Food Crises: First Shipment Of Grain Leaves Ukrainian Odessa Port – Turkey

Turkish defence Ministry says the first shipment of Ukrainian grain has left Odesa port this morning in a deal to alleviate the global food crises following the Ukrainian invasion by Russia. The statement said, “The ship Razoni has left the port of Odesa bound for Tripoli in Lebanon. It is expected in Istanbul on August 2. It will then continue its journey after it has been inspected in Istanbul,” According to the report from the Ukrainian infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, the vessel was carrying 26,000 tonnes of corn.

Russia Pulls Out Of The Council of Baltic Sea States

Russia has on Tuesday 17th of May 2021 announced that it had decided to pull out of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), stating that the organisation has abandoned the principles on which it was created, and is turning it into an instrument of anti-Russian policy.

Finland To Join NATO ‘Without Delay’ – President Niinisto

Finland’s president and Prime Minister Sauli Niinisto and Sanna Mirella Marin respectively, have called for the country to apply for NATO membership without delay. By so doing the top leaders have set the stage for an expansion of the U.S.-led alliance amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a joint statement on Thursday, the duo expects a decision in the next few days. “NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance,” the statement said.

Boris Johnson To Step Down As Conservative Party Leader,

United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson will be resigning today as the Conservative leader after losing the support of his newly appointed chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, ministers and MPs. According to Nadhim Zahawi “Prime Minister: this is not sustainable and it will only get worse: for you, for the Conservative Party and most importantly of all the country. You must do the right thing and go now.”

Russia-Ukraine: Sweden Insist On Joining NATO Despite Russia Threat

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters the third month, Finland and Sweden are insisting on joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO amidst the Russian threat of Military consequences. Accordingly, the parliament in Finland has today voted 188-8 to approve a bid for joining NATO membership. To indicate serious commitment, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Ann Linde signed an application form for onward submission to Brussels as an official application. This follows President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin who made the announcement on Sunday of their determination of joining NATO.

French Election: Emmanuel Macron Re-Elected For Second Term

French President Emmanuel Macron has been reelected for a second term after defeating far-right leader, Marine Le Pen by more than 15% of the votes on Sunday. En route to his victory, He has become the first sitting president in 20 years to be re-elected. President Macron, the first president to win re-election since Jacques Chirac in 2002 gathered 58.8% of the vote, while Le Pen in her third attempt at the presidency gathered about 41.2%, which is a staggeringly wide margin according to projections.