ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 20, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 20, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Putin Says Russia and North Korea Will Help Each Other if Attacked, Taking Ties to a “New Level”
• Russia to Hold Naval Drills Near Japan and South Korea
• Ukraine to Face Widespread Rolling Blackouts

Putin Says Russia and North Korea Will Help Each Other if Attacked, Taking Ties to a “New Level”

Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea marked a significant enhancement in relations, with both countries agreeing to a new strategic partnership replacing older agreements. The pair pledged mutual assistance in case of aggression and expanded cooperation in political, trade, investment, cultural, and security matters. Putin also condemned the joint military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, characterizing them as hostile actions directed towards North Korea.

Russia to Hold Naval Drills Near Japan and South Korea

Russia will begin 10-day naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, and the Sea of Okhotsk. The drills will reportedly take place near Japan and South Korea and come as President Vladimir Putin is in North Korea on a state visit. The drills likely aim to demonstrate Russia's support for North Korea while antagonizing Western allies Japan and South Korea.

Ukraine to Face Widespread Rolling Blackouts

Ukraine's electricity provider Ukrenergo announced that all regions of Ukraine will face rolling blackouts at specific times this week. Ukrenergo announced the measures ahead of warmer weather, which is expected to increase electricity demand throughout the country. The scope of these restrictions has significantly widened compared to previous outages. Ukrainian officials have previously tried to keep blackouts to a few hours at limited times of day, however, the full 24-hours of rolling blackouts suggests electricity generation is near an all-time low. As summer approaches, Ukraine can likely expect such enduring blackouts.