President Joe Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the final day of the NATO summit in Washington, where NATO members declared Ukraine is on an \"irreversible path\" to membership, contingent upon the conclusion of the ongoing war with Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that F-16 warplanes are being transferred to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands, with the first jets expected to be operational this summer to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
During the summit, NATO also accused China of being a \"decisive enabler\" of Russia's war, urging Beijing to halt all support for Russia's military efforts. In response, China condemned NATO's statements, labeling them as prejudiced and provocative.
In domestic news, Biden faces increasing pressure regarding his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. Vermont Senator Peter Welch became the first Democratic senator to publicly call for Biden to withdraw, citing concerns over his electability against Donald Trump. This sentiment is echoed by several other Democratic lawmakers and prominent figures, including actor George Clooney, who expressed doubts about Biden's viability as a candidate.
Amidst this political turmoil, House Republicans passed a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, which has drawn criticism from Democrats and voting rights advocates who argue it will disenfranchise millions of Americans.
In other developments, the U.N. reported that Uganda is supporting M23 rebels in eastern Congo, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region, where violence continues despite a recent truce. Additionally, the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Russia has led to the arrest warrant for Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and the sentencing of a playwright to six years in prison for charges related to terrorism.
As Biden prepares for his first solo news conference of the year, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges, both internationally and domestically, as he navigates calls for a change in leadership and the implications of ongoing global conflicts.