Good morning. Here’s your Daily Situational Awareness for Tuesday, 22 February 2022. You can receive this daily briefing by signing up at https://forwardobserver.com/daily-sa
TODAY’S BRIEFING:
- Putin sending “peacekeepers” to Ukraine
- CISA releases critical infrastructure warning
- Capitol fences return for Freedom Convoy
- Congress punts on funding deadline
- DOJ’s international crypto tracking team
- Hazards Warning
UPGRADE TO EARLY WARNING AND GET THESE BRIEFINGS:
- Domestic SITREP: EUROPE NEARS CONFLICT, U.S. BRACES FOR DISRUPTIONS
- Tactical Intel Course Summary
- LIC Summary/ INTSUM
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
PUTIN SENDING “PEACEKEEPERS” TO UKRAINE: Russian President Putin explained his case for sending “peacekeeping” forces to Ukraine during an hour long speech to the nation and his national security council. Putin officially recognized the independent status of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, including territory they do not control. Area observers believe this is Putin’s first step toward a broader war effort inside Ukraine. In response, the U.S. and Europeans announced targeted sanctions against Ukrainian and Russian oligarchs and political figures. (Analyst Comment: This situation is rapidly developing and remains fluid. So-called peacekeepers are likely to come in contact with Ukrainian military forces, increasing the likelihood of large-scale combat operations. The decision to recognize and “defend” the separatists aligns with Putin’s long-held goal to unite the former Soviet Republics either through force, or “diplomatic” means similar to Belarus’ Union State agreements. – D.M.)
Putin addresses his national security council, the Russian people, and the world.
CISA RELEASES CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WARNING: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a warning to critical infrastructure operators about overseas threats. CISA Director Easterly said, “We need to be prepared for the potential of foreign influence operations to negatively impact various aspects of our critical infrastructure with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine geopolitical tensions.” The notice warns infrastructure operators to harden their professional and personal communications networks as mis-, dis-, and malinformation (MDM) narratives will spread quickly in the current information environment. CISA recommends the operators take a proactive role in controlling information and answering questions from stakeholders using the TRUST model (AC: Beyond the increased risk of cyberattacks, personal and professional social and traditional media accounts risk being emulated or captured for distribution of MDM narratives, forgeries, and dissemination of otherwise uncredible information. Additional care should be taken on social media to avoid repeating the Kremlin’s talking points, which are purpose-built to delay and degrade responses to critical infrastructure intrusions and amplify or falsify the impact of an event. Russia effectively exploits U.S. based audiences through a wide range of military deception operations, known as “maskirovka.” – D.M.)
CISA’s TRUST model for combatting MDM campaigns.
CAPITOL FENCES RETURN FOR FREEDOM CONVOY: The security measures in Washington D.C. have increased ahead of forecasted trucker protests next week. Security fencing has been reinstalled around the Capitol building to secure President Biden during his State of the Union address. The security measures displayed have not been seen since the January 6, 2021, riot. (AC: DHS and Capitol police are providing a surplus of security buffers ahead of March 1, 2022. Rioters gaining access to restricted areas last year was seen as an embarrassment for law enforcement, and any potential of a recurrence is unacceptable. Strong police measures were necessary to remove trucking protests in Canada. Expect a quick and strong law enforcement response if protests disrupt traffic in D.C. – D.F.)
CONGRESS PUNTS ON FUNDING DEADLINE: In a last-minute agreement, Congress extended the government’s funding until mid-March. Democrats continue an internal debate over top-line spending and legislative priorities such as climate change, education, health care, and affordable housing. Sen. Leahy (D-VT) said his party would continue to work on the “biggest increase in nondefense programs” since the previous administration. Bipartisan appropriators are negotiating to balance defense spending with domestic programs on a “tight timeline.” (AC: As tensions rise globally, Congress’s inability to fulfill its basic budgetary duties is likely to hamper international and domestic responses to crises. Democrats in vulnerable districts are attempting to thread the needle between another massive government spending bill and the perception of incompetence. Republicans in vulnerable seats risk being tied to the same blowout spending and losing primary challenges to a revitalized pool of Trump-endorsed or “America First” candidates. – D.M.)
DOJ CRYPTO TRACKING TEAM GOES INTERNATIONAL: The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) blockchain and cybercriminal hunting team is adding to its international scope. The purpose of the group is to support efforts to combat ransomware and cryptocurrency-related money laundering. The new team is already credited with seizing billions of dollars worth of blockchain assets, and future efforts will include closer coordination with international teams. International coordination and engagement teams have been determined as necessary to combat ransomware incidents in countries that provide safe havens for criminals. (AC: The federal government is doubling down its effort to reign in cyber vulnerabilities and threats. Ransomware is a persistent threat where payments are made using blockchain technology out of government control. Expect stricter laws on crypto ownership and use as Congress is currently looking into new regulation authorities. – D.F.)
HAZARDS/WX:
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