text: Russian negotiators with NATO are claiming frustration in state media reports. One official said, “There must be a serious discussion and everybody in NATO is well aware that however strong the alliance may be, it is necessary to take concrete political action, because Russia’s military-technical and military response will be the sole alternative.” Russia continues to claim the troop movements are occurring inside their borders, but continued revelations from court filings and military award documentation reveals the near constant presence of Russian troops inside Donbas. Russian state media continues pushing the latest rounds of negotiations with NATO as a “red line” or ultimatum. Both sides have all but rejected the concession areas and appear unwilling to make any real compromises. Russian naval exercises in the Black Sea continued over the weekend. The exercise focused on deploying a “quick reaction force” to interdict an “enemy” vessel, likely preparing for U.S. or NATO forces in the region. Su-30SM fighters and Su-24M bombers practiced sorties while coastal missile defense units engaged targets. Social media users show an increase in logistics and sustainment vehicles arriving to the Ukrainian border region. Most rail convoys are within 50-100km and the continued buildup indicates the Russians are using negotiations as a delay tactic. The cost of deploying 50-60 Battalion Tactical Groups is likely not sustainable for more than 90 days without rotating units or at least personnel. Indo-Pacific SITREP: CCP oversees Hong Kong elections, Japan deepens ties to TaiwanHong Kong held its first elections since Beijing passed a resolution to amend Hong Kong’s citywide election laws to outlaw political opposition parties. Pro-Beijing candidates dominated Hong Kong’s legislative elections, beating out moderates and independents. Candidates loyal to Beijing won a majority of the seats in Sunday’s election after the laws were changed to ensure that only pro-Beijing “patriots” could hold elected offices in the city. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said during a news conference Monday she was satisfied with the election despite a 30.2% voter turnout — the lowest since the British handed Hong Kong over to China in 1997. Hong Kong residents complained that political opposition candidates had been jailed ahead of Sunday’s elections and over 10,000-armed police and military were actively patrolling the streets.