May 16, 2022

*) Ukraine prepares for new Russian Donbass push Ukraine is preparing for a new Russian push in the eastern Donbass region, as Kiev said its army's counterattack around Kharkiv has gained momentum. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is preparing for new attempts by Russia to attack Donbass and intensifying its movement in the south of the country. Zelenskyy said, "the occupiers still do not want to admit that they are in a dead-end.” *) Sweden delegation to arrive in Türkiye to discuss NATO membership Sweden will send a delegation of diplomats to Türkiye to discuss the Scandinavian country’s decision to apply for NATO membership. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde confirmed that the delegation will visit Ankara very soon to evaluate the ruling Social Democratic Party's decision in favour of joining NATO. On Russia's reaction to Sweden's application for NATO membership, Linde said Russia “violated our confluence area” and made disinformation campaigns against Swedish people. *) Palestinians mark Nakba Day amid tension with Israel Palestinians rallied to mark the "Nakba," or catastrophe, on Sunday with condemnation spreading over a police raid on the funeral of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Demonstrations were held in several countries on the Nakba Day when nearly 800,000 Palestinians were driven out of their homes by then Zionist Israeli paramilitaries in 1948. During rallies in occupied West Bank and besieged Gaza, protesters flew balloons bearing the names of cities occupied by Israel. Some protesters held pictures of journalist Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American, who was killed last week by Israeli troops *) Ex-Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wins presidency Somalia has handed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud the presidency for a second time following a long-overdue election in the troubled Horn of Africa nation. After a marathon poll involving 36 candidates, parliamentary officials counted over 165 votes in favour of former president Mohamud. Mohamud faces a daunting task in the count