**US Senate Confirms Controversial Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence**
The US Senate has confirmed Tulsi Gabbard, a former lawmaker with controversial foreign policy views, as the new Director of National Intelligence. The decision was made on February 10.
Gabbard has been criticized for her past statements blaming NATO for Russia’s war against Ukraine. She also faced scrutiny for meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017. As director of national intelligence, Gabbard will be responsible for overseeing US spy agencies.
**No Formal Intelligence Experience**
Gabbard has no formal experience in the field of intelligence and has never led a government department or agency. Her confirmation was met with skepticism from some lawmakers who questioned her ability to lead such an important role.
**Previous Controversies**
Gabbard has made headlines for her past statements, including blaming NATO for Russia’s war against Ukraine. She also claimed that the eastward expansion of NATO had provoked Moscow and accused the US of fueling a proxy war with Russia.
In 2017, Gabbard met with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, sparking outrage from both Republicans and Democrats. When questioned about her views on Assad’s regime, Gabbard said she was asking “tough questions.”
**Ukraine’s NATO Aspirations**
Meanwhile, Ukraine is not giving up on its aspirations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In an interview with The Economist, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if denied a membership invitation, Ukraine must build NATO on its territory by strengthening its military.
**Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’**
Russia has resorted to using a “shadow fleet” to transport oil and gas around Western sanctions and price caps. Experts say this poses a significant risk to global energy markets.
**Security Threats**
The US Senate also confirmed Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cybercrime boss serving time in the US, will be released as part of a prisoner exchange for an American teacher held in Russia.
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