Global Scans · War · Weekly Summary

• [New] Iran would be able to produce enough enriched uranium for a nuclear weapons in a week, and that it could manufacture six nuclear weapons in a month and 12 in five months. GnS Economics
• [New] Kharkiv is the second largest city in Ukraine, and its wartime experiences epitomize the risk of the use of explosive weapons to urban cultural heritage. Human Rights Watch
• [New] The war in Ukraine is just one of several ongoing armed conflicts where cultural heritage has been at grave risk, including from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Human Rights Watch
• [New] Europe must take the next leap forward on defence as it faces threats from an axis of authoritarian powers from Moscow to Tehran. The Telegraph
• [New] The Kremlin plans to accuse Ukrainian special forces of using US-made weapons in Sudan and leak fabricated photos of trophy weapons supposedly taken from Ukrainian forces in Sudan to Russian and Libyan media. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Top officials from the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have outlined their fiscal year 2025 budget priorities to support the continued implementation of the 2022 National Defense Strategy and optimize operations to meet challenges posed by competition with China. Executive Gov
• [New] Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops are mounting a sustained attack on Ukraine's energy system nationwide and making some advances across parts of the front line as Western officials fear Kiev's military may be nearing a breaking point. BizNews.com
• [New] Iran could build a nuclear weapon in short order, but even before a bomb is ready, even before it builds one or buys it from, say, North Korea, it could use nuclear material inside a conventional weapon. CNN
• [New] In the coming days, the United States will impose new sanctions targeting Iran, including its missile and drone program as well as new sanctions against entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran's Defense Ministry. CNN
• [New] While Israel is believed to have conducted covert operations in Iran over the years, often targeting individuals or facilities seen as a threat to its security, it has never launched a direct military assault on Iranian territory. CNN
• [New] Germany will transfer VECTOR 211 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine, and Ukraine's Army of Drones initiative announced that Canada will transfer 450 SkyRanger drones to Ukraine in summer 2024 through the Drone Coalition framework. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Targeting weapons and drone factories and supply lines could be another way for Israel to snarl Iranian capabilities going forward, especially if it halts or stalls the production of its Shahed drones. The Telegraph
• [New] If the US initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests, Iran will use its inherent right to respond proportionately. The Telegraph
• [New] The United States has repeatedly warned China against supporting Russia and both Chinese and US officials say Beijing has stopped short of directly providing weapons to Russia, which has turned to heavily sanctioned North Korea and Iran to replenish arms supply. Space War
• [New] Israel's defence remains alert and prepared to face additional threats, including ongoing operations in Gaza, and efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas. CNN
• [New] Iran is taking a new step in its destabilising actions and taking the risk of a military escalation. Al Jazeera
• [New] Delays in security assistance have forced Ukraine to cede the battlefield initiative to Russia and that the Ukrainian military cannot plan a successful counteroffensive nor defensive effort without knowing when and what kind of aid Ukraine will receive. Critical Threats
• [New] Germany will deliver a United States-made Patriot air defence system and air defence missiles to Ukraine at a critical time as Kiev struggles to defend its energy system from Russian bombardment. Al Jazeera
• [New] China has refused to criticise the Russian invasion and has accused the US and Nato of provoking Moscow, but says it will not provide Moscow with direct military support. The Guardian
• [New] One major risk is a collapse of Ukraine's line of defence, which would allow Russia to make a major advance. Insider

Last updated: 20 April 2024