Natasha Bertrand - Correspondent
Natasha Bertrand
Correspondent
Natasha Bertrand is a correspondent covering national security and politics for CNN based in Washington, D.C.
Latest
US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine after months of resistance
Apr 25, 2024
The US delivered long-range missiles to Ukraine earlier this month that the Biden administration had previously refused to send following a directive from President Joe Biden, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
New US military aid package to Ukraine expected to be worth around $1 billion
Apr 24, 2024
The Biden administration is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine that is expected to be worth around $1 billion, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
Biden administration secures key agreement for aid distribution from US military pier being built off Gaza coast
Apr 20, 2024
The Biden administration has secured an agreement with a major UN agency to distribute aid from the pier the US military is constructing off the coast of Gaza, two senior US officials told CNN – a key development as the US and its allies have rushed to finalize plans for how desperately needed humanitarian aid will be distributed inside the war-torn strip.
Chad’s government threatens to kick out US troops as Russia expands influence in Africa
Apr 18, 2024
The US risks losing its military presence in another African country as the government of Chad sent a letter threatening to end a critical security agreement, according to four US sources, a move that threatens to cede more US influence in the region to Russia.
US expects Iran to carry out direct attack on Israel, sources say, as Biden warns ‘don’t’
Apr 13, 2024
The US expects that Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel in the coming days and is prepared to help intercept any weapons launched at its ally, sources tell CNN, as the Biden administration is on high alert for what could be the eruption of a significantly volatile and unpredictable period in the Middle East.
US transfers thousands of seized Iranian guns, rocket launchers and munitions to Ukraine
Apr 9, 2024
The US transferred thousands of machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition seized from Iran to Ukraine last week, US Central Command announced on Tuesday.
Western officials warn munition shortages could be catastrophic for Ukraine as US stalls on providing more aid
Apr 5, 2024
Ukraine’s shortage of ammunition and military equipment resulting from the US and its allies’ struggle to resupply the country’s military is having an increasingly dire effect on the battlefield, US and NATO officials are warning, as Russia intensifies its attacks on Kyiv’s dwindling air defenses knowing that they likely won’t be replenished anytime soon.
US recently authorized more bombs for Israel
Apr 4, 2024
The Biden administration recently authorized the transfer of over 1,000 500-pound bombs and over 1,000 small-diameter bombs to Israel, according to three people familiar with the matter, adding to its arsenal despite US concerns over the country’s conduct in the war in Gaza.
Biden administration set to greenlight $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel
Apr 1, 2024
The Biden administration is close to approving the sale of as many as 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Israel defense minister’s meeting with Lloyd Austin comes at a delicate moment in push for US weaponry
Mar 26, 2024
When Israel’s defense minister Yoav Gallant meets with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday, Gallant is expected to ask for more US weaponry and equipment to support Israel’s war in Gaza, US officials said — an extremely delicate request at a moment when US weapons sales to the country are under intense scrutiny by lawmakers and critics of President Joe Biden’s ongoing support for Israel.
Russia undermining relationship of critical West African ally with the US, officials say
Mar 18, 2024
A critical US partner in northwest Africa is turning toward Russia, amid warnings from the top US commander in the continent that the Russians are trying to “take over” the entire Sahel region of Africa.
Biden admin announces new weapons package for Ukraine following months of warnings there was no money left
Mar 12, 2024
The Biden administration announced another package of military aid to Ukraine worth up to $300 million on Tuesday after months of warning there was no money left, with officials saying the new funding became available as a results of savings made in weapons contracts.
Exclusive: Russia producing three times more artillery shells than US and Europe for Ukraine
Mar 12, 2024
Russia appears on track to produce nearly three times more artillery munitions than the US and Europe, a key advantage ahead of what is expected to be another Russian offensive in Ukraine later this year.
US could take 2 months and 1,000 troops to construct floating pier to deliver aid to Gaza, Pentagon says
Mar 8, 2024
A floating pier and causeway that will be used to deliver critical humanitarian aid by sea to Gaza is expected to take at least one month or possibly as long as two for the US military to build and become fully operational, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said on Friday.
Filipino seafarers killed in first fatal Houthi attack on commercial shipping
Mar 7, 2024
A Houthi ballistic missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden resulted in fatalities among the crew members, a US official told CNN, marking the first time that the Iran-backed militant group has killed anyone as part of their ongoing attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea.
About
Natasha Bertrand is a correspondent covering national security and politics for CNN based in Washington, D.C.
Bertrand’s robust coverage includes breaking a variety of stories like the widespread use of dumb bombs by Israel in Gaza and the extent of secrecy surrounding Secretary Austin’s hospitalization. Bertrand also played a vital role on the team that broke the story of the missing Russian intelligence binder under former President Donald Trump, and was part of the team that won an Emmy for coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine where she was reporting on the ground from NATO.
Previously, Bertrand covered national security and politics for POLITICO, The Atlantic and Business Insider. She graduated from Vassar College in 2014 with a dual degree in political science and philosophy.