The Russians are pushing Biden in Ukraine.
(CNN)Top US national security officials have spoken with their Ukrainian counterparts, and America’s top general held a call Wednesday with his Russian opposite number amid concern over Russian military activity in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, including what the US deemed a violation of a ceasefire by Moscow that led to the deaths of four Ukrainian soldiers last week.
“Russia’s destabilizing actions undermine the de-escalation intentions that had been achieved through [last year’s agreement],” chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday. “Additionally, we are aware of Ukrainian military reports concerning Russian troop movements on Ukraine’s borders.”
Secretary of State Tony Blinken reaffirmed the “unwavering support” of the United States for Ukraine’s territorial integrity in the face of “Russia’s ongoing aggression in the Donbas and Crimea,” according to a readout of his call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba Wednesday. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley also spoke to the top Ukrainian general Wednesday, while national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart at the beginning of the week.
CNN
China’s testing Biden in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Biden’s China Challenge: Counter Its Perception of American Decline
If China is convinced, as its representatives and media organizations proclaim, that the U.S. and the entire Western liberal order are in the early stages of a long-term decline, an emboldened Chinese leadership may overstep, become overly provocative and compel America to respond forcefully. The risk arises in many areas, including in the South China Sea, in commerce and, above all, in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
WSJ
Outside the NYT and Wapo bubble, which sees Biden as a sign that “America’s back”, hostile powers seem to demonstrate by their actions that they don’t anticipate much resistance.