Spring has sprung and it reminds us that parks are critical parts of the urban infrastructure.
Ukraine War
In a gloomy preview of the Hot Boy Motorcycle Summer, the Russian Scooter Cavalry struggles to gain ground at the front. But success would vex the anemic Russian combat service support logistics that are using every means to jury-rig whatever is available, such as here, Air Quasi Mobile subsistence.
Ukraine’s deep strikes hit 51st GRAU arsenal, a major munition depot in Vladimir Oblast near Kirzhach, Russia. In strategic logistics, the Russian economic deterioration continues as a coal train overturned in Krasnoyarsk Krai (26 April). And in further signs of a weakening economy, agricultural production was down first quarter year on year.
Anna Wieslander, Atlantic Council, in WSJ on Nordics support to Ukraine: "Propping up Ukraine’s own defense industry is a sustainable way to add deterrence against Russia while the U.S. blocks Ukrainian membership of NATO."
In artillery news, the King of Battle consolidating its power: UK’s BAE systems will increase production of 155 mm shell production to meet domestic and export requirements by the end of 2026. And Denmark has allocated approximately 317 million Danish kroner (about 42.5 million euros) for the purchase of artillery shells for Ukraine.
In Ukraine, investment from European allies to accelerate the manufacture of the Bohdana howitzer. German contributions of late include Kinetic Defence Vehicles (Diehl Defence), Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP), IRIS-T SLM missiles.
Mortal and Political Remains
President Zelensky attended the exhumation of bodies believed to be the Polish victims of the WWII Volyn Massacre. Managing the human remains of war has become a regular logistical and administrative function within armed forces. From short term control to permanent disposition, the handling of the bodies of those lost in war is a sacred and technical task, and one Risch discusses throughout her Quartermaster histories as the amplitude of war activity inevitably led to increased mortuary requirements. And as wars have grown bigger, and more lethal, those functions have advanced. But for all of the mechanistic requirements, death, bodies, and place are significant matters of diplomacy. This process of rectifying the Soviet past is important to the relations between Poland and Ukraine, a critical lynchpin to the future of northeastern European security. Logistics Diplomacy.
The Regulatory Economy
The FDA suspends enabling programs for state-run milk testing systems. Florida advances child labor bill to replace lost immigrant workers. Track clean energy manufacturing by State and Congressional District here. GAO report discusses the negative environmental and societal impact of AI.
Tariffs and Trade
Hoping the tariff wars end before real business changes are needed, impacts lag as domestic enterprise whittles inventories to bridge the current import gap. Ports on the West Coast are already seeing steep drops in arrivals: “Year-over-year, the data shows a 44% drop in vessels scheduled to arrive the week of May 4-May 10.” I’m looking for a warehouse sector analyst if anyone has a recommendation. For sanctions and tariffs, both Russian and American consumers brace for empty shelves.
Across the economy, the effects are being communicated and manifesting. FT “Corporate America puts Wall St. on alert over damage from trade war.” Reuters: * PEPSICO CFO SAYS "RELATIVE TO WHERE WE WERE THREE MONTHS AGO WE PROBABLY ARE NOT FEELING AS GOOD ABOUT THE CONSUMER." In response to tariffs, Mazda to suspend production of vehicles of the North American market at its Huntsville, AL, plant.
US Defense Industry: on rising cost of B-21, Northrup Grumman cites “…and increased general procurement costs" – undoubtedly the result of tariff-induced inflation.
On negotiations for new trade deals, if Japan is any indicator, little is coming down the pike. Expressing frustration with the Trump Administration bullying and the strategic uncertainty it has created, the consensus of their government is that no deal will be sufficient for the American President, who wants loyalty and will just ask for more.
At the junction between the two, refreshing your recollection of the trade-maritime nexus in US Grand Strategy.
Maritime
Trump wants free passage through Suez and Panama Canals. This is not a reasonable policy position.
Do you know the story of the Lego cargo container lost at sea? It’s treasures wash up on European shores at regular intervals. Here they are celebrating St. George’s Day
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Atlantic coastal underwater kites riding the tidal currents demonstrate reliable, mass electricity generating capacity. Rivers and transport – Rhine levels rise enough in Germany to operate at fuller capacities along critical points of the riverine route throughout the country.
Finland to build rail link to Arctic port to enhance NATO/regional access. Maritime success always requires terrestrial capacity and capability. As fires continue to rage, the explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port near the Straits of Hormuz on Saturday is linked to "shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence". The Regulatory State has a response to non-compliance, and it is not good for the economy.
Advanced Logistics!
If you are into the ultimate in challenges, check out this read from British Antarctic Survey, and follow the Tractor Train Traverse drivers in their podcast ICEWORLD! on arctic transport.
Transit
Governor Hochul (NY) announces Tuesday that Congestion Pricing will continue: "I repeat: congestion pricing is legal — and it’s working. Traffic is down, business is up and the cameras are staying on.” In mass transit, the Trump Administration takes over Penn Station renovation project - under Amtrak auspices, even though MTA is the biggest customer. Big public projects are necessary, but can vex in cost and time overruns, and challenges with communities and effects. They can be done well – enjoy this case from a UK rail project.
Excellent visualizations of transport in global cities at Cities Moving.
From the New York Transit Museum: On 21 April in 1917, the IRT Flushing Line, known then as the IRT Corona Line, opened between the Queensboro Plaza and Alburtis Avenue (103rd Street – Corona Plaza) stations. Prior to 1917, the line ran between Queensboro Plaza and Grand Central Terminal via the Steinway Tunnels
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Your Economy
If you are interested in the nuts and bolts of the grocery sector, The Grocery Nerd here at substack has a fascinating newsletter.