SOFREP Morning Brief: Ukrainian Drone Barrage Disrupts Air Traffic in Moscow

Good morning! Get your Thursday started with SOFREP’s morning brief, bringing you the latest updates on defense and global affairs for May 22, 2025. Here’s a quick look to this morning’s headlines: USS Charleston is now patrolling the southern border, replacing the USS Stockdale. Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense plan is hitting major hurdles with cost and feasibility. In D.C., two Israeli embassy staff were killed in a targeted shooting tied to anti-Israel sentiment. Syria risks falling back into civil war as sectarian violence rises post-Assad. Ukraine hit Moscow with drones, disrupting flights; Russia says it intercepted 105. China staged drills near Taiwan as President Lai marked one year in office. North Korea’s new destroyer launch failed, damaging the ship and drawing public blame from Kim Jong Un.

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USS Charleston Deployed to Support Southern Border Mission

The USS Charleston (LCS-18) has departed Naval Base San Diego to join the Trump administration’s ongoing southern border security mission, US Fleet Forces Command announced Wednesday.

The Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship carries a US Coast Guard law enforcement detachment to assist in counter-narcotic and maritime enforcement operations.

Charleston will replace the destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106), which has been conducting border patrol duties since mid-April. This marks the fourth US Navy warship and the first Littoral Combat Ship publicly assigned to the mission.

The deployment falls under US Northern Command’s area of responsibility and supports a coordinated, multi-domain defense strategy directed by presidential orders. Previous ships assigned to the mission include destroyers USS Spruance (DDG-111) and USS Gravely (DDG-107).

USS Charleston (LCS 18) Independence-variant littoral combat ship leaving San Diego – May 20, 2025

SRC: TW-@cjr1321 pic.twitter.com/NOHUefdmNu

— WarshipCam (@WarshipCam) May 20, 2025

Charleston recently concluded a two-year Indo-Pacific deployment and now contributes to the Department of Defense’s effort to enforce national border security objectives.

Trump’s “Golden Dome” Missile Defense Plan Faces Major Hurdles

President Donald Trump’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system faces steep technical, financial, and political challenges, according to defense experts and analysts.

The proposed system aims to defend the US from a broad range of threats — including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones — and Trump wants it operational by the end of his second term.

Despite announcing a $25 billion initial funding request and estimating a $175 billion total cost, experts warn that the actual price could far exceed projections.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that just the space-based interceptor portion alone could run up to $542 billion over two decades. Analysts also cite the need for significant advances in sensors, interceptors, and industrial capacity.

Critics note the plan lacks technical specifics and faces skepticism over feasibility. Experts argue that threat complexity — from Russia’s advanced missiles to China’s hypersonic progress and North Korean and Iranian ballistic threats — demands a carefully scoped and cost-effective approach.

President Trump announced the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect the homeland from advanced missile threats.

Included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, this project aims to ensure American security. Congress must pass the bill and send it to the President’s desk. pic.twitter.com/U0gwZ9DNnV

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 21, 2025

The “Golden Dome” concept draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, but US threats differ dramatically in scale and type.

Analysts say the initiative may never reach full capability unless Congress, the Pentagon, and the defense industry align on priorities and funding — a tall order given the system’s unprecedented scope and expense.

Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in DC Shooting, Suspect Shouts “Free Palestine”

Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were shot and killed Wednesday evening outside the Capital Jewish Museum after attending a diplomatic event.

The shooter, Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was arrested on site and repeatedly shouted “Free, free Palestine,” according to police.

The attack, which authorities labeled as antisemitic and targeted, prompted heightened security across Israeli diplomatic missions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “horrific” killings and linked them to rising antisemitic incitement. US President Donald Trump also denounced the violence, declaring, “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!” —President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/Z30bjAQOpZ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 22, 2025

Rodriguez, dressed in a suit, was seen pacing outside the museum before opening fire on a group of four. Witnesses said he entered the museum appearing distressed before being detained. Authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat.

The victims, described as a young couple soon to be engaged, worked in research and logistics for the embassy.

We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
May their memory be a blessing.

We embrace the grieving families during this… pic.twitter.com/4lNQnTvORG

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 22, 2025

The attack followed an event focused on humanitarian aid for Israelis and Palestinians, sparking outrage within the Jewish community. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and US authorities have opened an investigation, calling the shooting a probable act of targeted violence.

The killings come amid heightened global tensions as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, which has killed over 53,000 people, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population. The suspect’s actions are being viewed in connection with growing polarization over the war.

UN and US Warn of Renewed Civil War Risk in Post-Assad Syria

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned the UN Security Council on Wednesday of a growing risk of renewed conflict and fragmentation in Syria, citing recent attacks on minority communities and rising sectarian tensions.

The warning comes as the country struggles to stabilize after the December 2024 ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels.

The United States also issued a stark warning this week, saying Syria could be just weeks away from another civil war and possible collapse.

.@GeirOPedersen UN Special Envoy for Syria briefs the Security Council today at 10am New York/4pm Geneva /5pm Damascus #Syria Watch live here: https://t.co/gqhT4IcpCS

— UN Special Envoy for Syria (@UNEnvoySyria) May 21, 2025

Recent targeted violence against the Alawite and Druze minorities has fueled concerns of escalating sectarian strife.

Despite the instability, Pedersen welcomed the US and European Union decisions to lift sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule, calling them a sign of hope for Syria’s political transition. He condemned ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Syria and raised alarm over an uptick in coordinated Islamic State attacks using improvised explosive devices and medium-range weapons.

Pedersen said the overall situation remains fragile, and efforts to rebuild trust and avoid a return to war must be prioritized. Rebel factions continue to hold power in Damascus, while the country remains fractured along political, ethnic, and sectarian lines.

Ukrainian Drone Barrage Disrupts Air Traffic in Moscow

Russian air defenses intercepted 105 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 35 targeting Moscow, the Russian defense ministry said Thursday.

The large-scale attack disrupted air traffic across the capital, forcing temporary flight suspensions at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports, according to Russia’s aviation authority.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed emergency crews responded to debris sites.

Ukrainian drones are attacking targets in the area of the Russian city of Tula (+300km from Ukraine’s border) tonight.

Russian air defenses have been activated to engage the UAVs. pic.twitter.com/3vB1vuSXxt

— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) May 21, 2025

The drone assault followed a similar attack a day earlier and came days after Russia launched a record number of drones at Ukraine, escalating tit-for-tat aerial strikes.

While drone warfare has become a near-daily tactic in the three-year conflict, such concentrated strikes on Moscow remain rare.

President Vladimir Putin continues to reject international ceasefire proposals as Russian forces hold about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

NEW: Russian President Vladimir Putin likely orchestrated a meeting with Kursk Oblast officials on May 20 to set conditions to justify the renewal of Russian plans to seize Sumy City and illegally annex Sumy Oblast.

Russian forces are highly unlikely to be able to seize Sumy… pic.twitter.com/rfS0YSmOTl

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 22, 2025

The war has caused tens of thousands of deaths and widespread devastation across Ukraine.

China Conducts Amphibious Drills Near Taiwan as President Lai Marks One Year in Office

China held amphibious military drills off the coast of Fujian province, its closest point to Taiwan, as Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marked his first year in office.

State broadcaster CCTV released footage of tanks entering the sea and maneuvering around obstacles, accompanied by declarations from Chinese soldiers that they were “always ready to fight.”

The drills occurred Tuesday, the same day Lai reaffirmed his commitment to defending Taiwan and strengthening its economy, stating the island must “prepare for war to avoid war.” Beijing, which views Lai as a separatist, has condemned his stance and reiterated its readiness for dialogue only under the “one-China principle.”

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported 15 Chinese military aircraft and eight vessels operating around the island in the past 24 hours but described the drills as “routine” with no impact on regional security.

15 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 15 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/51U2ikRgJh

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 21, 2025

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of promoting “economic decoupling” and maintaining a separatist agenda. Lai responded that Taiwan is open to communication with Beijing, but only on the basis of “parity and dignity.”

China has held repeated military exercises around Taiwan since Lai took office.

North Korean Destroyer Damaged During Launch in Setback for Kim’s Naval Modernization Drive

North Korea’s second 5,000-ton-class guided missile destroyer was damaged during a failed launch this week at the Chongjin shipyard, state media reported Thursday.

The ship, believed to be in the same class as the Choe Hyon destroyer unveiled in April, toppled after a transport cradle malfunctioned, puncturing its hull.

Leader Kim Jong Un, who attended the launch, publicly blamed military officials and shipbuilders for the “serious accident,” calling it a result of “absolute carelessness” and “unscientific empiricism.”

The rare public admission of a military failure underscores Kim’s urgency and confidence in modernizing North Korea’s Navy, despite setbacks.

North Korea’s latest naval destroyer has been significantly damaged prior to its launch. In a rare acknowledgment, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported yesterday an incident occurred with a new destroyer in Chongjin, which was close to being launched. pic.twitter.com/0PfuqehYnF

— Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025

Analysts say the rushed handling of an unfamiliar large warship likely caused the incident. The vessel, equipped for nuclear-capable missiles, had been expected to bolster North Korea’s offensive and defensive maritime capabilities.

Satellite imagery had previously confirmed the destroyer was under construction, marking it as part of an expanding naval push that may have involved Russian support. Despite North Korea’s overall inferior naval capacity compared to South Korea, experts view these destroyers as serious security threats due to their missile capabilities.

An earlier image, also taken by @AirbusSpace, shows the vessel prior to being moved onto the slipway at Chongjin. pic.twitter.com/HeQNoFBfPK

— Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025

Just hours after confirming the failed launch, North Korea test-fired multiple cruise missiles from near Sondok, continuing a series of aggressive weapons tests amid rising regional tensions.

Kim has framed his military buildup, including a future nuclear-powered submarine, as a counter to expanding US-South Korean military cooperation.

Sources: News Agencies