NPR news covering veterans. Also climate and national security. Former Bureau Chief in Baghdad and Kabul. Signal: QuilNPR.10

Joined December 2011
Quil Lawrence retweeted
Zelensky says that, despite denials from Washington, the throttling of Starlink/Starshield in Ukraine continues. Remarkable how nobody wants to own a clear policy choice, but also doesn’t want to reverse it. American allies are taking note of what may happen to them in case of war.
I held a coordination call on the situation in Ukraine's regions following another wave of Russian attacks. Unfortunately, 28 substations and other critical energy facilities were hit. Restoration work is underway everywhere, and electricity is gradually being restored to people. I am grateful to every repair crew and everyone working for energy companies. The Prime Minister of Ukraine reported on preparing infrastructure for the heating season. We outlined in detail the key areas requiring attention from government agencies and energy companies, as well as regional and local authorities. Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Presidential Office team have been given urgent tasks regarding contacts with partners who can swiftly strengthen our air defense. There are political agreements that have not been implemented at the working level. There are also delays in certain types of vital supplies at the level of the U.S. Department of War. This evening, we will hold an additional meeting to review the results of all the contacts that must take place throughout the day. I expect concrete results. Together with the Minister of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Commander of the Air Force, we set additional production capacity for turrets, which have proven highly effective against “shaheds.” We are increasing orders, and it is important to accelerate every process as much as possible – organizational, financial, and production-related. Instructions have been given to engage with the Baltic states on support for our logistics. I expect a report from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this. There was also a separate report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on information received from units using Starlink/Starshield services. Unfortunately, we have established that the equipment stops functioning at speeds of 130–161 kilometers per hour in various sectors of the front. This is slowing down our frontline logistics and limiting the use of various types of drones, particularly mid-strike drones and interceptors of jet-powered “shaheds.” This must be raised again with our partners at every level today – speed matters when it comes to protecting lives. I thank everyone who is helping! Glory to Ukraine!
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
It's been a good week for Putin. In recent days, Trump has: * Struck a diesel deal lifting some sanctions * Restricted Starshield for Ukraine * Cut intel warnings of Russian missile launches against Ukraine for several days * Canceled Lindsey Graham sanctions * Demanded Ukraine dump Zelensky * Absolved Russia for helping Iran fight the US * Pushed Europe to resume buying Russian gas
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
“However, after what was described as a “night of carnage” in Kyiv because of the blackout, a senior source said Mr Musk had been alarmed about the possibility of adverse consumer reaction in Europe.” telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2…
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
NEW: ICE is trying to deport a mother of 4 while her husband is at Fort Benning in Army basic training. When she went to pick up the family's military IDs, Navy personnel turned her over to ICE. She's been in the US since age six. Story with @nancyayoussef theatlantic.com/politics/202…
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Almost like the Shinseki treatment…
New from @CBSNews - In Dec. 2025, two months before the U.S. war with Iran began, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George wrote an assessment into the DoD's Global Force Management Allocation Plan that they would be critically short on missile defense munitions until 2030. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted George in April, as the Iran war was underway. cbsnews.com/news/randy-georg…
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Alonzo Lunsford, who was shot 7 times in the 2009 Ft Hood attack said that receiving the news that the Pentagon would not livestream Hasan's execution was "a sigh of relief," calling the administration's reversal a "very smart choice." abcnews.com/Politics/trump-a…
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Replying to @derrickvanorden
@derrickvanorden Sir - I've been trying to reach your office to discuss VA homeloan /VASP/PCP.
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff wanted his $1 million donation kept private, and his company gave another $2 million. The timing of a multibillion, single bid Army contract Salesforce received during that period is notable. Banger from @jocwapo @Blaskey_S @aaronjschaffer
Exclusive: A list reveals all the major donors to President Trump’s White House ballroom, including previously undisclosed contributors who have benefited from regulatory decisions, government contracts and, in one case, a pardon for a family member. wapo.st/3UtGh0X
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Starlink connectivity at speeds of up to 160 km/h is being restored. Removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defense. Thank you, @elonmusk. We hope for your continued support.
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Ukrainian officials say their Starshield/Starlink access has been restored. No word from @DeptofWar on why it was restricted.
Starlink connectivity at speeds of up to 160 km/h is being restored. Removing Starshield’s speed limit entirely is now critical for Ukraine’s defense. Thank you, @elonmusk. We hope for your continued support.
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
I am once again begging everyone's comms staffers to put "U.S. Navy ships" into the image search bar.
Replying to @dave_brown24
And now we've got Russian warships
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Literally millions of free-to-use U.S. military photos and someone is using AI to generate one?
Replying to @dave_brown24
At first glance it doesn't look AI-generated, but if you zoom in you'll find lots of mistakes. Ship geeks: See how many you can find
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
The Indian warships are back
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Here is an official with the U.S. Border Patrol posting an image of a Kirov-class Russian battlecruiser
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
no one is safe from @dave_brown24 on the Navy's birthday
Those are Indian warships
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
.@akoseff investigated the faith-based nonprofit ministry run by Mike Johnson’s wife. What he found raises ethics questions and revealed discrepancies. Read for free: wapo.st/4s3WINN
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
4/ Mike Waltz (@USAmbUN) in Nov 2024 interview with @NPRinskeep : On how Trump's Ukraine policy different from Biden's: Waltz: Trump is "very focused on ending the war ... First and foremost, you would enforce the actual energy sanctions on Russia." npr.org/2024/11/04/nx-s1-517…
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Huge congrats to @washingtonpost’s @tcfrankel for a big @LoebAwards win in the Features category for his “The Deadliest Workplace in America” gripping narrative! #LoebAwards
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Quil Lawrence retweeted
Best seat in the house for an aircraft carrier homecoming in San Diego — 800 feet up. Welcome home USS Abraham Lincoln! 🇺🇸⚓️
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