EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted sharply on Monday (Feb 12) over Donald Trump's remark on&nbsp;the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, saying that the bloc "cannot be an alliance a la carte".&nbsp;

Borrell's comments came after former United States president Trump said that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" if it attacked a NATO country that didn't pay enough to meet spending targets.&nbsp;

"Let's be serious. NATO cannot be an a la carte military alliance, it cannot be a military alliance that works depending on the humour of the president of the US" day-to-day, Borrell said.&nbsp;

"It exists or it not exists," he said, further adding that he was not going to keep commenting on "any silly idea" emerging from the US presidential election campaign.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalised-again-pentagon-releases-statement-689313">US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalised again, hands over charge to deputy</a>&nbsp;

While speaking at a rally in South Carolina, Trump said that the US would not protect a NATO member that fails to meet its defence spending target.&nbsp;

The former president recalled an exchange with the leader of a "big country" when he was in office who asked whether they would be protected if Russia attacked.&nbsp;

"One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'"&nbsp;

"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump added, talking in a hypothetical scenario.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US Senate aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://wionews.com/business-economy/eu-agrees-on-revised-fiscal-rules-to-spur-investments-and-debt-reduction-689533">EU agrees on revised fiscal rules to spur investments and debt reduction</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Trump's remarks spark row&nbsp;</h2>

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday warned against talk that "undermines security" after Trump's comments. "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US," Stoltenberg said.&nbsp;

The White House hit back at Trump's assertions, touting President Joe Biden's efforts to bolster alliances around the globe.&nbsp;

"Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement Saturday night.

"Rather than calling for wars and promoting deranged chaos, President Biden will continue to bolster American leadership," Bates added.&nbsp;

Notably, the members of the NATO alliance abide by Article 5, which states that if a NATO nation is ever attacked, each and every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against them.&nbsp;

In retaliation, they are bound to take the actions they deem necessary to assist the ally that is under attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted sharply on Monday (Feb 12) over Donald Trump's remark on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, saying that the bloc "cannot be an alliance a la carte".

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted sharply on Monday (Feb 12) over Donald Trump's remark on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, saying that the bloc "cannot be an alliance a la carte". Borrell's comments came after former United States president Trump said that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" if it attacked a NATO country that didn't pay enough to meet spending targets. "Let's be serious. NATO cannot be an a la carte military alliance, it cannot be a military alliance that works depending on the humour of the president of the US" day-to-day, Borrell said. "It exists or it not exists," he said, further adding that he was not going to keep commenting on "any silly idea" emerging from the US presidential election campaign. Also read: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalised again, hands over charge to deputy While speaking at a rally in South Carolina, Trump said that the US would not protect a NATO member that fails to meet its defence spending target. The former president recalled an exchange with the leader of a "big country" when he was in office who asked whether they would be protected if Russia attacked. "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'" "No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump added, talking in a hypothetical scenario. Watch: US Senate aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan × Also read: EU agrees on revised fiscal rules to spur investments and debt reduction Trump's remarks spark row NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday warned against talk that "undermines security" after Trump's comments. "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US," Stoltenberg said. The White House hit back at Trump's assertions, touting President Joe Biden's efforts to bolster alliances around the globe. "Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement Saturday night. "Rather than calling for wars and promoting deranged chaos, President Biden will continue to bolster American leadership," Bates added. Notably, the members of the NATO alliance abide by Article 5, which states that if a NATO nation is ever attacked, each and every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against them. In retaliation, they are bound to take the actions they deem necessary to assist the ally that is under attack. (With inputs from agencies)

EU’s Josep Borrell says NATO ‘cannot be an alliance a la carte’

Donald Trump said that, while president, he told the leaders of NATO countries that he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to countries that had not paid the money they owed to the military alliance.

Donald Trump says he warned NATO ally: Spend more on defence

Donald Trump to NATO: Pay financial obligations or face consequences

US President Joe Biden and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chief Jen&nbsp;Stoltenberg have responded to comments made by former US president Donald Trump, suggesting that he would allow Russia to attack member countries if they didn't fulfil their financial obligations to the military coalition.

Stoltenberg said any attack on the Western military alliance would be met with a "united and forceful response".&nbsp;

“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk," said&nbsp;Stoltenberg in a statement.&nbsp;

"I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed Nato ally.”

Prior to Stoltenberg, US President Joe Biden also slammed Trump's comments as "appalling and dangerous".&nbsp;

"Donald Trump's admission that he intends to give Putin a greenlight for more war and violence, to continue his brutal assault against a free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression to the people of Poland and the Baltic States are appalling and dangerous," Biden said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-us-election-wont-impact-its-nato-membership-686004">Watch |&nbsp;NATO Chief: "US election won't impact its NATO membership"</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>

Speaking at a rally in South Carolina, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination said the US would&nbsp;not protect a NATO member that fails&nbsp;to meet its&nbsp;defence spending target.&nbsp;

Trump described what he said was a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified NATO meeting.&nbsp;

"One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'"&nbsp;

"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump added, talking in a hypothetical scenario.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-do-whatever-the-hell-they-want-to-nato-countries-that-dont-pay-enough-trump-689210">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says would let Russia ‘do whatever the hell it wants’ to NATO allies that don’t pay enough</a>

While Trump said the US would allow Russia to attack allies, the members of NATO&nbsp;abide by Article 5, which states that if any NATO nation is attacked,&nbsp;every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against them.

In retaliation, they are bound to take the actions they deem&nbsp;necessary to assist the ally that is under attack.&nbsp;

(More to follow)

US President Joe Biden and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chief Jen Stoltenberg have responded to comments made by former US president Donald Trump, suggesting that he would allow Russia to attack member countries if they didn't fulfil their financial obligations to the military coalition.

US President Joe Biden and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chief Jen Stoltenberg have responded to comments made by former US president Donald Trump, suggesting that he would allow Russia to attack member countries if they didn't fulfil their financial obligations to the military coalition. Stoltenberg said any attack on the Western military alliance would be met with a "united and forceful response". “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk," said Stoltenberg in a statement. "I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed Nato ally.” Prior to Stoltenberg, US President Joe Biden also slammed Trump's comments as "appalling and dangerous". "Donald Trump's admission that he intends to give Putin a greenlight for more war and violence, to continue his brutal assault against a free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression to the people of Poland and the Baltic States are appalling and dangerous," Biden said in a statement. Watch | NATO Chief: "US election won't impact its NATO membership" × What did Trump say? Speaking at a rally in South Carolina, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination said the US would not protect a NATO member that fails to meet its defence spending target. Trump described what he said was a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified NATO meeting. "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'" "No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump added, talking in a hypothetical scenario. Also read | Trump says would let Russia ‘do whatever the hell it wants’ to NATO allies that don’t pay enough While Trump said the US would allow Russia to attack allies, the members of NATO abide by Article 5, which states that if any NATO nation is attacked, every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against them. In retaliation, they are bound to take the actions they deem necessary to assist the ally that is under attack. (More to follow)

US president and NATO chief slam Trump over his 'encouraging Russia to attack allies' remark

NATO Chief: Trump comments undermine all of our security

Trump to NATO: Pay financial obligations or face consequences

Donald Trump says he warned NATO ally: Spend more on defence or face consequences

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that&nbsp;former US president Bill Clinton told him Russia could be welcomed into NATO, the western world's military alliance.&nbsp;

Putin also claimed that Clinton later backtracked and said that it wasn’t going to happen. He made the remarks in a&nbsp;pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson that aired on Thursday (Feb 8).

In the interview recorded at the Kremlin, Putin said that after he became president in 2000, he asked Clinton if Russia could join the defence alliance after the issues between the countries had settled at the end of the Yugoslav War.

“At a meeting here in the Kremlin with the outgoing President Bill Clinton, right here in the next room, I said to him, I asked him: ‘Bill, do you think if Russia asked to join NATO, do you think it would happen?’ Suddenly he said, ‘You know, it’s interesting. I think so,’” Putin said to Carlson.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-interview-with-tucker-carlson-putin-hints-ukraine-war-can-be-over-in-a-few-weeks-688452">Putin tells Tucker Carlson Ukraine war can be over few weeks, in rare interview to US outlet</a>

“But in the evening, when we met for dinner, he said: ‘You know, I’ve talked to my team, no, it’s not possible now,’"&nbsp;the Russian president said.

"You can ask him [Bill Clinton]. I think he will watch our interview, he’ll confirm it,” he added. “I wouldn’t have said anything like that if it hadn’t happened. Okay, well, it’s impossible now.”

&nbsp;

<h2>You tricked us, says Putin referring to the US</h2>

Putin said that after the Soviet Union's fall, Russians anticipated being “welcomed into the brotherly family of civilized nations.”

“Nothing like this happened. You tricked us,” Putin said while referring to the US.&nbsp;

“The promise was that NATO would not expand eastward. But it happened five times. There were five waves of expansion,” he said.&nbsp;

“We tolerated all that. We were trying to persuade them. We were saying, ‘Please don’t. We are as bourgeois now as you are. We are a market economy and there is no Communist Party power. Let’s negotiate'," said the Russian president.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin gives interview to Tucker Carlson

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Giving reference to a historic address delivered by Russia’s first post-Soviet President Boris Yeltsin to Congress, in which he proclaimed “God Bless America", Putin said, “Everything he said were signals, let us in."

If Clinton had said yes, the Russian president said, "the process of rapprochement would have commenced and eventually it might have happened if we had seen some sincere wish on the side of our partners."

"But it didn’t happen. Well, no means no, okay, fine."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that former US president Bill Clinton told him Russia could be welcomed into NATO, the western world's military alliance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that former US president Bill Clinton told him Russia could be welcomed into NATO, the western world's military alliance. Putin also claimed that Clinton later backtracked and said that it wasn’t going to happen. He made the remarks in a pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson that aired on Thursday (Feb 8). In the interview recorded at the Kremlin, Putin said that after he became president in 2000, he asked Clinton if Russia could join the defence alliance after the issues between the countries had settled at the end of the Yugoslav War. “At a meeting here in the Kremlin with the outgoing President Bill Clinton, right here in the next room, I said to him, I asked him: ‘Bill, do you think if Russia asked to join NATO, do you think it would happen?’ Suddenly he said, ‘You know, it’s interesting. I think so,’” Putin said to Carlson. Also Read: Putin tells Tucker Carlson Ukraine war can be over few weeks, in rare interview to US outlet “But in the evening, when we met for dinner, he said: ‘You know, I’ve talked to my team, no, it’s not possible now,’" the Russian president said. "You can ask him [Bill Clinton]. I think he will watch our interview, he’ll confirm it,” he added. “I wouldn’t have said anything like that if it hadn’t happened. Okay, well, it’s impossible now.” You tricked us, says Putin referring to the US Putin said that after the Soviet Union's fall, Russians anticipated being “welcomed into the brotherly family of civilized nations.” “Nothing like this happened. You tricked us,” Putin said while referring to the US. “The promise was that NATO would not expand eastward. But it happened five times. There were five waves of expansion,” he said. “We tolerated all that. We were trying to persuade them. We were saying, ‘Please don’t. We are as bourgeois now as you are. We are a market economy and there is no Communist Party power. Let’s negotiate'," said the Russian president. Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin gives interview to Tucker Carlson Giving reference to a historic address delivered by Russia’s first post-Soviet President Boris Yeltsin to Congress, in which he proclaimed “God Bless America", Putin said, “Everything he said were signals, let us in." If Clinton had said yes, the Russian president said, "the process of rapprochement would have commenced and eventually it might have happened if we had seen some sincere wish on the side of our partners." "But it didn’t happen. Well, no means no, okay, fine." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Putin tells Tucker Carlson Bill Clinton agreed that Russia could join NATO

The British Royal Navy's largest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth was pulled out from the biggest-ever NATO exercise since the Cold War. According to the UK Defence Ministry, last-minute checks found issues with its starboard propeller shaft, prompting the decision.

Gravitas | Britain's largest warship pulled out from biggest NATO drills since Cold War

Hungary is the only NATO member yet to approve Sweden's accession to the military alliance. Watch the video to know more.

Hungary's ruling party boycotts parliament session on Sweden's NATO bid

Will Hungary ratify Sweden's NATO bid?

Speaking in an interview with CNN, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Donald Trump's re-election would not jeopradise US' membership in NATO.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg says, 'US elections won't impact its NATO membership'

Speaking in an interview with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Donald Trump's re-election would not jeopardize US membership in the Defence Alliance.

NATO Chief: "US election won't impact its NATO membership"

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit NATO member Turkey to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 12. Putin’s visit will be his first to a NATO member since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian President Putin to visit NATO member Turkey on Feb 12

NATO should ‘Prepare for Russian missile strikes in Europe’. Alliance may have only three years before a possible offensive with Putin's forces targeting military infrastructure in Germany, senior generals warn. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says he fears the Ukrainian conflict will escalate into a third world war if Russian aggression is not contained with support from Kyiv’s western allies. Watch to know more!

Russian strikes threaten Europe, says NATO General | Will Putin attack NATO?

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO officials fear Russia's shift from Ukraine to Europe

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday that Ukraine’s gains over two years of fighting were all in doubt without new US funding, as NATO’s chief visited to lobby Congress.

Antony Blinken warns against stopping Ukraine aid

'Kyiv's gains will be in jeopardy without aid', says Antony Blinken

NATO alert on potential Russian strikes | German defence ministry mulls NATO war scenarios

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO urges investment in extra capacity to balance risks

Finns headed to the polls on Sunday (Jan 28) to elect a new president with two leading candidates representing the left and right wings of Finnish politics amid increased tensions between Finland and neighbouring Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>About the elections</h2>

The polls across the country opened at 9:00 am (local time) and will close at 8:00 pm (local time), while the results are expected a few hours later.&nbsp;

The election for the Nordic nation comes at an unprecedented time, with recently becoming a part of NATO and the closure of its eastern border with Russia, actions which would have been dismissed as an absurd thought a few years ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-youngest-nato-ally-seals-all-it-border-crossings-with-russia-664200">Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all its border crossings with Russia</a>

Unlike most European countries, the president of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security policy, including acting as the supreme commander of the country’s armed forces.&nbsp;

Therefore, the incoming president would shape foreign policy in collaboration with the government and would potentially change the geopolitical landscape of the Nordic nation by deciding on how to deal with countries like the United States, Russia and China.

Around 4.5 million citizens are eligible to vote in this presidential election and will head to the polls to choose their head of state from an array of nine candidates to replace incumbent President Sauli Niinisto, 75, who is required to step down after serving two six-year terms.&nbsp;

<h2>What about the candidates?</h2>

Two politicians are currently leading the race, former conservative Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, 55, and ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, 65, of the Green Party, who is running as an independent.

However, since both candidates are not expected to garner more than 50 per cent of the votes, the chances of Sunday’s vote being pushed into a run-off in February are said to be high.&nbsp;

According to recent polls, Right-wing National Coalition’s Stubb is expected to get 22 per cent to 27 per cent support in the first round, followed by Haavisto polling strongly on 20 per cent-23 per cent support, and Jussi Halla-aho from the far-right Finns Party at 18 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia factor</h2>

The relations between Finland and Russia have significantly deteriorated following Moscow’s invasion of Kyiv in 2022. The war also prompted Helsinki to drop decades of military non-alignment and join NATO in April 2023.&nbsp;

In August 2023, Finland observed an influx of migrants entering through its eastern border without visas and accused Russia of pushing its migrants in a hybrid attack to destabilise it.&nbsp;

Notably, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-fighters-move-closer-to-poland-border-could-pose-as-migrants-to-enter-eu-warns-polish-pm-620670">similar allegations</a> against Moscow were made by Poland, which has also ramped up security along its border with Russia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-warns-of-problems-with-finland-after-nato-membership-670665">Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of 'problems' with Finland after NATO membership</a>

Finland, which had maintained good relations with Moscow in the post-Cold War period, closed the eastern border in November amid security concerns. The border closure and Helsinki’s NATO membership&nbsp;prompted&nbsp;Moscow to warn the Nordic nation of “counter measures”.&nbsp;

The incumbent president, whose second and last term ends in March, once prided himself on his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin before becoming one of his most staunch critics.&nbsp;

Both frontrunners in the elections have championed Finland’s independence and its new role as a NATO member, while all nine have promised to take a tough stance toward Russia.&nbsp;

If there is no clear majority following Sunday’s vote, a second voting round will be held on February 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Finns headed to the polls on Sunday (Jan 28) to elect a new president with two leading candidates representing the left and right wings of Finnish politics amid increased tensions between Finland and neighbouring Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.

Finns headed to the polls on Sunday (Jan 28) to elect a new president with two leading candidates representing the left and right wings of Finnish politics amid increased tensions between Finland and neighbouring Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. About the elections The polls across the country opened at 9:00 am (local time) and will close at 8:00 pm (local time), while the results are expected a few hours later. The election for the Nordic nation comes at an unprecedented time, with recently becoming a part of NATO and the closure of its eastern border with Russia, actions which would have been dismissed as an absurd thought a few years ago. ALSO READ | Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all its border crossings with Russia Unlike most European countries, the president of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security policy, including acting as the supreme commander of the country’s armed forces. Therefore, the incoming president would shape foreign policy in collaboration with the government and would potentially change the geopolitical landscape of the Nordic nation by deciding on how to deal with countries like the United States, Russia and China. Around 4.5 million citizens are eligible to vote in this presidential election and will head to the polls to choose their head of state from an array of nine candidates to replace incumbent President Sauli Niinisto, 75, who is required to step down after serving two six-year terms. What about the candidates? Two politicians are currently leading the race, former conservative Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, 55, and ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, 65, of the Green Party, who is running as an independent. However, since both candidates are not expected to garner more than 50 per cent of the votes, the chances of Sunday’s vote being pushed into a run-off in February are said to be high. According to recent polls, Right-wing National Coalition’s Stubb is expected to get 22 per cent to 27 per cent support in the first round, followed by Haavisto polling strongly on 20 per cent-23 per cent support, and Jussi Halla-aho from the far-right Finns Party at 18 per cent. Russia factor The relations between Finland and Russia have significantly deteriorated following Moscow’s invasion of Kyiv in 2022. The war also prompted Helsinki to drop decades of military non-alignment and join NATO in April 2023. In August 2023, Finland observed an influx of migrants entering through its eastern border without visas and accused Russia of pushing its migrants in a hybrid attack to destabilise it. Notably, similar allegations against Moscow were made by Poland, which has also ramped up security along its border with Russia. ALSO READ | Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of 'problems' with Finland after NATO membership Finland, which had maintained good relations with Moscow in the post-Cold War period, closed the eastern border in November amid security concerns. The border closure and Helsinki’s NATO membership prompted Moscow to warn the Nordic nation of “counter measures”. The incumbent president, whose second and last term ends in March, once prided himself on his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin before becoming one of his most staunch critics. Both frontrunners in the elections have championed Finland’s independence and its new role as a NATO member, while all nine have promised to take a tough stance toward Russia. If there is no clear majority following Sunday’s vote, a second voting round will be held on February 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Finland elections: Finns head to polls in tight presidential race, amid Russia tensions

The primary reason why Russia attacked Ukraine was for its wish to join NATO. But it seems President Putin might be opening up to this idea. He is testing the waters with the U.S. To engage in peace talks.

Gravitas: Is the war in Ukraine winding down?

Turkey's parliament has approved Sweden's NATO membership bid after more than four hours of debates. Turkish lawmakers ratified Sweden's accession protocol by 287 votes to 55 votes now this ends the 20 month long delay that had frustrated Turkey's Western allies.

Sweden finally overcomes NATO roadblock as Turkish Parliament approves NATO bid

Days after the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US is "always open" to talks with Russia, it has emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly looking for ways to engage with the United States.&nbsp;

Blinken on Jan 17 had said that while Washington is always open for talks, "in this moment", he doesn't see it happening.

"There has to be a willingness on the part of Russia to engage, to negotiate in good faith, based on the basic principles that have been challenged by its aggression — territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence," Blinken said.

According to a&nbsp;Bloomberg report that cited&nbsp;two people close to the Kremlin, Putin has indicated to Washington through indirect channels that he is open to discussions, which&nbsp;may potentially include future security arrangements for Ukraine.

Also watch |&nbsp;UNSC Meet: Sergey Lavrov rules out peace plans supported by Kyiv and West

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As the Russia-Ukraine war heads into its third year, the US officials that Bloomberg cited said they are not aware of Moscow's supposed overtures for a conclusive end of the war in Ukraine.

<h2>Russia's past efforts to end war in Ukraine</h2>

In June 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Moscow to end the ongoing war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' shortly after that in the spring of 2022, during the initial weeks of war in Ukraine.

Putin's comments came during a meeting with the leaders of African Union spearheaded by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at St. Petersberg's historic Konstantinovsky Palace in June 2023.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history'</a>

Turkey hosted a series of negotiations starting in the spring of 2022 to help develop "trust" between the two warring sides.

Ukraine under President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to recapture lost territories and has expressed unwillingness to end the war with nothing short of full withdrawal by Russian forces as per the status quo before February 2022.&nbsp;

<h2>What amends Putin is reportedly willing to make for peace this time?</h2>

Putin, according to Kremlin insiders cited by Bloomberg, may be willing to consider dropping an insistence on neutral status for Ukraine and "even ultimately abandon opposition to eventual NATO membership". This, the report added, may potentially come once Ukraine gives up the claim on Ukrainian land captured by Russian forces since February 2022.&nbsp;

In a televised address right before launching war on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin had reasoned NATO's eastward expansion towards Russian borders as one of the defining reasons behind Moscow's&nbsp;offensive in Ukraine.

"We are unaware of the shifts in Russia’s position described," US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said.&nbsp;

"It will be up to Ukraine to decide whether, when, and how to negotiate with Russia." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Days after the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US is "always open" to talks with Russia, it has emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly looking for ways to engage with the United States.

Days after the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US is "always open" to talks with Russia, it has emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly looking for ways to engage with the United States. Blinken on Jan 17 had said that while Washington is always open for talks, "in this moment", he doesn't see it happening. "There has to be a willingness on the part of Russia to engage, to negotiate in good faith, based on the basic principles that have been challenged by its aggression — territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence," Blinken said. According to a Bloomberg report that cited two people close to the Kremlin, Putin has indicated to Washington through indirect channels that he is open to discussions, which may potentially include future security arrangements for Ukraine. Also watch | UNSC Meet: Sergey Lavrov rules out peace plans supported by Kyiv and West × As the Russia-Ukraine war heads into its third year, the US officials that Bloomberg cited said they are not aware of Moscow's supposed overtures for a conclusive end of the war in Ukraine. Russia's past efforts to end war in Ukraine In June 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Moscow to end the ongoing war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' shortly after that in the spring of 2022, during the initial weeks of war in Ukraine. Putin's comments came during a meeting with the leaders of African Union spearheaded by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at St. Petersberg's historic Konstantinovsky Palace in June 2023. Also read | Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history' Turkey hosted a series of negotiations starting in the spring of 2022 to help develop "trust" between the two warring sides. Ukraine under President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to recapture lost territories and has expressed unwillingness to end the war with nothing short of full withdrawal by Russian forces as per the status quo before February 2022. What amends Putin is reportedly willing to make for peace this time? Putin, according to Kremlin insiders cited by Bloomberg, may be willing to consider dropping an insistence on neutral status for Ukraine and "even ultimately abandon opposition to eventual NATO membership". This, the report added, may potentially come once Ukraine gives up the claim on Ukrainian land captured by Russian forces since February 2022. In a televised address right before launching war on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin had reasoned NATO's eastward expansion towards Russian borders as one of the defining reasons behind Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. "We are unaware of the shifts in Russia’s position described," US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said. "It will be up to Ukraine to decide whether, when, and how to negotiate with Russia." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Putin willing to let Ukraine join NATO? New report indicates renewed peace effort

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