Ukraine War Reaches Critical Junctures
May witnessed pivotal moments in the conflict, with the Siege of Mariupol finally ending after 82 days as Ukrainian soldiers evacuated the Azovstal steel works. Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains, pushing Russian troops back near Kharkiv and restoring control of a border crossing. The month was also marked by the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during an Israeli raid in Jenin.
NATO Expansion Accelerates
In a historic policy shift driven by the war, Finland's leadership declared the country should apply for NATO membership "without delay." Sweden's ruling party also announced it would decide on pursuing membership, prompting immediate threats of "military-technical" retaliation from Russia.
Global Food Crisis Intensifies
India banned wheat exports with immediate effect after a severe heatwave led to lower than expected yields. The decision exacerbated global food security concerns already strained by the disruption of grain supplies from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
North Korea Reports First COVID-19 Outbreak
After years of claiming to be virus-free, North Korea announced its first official COVID-19 outbreak, with Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un ordering a national lockdown. The admission highlighted the pandemic's global reach to even the most isolated nations.
Scientific Breakthroughs
- Scientists at the Event Horizon Telescope released the first-ever image of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
- Researchers announced that plants had been grown on lunar soil collected by Apollo missions for the first time ever.
Political and Cultural Developments
Bongbong Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, won the Philippine presidential election. In a moment of cultural victory and European solidarity, Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.