Flashpoints

North Korea fires its first ICBM in three months

Some experts say the launch was likely the second test-flight of the developmental Hwasong-18 solid-fuel missile.

NATO deepens Ukraine ties but doesn’t set clear path for membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the results of the summit are good but an invitation for membership would be ideal.

Republican effort to cut DoD watchdog alarms anti-extremism advocates

A Republican congressman wants to eliminate a federal watchdog that investigates how the Pentagon handles diversity, equity and extremism.

Sweden’s rocky road from neutrality toward NATO membership

New entries must be approved by all NATO members. Sweden was missing a yes from Turkey and Hungary. One down, one to go.

As Russia’s war on Ukraine drags on, what is NATO doing to help?

NATO doesn’t send weapons. It sends non-lethal support: fuel, food, medical supplies, body armor, gear to counter mines, chemical and biological threats.

Zelenskyy says NATO’s ‘absurd’ plans for Ukraine fall short

The broadside from Zelenskyy could renew tensions at the summit shortly after a burst of goodwill after Turkey agreed to advance Sweden’s bid to join NATO.

The US Army arsenal from 1813 that’s building weapons for Ukraine

The pace of battle in Eastern Europe is highlighting the need to outgun the enemy, a difficult task given the strength of Russia’s artillery.

Turkey to send Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to Parliament swiftly

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says Turkey’s president has agreed to send Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to the Turkish Parliament.

Ukraine tops NATO summit agenda along with Sweden’s membership

Russia’s war on Ukraine will top the agenda when U.S. President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts meet on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Putin hosted Russian mercenary leader at the Kremlin after mutiny

The Kremlin says mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin met with President Vladimir Putin just five days after the commander led a short-lived rebellion.

Russia reports intercepting a missile over annexed Crimea

Russian-installed authorities in the Crimean peninsula have reported shooting down a cruise missile near the city of Kerch.

Afghan interpreter who risked life for US troops shot and killed in DC

The former military interpreter found work as a ride-share driver and even managed to send money back to Afghanistan to help family and friends.

Opinion

No legal reason against giving cluster bombs to Ukraine but moral?

These munitions are not in themselves illegal, but their usage can be, if fired at civilians.

White House defends giving cluster bombs to Ukraine

Biden is likely to face questions from NATO allies on why he would send a weapon into Ukraine that more than two-thirds of alliance members have banned.

US to destroy its last chemical weapons

The weapons’ destruction alleviates a concern that civic leaders in Colorado and Kentucky admit was always in the back of their minds.

NATO to offer Ukraine continuing support but not immediate membership

NATO will help Ukraine modernize its forces but membership talks are off the table while Ukraine is at war with Russia.