirelessly to ensure the readiness of the US Navy.
  • By making its submarines more visible in North Atlantic ports, the US Navy is demonstrating its strength and commitment to protecting the United States and its allies.
  • It is important for Americans to support the US Navy and its mission to maintain peace through strength.
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Shadow fleet aids Russia

CNN reports that a “shadow fleet” of tankers is helping Russia evade Western sanctions and continue its oil exports, as more ships join the existing fleet of mysterious tankers. Estimates suggest the fleet size is around 600 vessels, or about 10% of the global number of large tankers, and numbers continue to climb. The ships are owned and operated by obscure players, often with shell companies in Dubai or Hong Kong. The expansion of the shadow fleet highlights the changes Russia’s war has brought to the global oil market, reshaping decades-old trading patterns and splitting the world’s energy system in two.

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Russian Navy’s New Submarines

Newsweek is reporting that Russia is continuing to fulfill its long-standing naval nuclear plan despite Vladimir Putin’s recent decision to withdraw from an international treaty. Russian shipbuilding corporation, Sevmash, will provide the Russian Navy with two new submarines, the Imperator Alexander III and the Krasnoyarsk, by the end of the year. The Imperator Alexander III is a Borei class submarine capable of carrying 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the submarines have improved weapon control systems, lower noise levels, and better systems for maneuvering and control at great depths. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) are focused on stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. The Ohio fleet has 14 SSBNs, each carrying up to 20 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The U.S. Navy describes the SSBN’s strategic weapon as the Trident II D5 missile. The two Russian submarines are reportedly not related to Putin’s recent comments about nuclear proliferation or the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Iran and China join Russia in dredging Volga River, strengthening anti-Western alliance says reports

The Iran Marine Industrial Company is repairing a Russian ship that crashed into ice on the Volga River and is joining China in helping Russia dredge the Volga-Caspian Seaway Canal, further strengthening the emerging Moscow-Tehran axis, integrating Iran into the Russian-Chinese alliance, and threatening Ukraine. The involvement of China and Iran in the dredging project benefits Moscow’s ability to address bottlenecks, while allowing larger naval vessels from Russia’s Caspian Flotilla to transit to the Sea of Azov. The move will also counter Western influence and integrate Iran into the Russian-Chinese alliance in the military and economic spheres. The Kremlin’s decision to involve Iran in the dredging project will give Russia the advanced ability to project force westward more quickly. The author of the article is Paul Goble and it was published in Eurasia Daily Monitor and the Jamestown Foundation.

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Russian suspension of nuclear agreement

MSNBC and CBS are reporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Moscow is suspending its participation in the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States. In response, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Russia’s move “deeply unfortunate and irresponsible” and stated that the U.S. would be watching carefully to see what Russia does. Putin also said that Russia should stand ready to resume nuclear weapons tests if the U.S. does so, which would end a global ban on nuclear weapons tests that has been in place since the Cold War. Putin accused the U.S. and its NATO allies of openly declaring the goal of Russia’s defeat in Ukraine as the reason for suspending Russia’s obligations under New START. Credit to MSNBC and CBS for reporting this news.

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China Announces Naval Exercises with Russia and South Africa

Bloomberg news reported on February 19, 2023, that China has announced plans to hold naval exercises with Russia and South Africa from February 20-27. The drills, which will involve a destroyer, a frigate, and a supply vessel, are intended to protect maritime economic activities and promote defense and security cooperation among BRICS members. The exercises will take place off the coasts of Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa. This announcement comes amid US warnings to China against providing lethal aid to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken claiming that the US has information suggesting China may be considering.

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Russia Warship in South Africa

CNN reports that a Russian warship carrying hypersonic missiles arrived in a port on South Africa’s east coast to participate in a 10-day naval exercise in the Indian Ocean alongside South African and Chinese warships. The timing of the exercises, close to the anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has led to public criticism from Western diplomats and risks backlash for the government in Pretoria. However, South Africa’s historical ties with Moscow run deep, and from a realpolitik standpoint, freezing out Russia or postponing the naval exercises may not be a smart choice for South Africa’s trade relations.