ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 22, 2025

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 22, 2025

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

• France Retrocedes Military Base in Côte d'Ivoire
• President Zelensky Meets With U.S. Special Envoy Kellogg
• Defense Force in Australia to Monitor Chinese Warships

France Retrocedes Military Base in Côte d'Ivoire

France officially retroceded its last military base in Côte d'Ivoire on February 20, 2025, continuing the withdrawal of French troops from stations across the African continent. Former French colonies have in recent years bristled at the presence of soldiers on their territory, which has become increasingly viewed as a means of neocolonial control. Since 2022, leaders of five other countries (Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, and Niger) have also expelled French troops, with Gabon and Senegal also negotiating reductions or full withdrawals. This “tide going out” of French power has left a security vacuum primarily filled by Russia.

President Zelensky Meets With U.S. Special Envoy Kellogg

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv. Zelensky described the meeting as a "good conversation," however, a press conference scheduled to take place after their discussion was canceled at the request of the United States.

Defense Force in Australia to Monitor Chinese Warships

Australia and New Zealand are monitoring three Chinese warships which are sailing unusually far south. The ships are operating legally and their activity was described by the Australian Defense Force as “routine,” but the defense minister said it was “not unprecedented but an unusual event.” This is the furthest south Chinese warships have sailed outside of official visits coordinated by the Australian government.