*) Zelenskyy: Donbass completely destroyed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian forces have completely destroyed the eastern Donbass region.

He also accused Moscow of carrying out senseless bombardments as it intensified its military offensive.

Zelenskyy claimed Russia was trying to exert even more pressure in the Donbass, saying “it is hell there - and that is not an exaggeration."

*) US Congress approves $40B for Ukraine

US Congress has approved a 40-billion dollar aid package for Ukraine, the latest share of assistance under President Joe Biden's promise of unwavering support for Kiev.

The bundle includes 6 billion dollars earmarked for Ukraine to boost its armoured vehicle inventory and air defence system.

Nearly 9 billion dollars is set aside to help with Ukrainian "continuity of government," among other items, including humanitarian aid.

The vote was an unusually bipartisan move for harshly divided Washington.

*) NATO addressing Türkiye’s concerns over Finland, Sweden bids

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says the alliance is in close contact with Finland, Sweden, and Türkiye as they work to address Ankara’s security concerns.

Stoltenberg said when an important ally as Türkiye raises security concerns, the only way to address the issue is to find a common ground on how to move forward.

Türkiye has voiced objections to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, criticising the Nordic countries for supporting the terror group PKK and its Syrian offshoot YPG.

*) Biden, South Korea’s Yoon to meet amid worries about North Korea

US President Joe Biden has landed in South Korea to meet the country’s new President Yoon Suk-yeol.

North Korea is expected to be at the top of the agenda, with leader Kim Jong-un abandoning a freeze on intercontinental ballistic missile testing.

Pyongyang appears poised to resume testing of nuclear bombs, perhaps while Biden is in the region

And, finally...

*) Oscar-winning composer Vangelis passes away

Vangelis, the Greek electronic composer who wrote the unforgettable Academy Award-winning score for the film “Chariots of Fire”, has died at the age of 79.

According to several Greek media outlets, Vangelis died of the coronavirus in a French hospital, where he lived part-time.

The maestro influenced the development of different musical genres, and is considered a pioneer of electronic sound.

*) Russia uses laser weapons, alleges Ukraine

Russia has begun using the prototype of a new laser weapon in Ukraine that is capable of hitting a target 5 kilometres away.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said the prototype of a new laser weapon was tested against a drone, incinerating it within five seconds.

Ukraine claimed that the Russians started to use the laser weapons systems due to a lack of missiles.

*) Ukraine ‘shells’ village in west Russia, killing one civilian

Russia says Ukrainian forces have shelled a border village in Russia's western region at dawn, killing at least one civilian and injuring others.

Shells hit an alcohol factory in a village and several other buildings, the regional governor wrote on the messaging app Telegram.

The governor said at least one civilian was killed, others were wounded and receiving medical attention.

*) Türkiye demands Sweden, Finland shun support for terror groups

Türkiye demands Sweden and Finland shun support for terror groups after the two Nordic countries submitted applications to join NATO.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Türkiye has legitimate security concerns that these governments have been supporting terrorist organisations.

He added that Ankara understands their security concerns, but Türkiye's security concerns should also be met.

Türkiye has criticised Finland and Sweden for supporting terror groups such as PKK and its Syrian offshoot YPG.

*) North Korea's suspected Covid-19 cases near two million

South Korea says North Korea's first confirmed Covid-19 outbreak has spreaded after April’s massive military parade in capital Pyongyang.

The report came as the country’s pandemic caseload neared 2 million.

North Korea acknowledged its first Covid-19 infections early in May.

The country’s leader Kim Jong-un has called the outbreak a “great upheaval,” berated officials for letting the virus spread and restricted the movement of people.

*) Eintracht Frankfurt beat Rangers in shootout to win Europa League final

Eintracht Frankfurt has won the Europa League final after holding their nerve to beat Rangers 5-4 in a clinical penalty shootout.

The German football team claimed their first European trophy in 42 years.

Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner said they will celebrate the victory for the next few days.

The win also secures Frankfurt’s first appearance in the Champions League next season.

*) Finland and Sweden submit NATO membership application

Finland and Sweden have handed in their bids to join the US-led alliance NATO.

The alliance’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, "I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners.”

The process usually takes eight to 12 months, but Türkiye has also voiced its objections to the nordic countries’ membership bids, criticising them for supporting terror groups.

In order for a country to join NATO, unanimous approval is required, which equals the approval of all 30 existing allied countries.

*) Hundreds of Ukrainians defending Azovstal plant surrender

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters have surrendered to an uncertain fate after weeks holed up in the tunnels below Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant.

Russia's Defence Ministry said 265 fighters had surrendered, including 51 who were seriously wounded.

Ukraine says it's working to save its fighters still trapped inside or evacuated from the southern city.

However, the speaker of the lower house of Russian parliament said the Ukrainian fighters should be brought to “justice”.

*) North Korea’s Kim blasts officials for failing to deal with Covid

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lashed out at state officials for failing to combat the coronavirus as the number of known cases crossed 1.7 million.

Chairing a meeting of the ruling party's Politburo, Kim said there was "immaturity in the state capacity for coping with the crisis", the official Korean Central News Agency said.

He also slammed the "non-positive attitude, slackness and non-activity of state leading officials", the agency reported.

*) Bashaga to run rival administration from Libya’s Sirte

Libya's eastern parliament-appointed premier Fathi Bashagha has said he will base his administration in the northern city of Sirte.

The move came after Bashagha attempted to forcibly enter the capital Tripoli to seat his government there, but was repulsed by the UN-backed government.

The attempt triggered fierce clashes between fighters on both sides, forcing Bashagha to leave the city.

Libya has had two rival administrations since March when the east-based parliament appointed Bashagha as prime minister despite UN-supported Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

And, finally...

*) Russian gymnast banned for pro-war 'Z' symbol

A Russian gymnast who sported the ‘Z’ symbol on a medal podium has been banned for one year from International Gymnastics Federation events.

20-year-old artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak's singlet had the letter 'Z' prominently placed as he stood next to Ukrainian contender at a World Cup event in Doha in March.

Kuliak must also return his bronze medal and prize money of $500.

The 'Z' has been seen daubed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and has come to symbolise support for the offensive.

*) Rescue mission under way at Azovstal as hundreds evacuated

Ukrainian authorities said a rescue mission to extract the last defenders of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol was under way, after hundreds of soldiers were evacuated earlier.

More than 260 fighters were evacuated through humanitarian corridors to areas under Russian and Moscow-backed separatists' control.

Ukraine's defence ministry said a further "exchange procedure" would take place later and that all necessary rescue measures are being taken by the state.

*) Erdogan: Türkiye will not greenlight NATO membership of Sweden, Finland

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Türkiye will not greenlight NATO membership for Sweden and Finland.

He said the two countries have failed to take a clear stance against terrorism.

In a joint news conference with his Algerian counterpart in Ankara, Erdogan said "We will not say ‘yes’” to those who impose sanctions on Türkiye.

Erdogan added that Swedish and Finnish delegations should not bother coming to Ankara to convince Türkiye to approve their NATO bid.

*) Libya's rival PM Bashagha leaves Tripoli after clashes

Libya's rival prime minister Fathi Bashagha has left the capital Tripoli, hours after his attempt to enter the city triggered clashes.

Bashagha had entered Tripoli overnight accompanied by allied militias in the hope of taking over government.
But his attempt was met with opposition by forces aligned with Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who was appointed through a UN-backed process last year.

*) Rashida Tlaib brings resolution in US House to recognise Palestinian Nakba

US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has introduced a resolution to the US House of Representatives to recognise the Palestinian Nakba or catastrophe in Arabic.

Nakba refers to the invasion of Palestinian lands by the Zionist militias on 15 May 1948, which led to the expulsion of at least 750,000 people from their homes.

Tlaib added that the Palestinian people since then have been living "under oppression and violent racism and that Nakba is well-documented and continues to play out today.

*) Cannes Film Festival kicks into full swing for 75th anniversary

The Cannes Film Festival is gearing up for a bumper 75th anniversary edition with a selection of big Hollywood names, buzzy newcomers and previous Palme d'Or winners.

The festival runs from May 17 to 28, resuming its traditional calendar following two years of pandemic disruptions.

It was canceled in 2020, and last year moved to July, when it was held under strict Covid protocols.

*) 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 country of 15 million people which is suffering drought, hunger and seemingly never-ending conflict.

And, finally...

*) Box Office: 'Doctor Strange 2' rules again as 'Firestarter' flames out

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is again the Number 1 movie at the North American box office.

In its second weekend of release, the latest instalment in Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe has collected $61 million from over 4,500 theatres.

Universal's disturbing remake of Stephen King's "Firestarter" fizzled with $3.8 million from more than 2,400 screens while landing simultaneously on Peacock.

*) Russia warns of consequences after Finland announces NATO bid

The Kremlin has warned about taking retaliatory “military-technical” steps after Finland’s leaders came out in favour of applying to join NATO.

Finland has been militarily neutral for decades, but it shares a 1,300 kilometre border with Russia.

The Nordic country is expected to approve the plans to join the alliance next week and its neighbour Sweden could do the same within days.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said the alliance would welcome Finland and Sweden with open arms.

*) Kiev in talks to evacuate 38 wounded Azovstal fighters

As Ukraine continues to push back against Russia, an explosion hits the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.

Ukraine general staff said that Russia’s military hit the embattled port city and the plant with artillery and air strikes.

Kiev earlier said it was holding "difficult" talks with Russia to secure safe passage for dozens of wounded fighters from the plant

Azovstal is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the devastated southern port city.

*) Slain Al Jazeera journalist to be buried in Jerusalem

The UN has said the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh may be a war crime.

And, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he would refer it to the International Criminal Court.

The Al Jazeera correspondent has been remembered in a state ceremony in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Witnesses say she was shot in the head by Israeli forces while covering an army raid on a refugee camp in Jenin.

*) North Korea confirms first Covid-19 death in explosive outbreak

North Korea has reported its first Covid deaths and said 350-thousand people are infected with the virus.

The country has expanded its lockdown to try to stop the virus spreading.

Pyongyang says almost 200-thousand people are in quarantine after six people died in the past few days.

North Korea has declared the outbreak an emergency and tighter restrictions are expected to continue to be rolled out

And, finally...

*) Scientists for first time grow plants in soil from the Moon

Scientists for the first time have grown seeds in soil from the moon.

The ground-breaking experiment has given researchers hope that it may be possible to one day grow plants directly on the Moon.

However, scientists said the plants in the lunar samples grew more slowly and had stunted roots.

Still, much remains to be studied on the topic and the researchers intend to leave no stone unturned.

*) EU: Russia ‘most direct threat to world order’

Russia is the "most direct threat" to the international order because of its attacks on Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said.

Russia "is today the most direct threat to the world order with the barbaric war against Ukraine, and its worrying pact with China," von der Leyen said after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

For his part, Kishida said Russia's offensive in Ukraine is not just a matter for Europe, but it shakes the core of the international order including Asia.

*) Ukraine to hold first ‘war crimes’ trial of captured Russian

As fighting continues in Ukraine, Kiev's top prosecutor has disclosed plans for the first "war crimes" trial of a captured Russian soldier.

The 21-year-old soldier is accused of gunning down a 62-year-old civilian in February, four days into Russia’s attack on the country.

While he could get up to 15 years in prison, it is not known when the trial will start.

The prosecutor general’s office added it has been investigating more than 10,700 alleged "war crimes" committed by Russian forces.

*) North Korea confirms first Covid outbreak, orders nationwide lockdown

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for thorough nationwide lockdowns as the country confirmed its first-ever case of Covid-19.

The country has detected an outbreak of a sub-variant of the highly transmissible Omicron version of the coronavirus, state news agency said.

The agency called it a "severe national emergency incident" after more than two years of keeping the pandemic at bay.

*) Calls for probe into killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh grow louder

The killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank has drawn global condemnation.

The United States, United Nations, European Union and Türkiye separately called for a fair probe into the incident.

Al Jazeera said 51-year-old Palestinian-American Abu Akleh was killed "in cold blood" and demanded Israeli forces be held accountable.

But Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett suggested "armed Palestinians" were "likely" responsible for the killing.

And, finally...

*) Oil giant Saudi Aramco overtakes Apple as world’s most valuable company

Oil giant Saudi Aramco has dethroned Apple as the world's most valuable company as surging oil prices drive up shares and tech stocks slump.

The Saudi Arabian national petroleum and natural gas company was valued at 2.42 trillion dollars based on the price of its shares at close of market on Wednesday.

Apple, meanwhile, has seen its share price drop over the past month and was valued at 2.37 trillion dollars when official trading ended.