Berlin (AFP) – Speaking virtually at a NATO meeting in Berlin, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine can defeat Russia’s invasion, urging the alliance to keep sending military aid to Kyiv.
Beirut (AFP) – ‘Voting is a duty,’ says a Beirut citizen as she casts her ballot in the first election since multiple crises dragged Lebanon to the brink of failed statehood. The vote is a major test for new opposition groups bent on removing the ruling elite.
Helsinki (AFP) – The Finnish government officially announces its intention to join NATO. Less than three months after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the move is a stunning reversal of Finland’s policy on military non-alignment dating back more than 75 years
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Kyiv residents get an unexpected boost after Ukraine swept to victory at the Eurovision Song Contest with an infectious hip-hop folk melody. The win has raised spirits in the embattled nation which fighting off a Russian invasion that has killed thousands and displaced millions of people.
Turin (Italy) (AFP) – ‘The victory is very important to Ukraine, especially this year,’ says Kalush Orchestra frontman, Oleh Psiuk, after winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine with an infectious hip-hop folk melody. The band received special authorisation from Ukraine’s government to attend Eurovision, since men of fighting age are prohibited from leaving the country, but that permit expires in two days. Psiuk said he was not sure what awaited the band as war rages back home.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – From odes to embattled military units to expressions of love for the motherland, Ukrainians are embracing tattoos amid the ongoing war with Russia. At the “Art Weapon” festival, dozens chose to show their love for their nation by getting inked.
Berlin (AFP) – NATO countries are ready to provide military assistance to Ukraine to help it repel Russia’s invasion for as long as it is needed, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says. of Annalena Baerbock
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden condemns racist extremism after a murderous rampage in Buffalo, and calls for citizens to end the hate that remains a “stain on the soul of America.”
Santiago (AFP) – Images of a total lunar eclipse underway in the sky of Santiago in Chile.
Bangkok (AFP) – Thailand commemorates Visakha Bucha, which marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, and is held on the full moon of the third lunar month. Monks and devotees lit candles at Bangkok’s Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, also known as the marble temple.
Singapore (AFP) – Hundreds of Buddhists bring their pet dogs, cats, rabbits and even crustaceans to a temple in Singapore to receive blessings from monks and nuns as part of the Vesak celebrations. “After my animals are blessed, they are more sensitive and they are more aware and there’s more bonding,” said one pet owner.
Sanaa (AFP) – The first commercial flight in nearly six years takes off from Yemen’s rebel-held capital, a major step forward in a peace process that has provided rare relief from conflict.
