₦airaland Forum

President Joe Biden stated in an exclusive interview with CNN that Ukraine's readiness for NATO membership is still lacking. He emphasized that the war in Ukraine instigated by Russia must come to an end before considering the addition of Kyiv to the alliance.

Speaking to CNN's Fareed Zakaria, Biden acknowledged that discussions about Ukraine's imminent NATO membership were premature. Nevertheless, the United States and its NATO allies would continue providing President Volodymyr Zelensky and his forces with the necessary security and weaponry to resolve the conflict with Russia.

Biden shared his thoughts with Zakaria ahead of his upcoming weeklong trip to Europe, which includes a NATO summit in Lithuania. The war in Ukraine and Zelensky's pursuit of NATO membership are expected to be significant topics at the gathering.

"I don't think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war," Biden explained. "For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we're determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It's a commitment that we've all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we're all in war. We're at war with Russia, if that were the case."

Biden revealed that he had extensive discussions with Zelensky on the matter, assuring the Ukrainian president that the US would continue providing security and weaponry, similar to the support given to Israel, throughout the ongoing process.

"I think we have to lay out a rational path for Ukraine to be able to qualify to be able to get into NATO," Biden remarked, emphasizing that he had rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's pre-war demands not to admit Ukraine due to NATO's "open-door policy."

"But I think it's premature to say, to call for a vote, you know, in now because there are other qualifications that need to be met, including democratization and some of those issues," added Biden.

In the interview, Biden also mentioned that the US had decided to send cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time to bolster their ammunition as they counter Russia's offensive. While acknowledging that providing Ukraine with controversial ammunition was a difficult decision, Biden deemed it necessary due to Ukraine's depleting ammunition supply.

The NATO meeting coincides with Sweden's pursuit of joining the Western alliance, a move facing opposition from Turkey and Hungary. Biden expressed optimism about Sweden's eventual NATO admission, highlighting that Turkey, a key holdout, aims to modernize its F-16 fleet, and Greece has voted in favor of Sweden's inclusion.

"Turkey is looking for modernization of F-16 aircraft. And (Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos) Mitsotakis in Greece is also looking for some help," Biden stated. "And so, what I'm trying to, quite frankly, put together is a little bit of a consortium here, where we're strengthening NATO in terms of the military capacity of both Greece as well as Turkey and allow Sweden to come in. But it's in play. It's not done."

During the wide-ranging interview, Biden and Zakaria delved into other crucial foreign policy challenges, such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

Regarding China, Biden expressed confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping's aspirations to surpass the US in terms of the largest economy and military capabilities. However, he believed that the US could establish a cooperative relationship with China.

"I think there is a way to resolve, to establish a working relationship with China that benefits them and us," Biden asserted. He also mentioned discussing with Xi the impact of Russia's actions in Ukraine on foreign investments, cautioning China to be mindful of the consequences.

Biden mentioned that Xi did not dispute his concerns and acknowledged that China has not fully supported Russia.

"He talks about nuclear war being a disaster, there is such a thing as security that's needed," Biden commented on the Chinese leader. "So, I think there's a way we can work through this."

When asked about inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, Biden disclosed that he was expecting a visit from Israel's President Isaac Herzog. In March, Biden had criticized Netanyahu for his proposed judicial reforms, creating a rare public disagreement between the two allies.

Biden reiterated his belief in a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and criticized certain members of Netanyahu's cabinet for their stance on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

"It's not all Israel now in the West Bank, all Israel's problem, but they are a part of the problem, and particularly those individuals in the cabinet who say, 'We can settle anywhere we want. They have no right to be here, etc.,'" Biden remarked. "And I think we were talking with them regularly, trying to tamp down what's going on and hopefully, Bibi will continue to move toward moderation and change."

Furthermore, Biden defended his previous visit to Saudi Arabia, citing several accomplishments, such as enabling Israeli overflights over Saudi airspace. Regarding the Saudi request for a defense treaty and civilian nuclear capacity, Biden indicated that it was a distant prospect.

"Whether or not we would provide a means by which they can have civilian nuclear power, and/or be a guarantor of their security – I think that's a little way off," Biden explained.
Source: CNN https:///iNx84Zc7r4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6qPwOHFGbc

Nice one. Every time I watch this video I have some kind of pity for the young lady.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKdwarKymA

TemplarLandry:
Listen to the song first.

Ok then.

LeeSmart:
Person wey collect power through coup, wetin u wan expect again?

Guilty conscience, yea.

TemplarLandry:
Listening to “Blow” by Pusha T. Great jam!

Does the song talk about the White House?

Joke Silva and Olu Jacob will inspire you

https://www.nairaland.com/7750096/husband-no-longer-there-actress:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf9zBd4aa_8

b0rn2fuck:
We are suffering

Our government has to emulate this man:

https://www.nairaland.com/7753003/kenyan-president-ruto-increases-civil

Good but more still need to be done:
https://www.nairaland.com/7753003/kenyan-president-ruto-increases-civil



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWcsU6NbE8c

Meanwhile: White Powder Found in White House

https://www.nairaland.com/7753344/cocaine-found-white-house-raises

An investigation is underway by the US Secret Service following the discovery of cocaine at the White House on Sunday night. The finding occurred in the West Wing, which encompasses the Oval Office and various working areas used by presidential aides and staff. Consequently, there was a brief evacuation as a precautionary measure.

During a routine inspection, Secret Service agents uncovered the suspicious powder in an area that is accessible to tour groups. President Joe Biden and his family were not present at the White House during this incident, as they were at Camp David in Maryland at the time.

According to a senior law enforcement official from CBS News, the substance was found in a storage facility typically utilized by White House staff and guests for storing mobile phones. Following the discovery, the White House complex was closed around 20:45 local time (00:45 GMT) on Sunday as a precaution. A preliminary test subsequently confirmed the substance to be cocaine.

CBS officials have reported that the Secret Service will conduct a comprehensive review to determine how the cocaine entered the White House. This investigation will involve examining security cameras and entrance logs to identify individuals who had access to the area where the substance was discovered.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes cocaine as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act due to its high potential for abuse.

The West Wing, an extensive multi-level section of the White House, comprises the offices of the President of the United States, including the Oval Office and the Situation Room. Additionally, it houses the offices of the Vice President, the White House Chief of Staff, the Press Secretary, and numerous other staff members who are granted access to this area.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66104993
And CBS Mornings

Cc: Seun, Lalasticlala, mynd44



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s98TMIjEZ68

Hmmm

Many people didn't really take this serious:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbPGu-JtFDw

Let's just give it to Hilda already.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDtFLpw4eqI

Pat081:
If this is true hands 🙌 up to him but our own here will never think of this

Very true bro. Salary increase to take effect the following day, no long story.

Kenya's President William Ruto has approved a salary increase for civil servants while rejecting a proposal to raise the salaries of senior government officials, stating that it can be postponed.

President Ruto announced in his speech that "we have reached an agreement to adjust the salaries of our teachers, policemen, military personnel, and government office workers by 7 to 10 percent starting from tomorrow, considering the current situation."

He further emphasized the importance of reducing the wage gap among all Kenyan workers, stating, "I have directed the SRC to provide us with international best practices to narrow the disparity between the lowest and highest paid individuals because we are all contributors to the country." President Ruto believes that it is unjustifiable for those at the top to earn 100 times more than those at the bottom, as they all reside in the same country, purchase the same goods, and frequent the same shops.

Additionally, he mentioned his directive to the SRC to explore an internationally accepted formula for score compression, with the aim of ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources and creating a society where everyone can lead a similar quality of life.
Cc: Seun, Lalasticlala, mynd44.

ttps://youtu.be/wWcsU6NbE8c




Kenyan President Ruto Boosts Civil Servants' Pay, Advocates Wage Equality.

Oakenshield:
Hilda Baci was strong

My thought exactly

Lol. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.

Another one collapsed yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfQ8mE5t0Ac


Know thy strength.

The sheer magnitude of the military accompanying him raises questions about whether they are preparing for war.

Given that he came to power through a coup, his heightened level of security consciousness can potentially account for the extensive military presence surrounding him though.


Cc: Seun, Lalasticlala, mynd44, mukina2

The online community was stirred when a video of the Guinean President's security detail went viral. The footage depicted a large group of military personnel surrounding and guiding the President as he walked on a public road. The President, dressed in white attire, appeared to be on a special outing accompanied by young boys and men also dressed in white.

Upon conducting a quick search, it was discovered that Mamady Doumbouya, a Guinean military officer and former French legionnaire, has been serving as the interim president of Guinea since October 1, 2021. Doumbouya came to power through a coup d'état on September 5, 2021, which led to the overthrow of the previous president, Alpha Condé. As a member of the Guinean Special Forces Group, Doumbouya dissolved the government and constitution through a televised broadcast on the day of the coup. He was subsequently inaugurated as interim president on October 1, 2021.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mET3dbz7WyU

Joyetor, a popular TikToker, has shared an unconventional and astonishing technique for determining male fertility without the need to visit a hospital. In a video she uploaded, she explained the method as follows:

"Did you know you can figure out if your man can father a child or not without visiting the hospital?

Yes, you can. All you have to do is take a sample of his deposit and rub it on a wall, leave it over night and if by morning it looks chalk white or the family of white color then he is firing MISSILES but if otherwise then there's a cause for concern.

Ok, I know some of you are actually going to have my head for this but this is a SIXTH generational secret that I just spilled to you guys on a platter of gold

So, before you say anything, run along and try this thing and don't let any man waste your time.

Infertility is not just for women alone, so try it out and let me know the outcome."


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paw6IdBTrNU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfQ8mE5t0Ac

CondenseMilk:
U wan see bress ba?

😂😂😂 No sir🙈

Did anyone else observe that the woman being massaged showed no intention of lowering her leg or getting up, even after Joyce collapsed? 🤔

Nikeee:
Eyah make she go rest she don old.



For your travelling process Japa dat is 100% guarantee pls make contact today and you will be glad you did

Lol. Life begins at 50, she is just 43!

Joyce Ijeoma, a Nigerian woman, had aimed to break the world record for the Longest Massage on Different Individuals but unfortunately collapsed during the attempt. The incident occurred at the event venue in the Lekki area of Lagos State. At the time of the collapse, it was 1am on Tuesday.

Prior to the collapse, Joyce had already completed a total of 50 hours of continuous massage. However, she could not continue and has not returned to the venue since then. The live coverage of the event was also discontinued.

The previous record for the longest full-body massage, set in 2015 by Alastair Galpin in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, still stands. Galpin holds the current record of 25 hours.

Joyce Ijeoma's goal was to surpass this record by performing the Longest Massage on Different Individuals.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfQ8mE5t0Ac

Shalommy:
Them say work don finish, una say na lie.. Chaii.. Na una papa work?

Lol. They're probably tired of working there.

During her first-round match at Wimbledon against Elina Svitolina, Venus Williams let out a scream of pain as she sustained an injury to her right knee. The 43-year-old, a five-time singles champion at the All England Club, was at the net during a break point on her own serve when her right leg slipped while attempting a backhand volley. Immediately clutching her already heavily bandaged right knee, she fell to the ground, shocking spectators on Centre Court.

The court's trainer was promptly called to the scene, and after a medical timeout, Williams bravely returned to the court to continue playing. Although she appeared to improve in her movement as the first set progressed, fellow wild card Svitolina managed to take the opening set 6-4.

Following the set, the trainer was called to the court once again, and Williams took another medical timeout to address her injury. This year marks her 24th main draw appearance at Wimbledon, setting a record in the open-era.

This unfortunate incident brought back memories of her sister, Serena Williams, injuring her ankle during a first-round match at the Championships two years ago.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnAsrEEu12Y

Some workers at the Dangote Refinery have recently shared a video online, countering the claim that work on the refinery has been completed. This video has elicited mixed reactions and has prompted a discussion about the perception of Nigeria as a fraudulent country.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za0whm7SBDQ

I believe in the girl's side of the story:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKdwarKymA


https://www.nairaland.com/7751199/ejikeme-joy-mmesoma-speaks-up

mariahAngel:
How could they just accuse the young girl publicly without thorough investigation?
Wicked oppressive cowards!

The simple thing they could've done was make her and the other girl take another test, to verify who truly owns the result.
Foolish lots!

They even had to call in the DSS. Shameless cowards!
How traumatized she must be.

I am equally surprised by the fact that JAMB did not wait for the investigation to be completed despite the assurance from the DSS regarding the case. It seems unfair that they jumped to conclusions without allowing due process to take its course.

I believe in the girl's side of the story. Her explanation regarding the scanned code revealing a different Yoruba name with a significantly lower score, and the subsequent changes in the displayed score upon rechecking, raises concerns about the reliability of the JAMB portal. This suggests that there might be some technical issues or inconsistencies within the system.

Given these circumstances, it would be important for the investigation to thoroughly examine the evidence and gather all relevant information to establish the truth in this matter.

"I'm traumatized, I printed my result from the JAMB Portal," Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma reveals. The young girl, who has been accused by JAMB of forging her result, has shared her side of the story. In a video, she expresses her disappointment with JAMB's accusation, stating that she did not forge her result and is incapable of such an act.

According to her, the DSS (Department of State Services) has assured her that an investigation will be conducted into the matter. They have advised her to await the outcome of the investigation. She is surprised that JAMB accused her of forgery before the investigation could be completed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKdwarKymA

SporaD8:
The bolded and the quote shows a woman with a large heart - an endanger virtue among ladies of nowadays who are epitome of selfishness!

Yea, I was deeply moved while watching the interview; joke Silva displays remarkable strength as a woman. It is truly unimaginable how she manages to endure and cope with such an abrupt transformation. Dementia is an incredibly dreadful affliction that I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

TreasureJunky:
That is what marriage is all about, for better for worse. If the woman is in that situation, the man should also do the same.

That woman is very strong.