Enlargement, NATO criticizes Russia and deals with Turkey for Sweden and Finland

Sweden and Finland submitted their candidacy for membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) today. “A fine day at a critical time for our security,” said Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the military alliance.

According to him, the nominations are a “historic step” and the presence of the two countries in NATO could increase our “common security”. Stoltenberg also advocated expanding the military alliance. “All Allies agree on the importance of NATO enlargement.”

The two countries have decided to apply to join NATO after Russia invaded Ukrainian territory in a war that has reached its 84th day. According to today’s report of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, “Russian invaders continue to carry out missile attacks on military and civilian targets throughout the country”.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said today that another 694 Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal complex in Mariupol have surrendered. In total, 959 militants have surrendered since May 16, 80 of whom were wounded,” he said. Azovstal was the last point of resistance against the Russian occupation in the port city of southeast Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense also stated that it carried out more attacks in the eastern Ukraine. stated.

“Russia is preparing for a long-term military operation,” said the Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov yesterday. “The war is entering a long phase.”

turkey factor

However, the entry of Swedes and Finns into NATO can be challenged. Turkey had previously stated that it would not be in favor of the two countries joining the military alliance. For a new member to be accepted, all NATO participants must accept it.

Stoltenberg said that “the security interests of all allies should be taken into account” when evaluating Sweden and Finland’s nominations. “And we’re committed to solving all problems and coming to quick conclusions.”

Turkey mediates the talks between Russia and Ukraine. The Turkish government, together with the UN (United Nations), stated today that it wants to encourage a new round of dialogue between the parties soon.

“We are planning a meeting at a technical level for the next few days,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said. said. Russia has accused Ukraine of a “complete lack of will” to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Criticism of Russia

“Every nation has the right to choose its own path,” said the NATO secretary general, after receiving the candidacy of Sweden and Finland. “You two made your choice after full democratic processes.”

For the past few months, Russia has been critical of the effects that the two countries’ entry into a military alliance would have on the region. Finland and Russia share a border of approximately 1,300 kilometers.

The possibility of Ukraine joining NATO – which is currently excluded – was used by Russian President Vladimir Putin as an argument to incite war.

The step taken by both countries, which remained neutral during the Cold War, is one of the most important transformations in the security architecture in Europe for decades and reflects a radical change in public opinion since Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

The accession process is expected to take just a few weeks, but diplomats said it could take up to a year to approve the accession of new members, as the parliaments of the 30 countries that make up the alliance must approve the candidates.

new loan

The European Commission today offered a 9 billion-euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country afloat, struggling to fend off the Russian invasion and looking to create a post-war reconstruction tool. The money will be loaned by the Commission in the markets under the macro-financial aid mechanism backed by guarantees from EU (European Union) governments.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “We propose a platform for restructuring as part of this plan jointly run by Ukraine and the Commission, which brings together EU member states, other bilateral or international donors, international financial institutions and other like-minded partners.” said. .

“Guilty”

The first Russian soldier to be tried for war crimes in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian occupation, today pleaded guilty and pleaded guilty to all charges against him. When asked if he “unconditionally” admitted all action, including charges of war crimes and willful murder, 21-year-old Petty Officer Vadim Shishimarin said “yes”. He is on trial for the death of a 62-year-old man on February 28.

japanese snake china

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, He urged China to play a “responsible role” in the crisis in Ukraine. This was her first conversation with him. wang Its Chinese counterpart, Yi, since November. to Hayashi, The invasion of Russia is “a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and other international laws”.

The Japanese minister urged China to take action to “maintain international peace and security”. Japan joined Western countries in accepting sanctions against Russia, but China refrained from condemning the invasion initiated by Moscow.

(via Reuters, AFP, RFI and DW)