The Biden administration announced Monday that it will reinstate a program allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for their family members in Cuba to enter the U.S. without waiting for immigrant visas.
Why it matters: The move is part of a series of actions the U.S. is taking intended to bolster support for the Cuban people, one year after the largest anti-government protests on the island in decades took place.
President Biden has approved a request from the Pentagon to once again deploy U.S. special forces to Somalia to address the growing threat posed by al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabab, a senior administration official confirmed Monday.
Why it matters: Biden's decision to re-establish a "persistent presence" reverses former President Trump's order in the final weeks of his term to withdraw all 750 U.S. military personnel operating in Somalia.
Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced Monday that her government will formally apply to join NATO, paving the way for the Scandinavian country to submit a joint bid this week with its strategic ally and neighbor Finland.
Why it matters: Sweden's reversal of more than 200 years of military non-alignment is the latest historic shift in Europe precipitated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
McDonald's said Monday it plans to sell its business in Russia after more than 30 years of operation in the country.
Driving the news: "The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald’s to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald’s values," the company said in a statement.
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.
