Twenty Photographs of the Week
The past seven days captured by the world's leading photojournalists include protests by Femen and Pussy Riot in Venice, Israeli strikes in Gaza, the hantavirus outbreak, and Emma Chamberlain at the Met Gala.
Russia and Ukraine
In Moscow, Russian soldiers listened to their commander during a Victory Day military parade rehearsal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of 'utter cynicism' for seeking a truce to stage the parade, as 23 people were killed in attacks on Ukraine.
A damaged monument to a Soviet soldier stands in the Ukrainian village of Dovhenke. Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian interior targets, hitting oil refineries, terminals, and fighter jets.
In Chornomorsk, a woman stood at the site of a Russian drone strike. Russia told foreign embassies in Kyiv to evacuate staff, warning of possible attacks on the capital during the Victory Day parade.
People participated in the Victory Waltz patriotic flashmob in Moscow.
Venice Biennale Protests
Femen and Pussy Riot activists protested against Russia's participation at the Venice Biennale art show. The jury resigned en masse before the event, stating they would not consider entries from countries whose leaders face international arrest warrants, barring Russia and Israel.
US Politics and Protests
In Nashville, Democratic state representative Justin J Pearson and his brother were removed from the house gallery after a silent sit-in protesting Republican-led redistricting of congressional election maps. Tennessee's legislature passed maps eliminating the state's only Democratic, Black-majority district.
Donald Trump spoke before signing a proclamation in the Oval Office. Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow US use of its bases and airspace to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz led Trump to shelve 'Project Freedom'.
Art and Technology
Autonomous robotic dogs with silicone heads modeled after Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg faced off in Beeple's installation 'Regular Animals' at Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie. Musk's court case against Sam Altman continued, with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis testifying.
Middle East
In Beirut, Ali Soueidan drank coffee with his wife at their damaged house. The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 2,727 killed in Israeli attacks since March, including many women and children.
In Gaza City, relatives mourned Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes. The Israeli military has killed over 800 people since the October truce, striking almost daily.
Palestinian sisters Lina and Aya Zeid prepared food plates on their rooftop in the northern Gaza Strip to distribute among displaced children.
Members of the Samaritan sect took part in a traditional pilgrimage atop Mount Gerizim before Shavuot.
Health and Environment
In Praia, Cape Verde, health personnel helped patients from the cruise ship MV Hondius, at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Authorities raced to trace dozens of passengers who disembarked before isolation measures.
Africa
In Kidal, Mali, soldiers from the National Front for the Liberation of Azawad patrolled streets. Mali's government refused to talk to 'terrorist' armed groups after jihadists and separatists attacked the junta.
In Benguela, Angola, a boy looked at people passing a railway bridge damaged by heavy floods.
US Storms
In Mississippi, people stood among debris at a trailer park in Bogue Chitto after tornadoes damaged nearly 500 homes.
China
In Liuyang, firefighters extinguished a fire after a blast at a fireworks factory killed at least 26 and injured 61.
In Guangzhou, employees worked and rested at a sewing workshop.
Entertainment
In New York, influencer Emma Chamberlain posed at the Met Gala. Jeff Bezos's role as honorary chair and main funder led to protests and criticism.
In Louisville, horses left the starting gate during the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Golden Tempo won, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to win the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
