May 30, 2022

*) Russia damaged 1997 Founding Act by attacking Ukraine – NATO NATO is no longer bound by past commitments to hold back from deploying its forces in eastern Europe, the US-led alliance's deputy secretary general has said. Moscow itself has "voided of any content" the NATO-Russia Founding Act, by attacking Ukraine and halting dialogue with the alliance, Mircea Geoana said. "Now we have no restrictions to have robust posture in the eastern flank and to ensure that every square inch of NATO's territory is protected by Article 5 and our allies,” Geoana said. *) European Union leaders to reiterate support for Ukraine European Union leaders will meet to reiterate support for Ukraine as Russian forces intensified attacks to capture Sievierodonetsk, a key city in the Donbass region that Moscow has prioritised taking full control over. Incessant shelling has left Ukrainian forces defending ruins in the city, but their refusal to withdraw is stalling a massive Russian offensive across the Donbass. "Some 90 percent of buildings are damaged. More than two-thirds of the city's housing stock has been completely destroyed. There is no telecommunication," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a televised speech. *) 14 bodies retrieved from Nepal plane crash site: aviation authority Fourteen bodies have been recovered so far from the wreckage of a plane that crashed into a mountainside in Nepal with 22 people on board, the country's Civil Aviation Authority has said. "...Search continues for the remaining. The weather is very bad but we were able to take a team to the crash site…." the Authortity’s spokesperson told reporters. *) China looks for security pact in Pacific Island summit Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with leaders and top officials from ten Pacific Island nations, stirring deep Western concern. The virtual summit is expected to discuss proposals for China to increase its involvement in the security, economy and politics of the South Pacific. Wang is in the Fijian capital Suva, w