Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, revealed that Russia’s February 2022 invasion was preceded by extensive preparations for genocide, including the creation of kill lists and plans for mass graves and crematoria. This genocidal intent, Budanov argued, stemmed from a deeply ingrained Ukrainophobia within Russian society and was fueled by official rhetoric denying Ukrainian nationhood. Mass atrocities in cities like Bucha and Mariupol serve as evidence of this systematic policy, according to Budanov. Further, the abduction and forced re-education of Ukrainian children underscore Russia’s attempt to erase Ukrainian identity.
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Donald Trump’s nomination of Russ Vought, a key architect of the conservative Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has sparked controversy. Vought’s involvement in Project 2025, which advocates for expanding presidential power and reducing the influence of career civil servants, raises concerns about the potential implementation of its proposals. These proposals include significant changes to the federal workforce and increased presidential control over various government agencies. The nomination has drawn both praise from Republicans and criticism from Democrats who view it as a threat to governmental norms. Several other Project 2025 contributors have also received cabinet nominations under Trump.
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A Norwegian student in his twenties, employed as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, was arrested and charged with espionage for Russia and Iran. The suspect, who also runs a security company, admitted to collecting and sharing information but denies espionage charges, claiming he obtained information potentially harming third-country security. Authorities are investigating the security company’s license and confirmed the man’s intelligence-related activity damaged national security. This marks the second espionage case involving the Arctic University of Norway in recent years, highlighting heightened security concerns given Norway’s proximity to Russia.
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Newly declassified US intelligence documents detail a pattern of assassinations targeting political opponents of Vladimir Putin, primarily in former Soviet republics. These actions range from poisonings, like that of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, to bombings and shootings, implicating both Russian state security services and Chechen operatives under Ramzan Kadyrov. The report cites several high-profile victims, including former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko and Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, former leader of Ichkeria. US intelligence expresses high confidence in its findings regarding these Kremlin-linked operations.
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During a Montreal protest coinciding with a NATO summit and further student-led pro-Palestinian demonstrations, clashes erupted between protesters and police. Three arrests were made for alleged assault on officers and obstruction of police work. Protesters engaged in vandalism, including setting vehicles ablaze and throwing projectiles at police. The demonstration, initially peaceful, escalated after an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was burned.
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Representative Matt Gaetz has announced he will not seek reelection to the 119th Congress, citing a desire to see new leadership in Northwest Florida. This decision follows a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sex trafficking involving a minor, allegations Gaetz vehemently denies. While the investigation remains ongoing, reported evidence includes Venmo payments to the alleged victim. Gaetz also withdrew his consideration for the Attorney General position following further revelations from the committee.
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Globally, women are actively resisting the rise of authoritarianism, as evidenced by their crucial roles in movements in Moldova, Poland, Hong Kong, and Georgia. However, the U.S. national security community often overlooks the significance of women’s issues, neglecting their vital contributions to national security. A Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework offers a valuable lens to understand how authoritarian regimes weaponize gender, highlighting the need for increased support of women’s groups, improved intelligence gathering incorporating gender perspectives, and greater participation of the U.S. national security community in WPS discussions. This approach can improve early detection and effective countermeasures against authoritarianism.
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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, tasked with curbing federal spending, propose eliminating programs lacking explicit spending authorizations, a claim refuted by federal fiscal experts. This misunderstanding stems from conflating authorization (establishing program parameters) with appropriation (allocating funds), which Congress always legally authorizes. Experts argue that lapsing authorizations don’t signify wasteful spending; instead, they often grant agencies flexibility. Ultimately, DOGE’s recommendations are non-binding, leaving final budget decisions to Congress.
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Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was previously on the TSA’s “Quiet Skies” list, prompting additional security screenings due to foreign connections and travel. This is highly unusual for someone assuming such a position. While Gabbard attributes her inclusion to political retaliation, the list’s algorithm-based nature and her controversial meetings with Bashar al-Assad, along with past accusations of spreading Russian propaganda, raise concerns. Trump’s suggestion that some nominees may bypass standard background checks further complicates the situation, leaving questions about the extent of Gabbard’s required disclosures.
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As of November 22nd, an estimated 60,000 Russian troops, augmented by approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers, are concentrated in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. These forces aim to establish a buffer zone along the Sumy Oblast border, countering Ukraine’s August incursion. Ukrainian forces, having initially gained ground, are holding their positions in Kursk Oblast while Russian forces have retaken approximately half of the initially lost territory. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant Russian casualties, with over 7,900 killed, 12,200 wounded, and 717 captured in the three months since the offensive began.
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John Q. Hosedrinker