NATO MEMBERS
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.
From Cold War to the Ukraine war: NATO at 75
NATO marks 75 years; founded by 12 members, now 32, including Finland and Nordic neighbors. Article Five triggered after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Troops in Kosovo since 1999. Formed to counter Cold War threats. Members aim for two percent GDP on defense post Russia’s Ukraine invasion. Trump criticized low defense spending, and Macron acknowledged NATO’s revival.
India-Russia ties: The optics of Modi with Putin when Nato meets in Washington
While Nato meets from July 9-11 in Washington to discuss Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on July 8-9 to meet President Vladimir Putin. Nato’s primary focus will be on supporting Ukraine and potential membership, as emphasized by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra assures Modi's visit is pre-scheduled. This visit challenges Russia’s isolation narrative, reinforced by Hungary's recent support. Moscow-based expert Aleksei Zakharov underscores the significance of Russia's neutrality in India-China disputes. The trip addresses US concerns over India-Russia military-tech ties.
Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he's also keeping his options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to NATO, cautioning against excessive military support for Ukraine, as it could escalate into a nuclear conflict with Russia. Despite Russia's current military advantage in Ukraine, Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a viable option if Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. Recent Russian drills with tactical nuclear weapons underscore Moscow's readiness to respond to perceived Western provocations, including discussions of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine and supplying longer-range weapons to Kyiv. This nuclear rhetoric marks a dangerous escalation amid ongoing tensions in the region.
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.
India a key ally of US in rivalry with China: US ambassador to India
America is investing locally and joining hands with allies such as India to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region while competing with China, US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said.
Biden seeks campaign reset with high-risk TV interview
US President Joe Biden is hoping a televised interview on Friday will help stabilize his reelection bid, but a repeat of his disastrous debate performance could be his downfall. The 81-year-old struggled to express himself clearly in the debate against Donald Trump, leading to a growing chorus in his party calling for him to prove he has the energy to defeat Trump in November and handle another four years in the White House.
NATO picks Netherlands' Mark Rutte as next boss
After declaring his interest in the post last year, Rutte gained early support from key members of the alliance including the United States, Britain, France and Germany. Others were more reticent, particularly Eastern European countries which argued the post should go to someone from their region for the first time.
NATO targets AI, robots and space tech in $1.1 billion fund
NATO allies confirm first tranche of companies awarded funding from $1.1 billion innovation fund to enhance defences, including European tech companies like Fractile and ARX Robotics.
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 says over 300,000 troops now on high readiness
NATO countries have surpassed their target of placing 300,000 troops on high readiness amid concerns over Russia's threat, according to a senior alliance official. This readiness boost, agreed upon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, aims to enhance NATO's ability to deploy forces within 30 days. While NATO has exceeded its troop target, there are still gaps in key capabilities like air defenses and longer-range missiles that need to be addressed, the official noted.
G7 Summit: How G-7 nations plan to counter rising clout of Russia and China
The G-7, facing challenges from rising powers like China and Russia, grapples with economic and military limitations while navigating a shifting global landscape. Focused on protecting democracy, the group confronts issues such as defense spending, economic vitality, and trade tensions, seeking to maintain its influence and address geopolitical threats.
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.
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.
Kremlin says NATO 'provoking' Ukraine to prolong conflict
The Kremlin accused NATO of provoking Ukraine to extend the conflict by encouraging the use of Western-supplied weapons against Russia. As NATO foreign ministers met in Prague, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed the US and European allies were deliberately escalating tensions. Ukraine has been urging its supporters, particularly the US, to permit strikes inside Russia, but the US and Germany have resisted, fearing direct conflict with Moscow.
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.
NATO chief chides members as Ukraine's allies say slow arms deliveries have helped Russia
Outgunned, Ukraine's troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin's forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine's army chief said Sunday. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Monday its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.
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