International
Intelligence chiefs: Russia’s election interference ambitions unfazed by ukrainian conflict
U.S. intelligence officials are sounding the alarm, asserting that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has not dampened its desire to interfere in the upcoming 2024 elections and sow discord in the United States. General Paul Nakasone, Director of the National Security Agency, and FBI Director Chris Wray, spoke at a cybersecurity conference in New York, emphasizing that Russia still possesses the capability to meddle in U.S. presidential elections despite the exhaustive two-year conflict in Ukraine.
Nakasone stated, “This is a significant year for them. They are assessing this [U.S. elections], and I anticipate that, given the challenge they have in Ukraine, this is where they obviously want to make an impact.”
Wray agreed, adding, “If anything, one could argue that their focus on Ukraine has heightened their desire to shape how we [the United States] are and how we think about issues because American politics is deeply important to their interests. Unprovoked and outrageous invasion of Ukraine.”
According to them, the “stars align” for Russia concerning its military efforts in Ukraine and operations of interference or influence in the United States. Despite a Department of Justice official stating that Russian intelligence’s focus on Ukraine benefits the U.S., concerns persist regarding its impact on American support for Ukraine, including military logistical assistance.
Both Nakasone and Wray expressed confidence in securing elections through “exponentially more sophisticated” collaboration between national security, cyber agencies, and the private sector. However, they acknowledged the improving capabilities of foreign adversaries.
“The threats are more challenging, but the defense is better,” said Wray.
Wray and Nakasone identified Russia, China, and Iran as major actors seeking to interfere in U.S. elections. Wray highlighted China’s formidable cyber army, estimating it to be 50 times larger than that of all major countries combined.
While Nakasone acknowledged the numerical disadvantage, he emphasized the qualitative advantage the U.S. holds through partnerships, intelligence, academic collaboration, and a skilled workforce.
With the upcoming departure of NSA and Cyber Command chief Nakasone, the challenge of defending against cyber activities from foreign adversaries remains a priority.
International
U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute
The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday against a budget proposal in a move aimed at pressuring changes at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following the killing of two civilians during a deployment of immigration agents in Minneapolis.
All Senate Democrats and seven Republican lawmakers voted against the bill, which requires 60 votes to advance, pushing the country closer to a partial government shutdown that would cut funding for several agencies, including the Pentagon and the Department of Health.
The rejection came as Senate leaders and the White House continue negotiations on a separate funding package for DHS that would allow reforms to the agency. Proposed measures include banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing face coverings and requiring them to use body-worn cameras during operations.
The vote took place just hours after President Donald Trump said he was “close” to reaching an agreement with Democrats and did not believe the federal government would face another shutdown, following last year’s record stoppage.
“I don’t think the Democrats want a shutdown either, so we’ll work in a bipartisan way to avoid it. Hopefully, there will be no government shutdown. We’re working on that right now,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
International
Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he secured a commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putinto halt attacks against Ukraine for one week, citing extreme weather conditions affecting the region.
“Because of the extreme cold (…) I personally asked Putin not to attack Kyiv or other cities and towns for a week. And he agreed. He was very pleasant,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting broadcast by the White House.
Trump acknowledged that several advisers had questioned the decision to make the call.
“A lot of people told me not to waste the call because they wouldn’t agree. And he accepted. And we’re very happy they did, because they don’t need missiles hitting their towns and cities,” the president said.
According to Trump, Ukrainian authorities reacted with surprise to the announcement but welcomed the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
“It’s extraordinarily cold, record cold (…) They say they’ve never experienced cold like this,” he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later commented on the announcement, expressing hope that the agreement would be honored.
International
Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power
Storm Kristin, which battered Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds early Wednesday, has left at least five people dead, while nearly half a million residents remained without electricity as of Thursday, according to updated figures from authorities.
The revised death toll was confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson for the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANPEC). On Wednesday, the agency had reported four fatalities.
Meanwhile, E-Redes, the country’s electricity distribution network operator, said that around 450,000 customers were still without power, particularly in central Portugal.
Emergency services responded to approximately 1,500 incidents between midnight and 8:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, as the storm caused widespread disruptions.
The Portuguese government described Kristin as an “extreme weather event” that inflicted significant damage across several regions of the country. At the height of the storm, as many as 850,000 households and institutions lost electricity during the early hours of Wednesday.
Several municipalities ordered the closure of schools, many of which remained shut on Thursday due to ongoing adverse conditions.
Ricardo Costa, regional deputy commander of the Leiria Fire Brigade, said residents continue to seek assistance as rainfall persists.
“Even though the rain is not extremely intense, it is causing extensive damage to homes,” he noted.
In Figueira da Foz, a coastal city in central Portugal, strong winds toppled a giant Ferris wheel, underscoring the severity of the storm.
U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute
Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold
Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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