NATO CHIEF
NATO is spending more on defence, but it's likely not enough
NATO allies increase defence spending to meet targets due to concerns over Russian aggression and the potential return of Donald Trump. Some countries exceed expectations while others lag behind. The focus is on ensuring readiness for potential threats.
A NATO summit and mending EU relations are among first tasks for new UK leader Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been appointed to a new government after a six-week election campaign. Starmer, who has never served in or led a government, has a plethora of lawmakers to choose from, including Treasury chief Rachel Reeves and the new foreign secretary David Lammy. He wants Britain to take a larger role on the global stage after years of soured relations with Europe over Brexit and the inward-looking U.K. political soap opera that followed.
N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles, one fails
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles, with one launch failing, South Korea's military reported Monday. The launches followed North Korea's warning of "fatal consequences" after joint military exercises by South Korea, Japan, and the US. The first missile flew 600 km, while the second traveled 120 km and seemed to explode mid-air. The launches come amid tensions over accusations that North Korea supplied weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine and ongoing military activities in both Koreas.
Thousands of NATO troops join drills in strategically sensitive Baltic Sea region
NATO troops from 20 countries are participating in military exercises in the Baltic Sea region, which has become increasingly sensitive following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The exercises include sea mine sweeps, submarine detection, and landings. The exercises are organized by NATO's Naval Striking and Support Forces and the U.S. 6th fleet.
A record number of NATO allies are hitting their defence spending target during war in Ukraine
Over 20 NATO member nations are meeting the alliance's defense spending target, amidst concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg commended European efforts for collective security, ahead of a pivotal summit in Washington.
NATO in talks to put nuclear weapons on standby, chief Jens Stoltenberg tells UK's Telegraph newspaper
"I won't go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads should be operational and which should be stored, but we need to consult on these issues. That's exactly what we're doing," Stoltenberg told the paper.
NATO chief says 'no immediate military threat' against alliance
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured that there is "no immediate military threat" against any NATO member, despite rising tensions with Russia. The Kremlin recently accused the West of escalating the war in Ukraine after the US allowed Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons against Russian targets to defend Kharkiv. During a visit to Sweden, Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO's Article 5 commitment remains intact but isn't expected to be tested. Sweden's Prime Minister announced Swedish Gripen jets will join NATO's Air Policing force. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West for more military support.
Putin says Russia could deploy missiles in striking distance of the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of deploying missiles near the US and its allies if Ukraine uses Western weapons. He emphasized Russia's nuclear capabilities and criticized NATO's stance on the conflict.
Western army trainers in Ukraine not immune from strikes, Kremlin says
Western army instructors who train Ukrainian soldiers in the country would have no "immunity" from Russian strikes, the Kremlin said Tuesday, amid reports that France could despatch military trainers to Ukraine. France does not officially have military personnel assisting or training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine at the moment.
Scholz to Putin: We will defend 'every square inch' of NATO territory
Speaking at the Eastern German Economic Forum also attended by Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, Scholz said Germany has played a leading role in NATO's presence in the Baltics on Russia's border, stretching back nearly a decade. "And because the threat from Russia will continue, we and other allies decided last year to deploy additional units to the Baltic states and to station an entire brigade there permanently in future," Scholz said, according to a speech manuscript.
US trying to build Asia-Pacific version of NATO: Chinese defence official
A Chinese defense official criticizes the US' attempt to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO through its Indo-Pacific strategy, calling it doomed to fail due to selfish geopolitical interests.
NATO chief dismisses Russian warnings after arms restrictions lifted
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday dismissed warnings by Russian President Vladimir Putin that allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory might lead to an escalation. Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Prague, Stoltenberg said the alliance had heard such warnings many times before and self-defence was not escalation.
What is NATO chief's proposal for military aid for Ukraine?
NATO foreign ministers will debate a military support package for Ukraine proposed by alliance boss Jens Stoltenberg, due to uncertainty over future U.S. support for Ukraine due to the possible return of former president Donald Trump to the White House. Stoltenberg has proposed putting military aid for Kyiv on a longer-term footing, along with a multi-year financial pledge. NATO's 32 member countries have different views on the plan, and the ministers will seek to narrow those divisions at their meeting in Prague.
'Risk averse' West torn over Ukraine push to strike Russia: analysts
Amid rising calls for Ukraine to strike inside Russia using Western-supplied long-range weapons, allies remain cautious due to fears of escalation and nuclear threats from Moscow. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged lifting restrictions to aid Ukraine's defense, but the US and Germany hesitate. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism, divisions persist among Western leaders. Some, like French President Emmanuel Macron, suggest deploying Western troops, challenging traditional stances and highlighting deepening debates on the conflict's next steps.
How Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's bodyguards responded to the assassination attempt
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and hospitalized after a meeting in Handlova. The suspected gunman has been detained. Fico, reportedly shot multiple times, is in serious condition. Global leaders, including EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy. The incident led to the suspension of a parliamentary session. Leaders worldwide expressed shock and solidarity with Fico and Slovakia, emphasizing the need to combat violence and uphold democratic values.
Putin says nuclear forces 'always' on alert in Victory Day speech
In a defiant address on Red Square, President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia's nuclear readiness and determination to defend against Western threats. He praised Russian forces in Ukraine and accused Western elites of instigating global conflicts. The Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet Union's WWII victory, was marked by Putin's warnings and increased nuclear rhetoric. Despite tensions, several world leaders attended, while Armenia's PM, amidst a spat with Russia, notably did not. Putin's speech reflects a combative stance as Russia advances in Ukraine and he begins an unprecedented fifth term.
NATO's chief chides alliance countries for not being quicker to help Ukraine against Russia
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern over delays in NATO countries delivering promised military aid to Ukraine, allowing Russia to gain ground in the ongoing conflict. Stoltenberg cited shortcomings in supplying weapons, ammunition, and air defense systems, contributing to Ukraine's tactical retreat from several villages in the eastern region. Despite Western pledges of support, including vital U.S. military assistance delayed due to political disputes, and ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities, Russia's superior resources and support from other nations pose significant challenges.
NATO countries agree to give Ukraine more air defences: Stoltenberg
NATO countries to bolster Ukraine's air defences against Russian attacks. Jens Stoltenberg announces additional military support after talks with Zelensky. US lawmakers to vote on $61-billion aid package for Ukraine.
NATO chief urges 'reliable' Ukraine support as 100-bn-euro fund floated
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called for members to commit to long-term weapon deliveries for Ukraine, proposing a 100-billion-euro fund over five years. He emphasized the urgency, stating that delays have battlefield consequences. Stoltenberg aims for NATO to provide more consistent, less ad hoc support to Ukraine. The proposal, discussed at a NATO meeting in Brussels, seeks to ensure sustained security assistance and lessen reliance on voluntary contributions. The plan includes NATO taking a more active role in coordinating arms supplies to Kyiv.
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