Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two weeks ago sent shockwaves all over the world. Europe is witnessing its largest armed conflict since World War II, and the global economy is forced to adjust to rising energy costs and the fallout of massive sanctions levied against Russia. Perhaps no nation outside of Russia or Ukraine, however, is […]
What is covered in Sandboxx News’ weekly newsletter to recruits and trainees?
Off DutyEditor’s Note: We’ve received a lot of questions lately about how we’re addressing the invasion of Ukraine in the Sandboxx News Dispatch, or the newsletter we send to recruits and trainees at basic training. We are covering some aspects of the conflict with our focus squarely on information service members need to know. There are, […]
Chinese media accidentally leaks anti-Russia censorship memo
Military AffairsWhile the world watches, and largely condemns, Russia’s threats and now a brutal offensive in Ukraine, one very prominent nation has been deafeningly non-committal on the matter. China’s external stance on the conflict in Ukraine is very middle of the road, but an apparent blunder by a supervisor at Horizon News (part of Chinese Communist […]
US military responds to Ukraine crisis, bolstering NATO borders
On DutyRussia’s long-feared invasion of Ukraine commenced this morning. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the North Atlantic Council, and European allies have all made strong statements condemning Russia’s “unjustified and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine. The quickly escalating situation at NATO’s doorstep has prompted a swift response. What does this mean for U.S. troops in Europe right […]
Optimism about Russian withdrawal from Ukraine should remain cautious
On DutyAfter over two months of international tension caused by Russian troops massing on Ukraine’s borders, the first sign of a potential de-escalation and diplomatic resolution in the crisis may have just come on Tuesday morning. The Russian Defence Ministry announced that it would be pulling back some of its 100,000 troops from Ukraine’s eastern border […]
The origin of America’s security obligations to Ukraine
Military AffairsWhile the world watches as negotiations between NATO and Russia seem relentlessly gridlocked, many might find themselves asking the question: Does the West actually have an obligation to provide Ukraine protection? In a scenario that turns back the clock 30-plus years, NATO and its partners have an ideological interest in maintaining a democratic nation’s sovereignty […]
Kaliningrad: Russia’s political island and key strategic exclave
Military AffairsEven if you’ve been closely following the developing situation in Ukraine, through all the hypothetical-fueled tension and political posturing, there is a key region of Eastern Europe that you might not know much about, or perhaps haven’t even heard of. You can hardly be blamed if you overlooked the Kaliningrad Oblast in your studies of […]
Which 10 US bases are on alert for Ukraine deployment?
Military AffairsAs the standoff in Eastern Europe between NATO and Russia continues to develop, the U.S. military has taken measures to be prepared if the situation continues to escalate. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin placed approximately 8,500 stateside troops on heightened alert for potential deployment to Ukraine last Monday. On Thursday, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby revealed […]
Russia says it won’t start a war in Ukraine as tensions rise
On DutyAs fears of a potential invasion of Ukraine continue to rise, the Kremlin’s top diplomat says that Russia has no intentions of starting a war. Weeks after positioning tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s eastern and northern borders in menacing fashion and putting the Western world on high alert, Moscow is taking aim at […]
F-35 crashes on deck of USS Carl Vinson in ‘landing mishap’
AirpowerAn F-35C with U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 crashed on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson during routine flight operations in the South China Sea on Monday, Jan. 24, according to a press release from the Navy. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered from the water by helicopter. Seven Sailors were […]
