To begin, links to reports from Reuters, the Associated Press, TeleSUR, and National Public Radio. — MCM
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Ukraine pushes Russian troops back in counter-offensive in east, by Jonathan Landay | Reuters * Ukraine counter-offensive could shift war’s momentum * Ukrainian forces seeking to cut off Russian supply lines * Setback for Moscow at moment when Putin had aimed for victory | KHARKIV, Ukraine — Ukraine said today its forces had recaptured villages from Russian troops, pressing a major counter-offensive in the northeast of the country that could signal a shift in the war’s momentum and jeopardise Russia’s main advance. READ MORE . . .
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Russia pounds vital port of Odesa, targeting supply lines, by Elena Becatoroes and Jon Gambrell | The Associated Press ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — Russian troops pounded away at the vital port of Odesa, Ukrainian officials said today, an apparent effort to disrupt the supply lines and weapons shipments that have been critical to Kyiv’s defense. Ukraine’s ability to stymie a larger, better armed Russian military has surprised many observers. READ MORE . . .
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Biden signs Ukraine bill, seeks $40B aid, in Putin rejoinder, by Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro | The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Washington sought to portray a united front against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan measure to reboot the World War II-era “lend-lease” program, which helped defeat Nazi Germany, to bolster Kyiv and Eastern European allies. The signing Monday came as the U.S. Congress is poised to unleash billions more to fight the war against Russia — with Democrats preparing $40 billion in military and humanitarian aid, larger than the $33 billion package Biden has requested. It all serves as . . . READ MORE . . .
Our Military Operation in Ukraine Replies to NATO Menace: Putin. From TeleSUR. During the annual “Great Patriotic War Victory Day” parade on Monday, President Vladimir Putin assured that the Russian military operation in Ukraine is a preemptive response to threats from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) against its national security. . . . He recalled that his administration called on NATO to negotiate a security guarantee agreement in December 2021 that would prevent the expansion of this military alliance towards the Russian borders. “The call to dialogue, however, was all in vain” . . . READ MORE . . .
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Bono and The Edge performed in a subway station in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reported by Steve Inskeep | NPR. Two of the members of the Irish rock band U2 played in support of Ukraine on an invitation from President Zelenskyy. Click HERE to listen.
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The U.S. may soon export more gas to the EU, complicating climate goals. Reported by Halle Parker | WWNO / NPR To help wean Europe off Russian gas, the White House wants to increase natural gas exports. Critics say that’s at odds with climate goals. (Story first aired on All Things Considered on May 4, 2022.) Click HERE to listen and read. (Segment previously heard last Wednesday on “All Things Considered.)
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TO BE CONTINUED