Protests in Iran continue to spread across multiple provinces with security forces using live fire and water cannons to suppress demonstrators, especially targeting universities. Meanwhile, Iran's leadership makes significant military appointments amidst ongoing internal security challenges, and reports suggest a missile launch near Ilam. In Syria, negotiations are ongoing for SDF integration into the Syrian government, with Turkey supporting the process, while the UAE withdraws from Yemen. The regime's actions highlight escalating unrest and strategic military restructuring.
On day 719 of the Russia-Ukraine war, a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv killed seven people, including three children, while drone strikes in Kyiv and southern Ukraine caused civilian injuries and infrastructure damage. Ukrainian intelligence reported evidence of Russian forces using Elon Musk's Starlink internet service. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced senior military appointments, and the US Senate moved closer to passing a $61bn aid package for Ukraine despite opposition. Former US President Trump's comments on NATO and Russia were criticized, while Finland elected a new president who supports Ukraine. The final list of candidates for Russia's presidential election includes President Putin and three pro-invasion politicians, and a Ukrainian prisoner died in a Russian prison while on trial for espionage. NATO's Stoltenberg called on Europe to increase arms production to support Ukraine and prevent prolonged confrontation with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced five senior military appointments, including Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the new armed forces chief, as part of a rebooted military leadership team amid Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine. The appointments include a focus on unmanned systems, technological innovation, and the nomination of three brigadier generals as deputies of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville's ongoing hold on military confirmations is impacting senior military appointments in the Middle East, including the promotion of the current commander of the US Navy's 5th fleet to deputy commander of US Central Command. Tuberville is refusing to relent until the Pentagon revokes its policy of reimbursing service members for health care-related travel, which he argues facilitates abortions. This blockade has led to significant reshuffling of Pentagon leadership roles, with some senior officers performing two jobs and key positions being held by more junior officers.
Prince William has been appointed as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, the same unit in which his brother Prince Harry once served as an Apache helicopter pilot. This appointment highlights the significant change in circumstances between the two brothers, as Harry has been stripped of all his honorary military appointments after stepping back from royal duties. William has also taken on additional military roles, including Colonel-in-Chief of The Mercian Regiment and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Valley, while his wife Kate has assumed several honorary positions previously held by other members of the royal family.
The US Marine Corps is currently without a confirmed commandant for the first time in over 150 years due to a Republican senator's protest against a Pentagon policy on abortion. Senator Tommy Tuberville has been blocking over 200 military appointments since February, causing a delay in the nomination process. The Pentagon warns that if the blockade continues, the number of delayed nominations could rise to over 650 by the end of the year. Senator Tuberville objects to a policy that provides travel allowances and time off for military personnel seeking abortions, describing it as "illegal taxpayer-funded abortions." The acting commandant of the Marine Corps, General Eric Smith, has not been approved due to the blockade, resulting in a dual-hatted position and impacting the Marine Corps' operations and decision-making. Senator Tuberville's actions have drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
