Ukraine rules out ceasefire or any territorial concessions to Russia

"As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, Kyiv has refused to agree to a ceasefire deal with Moscow that involves giving up territory. As per the latest report from ground zero, Russia has increased the attacks in the eastern and southern parts of the country. It has been understood that Russia is pounding the Donbas and Mykolaiv regions with airstrikes and artillery fire. 

Andriy Yermak, who is Ukraine's presidential chief of staff, said in a Twitter post on Sunday: "The war must end with the complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty." 

Mykhailo Podolyak who is Ukraine's lead negotiator and Zelensky adviser also ruled out any territorial concessions." WION

Starbucks to exit Russia

"American coffee chain Starbucks said on Monday that it was pulling out of Russia and would no longer have a brand presence in the country.

According to the company's memo to employees, it will close its 130 stores in Russia." RT

U.S. may boost Ukraine’s defense with Harpoon missiles

"The U.S. is reportedly planning to supply Ukraine with anti-ship missiles to break the
Russian blockade off the coast of Odessa. Harpoon anti-ship missile appears in mind when the rumors surfaced, however, it’s not the only option." NavalNews

 

Scientists baffled by monkeypox cases in Europe, US

"Scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks of monkeypox in Africa say they are
baffled by the disease’s recent spread in Europe and North America.

“I’m stunned by this. Every day I wake up and there are more countries infected,” said Oyewale Tomori, a virologist who formerly headed the Nigerian Academy of Science and who sits on several WHO advisory boards.

“This is not the kind of spread we’ve seen in West Africa, so there may be something new happening in the West,” he said." Breitbart

Biden Vows US To Respond Militarily If China Attacks Taiwan, White House Walks Back

"You didn't want to get involved in the Ukraine conflict militarily for obvious reasons. Are you
willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if it comes to that?" a reporter asked Biden during a news conference. "Yes," Biden replied.

The somewhat incredulous reporter, upon hearing blunt and perhaps unexpected answer in the affirmative pressed further, "You are?"

"That's the commitment we made," the president said.

 Naturally, the White House quickly scrambled to try and walk back the president's clear affirmation that he would send a US military force against nuclear-armed superpower China in the event of an invasion. A statement said that the US policy "has not changed." ZeroHedge