Good Morning. 

Iran has sharply increased its weapons-grade uranium stockpile ahead of Trump's return to office, Russia vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan, Apple released urgent security updates for macOS and iOS to patch two vulnerabilities being actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems, Brazilian police uncovered a military plot to assassinate President Lula before his 2023 inauguration, and Hong Kong's High Court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to up to 10 years in prison under China's national security law.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Ukraine Launches First U.S.-Provided Long-Range Missiles Into Russia

• Ukraine used U.S.-provided ATACMS long-range missiles to strike a Russian ammunition depot in the Bryansk region for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the conflict that came shortly after President Biden authorized their use.

• Russia responded by calling this a "new phase in the war" and Putin signed amendments to Russia's nuclear doctrine, though the White House dismissed this as "more of the same irresponsible rhetoric" while noting that Russia's use of North Korean troops in Ukraine was itself a "significant escalation."

• The Biden administration had previously hesitated to authorize ATACMS use in Russia due to escalation concerns, but changed course after Russia deployed thousands of North Korean troops near Ukraine, with the missiles having a range of up to 190 miles.

Counterterrorism

• Iran has sharply increased its weapons-grade uranium stockpile ahead of Trump's return to office, now having enough for four atomic bombs. ➚

• China announced its first joint anti-terror military exercise with Pakistan in five years following attacks on Chinese nationals. ➚

• Iran denounced new EU and UK sanctions over its alleged support for Russia's war in Ukraine. ➚

• Kim Jong Un called for expanding North Korea's nuclear program while criticizing U.S. policies after Trump's election win. ➚

Military & Defense

• Russia vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan, being the only Security Council member to oppose it. ➚

• U.S. Defense Secretary Austin reaffirmed America's commitment to defend the Philippines against China's actions during a visit to Manila. ➚

• Netanyahu visited Gaza, declaring Hamas will no longer rule the enclave and offering $5M rewards for each hostage's return. ➚

• European delegates expressed frustration after Brazil's President Lula ended G20 talks early, cutting short discussions about the Ukraine war. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Apple released urgent security updates for macOS and iOS to patch two vulnerabilities being actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. ➚

• Hackers are exploiting Jupyter notebooks, typically used for data analysis, to illegally stream Champions League soccer matches. ➚

• AI training company iLearningEngines suffered a cyberattack resulting in stolen data and a fraudulent $250K wire transfer. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Brazilian police uncovered a military plot to assassinate President Lula before his 2023 inauguration. ➚

• Lithuania increased naval surveillance after an undersea communications cable connecting it to Sweden was damaged. ➚

• New Zealand is advancing legislation to strengthen espionage laws against foreign interference, particularly amid concerns about China's activities in the Pacific. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Hong Kong's High Court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to up to 10 years in prison under China's national security law for organizing an unofficial primary election. ➚

• A gang attack on Port-au-Prince's Pétionville area left 28 suspected gang members dead after residents fought alongside police. ➚

• Seven suspects were arrested in North Texas for a $10M cargo theft ring targeting warehouses across five cities. ➚

The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. Hosts Will Allen and Hayley Menser interview the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.