US Air Force Flying Intel Missions Over Eastern Ukraine

On 27 and 30 December 2021,US Air Force intelligence platforms were flown over Eastern Ukraine with permission of the Ukrainian government.The aim of the flights was to ascertain Russia's force posture along Ukraine's border with Russia,where tens of thousands of Russian troops have been intimidating Ukraine,whch is a former Soviet Republic.Participating were Boeing/Northrop Grumman Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) and RC-135V Rivet Joint SIGINT aircraft.The second flight occurred within hours Thursday of a secure video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joseph R. Biden at 1500 hours Eastern time.The call,described by Russia as having been "serious and constructive" was held at Mr.Putin's initiative.It lasted 50 minutes. According to the White House readout: President Biden voiced the deep concern of the United States and our European Allies about Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation.President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.The two presidents tasked their teams to follow up,the U.S. will do so in close coordination with allies and partners. The presidents also discussed the U.S.-Russia dialogue on Strategic Stability,a separate dialogue on ransomware,as well as joint work on regional issues such as Iran.* Mr.Putin reportedly warned President Biden that imposing severe sanctions on Russia would be "a colossal mistake." Former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes (Obama administartion) said you can't call talking with Mr.Putin a conversation;he has been on a 20-year trajectory of aggression against the Republic of Georgia and Ukraine,and his words are more of a tirade.He tries to draw you into a debate about his view of history.You must plow through his talking points and make your message firmly,despite his "whataboutism."* A Biden administration official calls today "a moment of crisis."Russia's assertive foreign policy can be used to cloak Russia's domestic problems.Former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says Mr.Putin is ratcheting up his pressure when he is trying to get his way.It's been said that he is seeking to divide NATO in the wake of the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan,which disturbed some European Allies.* The reconnaissance flights didn't find any easing of tension along the Ukrainian border.Indeed,Russia is planning to stage even more drills in nearby Belarus.Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor said: There's no serious negotiations when you have a gun...100,000 guns...pointed at your head.* The 16 JSTARS aircraft are based at Warner Robins Air Force Base,Georgia.They are operated by the Georgia Air National Guard.Built on a Boeing 707 airframe,JSTARS are intended to operate through 2030.Their side-looking radar can observe 20,000 square miles of terrain down to the level of tracking the motions of vehicles.They can also conduct battle management,command and control.* The RC-135V/W is built on a Boeing C-135 Stratolifter airframe with mission systems by L3Harris Technologies. Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC),L3Harris (LHX)