PUTIN: ‘TRUTH AND JUSTICE ARE ON OUR SIDE’: Declaring the anniversary of victory in Europe in World War II “the most important holiday for the country,” Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a massive military parade in Moscow’s Red Square today, flanked by sympathetic world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Under extreme security measures, including the shutdown of the internet, the parade proceeded under bright sunny skies, with no sign of the threat of Ukrainian drones. In his speech, Putin was quick to equate the war in Ukraine to the defeat of Nazi Germany 80 years ago.
“Russia has been and will continue to be an indestructible obstacle to Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, and will stand in the way of the violence perpetrated by the champions of these aggressive and destructive ideas,” Putin said. “Truth and justice are on our side. The whole of Russia, our society, and all people support the participants in the special military operation. We are proud of their courage and spirit, and their steely determination that has always brought us victory.”
The speech is part of what the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War calls the “Russian mythos of the Second World War,” which the Kremlin is using to “justify a prolonged war in Ukraine and future aggression against NATO to Russian society.”
In an article published yesterday, the ISW noted that Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov argued that “Russia’s war in Ukraine will go down in history as a feat of courage and significance equal to the victory of the Soviet military and people during the Second World War.”
Belousov claimed that Russia’s victory in Ukraine is “inevitable,” which the ISW assessed was an attempt to steel the Russian public for a long war in which Russia will achieve its goals “as long as Russian society remains unified and supportive.”
TRUMP: ‘I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE’: One day ahead of the parade, President Donald Trump issued another plea for Putin to sign on to his proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire as a first step to peace talks to end the war. “Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions.”
“As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be!” he said. “It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed.”
Putin continued to show no interest in peace talks and, in the words of Vice President J.D. Vance, is demanding “too much.” That’s because, Vance told Fox News yesterday, “the Russian perception of the war is, on the ground, they’re winning.”
Even so, Trump insists that a deal is doable and expressed confidence in his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. “Mr. Witkoff is talking constantly back and forth. He’s a real professional who’s got a great relationship with both countries,” Trump said at the White House Thursday. “And I think we have a good chance.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Good Friday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre’s Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesn’t work, shoot us an email and we’ll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and/or on X @jamiejmcintyre.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE
HAPPENING TODAY: THE TRANSGENDER PURGE BEGINS: Under a directive issued yesterday, the Pentagon is giving active duty transgender troops 30 days to “voluntarily separate” from military service, with 60 days for Guard and Reservists.
The Pentagon says there are approximately 1,000 servicemembers who have self-identified as being diagnosed with gender dysphoria and will begin the voluntary separation process. After the 30 and 60-day deadlines, “involuntary separations” will be carried out.
The purge after Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling allows the ban on transgender troops in the military to go forward while other legal challenges proceed.
“Our policy was upheld, and so we’re going to continue to advance that policy here at the Defense Department,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a video posted on X, which he read from his directive. “A false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.”
“This is the president’s agenda. This is what the American people voted for, and we’re going to continue to relentlessly pursue it,” he said.
Active duty troops have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve will have until July 7.
SUPREME COURT LETS TRUMP’S TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN TAKE EFFECT FOR NOW
HOUTHI DEAL STILL VAGUE: When President Trump announced earlier this week that after more than 50 days of sustained bombing by the U.S. Houthi rebels had “capitulated” to demand that they stop shooting international shipping, the State Department was caught flat-footed.
Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce had few details and promised reporters she would have more information at Thursday’s regular briefing. But days later, there is still no formal text of the ceasefire deal and little clarity of the precise terms.
“We’ve always said that when they stop, we will stop. And that’s where we’re at this point,” Bruce said, but could not answer whether Israel was part of the deal. “I have no comment on that. I suppose we’ll find out what happens.”
The objective of “Operation Rough Rider” was to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, but with the uncertainty surrounding the deal, shipping companies are still avoiding the area.
“It’s not quiet on all fronts, to say the least, but the development itself is key,” Bruce said. “Our objective remains defending freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region,” she said. “How this ends up, really, is up to the Houthis.”
IS TRUMP’S WAR WITH THE HOUTHIS REALLY OVER?
NOEM DEFIANT ON ABREGO GARCIA: The Trump administration continues to insist that under its reading of a unanimous Supreme Court decision, there is nothing more it needs to do to “facilitate” the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was under a protective court order barring his deportation to El Salvador.
In testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that despite the court order, Abrego Garcia has no right to be in the United States.
“Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and should never have been in this country and will not be coming back to this country,” Noem said. “There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again. If he were to come back, we would immediately deport him again, because he is a terrorist, he’s a human smuggler, and he is a wife beater.”
When questioned by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who recently met with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, if the administration was “taking any action to facilitate the 9-0 Supreme Court decision to facilitate his return.” Noem replied, “What I would tell you is that we are following court orders and that your advocacy for a known terrorist is alarming to me.”
“In 2019, the immigration court said that he should not be returned to El Salvador because it would put his life in danger. The Trump administration at the time did not appeal that decision. After that, he got a work permit and was working legally in the United States of America,” Van Hollen countered. “The judge is hearing this case right now said, and I’m quoting, that “the administration has provided no evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or any other terrorist activity.’ I’m not vouching for the man. I’m vouching for his due process rights.”
“The discussion ends when the Supreme Court rules 9-0 that you have to facilitate his release,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) “And the fact that you can’t even acknowledge the wording of the order, which commands you to facilitate his release and you advertise to this committee that you are going to willfully ignore the ruling, that is incredibly chilling for the balance of powers.”
“That is not true, Senator,” Noem said. “The Trump administration is complying with all court orders and judges orders.”
DEMOCRATS BERATE NOEM FOR NOT FACILITATING RETURN OF DEPORTED ABREGO GARCIA
THE RUNDOWN:
Washington Examiner: Is Trump’s war with the Houthis really over?
Washington Examiner: Vance urges nonintervention with India and Pakistan as conflict escalates with mass drone attacks
Washington Examiner: Chinese jets used by Pakistan to shoot down India’s Western-made aircraft set off alarm bells in defense sector
Washington Examiner: How the US military guards against India-Pakistan nuclear war
Washington Examiner: Trump announces preliminary trade deal with UK keeping 10% tariffs in place
Washington Examiner: Xi and Putin call Trump’s Golden Dome ‘deeply destabilizing’
Washington Examiner: Eastern Europe eyes landmines as Russian deterrence
Washington Examiner: Democrats berate Noem for not facilitating return of deported Abrego Garcia
Washington Examiner: Vance spotlights need for ‘American-made’ goods in times of conflict
Washington Examiner: House votes to codify Trump’s Gulf of America renaming into law
Washington Examiner: Tom Rogan Opinion: Germany and Marco Rubio are both wrong about AfD
Breaking Defense: Joint Chiefs Chairman Caine Has An ‘Algorithm’ For US ‘Winning’
Air & Space Forces Magazine: New B-52 Radar Program Has Nunn-McCurdy Cost Breach, May Be Reduced in Scope
Defense One: Boeing Says It Can Deliver Air Force One in 2027—if Requirements Are Relaxed
Military.com: Osprey Safety Investigation Stalls in Congress, Angering Gold Star Families
Air & Space Forces Magazine: Pentagon Opening the Throttle on New Rules for Software
DefenseScoop: Pentagon Sets Out Two-Year Plan to Scale Enterprise Cloud Offerings Software Factories
Air & Space Forces Magazine: Some Spectrum Frequencies ‘Crucial’ to Golden Dome, but Pentagon Willing to Share Others
SpaceNews: US Space Force Narrows Field In $100 Million Space Laser Terminal Program
Air & Space Forces Magazine: SPACECOM Wants to Be Dynamic in Orbit. The Question Is How
DefenseScoop: Trump Administration Picks New DARPA Director
Air & Space Forces Magazine: New Study: Air Force Needs to Work Now on How to Sustain CCAs in the Field
THE CALENDAR:
FRIDAY | MAY 9
10 a.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave., NW— Center for Strategic and International Studies CSIS Military Fellows discussion: “Insights for Future Conflicts from the Russia-Ukraine War,” with Col. Scott Pence, U.S. Army fellow; Capt. Quinton Packard, U.S. Navy fellow; Capt. Luke Slivinski, U.S. Coast Guard fellow; Col. Nathan Lewis, U.S. Air Force fellow; Col. Matthew Slusher, U.S. Air Force fellow; and Seth Jones, president, CSIS Defense and Security Department https://www.csis.org/events/insights-future-conflicts-russia-ukraine-war
12 p.m. 112 Elden St., Herndon, Va. — Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women discussion: “Escaping North Korea: From Brainwashing to Freedom,” with Seohyun Lee, North Korean defector and human rights advocate https://tinyurl.com/48c7pcdy
MONDAY | MAY 12
10:30 a.m. 1333 H Street, NW — Center for American Progress discussion: “Pushing Back and Moving Forward: A Conversation with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),” focusing on his recent trip to El Salvador and the importance of defending the principle of due process, moderated by Neera Tanden, president and CEO, Center for American Progress https://rsvp2.americanprogress.org/cvhpushingbackmovingforward
TUESDAY | MAY 13
8:30 a.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies Global Security Forum: “Strength Through the Storm: Industry, Innovation, and the Future of U.S. Military Power.” https://www.csis.org/events/2025-global-security-forum
9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the nominations of Richard Anderson to be assistant Air Force secretary for manpower; Adam Telle to be assistant Army secretary for civic works; and Matthew Napoli to be deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration. http://www.armed-services.senate.gov
4:45 p.m. 232-A Russell — Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing: “Department of Defense missile defense activities in review of the Defense Authorization Request for FY2026 and the Future Years Defense Program,” with testimony from: Andrea Yaffe, acting principal deputy assistant Defense secretary for space policy; Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command; Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, director, Missile Defense Agency; and Army Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, executive officer, Guam Defense System Joint Program Office http://www.armed-services.senate.gov
WEDNESDAY | MAY 14
10 a.m. 2362-A Rayburn — House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee “Oversight Hearing – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with testimony from Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons http://appropriations.house.gov
2 p.m. 2008 Rayburn — House Appropriations Committee Homeland Security Subcommittee “Oversight Hearing – The United States Coast Guard,” with testimony from Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard http://appropriations.house.gov
2 p.m. H-140, U.S. Capitol — House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee “Oversight Hearing — The United States Navy and Marine Corps,” with testimony from Navy Adm. James Kilby, acting chief of naval operations; John Phelan, secretary of the Navy; and Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps http://appropriations.house.gov
3:30 p.m. 2212 Rayburn — House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on “National Security Space Programs” http://www.armedservices.house.gov
THURSDAY | MAY 15
8 a.m. 111 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, Va. — Potomac Officers Club Cyber Summit, with Bridget Bean, executive director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and Acting assistant secretary of defense for Cyber Policy Ashley Manning https://potomacofficersclub.com/events/2025-cyber-summit/
8 a.m. 700 M St. NE — Politico Security Summit with House Intelligence ranking member Rep. Jim Himes (D-CN); and Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) chairman, House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee https://2025politicosecuritysummit.splashthat.com/Invite
FRIDAY | MAY 23
9 a.m. 550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, Md. — U.S. Naval Academy 2025 graduation and commissioning ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium https://www.usna.edu/CommissioningWeek/schedule.php
