Cold reality: Elite combat troops shred their physiques to look like Hollywood hunks. In the Arctic, that can kill you. via @WSJ.

@NATO must ensure “that we are strong enough that we don’t have to fight because no one wants to take us on—because we’ve deterred them,” said U.S. Ambassador to NATO @MattWhitaker46, at Operation Flytrap in Poland.

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“Whatever weapon system or munition you shoot at another adversary’s capability, it should be cheaper than what you’re shooting down,” U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Donahue recently told a conference in Germany. Days later he was in Poland to see it tested.

Drone Defense: Build a better Flytrap. U.S. Army in Poland tested anti-UAV drones, computerized rifle sights and backpack-portable jammers. Operation Flytrap 4.0 put systems to the test in battle. via @WSJ.

Spies or social-media star? Commandos, secret operations and drones now offer action video that is effective as countries flaunt their tactical triumphs @drewhinshaw & I dig in. via @WSJ.

Trump said what??? Surprised European officials are enjoying praise from the White House but know the moment could pass quickly via @WSJ.

Nowhere to hide: Ukraine’s audacious drone attack wounded & embarrassed Moscow, but also exposed a threat to Kyiv’s Western allies: Low-cost, high-tech strikes can deliver a potent punch to even the most heavily defended world powers via @WSJ.

Ready to Fight? The U.S. won World War II in part by producing more of everything than its enemies. It’s no longer capable of that kind of manufacturing feat. Is China? @JonathanEmont & I take a deep look via data. via @WSJ.

“Ice is our playground”: Finland has made and designed more icebreakers than any other nation—and now wants to help the U.S. expand its fleet via @WSJ.

Sea Change: How NATO is working to monitor—and prevent—worrisome Russian activity on the Baltic via @WSJ.

High Price: The escalating trade war between the U.S. and Europe risks damaging far more than sales of whiskey and Champagne.

Inside a head-spinning week: After Trump and Zelensky’s Oval Office meeting imploded, France and the U.K. leaned on the Ukrainian leader to make amends with Trump via @WSJ.

RT @yehaoqin: "Havel's quotes don't put bread on the table," I told @DanMichaelsWSJ as we discussed #Taiwan- #Europe rltns. 1️⃣ Symbolism….

RT @JChengWSJ: Two Small Adversaries of Russia and China Are Swapping Notes to Survive—Taiwan and the Czech Republic work to boost each oth….

Political pressure means Taiwan & Czechia must show that relations can deliver more. “Havel quotes don’t put bread on the table.”.

Beijing has worked to split Taiwan & Czechia and attacked their partnership but holds little leverage: China accounts for less than 2% of Czech exports. Still, Prague treads cautiously.

“We know the Chinese are interested in Taiwanese activities here,” said Czech Counterintelligence Agency Director Michal Koudelka.

“Every NATO country near Russia wants to talk with us,” said Taiwan’s Deputy Minister for Digital Affairs Chiueh Herming.

Of roughly 200 countries and independent territories on Earth, fewer than 10 have significant global sway. That's a problem for most as U.S. foreign policy under President Trump gets antagonistic.

“It’s about how small countries survive” - Taiwan and the Czech Republic, living in the shadow of Russia and China, have found common cause. via @WSJ.