For full protection of the disaster in Ukraine, go to Flashpoint Ukraine.
Recap of May 19
FIGHTING
* Russia’s protection ministry stated 1,730 Ukrainian fighters had surrendered in Mariupol over three days, together with 771 in the previous 24 hours, claiming a give up on a far greater scale than Ukraine has acknowledged.
* German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended his nation’s determination to provide Ukraine with weapons to struggle Russia, saying this “does not constitute an escalation.”
* A Ukrainian state prosecutor requested a court docket to condemn a Russian soldier to life in jail for killing an unarmed civilian in the primary warfare crimes trial arising from Russia’s February 24 invasion.
ECONOMY
* The U.S. Senate voted to approve a $40 billion assist package deal for Ukraine.
* The Group of Seven’s monetary leaders agreed on $18.4 billion to assist Ukraine pay its payments in coming months and stated they have been prepared to face by Kyiv all through its warfare with Russia.
* Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated his nation will double its monetary assist for Ukraine to $600 million.
* European Union lawmakers have voted to droop import duties on all Ukrainian exports for a 12 months to help the war-torn nation’s financial system.
HUMANITARIAN
* The International Committee of the Red Cross has registered a whole lot of prisoners of warfare leaving the Azovstal plant in Mariupol.
* Amnesty International continues to name for the rights of the Ukrainian troopers to be revered as stories of troopers surrendering surfaced after the Azovstal metal plant in Mariupol fell beneath Russian management
DIPLOMACY
* Switzerland stated it’s reopening its embassy in Kyiv.
* Ukraine welcomed Bridget Brink as Washington’s new ambassador to Ukraine.
* U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson for talks about their functions to affix NATO.
* The NATO alliance has not expressed any curiosity in putting nuclear weapons or everlasting bases in Finland, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin stated.
SANCTIONS
* Britain stated it was introducing new sanctions towards the Russian airline sector to forestall state-owned Aeroflot, Ural Airlines and Rossiya Airlines from promoting their unused touchdown slots at British airports.
* Russia will ship any oil rejected by European international locations to Asia and different areas, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated.
NUCLEAR
* The U.N. nuclear watchdog says Ukraine has knowledgeable it that new wildfires close to the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant don’t pose a radioactive risk.
MEDIA
* Russia stated it was closing the Moscow workplaces of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in retaliation for Ottawa’s banning of Russian state media outlet RT.
The newest developments in the battle between Russia and Ukraine. All instances EDT:
8:49 p.m.: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says there could be “no shortcuts” to European Union membership for Ukraine, the second EU chief to quash Kyiv’s hope of fast-track membership in as many weeks, Reuters reported. Scholz says making an exception for Ukraine can be unfair to the Western Balkan international locations additionally looking for to affix. “The accession process is not a matter of a few months or years,” he stated, based on Reuters.
8:03 p.m.: In addition to the $40 billion in assist for Ukraine authorized by Congress, the U.S. stated it’s sending a cargo of $100 million in navy gear to Kyiv. The newest package deal consists of 18 extra howitzers in addition to anti-artillery radar methods, each of which the U.S. has supplied to Ukraine already since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, The Associated Press reported. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby stated the gear will probably be in the palms of Ukrainian forces “very, very soon.”
7:26 p.m.: The U.S. Senate confirmed Bridget Brink because the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. President Joe Biden nominated the profession diplomat to the place as officers plan to return American diplomats to Kyiv in the course of the nation’s persevering with battle towards the Russian invasion. She was confirmed unanimously by the Senate with no formal roll name vote, AP reported.
6:50 p.m.: In his nightly video tackle, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the worldwide donors serving to to finance Ukraine, but additionally added, “This is their contribution to their own security.”
“Because the defense of Ukraine also means their defense from new wars and crises that Russia may provoke. If it succeeds in the war against Ukraine. That is why we must all work together to ensure that there is no success for Russia in its aggression against our state. Neither military, nor economic, nor any other,” Zelenskyy stated.
6:25 p.m.: Russian State TV confirmed what it stated have been wounded Ukrainian troopers from the Azovstal metal plant receiving therapy in a hospital in Donetsk area, The Associated Press reported, including it has been unable to confirm the claims. The Russian navy stated a complete of 1,730 Ukrainian troops on the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, AP reported.
5:27 p.m.: During a U.N. Security Council assembly organized by the United States, the U.S. blamed one another for the worsening meals scenario world wide because the warfare in Ukraine continues. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Russia to “stop blocking the ports in the Black Sea. Allow for the free flow of ships and trains and trucks carrying food out of Ukraine,” Agence France-Presse reported. Russian ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia countered, saying his nation is being blamed for the entire world’s woes when the world has lengthy suffered from a meals disaster attributable to an inflationary spiral stemming from rising prices of insurance coverage, logistical snarls, and hypothesis on Western markets, AFP reported. Ukraine is likely one of the world’s high producers of wheat.
4:53 p.m.: The widow of a Ukrainian civilian killed by a Russian soldier – the primary to go on trial for warfare crimes in Ukraine – stated he may have “missed” her husband as a substitute of finishing up orders to shoot him. Kateryna Shelipova’s husband, Oleksandr, was fatally shot in the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian soldier accused of killing Shelipov pleaded responsible in a Kyiv court docket on Wednesday. Current Time, a co-production of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and VOA, has this story.
4:12 p.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia on Thursday of utilizing meals as a weapon in Ukraine by holding “hostage” the meals provide for not simply tens of millions of Ukrainians, but additionally tens of millions world wide who depend on Ukrainian exports, Reuters reported. Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Blinken appealed to Russia to cease blockading Ukrainian ports. “The Russian government seems to think that using food as a weapon will help accomplish what its invasion has not – to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people,” he stated. The warfare in Ukraine has brought about international costs for grains, cooking oils, gas and fertilizer to soar.
3 p.m.:
2:50 p.m.: The U.N. meals chief is warning that the warfare in Ukraine has created “an unprecedented crisis” of escalating meals costs that has sparked protests, The Associated Press reported. World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley stated rising starvation will add at the very least 47 million individuals to the 276 million “marching to starvation” earlier than Russia’s invasion of its smaller neighbor. Beasley informed a U.N. Security Council assembly Thursday that 49 million individuals in 43 international locations are already “knocking on famine’s door.” He confused that battle, the influence of local weather change, and the COVID-19 pandemic have been already affecting meals safety however the warfare in Ukraine, which grows sufficient meals for 400 million individuals, now has “the longest bread lines in the world.” He stated leaders should assist open Ukraine’s ports and improve meals manufacturing.
2:29 p.m.:
2:17 p.m.: The U.S. Senate accomplished congressional motion Thursday on a brand new $40 billion assist package deal for Ukraine, overwhelmingly approving it and sending the measure to President Joe Biden for his anticipated signature, VOA’s Ken Bredemeier reported. The package deal is meant to buttress Ukraine over the subsequent 5 months to fight Russia’s ongoing invasion. It consists of cash for navy gear, coaching and weapons, in addition to billions of {dollars} in humanitarian assist, together with cash to assist tackle international meals shortages attributable to the three-month battle. The help replenishes shares of U.S. gear despatched earlier to Ukraine and offers financing to assist different international locations which might be aiding the Kyiv authorities.
1:15 p.m.: The Group of Seven’s monetary leaders agreed on Thursday on $18.4 billion to assist Ukraine pay its payments in coming months and stated they have been prepared to face by Kyiv all through its warfare with Russia and do extra if wanted, a draft communique confirmed. Finance ministers and central financial institution governors of the United States, Japan, Canada, Britain, Germany, France and Italy — the G7 — are holding talks as Ukraine, invaded by Russia on Feb. 24, is struggling to fend off the assault and is operating out of money. “In 2022, we have mobilized $18.4 billion of budget support, including $9.2 billion of recent commitments,” the draft communique seen by Reuters stated. “We will continue to stand by Ukraine throughout this war and beyond and are prepared to do more as needed,” it stated.
1:08 p.m.:
1:08 p.m.: Yury Shevchuk, chief and frontman of DDT, considered one of Russia’s hottest rock teams, has been charged with an administrative misdemeanor over an announcement he made throughout a live performance about Russia’s ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Producer Radmir Usayev stated in a submit on Instagram on Thursday that police approached Shevchuk after a live performance in Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, a day earlier and “first wanted to detain him,” however then simply knowledgeable the favored rock musician that he was being charged with an unspecified misdemeanor. Video of Shevchuk speaking in regards to the warfare on the live performance has since gone viral on social media. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has the story.
12:58 p.m.:
12:49 p.m.: Russian opposition chief Alexei Navalny’s group is on Capitol Hill urging U.S. senators to think about a recent spherical of sanctions on Russians with a extra “nuanced” method that targets mid-level authorities officers and public figures over the warfare in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. The group is discussing with senators an inventory of 6,000 Russians, together with protection and safety officers, administrative workers, governors, members of parliament, even editors and managers at Russian media operations for sanctions. It can be planning to fulfill Thursday with officers on the U.S. State Department, the Justice Department and different workplaces in Washington. Vladimir Ashurkov, the manager director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, stated the “avalanche of sanctions” imposed to this point is having an impact in Russia.
12:41 p.m.:
12:32 p.m.: A Ukrainian state prosecutor requested a court docket on Thursday to condemn a Russian soldier to life in jail for killing an unarmed civilian in the primary warfare crimes trial arising from Russia’s February 24 invasion, Reuters reported. Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old Russian tank commander, requested widow Kateryna Shelipova to forgive him for the homicide of her husband, Oleksandr, in the northeast Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on February 28.
12:02 p.m.: U.S. President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland on Thursday to advance their functions to affix the NATO navy alliance, Reuters reported. Biden stood with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in a sunny White House Rose Garden bedecked with flags. He cheered the “momentous” day, giving his sturdy help for the 2 “great democracies” to “be part of the strongest strongest defensive alliance in the historical past of the world.” Biden said, “They meet each NATO requirement after which some,” adding he is submitting paperwork today to the U.S. Congress for speedy approval once NATO approves their accession.”
11:57 a.m.: Russia’s Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley held a cellphone name, RIA information company reported on Thursday, citing the Russian protection ministry. They mentioned problems with “mutual interest” together with Ukraine, RIA stated. The name came about six days after a cellphone dialog between the protection ministers of the 2 international locations, their first since Russia launched what it calls its particular navy operation in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
11:20 a.m.: British protection minister Ben Wallace stated on Thursday he believed there was a option to tackle Turkey’s considerations over Sweden and Finland becoming a member of NATO. Finland and Sweden formally utilized on Wednesday to affix NATO, a choice spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however Turkey has objected, accusing the international locations of supporting teams that it deems terrorists. “I think there is a way through. I think we will get there in the end and it is very important that we listen to all members and their concerns in that process and we will certainly be listening to Turkey,” Wallace informed parliament, including he can be chatting with his Turkish counterpart.
11:17 a.m.: The U.N. nuclear watchdog says Ukraine has knowledgeable it new wildfires close to the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant don’t pose a radioactive risk to individuals, The Associated Press reported. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency stated Thursday that Kyiv informed it gamma dose price ranges close to the plant, the location of the 1986 nuclear catastrophe, have been “not exceeding the reference levels.” It stated earlier expertise suggests such fires may result in a “very small increase” of radioactive focus in the air however the IAEA helps Ukraine’s evaluation that it wouldn’t endanger human well being. It famous “spontaneous fires” usually happen in the world this time of 12 months.
11:12 a.m.:
11:09 a.m.: A senior U.S. protection official on Thursday stated that Ukrainian forces “continue to claw back territory” to the north and northeast of Kharkiv, as Russia is reinforcing its positions round Kherson in the south. He stated climate is probably going hampering Russian sorties into Ukraine, and Russian naval exercise. He concurred with British intelligence assessments that high Russian navy commanders have been fired, saying “We have seen indications where Russian commanders at various levels have been relieved of their duties,” however, he added, the U.S. has nothing to share about Russian leaders on the “senior, senior levels.” VOA’s National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin monitored the briefing and shared these particulars on Twitter.
10:55 a.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scheduled to take part in a United Nations Security Council Meeting on Food Insecurity and Conflict Thursday morning in New York City.
10:47 a.m.: U.S. President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden, and President Sauli Niinistö of Finland ship transient remarks at a trilateral press convention on the White House on Thursday.
10:35 a.m.: U.S. refiners imported about 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude and gas oil from Latin America in April, the very best in seven months based on U.S. Customs information, as patrons started changing Russian provides.
10:20 a.m.: The Group of Seven international locations are launching a brand new Global Alliance for Food Security that’s aimed in half at addressing the influence of Russia’s warfare in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. German Development Minister Svenja Schulze stated Thursday after assembly her counterparts from the G-7′s main economies that the goal is to higher coordinate the efforts of assist donors and to make sure that looming crises don’t get neglected. She stated the G-7 will search to convey as many companions on board as doable, together with rising international locations which will have provides. The World Bank helps to implement the undertaking. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has produced a pointy improve in meals and vitality costs.
10:03 a.m.: U.S. President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland on Thursday after the nations put aside their long-standing neutrality and moved to affix the NATO alliance in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported. Hours earlier than his first journey to Asia as president, Biden sat down with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö on the White House to debate their NATO functions. “This is a historic event, a watershed moment in European security. Two nations with a long tradition of neutrality will be joining the world’s most powerful defensive alliance,” stated White House nationwide safety adviser Jake Sullivan.
9:44 a.m.: Russia stated it was closing the Moscow workplaces of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in retaliation for Ottawa’s banning of Russian state media outlet RT, Agence France-Presse reported. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed the choice, saying “responsible journalism, sharing what’s actually going on with citizens, is a deep threat to Vladimir Putin.” Canada in March formally banned RT and RT France from its airwaves, saying their programming was “not in line with Canadian broadcasting requirements. RT and state-controlled outlet Sputnik have been blocked in most Western international locations since Russia’s navy offensive in Ukraine, accused of spreading propaganda.
9:33 a.m.:
9:15 a.m.: Germany on Thursday eliminated official perks accorded to former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, assessing that he has did not uphold the obligations of his workplace by refusing to sever ties with Russian vitality giants, Agence France-Presse reported. “The coalition parliamentary groups have drawn consequences from the behavior of former chancellor and lobbyist Gerhard Schroeder in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” the parliament determined. “The office of the former chancellor shall be suspended,” it added.
9:01 a.m.: Russia will ship any oil rejected by European international locations to Asia and different areas, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on Thursday, including that Europe must discover substitute provides that might be dearer, Reuters reported. The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a 210 billion euro ($220 billion) plan for Europe to finish its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027 and to make use of the pivot away from Moscow to quicken its transition to inexperienced vitality.
8:39 a.m.: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought about enormous environmental harm for which Kyiv will search compensation in worldwide courts, Ukraine’s surroundings minister stated on Thursday, based on Reuters. Ruslan Strilets, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, stated the warfare had destroyed ecosystems, disadvantaged wildlife of its pure habitat and contaminated land in one of many world’s fundamental grain producers. “Over the past 20 years, this is the first military conflict in the world that has caused such large-scale environmental damage,” he informed a information convention. “Russian missiles hit our oil depots, thermal power plants, chemical plants – this definitely affects the environment. Forests are burning, valuable protected things are being destroyed,” he stated.
8:10 a.m.:
8:00 a.m.:
7:38 a.m.: Moscow stated on Thursday that sanctions on Russia must be reviewed if it have been to heed a U.N. attraction to open entry to Ukraine’s Black Sea ports in order that grain could possibly be exported, based on an Interfax information company report. Ukraine, one of many world’s largest grain producers, used to export most of its items by its seaports, however since Russia despatched troops into Ukraine, it has been compelled to export by prepare or by way of its small Danube River ports. U.N. meals chief David Beasley appealed on Wednesday to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying: “If you have any heart at all, please open these ports.” Beasley’s World Food Programme feeds some 125 million individuals and buys 50% of its grain from Ukraine, Reuters reported.
7:30 a.m.:
7:19 a.m.: European Union lawmakers have voted to droop import duties on all Ukrainian exports for a 12 months to help the war-torn nation’s financial system, The Associated Press reported. The measure covers industrial merchandise, fruits, greens and metal. The EU is Ukraine’s most essential buying and selling companion, accounting for greater than 40% of its complete commerce in items final 12 months.“We must support Ukraine at all levels with every tool at our disposal: not only with weapons and sanctions but with our trading power, too,” stated lawmaker Sandra Kalniete. “Giving Ukraine the support it needs to defend itself does not end on the battlefield; it includes ensuring that Ukraine’s economy remains resilient and competitive.”
6:46 a.m.:
6:38 a.m.: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended his nation’s determination to provide Ukraine with weapons to struggle Russia, saying this “does not constitute an escalation,” The Associated Press reported. In a speech to lawmakers Thursday, Scholz dismissed considerations raised by some in Germany that arming Ukraine may consequence in a wider battle. Arming Ukraine was “a contribution to fending off the attack and thereby ending the violence as quickly as possible,” he stated. Scholz added that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “mistaken” in considering peace could be imposed on Ukraine by drive.
6:34 a.m.:
6:23 a.m.: The first Russian soldier on trial for warfare crimes in Ukraine requested for “forgiveness” in a Kyiv court docket Thursday and described how he shot useless a civilian in the opening days of Russia’s invasion, Agence France-Presse reported. “I know that you will not be able to forgive me, but nevertheless I ask you for forgiveness,” 21-year-old Russian sergeant Vadim Shishimarin stated in court docket, addressing the widow of a 62-year-old civilian whom he admitted killing. Shishimarin faces doable life imprisonment in Ukraine on costs of warfare crimes and premeditated homicide in a landmark warfare crimes trial towards Moscow’s forces.Two different Russian troopers are in court docket for crimes towards civilians, as Kyiv launched a judicial reckoning for alleged atrocities after practically three months of warfare.
6:20 a.m.: Britain stated on Thursday it was introducing new sanctions towards the Russian airline sector to forestall state-owned Aeroflot, Ural Airlines and Rossiya Airlines from promoting their unused touchdown slots at British airports, Reuters reported.The British authorities stated it estimated the touchdown slots have been value $61.9 million. “We’ve already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we’re making sure they can’t cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports,” British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated in an announcement.
6:17 a.m.: Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated Thursday his nation will double its monetary assist for Ukraine to $600 million in help of the nation badly broken by Russia’s aggression, The Associated Press reported. Japan will present the extra $300 million by the World Bank to assist Ukraine’s monetary difficulties due to the Russian invasion, Kishida stated. The announcement comes simply earlier than Japan hosts U.S. President Joe Biden and two different leaders for a regional strategic framework often called the Quad summit and bilateral conferences subsequent week when Kishida is anticipated to emphasise Japanese help for Ukraine.The new pledge, mixed with the $300 million Japan promised final month, brings Tokyo’s complete contribution to $600 million.
6:14 a.m.: The NATO alliance has not expressed any curiosity in putting nuclear weapons or everlasting bases in Finland, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin informed an Italian newspaper in an interview revealed on Thursday throughout a go to to Rome. Finland and Sweden formally utilized to affix the NATO alliance on Wednesday, a choice spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however face objections from Turkey to an accession course of that was initially anticipated to be comparatively fast, Reuters reported.
6:08 a.m.: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has known as on Russia to permit the safe export of grain by Ukrainian ports.The ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and others have been reduce off by Russian warships in the Black Sea, so the grain can solely journey on congested land routes which might be far much less environment friendly. Speaking on Wednesday at a serious United Nations summit in New York on worldwide meals insecurity, Guterres known as on Russia to unlock exports of Ukrainian grain. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this story.
6:05 a.m.: With Russian forces focusing efforts on the jap Donbas area, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who was concerned in a number of rounds of talks with Russia, stated Thursday that agreeing to a cease-fire with Russia “is impossible without total Russian troops withdrawal.” Podolyak said in a Twitter post, “Until Russia is ready to fully liberate occupied territories, our negotiating team is weapons, sanctions and money.”
6:00 a.m.: Russia’s international ministry stated Thursday it was expelling 5 Portuguese diplomats, based on Reuters. The expulsions come a number of weeks after Portugal expelled 10 Russian embassy staffers.
5:45 a.m.: Switzerland stated Thursday it’s reopening its embassy in Kyiv
5:10 a.m.: Russia’s protection ministry stated Thursday that 1,730 Ukrainian fighters had surrendered in Mariupol over three days, together with 771 in the previous 24 hours, claiming a give up on a far greater scale than Ukraine has acknowledged since ordering its garrison to face down. The final consequence of Europe’s bloodiest battle for many years remained publicly unresolved, with no affirmation of the destiny of the a whole lot of Ukrainian troops who had held out in an enormous steelworks on the finish of a close to three-month siege.
4:30 a.m.: Ukraine welcomes the U.S. Senate’s affirmation of Bridget Brink as Washington’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy’s chief of workers stated on Thursday.
(*19*) Andriy Yermak wrote on Twitter. There has been no U.S. ambassador in Kyiv since 2019.
4:01 a.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross stated it started registering “combatants leaving the Azovstal plant, including the wounded, at the request of the parties,” beginning Tuesday and the operation was nonetheless ongoing Thursday. The ICRC stated it’s not transporting prisoners of warfare to locations the place they have been held in an announcement revealed Thursday.
The assist group urged opponents to guard the rights of fighters. “It’s critical to ensure they’re accounted for & treated humanely and with dignity,” ICRC stated in a Twitter submit.
3:05 a.m.: Several senior Russian commanders have been fired for performing “poorly” in the course of the opening phases of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, based on the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense’s Thursday report.
The ministry stated the suspended embody the lieutenant basic who did not seize Kharkiv, and the vice admiral beneath whose command the Russian cruiser Moskva sank.
“A culture of cover-ups and scape-goating is probably prevalent within the Russian military and security system,” the report stated. Given the probably finger-pointing and shifting of blame, “it will be [difficult] for Russia to regain the initiative,” it added.
2:15 a.m.: U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and Sweden’s Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson for talks Thursday on the White House about their functions to affix NATO, help for Ukraine and European safety.
Biden on Wednesday praised what he known as Sweden and Finland’s “important decision” after they formally utilized for membership in the NATO navy alliance in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I warmly welcome and strongly support the historic applications from Finland and Sweden for membership in NATO and look forward to working with the U.S. Congress and our NATO allies to quickly bring Finland and Sweden into the strongest defensive alliance in history,” Biden stated.
At a Wednesday assembly on the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin informed his Swedish counterpart, Peter Hultqvist, “We look forward to your contributions to the NATO alliance.” VOA’s Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has the story.
1:40 a.m.: Amnesty International continues to name for the rights of the Ukrainian troopers to be revered as stories of troopers surrendering surfaced after the Azovstal metal plant in Mariupol fell beneath Russian management.
“Prisoners of war must not be subjected to any form of torture or ill-treatment,” Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stated in an announcement posted Tuesday.
Prisoners “should be given immediate access to the International Committee of the Red Cross,” he said. “The relevant authorities must fully respect the rights of prisoners of war in accordance with the Geneva conventions.”
12:50 a.m.: RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty shares an interview with the mom of a Ukrainian National Guardsman primarily based in Mariupol.
During the May 11 interview in Kyiv, Inna Zatoloka shares a few of the texts her 20-year-old son despatched her since Russia invaded Ukraine. “Mother, I’m alive,” he as soon as texted. “Love you.”
Mark Zatoloka was considered one of a whole lot of troopers defending civilians sheltering in the Azovstal metal plant whereas Russia attacked. Inna doesn’t know whether or not he made it out alive.
12:30 a.m.: The U.S. Senate is about to vote Thursday on a $40 billion assist package deal for Ukraine.
The measure consists of cash for navy gear, coaching and weapons for Ukraine, replenishing shares of U.S. gear despatched to Ukraine and financing to assist different international locations that assist Ukraine.
It additionally consists of billions of {dollars} in humanitarian assist, together with serving to to handle international meals shortages attributable to the battle. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly gave its approval to the package deal final week.
If the Senate approves the measure, it will go to President Joe Biden for his signature.
Some info in this report got here from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.