<p>The Balkan nation of Albania on Monday (Mar 4) unveiled a refurbished airbase to be used by the NATO alliance, a move expected to irk Moscow.</p>

<p>The airbase is located in an Albanian city formerly named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. The base once housed dozens of Soviet- and Chinese-made planes left for years to rust in the open air.</p>

<p>The new NATO airbase in ‘Stalin city’ doesn’t only show Albania’s shift towards the West but also highlights NATO’s expanding footprints in southeast Europe as tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rattle the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Kucova transforms into a NATO-backed facility</strong></h2>

<p>While inaugurating the base, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that the importance of the base "extended beyond Albania's borders".</p>

<p>Italian Eurofighters and US F-16s and F-35s staged a flyover before landing on the new runaway during the event attended by NATO representatives and diplomats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Combat drone training for Ukrainian children in schools</strong></p>

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<p>The work had been going on for more than two years in the city called Kucova, which has now transformed into a NATO-backed facility. NATO representative Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara said, "The inauguration of Kucova air base demonstrates that the Alliance -- with a 360-degree approach -- is heavily engaged in this relevant region."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjWg5_BmNyEAxV3XWwGHai7A0YQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-responsibility-for-railway-bridge-blast-in-southwest-russia-696496" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-responsibility-for-railway-bridge-blast-in-southwest-russia-696496&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWg5_BmNyEAxV3XWwGHai7A0YQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Ukraine claims responsibility for railway bridge blast in southwest Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Ironically, the construction of the base started in early 2022, just ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Kucova is now set to operate as a tactical operational base, featuring an updated control tower and a refurbished runway spanning over two kilometres (1.2 miles). Additionally, the base will accommodate modern military aircraft and offer facilities for refuelling and ammunition storage</p>

<h2><strong>Albania’s shift towards the West</strong></h2>

<p>In 2009, Albania ended decades of global isolation by joining NATO. During the reign of the paranoid Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the country had close ties with the Soviet Union and China until differences arose over their interpretation of Marxism. Following the collapse of the communist regime in 1990, Albania shifted towards the West.</p>

<p>The establishment of the new air base is likely to provoke Moscow, which staunchly opposes NATO expansion into Eastern and Central Europe, particularly in the Balkans, a region historically caught between Eastern and Western influences.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Balkan nation of Albania on Monday (Mar 4) unveiled a refurbished airbase to be used by the NATO alliance, a move expected to irk Moscow. The airbase is located in an Albanian city formerly named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

The Balkan nation of Albania on Monday (Mar 4) unveiled a refurbished airbase to be used by the NATO alliance, a move expected to irk Moscow. The airbase is located in an Albanian city formerly named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. The base once housed dozens of Soviet- and Chinese-made planes left for years to rust in the open air. The new NATO airbase in ‘Stalin city’ doesn’t only show Albania’s shift towards the West but also highlights NATO’s expanding footprints in southeast Europe as tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rattle the region. Kucova transforms into a NATO-backed facility While inaugurating the base, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that the importance of the base "extended beyond Albania's borders". Italian Eurofighters and US F-16s and F-35s staged a flyover before landing on the new runaway during the event attended by NATO representatives and diplomats. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Combat drone training for Ukrainian children in schools × The work had been going on for more than two years in the city called Kucova, which has now transformed into a NATO-backed facility. NATO representative Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara said, "The inauguration of Kucova air base demonstrates that the Alliance -- with a 360-degree approach -- is heavily engaged in this relevant region." Also read: Ukraine claims responsibility for railway bridge blast in southwest Russia Ironically, the construction of the base started in early 2022, just ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kucova is now set to operate as a tactical operational base, featuring an updated control tower and a refurbished runway spanning over two kilometres (1.2 miles). Additionally, the base will accommodate modern military aircraft and offer facilities for refuelling and ammunition storage Albania’s shift towards the West In 2009, Albania ended decades of global isolation by joining NATO. During the reign of the paranoid Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the country had close ties with the Soviet Union and China until differences arose over their interpretation of Marxism. Following the collapse of the communist regime in 1990, Albania shifted towards the West. The establishment of the new air base is likely to provoke Moscow, which staunchly opposes NATO expansion into Eastern and Central Europe, particularly in the Balkans, a region historically caught between Eastern and Western influences. (With inputs from agencies)

Albania unveils refurbished NATO airbase in ‘Stalin city’, move likely to irk Moscow

Swedish armed forces joined NATO for exercises on Monday (March 4), contributing troops, helicopters and fighter jets as the alliance carries out its largest set of military drills since the end of the Cold War.

Sweden joins NATO drills in reshaped north ahead of NATO accession

Ukraine is desperate for military aid to sustain its campaign in the battlefield. The Russian assaults are not abating. The financial aid from the United States is blocked and its only other option, Europe is also facing a new problem. The European nations are finding it difficult to produce gunpowder that is used in making artillery shells but why is this happening? Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Europe scrambling to provide artillery shells to Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the military alliance has no plans to send combat troops into Ukraine amid reports that some Western countries may be considering putting boots on the ground in the war-ravaged country.

NATO has no plans to send troops to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg

NATO Chief: Alliance has no plans to send troops to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday (February 26) that France could not rule out sending troops on the ground to Ukraine and that he would maintain a strategic ambiguity on the subject.

NATO allies rule out sending troops to Ukraine

As Russia advances, Macron breaks taboo and talks about sending troops to Ukraine; but his NATO allies say that's not on the table. Germany, Britain, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Czech Republic also distanced themselves from the idea.

EU re-affirms support to Ukraine but rules troops presence

Several NATO countries like the United States, United Kingdom and Germany have ruled out deploying troops in Ukraine. This after the French president Emmanuel Macron hinted at the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine at a meeting with European leaders in Paris.

French president under fire as NATO allies rule out sending troops to Ukraine

US, NATO ally reject France President Macron's intention to send troops to Ukraine

The United States and key European allies said taht they had no plans to send ground troops to Ukraine, after France hinted at the possibility, and the Kremlin warned that any such move would inevitably lead to conflict between Russia and NATO.

US, NATO allies rule out sending troops to Ukraine

French president Emmanuel macron hinted at the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine at a meeting of European leaders. Though he did say that there was no consensus on it - these comments did not bode well for Macron. Amb. Volker Stanzel, former German ambassador to china and Japan and senior distinguished fellow at swp german institute for international and security affairs, joins us to discuss.

<p>Hungary's parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bid was approved by the Parliament with 188 votes for and six votes against the Nordic nation's accession.&nbsp;In response, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that it was a "historic day".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vote brings an end to more than a year of delays that enraged NATO allies as Ukraine fought Russian forces. When launched a "special operation" in the Ukrainian territory, it prompted Sweden and neighbouring Finland to apply to join the military alliance, ending a long-standing stance of non-alignment in both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-treasury-official-voices-concerns-over-chinas-excess-capacity-assures-dollar-dominance-694004">US treasury official voices concerns over China's excess capacity, assures dollar dominance</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In a statement to X, Kristersson said: "Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a press conference about Russia's potential reaction, Kristersson said, "The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don't like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland".&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Finland became the 31st member of the US-led security alliance in April last year, Sweden's bid had been stalled. Turkey ratified it only last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/central-european-shoppers-remain-cautious-amid-economic-uncertainty-despite-inflation-dip-694009">Central European shoppers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty despite inflation dip</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.</p>
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwedishPM/status/1762142835963257250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The move was hailed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who said that the military alliance would&nbsp;be "stronger".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd #NATO Ally. Sweden's membership will make us all stronger and safer," the alliance's secretary-general wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a "historic day" for the alliance. "A historic day for our alliance. Sweden, we are looking forward to welcoming you to NATO very soon," Sunak wrote on his official X account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States welcomed the vote.&nbsp;"We certainly do welcome the vote in the Hungarian parliament today and look forward to it being finalized," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hungary's parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Hungary's parliament on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The parliament has cleared the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The bid was approved by the Parliament with 188 votes for and six votes against the Nordic nation's accession. In response, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that it was a "historic day". The vote brings an end to more than a year of delays that enraged NATO allies as Ukraine fought Russian forces. When launched a "special operation" in the Ukrainian territory, it prompted Sweden and neighbouring Finland to apply to join the military alliance, ending a long-standing stance of non-alignment in both countries. Also read: US treasury official voices concerns over China's excess capacity, assures dollar dominance In a statement to X, Kristersson said: "Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security." While speaking at a press conference about Russia's potential reaction, Kristersson said, "The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don't like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland". While Finland became the 31st member of the US-led security alliance in April last year, Sweden's bid had been stalled. Turkey ratified it only last month. Also read: Central European shoppers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty despite inflation dip Today is a historic day. The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO. Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security. — SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) February 26, 2024 × The move was hailed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who said that the military alliance would be "stronger". "Now that all Allies have approved, Sweden will become the 32nd #NATO Ally. Sweden's membership will make us all stronger and safer," the alliance's secretary-general wrote on X. Watch this report: × UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a "historic day" for the alliance. "A historic day for our alliance. Sweden, we are looking forward to welcoming you to NATO very soon," Sunak wrote on his official X account. The United States welcomed the vote. "We certainly do welcome the vote in the Hungarian parliament today and look forward to it being finalized," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary’s parliament ratifies Sweden’s NATO bid, Swedish prime minister calls it ‘historic day’

Sweden is all said to be a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This is coming after a lot of delay and a lot of back and forth with turkey and Hungary which were standing in the middle and now finally it has happened. The Hungarian Parliament approved Stockholm's NATO bid days after it signed a deal to buy four fighter jets from Sweden. After the ratification Swedish prime minister hailed 'the historic day' which has now cleared the final obstacle for the Nordic country to join the military Alliance. Watch to know more!

Hungarian parliament approves Sweden's NATO accession

Sweden is said to be a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This is coming after a lot of delays and a lot of back and forth with Turkey and Hungary which were standing in the middle and now finally it has happened. The Hungarian Parliament approved Stockholm's NATO bid days after it signed a deal to buy four fighter jets from Sweden. After the ratification Swedish prime minister hailed 'the historic day' which has now cleared the final obstacle for the Nordic country to join the military Alliance. Watch to know more!

Sweden PM hails 'historic day' after Hungary ratifies NATO bid

Sweden is said to be a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This is coming after a lot of delay and a lot of back and forth with Turkey and Hungary which were standing in the middle and now finally it has happened. The Hungarian Parliament approved Stockholm's NATO bid days after it signed a deal to buy four fighter jets from Sweden. After the ratification Swedish prime minister hailed 'the historic day' which has now cleared the final obstacle for the Nordic country to join the military Alliance. Watch to know more!

Historic day for Sweden after Hungary ratifies NATO bid

Sweden PM hails 'historic' day after Hungary ratifies NATO bid

Sweden is finally set to join NATO, Budapest is preparing to approve Stockholm's NATO bid in a vote on Monday. The development comes days after it signed a deal to buy four fighter jets from Sweden. Hungary's Parliament is due to ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO in a vote at its first session today. Watch to know more!

After Turkiye, Hungary to vote on Sweden's NATO's membership

Hungary's parliament is set to vote on ratifying Sweden’s bid to join NATO, likely bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays that have frustrated the alliance as it seeks to expand in response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Hungarian Parliament approves Sweden's NATO accession

Hungary set to approve Sweden's NATO bid

After Turkey, Hungary to vote on Sweden's NATO membership; approval pending since 2022

Hungary set to approve Sweden's NATO's bid

Heads of the Group of Seven major democracies on Saturday pledged to stand by war-weary Ukraine, and Western leaders traveled to Kyiv to show solidarity on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, with no end in the sight to the fighting. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: EU President says, 'More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine'

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