* IHS Jane’s reports that after Russia seized assets in Crimea, Ukraine is left with just 5 of its 17 warships, almost no naval aviation, and few naval personnel.
* Ukraine’s acting Defense Minister Igor Tenyukh was replaced by Col. Gen. Mykhailo Koval, so far head of the Ukrainian border guard. Tenyukh resigned after his wavering handling of the situation of Crimea was criticized.
* The US Congress looks closer to voting an aid package for Ukraine as Senate Democrats dropped their request to tie IMF reform to the bill.
UK: Must-Have UAS; Astute Mini-Me
* The UK’s House of Commons released a report [PDF] finding UAVs to be a “key military capability for future”.
* New pictures show that the UK’s HMS Astute features a mini sub on board that can be launched underwater and can carry up to 8 people.
Venezuela Looking More and More Like a Failed State
* Financial journalist Jason Mitchell offers a gripping personal account of how unstable Venezuela has become. He just left the country after credible death threats by an extortionist, in what looks like a common mode of operation in a country facing one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Women in Uniform
* While the French combat engineers showcase their first female driver of heavy mobile bridges, the US Marines explain in the video below that Female Engagement Teams [PDF] have an easier time engaging the local population in Afghanistan than males. We’re confused, weren’t the FET’s dissolved in 2012?
