NATO MEMBERSHIP
UK's Nigel Farage says the West provoked Putin's invasion of Ukraine
The remarks, made in an interview with the BBC aired late on Friday, drew strong criticism across the British political spectrum ahead of a July 4 election in which Farage's party is predicted to win millions of votes. Farage said he stood by comments made shortly after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when he posted on social media that the move was a "consequence of EU and NATO expansion". He said he had been predicting a war in Ukraine as early as 2014.
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.
Ukraine summit opens in Switzerland, seeking path to peace
World leaders were joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Switzerland on Saturday for a summit on peace in his country, but with Russia staying away it is seen as the first step in a long process. "Together, we are making the first step toward just peace based on the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law," he said on X, formerly Twitter.
What are the security deals Ukraine is signing with allies?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will sign bilateral security agreements with the United States and Japan at the G7 Summit in Italy, finalizing similar deals with all G7 nations. These agreements, following a joint G7 declaration in July last year, ensure long-term security aid, including military support, intelligence-sharing, and cyber defense. While they aim to strengthen Ukraine's defense amidst its ongoing war with Russia, they are not substitutes for NATO membership, which remains Ukraine's strategic goal. The agreements build on prior commitments, emphasizing immediate aid in case of further Russian aggression.
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.
Who is Robert Fico? 'Anti-American', 'pro-Russian' Slovakia PM badly injured in 'assassination attempt'
Slovakia PM Robert Fico has been shot "multiple times" and is reportedly battling for life. Take a look at Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic's three decade-old political career, personal life and other key details.
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Sweden should spend more on defence and increase the number of conscripts, lawmakers recommend
Sweden recommends a 54 billion kronor military budget increase by 2030 for stronger air defenses and more conscripts post-NATO entry, aligning with regional military expansions.
NATO Membership and Defence Spending: Key facts you need to know
Sweden officially became a member of NATO, joining Finland in the alliance's largest expansion since the 1990s. This move comes amid rising tensions with Russia and NATO's efforts to bolster its defences. With 32 member countries, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, NATO aims to counter threats from "authoritarian states" like Russia. Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia also aspire to join NATO, highlighting the alliance's role in today's geopolitical landscape.
Sweden to move ahead with sending troops to Latvia as part of NATO forces
Sweden is set to deploy troops to Latvia as part of NATO's mission in the Baltic countries, which border Russia and Belarus. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the decision, stating that Sweden will contribute a reduced mechanized battalion with armoured vehicles and Leopard tanks. This move comes after Sweden's recent NATO membership, marking a shift from its traditional non-alignment stance. The deployment aims to deter and defend against potential threats, with the goal of having the force operational by early next year.
NATO weighs a plan to provide long-term military help to Ukraine as Russian troops assert control
NATO is considering a plan to provide more stable military support to Ukraine amid Russian advances on the battlefield. The proposal aims to reduce reliance on short-term offers and increase long-term commitments. This plan would involve NATO coordinating the efforts of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which gathers countries to provide weapons and ammunition. While NATO would not directly supply weapons, it would provide an institutional framework to support Ukraine. The plan is expected to be endorsed at a summit in July, potentially involving up to USD 100 billion in support.
Sweden officially joins NATO after completing its accession process, ending decades of neutrality
The White House said that having Sweden as a NATO ally "will make the United States and our allies even safer." "NATO is the most powerful defensive alliance in the history of the world, and it is as critical today to ensuring the security of our citizens as it was 75 years ago when our alliance was founded out of the wreckage of World War II," it said in a statement.
Hungary president signs Sweden's NATO membership ratification
Hungary's President Tamas Sulyok has signed a bill approving Sweden's accession to the NATO military alliance, paving the way for Sweden to become the 32nd member in the coming days. Stockholm abandoned its non-alignment policy after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The remaining formalities, such as depositing accession documentation in Washington, are expected to be completed swiftly.
Newly enlarged NATO starts drill in Finland, Norway and Sweden in defense of its Nordic turf
NATO has launched a large-scale exercise, Nordic Response 2024, involving over 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations, including Finland, Norway, and Sweden. This marks Finland's largest participation in a foreign exercise since joining NATO in April 2023. The drill, conducted in harsh Arctic winter conditions, aims to strengthen collective defense capabilities in the region. The exercise, part of Steadfast Defender 24, demonstrates NATO's commitment to defending its territory and comes amid heightened tensions with Russia. The drill includes land, sea, and air components and underscores the strategic importance of the High North for NATO.
What does NATO entry mean for Sweden?
Sweden's decision to join NATO marks a significant shift in its defense policy and the regional geopolitical balance. The country's increased military spending and contribution to NATO forces in Latvia are notable changes. Joining NATO also means that the Baltic Sea is now surrounded by alliance members. With the combined strength of 32 countries, Sweden's military believes the risk of conflict is reduced.
What does NATO entry mean for Sweden?
Sweden's NATO membership bid, submitted in the wake of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, cleared its final hurdle as Hungary's parliament voted to ratify it on Monday. After Hungary's parliament ratified the bid Monday, Kristersson said Sweden stood "ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security."
Last holdout Hungary ratifies Sweden's NATO bid
Hungary's parliament ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for enlargement of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a "historic day". Finland joined NATO earlier. Hungary signed a deal for four Swedish-made Jas-39 Gripen fighters. Some experts saw Hungary's delay as a strategy to unlock frozen funds from Brussels.
Hungary's parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle to membership
The vote, which passed with 188 votes for and six against, was the culmination of months of wrangling by Hungary's allies to convince its nationalist government to lift its block on Sweden's membership. Hungary's decision paved the way for the second expansion of NATO's ranks in a year after both Sweden and Finland applied to join the alliance in May 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - an assault that was purportedly intended to prevent further NATO expansion.
In third year of war, why Ukraine's fate hinges on West
The conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year, is not just about battles but also about support from Western nations. With Ukrainian forces facing challenges, Kyiv's ability to resist Russia's invasion relies on Western backing. Key factors include a stalled $60 billion U.S. aid package, ammunition supplies, decisions on new weapons systems, the impact of the Middle East conflict on Western attention, the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, and the U.S. presidential election's potential implications.
Hungary set to ratify Sweden's NATO bid on Feb 26 after long delay
Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has proposed a parliament vote to ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO on Feb. 26, a move it supports. Fidesz, with a majority in parliament, seeks to include the vote in the agenda. Sweden applied to join NATO nearly two years ago in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, the last NATO member to approve Sweden's bid, will settle the dispute with Sweden. Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson welcomed Hungary's plans. Hungary may discuss deepening economic and defence cooperation with Sweden, including the leasing of Gripen fighter aircraft.
Explainer: What are the security deals Ukraine is discussing with allies?
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to Berlin and ahead of his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Germany and Ukraine signed a security agreement, with France expected to follow suit. These arrangements, stemming from a joint declaration by the Group of Seven nations, involve long-term commitments such as military aid, defense industry support, and intelligence sharing.
Washington approves sale of F-16 warplanes to Turkey
The United States did not green light the transaction until Turkey's instruments of ratification of Sweden's membership had arrived in Washington, a US official said, highlighting the highly sensitive nature of the negotiations.
US envoy sees rapid F-16s sale to Turkey after Sweden NATO bid sign-off
Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership paves the way for President Erdogan's quick endorsement, triggering U.S. Congress consideration of a $20 billion F-16 fighter jet sale. Ambassador Jeff Flake expects Erdogan's swift approval, emphasizing the importance of Turkey's NATO participation despite concerns over human rights. The formalities involve Erdogan's signature, publication in Turkey's Official Gazette, and notification to Washington, aligning with U.S. President Biden's intention to begin the F-16 sale process upon completion of Sweden's NATO accession.
Here's what to know about Sweden's bumpy road toward NATO membership
After over 200 years of neutrality, Sweden's bid to join NATO gains momentum, with Turkey's parliamentary approval. The shift comes post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting Sweden and Finland to seek security guarantees. Turkey's conditions, including a stance on perceived threats, caused delays, and Hungary remains the final hurdle. Sweden's inclusion would strategically surround the Baltic Sea with NATO allies, enhancing regional defense. Russia reacts negatively, warning of unspecified countermeasures, as both Sweden and Finland anticipate increased risks of Russian interference.
Sweden moves one step closer to NATO membership after Turkish parliamentary committee gives approval
Turkiye, a NATO member, has delayed ratifying Sweden's application for more than a year, accusing the country of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards as threats to its security, including Kurdish militants and members of a network that Ankara blames for a failed coup in 2016.
Putin warns of 'problems' with Finland after NATO membership
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concerns and warned of "problems" with Finland after it joined NATO earlier this year. Putin mentioned the creation of a new military district in north-west Russia, called the Leningrad military district, as a response to Finland's NATO accession. He stated that the move would concentrate certain military units in the region. Finland joined NATO in April amid Russia's offensive in Ukraine.
NATO to drop major hurdle to Ukrainian membership: Western official
NATO is expected to remove the Membership Action Plan requirement for Ukraine's bid for membership, signalling that the country has made progress in its path to join the alliance. The MAP outlines a list of reforms countries must implement to join the Western military alliance. However, a Western official cautioned that the removal of MAP did not guarantee Ukraine's accession, and the country still needed to complete further reforms.
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