International Glance
A broad coalition of international heads of state and foreign ministers responded with sharp condemnation to Russia’s highly destructive overnight aerial bombardment of Kyiv, with several capitals labeling the operation an explicit act of state terrorism.
The diplomatic backlash follows a massive Russian attack involving 90 missiles and 600 strike and decoy drones that impacted more than 40 separate locations across the Ukrainian capital, killing two civilians and wounding 77 others.
The most severe diplomatic incident arising from the bombardment occurred when an unintercepted weapon or heavy missile debris directly impacted an urban residential complex housing Albania’s Ambassador to Ukraine. Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha confirmed that the strike put the diplomat’s life under severe, immediate threat.
“Targeting or endangering civilian areas and diplomatic personnel represents a grave escalation and another stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s continued aggression,” Hoxha stated.
In immediate retaliation for the security breach, the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially summoned the Russian Federation’s ambassador to Albania to demand an immediate explanation. Hoxha reiterated Tirana’s unconditional support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and demanded that those responsible for planning the strikes be held legally accountable under international humanitarian law.
Vadimir Putin pulled up to a hotel in central Moscow earlier in May in a Russian-made SUV, dressed casually in jeans and a light jacket. Carrying a bouquet of flowers, he walked unhurriedly into the lobby and embraced his former schoolteacher Vera Gurevich, who kissed him on both cheeks.
US authorities have temporarily banned green-card holders from entering the country if they have traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days.
France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Saturday, citing what he described as the minister’s “unacceptable actions” toward French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud flotilla.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said continued support for Ukraine is central to the alliance’s security, as ministers discussed Kyiv’s battlefield needs and Russia’s attacks on civilians. He said Ukraine’s front line is stabilizing, praised Kyiv’s innovation in drone warfare, and said allies must keep support “substantial,” “predictable” and “sustainable.” Rutte also confirmed President Volodymyr Zelensky had been invited to NATO’s Ankara summit.
For decades, the Open Society Foundations have worked to advance justice and human rights in Africa, the Middle East and trouble spots around the world. But the OSF’s latest major investment is aimed at a crisis closer to home.
