Palestinians on Sunday rallied across the occupied Palestinian territories to mark the day of the Nakba, or "catastrophe," which commemorates the displacement of hundreds of thousands Palestinians during the events that led to Israel's founding in 1948.
The big picture: In addition to Palestinian flags and the keys that have come to symbolize the day, some carried posters calling for justice for Palestinian American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed Wednesday while covering an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Sunday rejected criticism from some Republicans about sending billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, telling reporters that supporting Ukraine is a critical U.S. interest and "not some handout."
Why it matters: The Senate is set to pass a $40 billion humanitarian and military aid package for Ukraine as soon as Wednesday. Fifty-seven House Republicans voted against the bill last week, highlighting growing opposition within the GOP also shared by pro-Trump candidates running for Congress.
Finland's President Sauli Niinistö confirmed Sunday that his country will apply for NATO membership, paving the way for what he described as a "new era."
Why it matters: If admitted, Finland's membership in NATO would more than double the length of the alliance's borders with Russia. Sweden's ruling party also signaled its support for applying to the defensive alliance Sunday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with NATO allies and senior Ukrainian officials in Berlin on Sunday to discuss Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Why it matters: Kyiv is seeking additional military assistance to fend off Russia's ongoing offensive in the Donbas and humanitarian aid to help stabilize the country and shore up food security in other countries.
Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, receiving widespread public support amid Russia's war in its home country.
Driving the news: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the band on Telegram. "Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe!" he wrote.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Finnish President Sauli Niinistö during a phone call on Saturday that a Finnish application for NATO membership "could have a negative effect on Russia-Finland relations," according to a statement released by the Kremlin’s press service.
Why it matters: Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a non-NATO country, has galvanized the historically neutral countries of Sweden and Finland into seeking membership in the defensive alliance, and Russia has responded with half-veiled threats.
Vice President Kamala Harris will lead a U.S. delegation to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to offer condolences after the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a senior administration official.
What they're saying: "In addition to honoring the memory and the legacy of Sheikh Khalifa, the Vice President will underscore the strength of the partnership between our countries and our desire to further deepen our ties in the coming months and years," the administration official said.
Why it matters: While Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed at the onset of the invasion that Moscow didn't intend to occupy Ukraine, Kremlin-installed occupation authorities in certain regions have started taking steps to be illegally recognized as part of Russia.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell led a congressional delegation to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, CNN reports.
Driving the news: McConnell is the latest high-ranking U.S. official to visit the country amid Russia's ongoing invasion. The trip comes as the Senate is weighing a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine that the House has already passed.
