Russian President Vladimir Putin is hinting at restarting negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine war through secret indirect channels. As per reports citing sources Russia has sent signals to United States through back channels that it may be willing to consider dropping its insistence on Ukraine's neutrality and also ultimately abandon opposition to its eventual NATO membership.

US-Russia secret back channel talks? | Talks to agree on security guarantees: Reports

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.

Turkey ratifies Sweden's NATO membership

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<p>The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its biggest military exercise in decades on Wednesday (Jan 24). In a statement, NATO said, "Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic."</p>

<p>"The departure of USS Gunston Hall marks the first tactical movement of Steadfast Defender 24. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown, will depart Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada for Europe later this month," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 90,000 troops from member states are participating in the exercise that will run through May.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A rapid deployment of forces</strong></h2>

<p>NATO said on Wednesday that Steadfast Defender 24 would highlight the intergovernmental military organisation's ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the alliance to reinforce the defence of Europe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-signs-11-billion-euro-contract-for-155mm-artillery-ammunition-682969">NATO signs 1.1 billion euro contract for 155mm artillery ammunition</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 50 ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers are taking part in the drills, including over 80 fighter jets, helicopters and drones. At least 1,100 combat vehicles including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles have been deployed.</p>

<p>Steadfast Defender 24 comes amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which will soon enter its third year. A top document by NATO had identified Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the alliance's security.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Irrevocable return of NATO to Cold War schemes'</strong></h2>

<p>Last Sunday (Jan 21), Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Steadfast Defender 24 marked an irrevocable return of the alliance to Cold War schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations</strong></p>

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<p>"These exercises are another element of the hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia," Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko told the RIA news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An exercise of this scale ... marks the final and irrevocable return of NATO to the Cold War schemes, when the military planning process, resources and infrastructure are being prepared for confrontation with Russia," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its biggest military exercise in decades on Wednesday (Jan 24). In a statement, NATO said, "Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its biggest military exercise in decades on Wednesday (Jan 24). In a statement, NATO said, "Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic." "The departure of USS Gunston Hall marks the first tactical movement of Steadfast Defender 24. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown, will depart Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada for Europe later this month," the statement said. Around 90,000 troops from member states are participating in the exercise that will run through May. A rapid deployment of forces NATO said on Wednesday that Steadfast Defender 24 would highlight the intergovernmental military organisation's ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the alliance to reinforce the defence of Europe. Also read | NATO signs 1.1 billion euro contract for 155mm artillery ammunition Over 50 ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers are taking part in the drills, including over 80 fighter jets, helicopters and drones. At least 1,100 combat vehicles including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles have been deployed. Steadfast Defender 24 comes amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which will soon enter its third year. A top document by NATO had identified Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the alliance's security. 'Irrevocable return of NATO to Cold War schemes' Last Sunday (Jan 21), Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Steadfast Defender 24 marked an irrevocable return of the alliance to Cold War schemes. Also watch | NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations × "These exercises are another element of the hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia," Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko told the RIA news agency. "An exercise of this scale ... marks the final and irrevocable return of NATO to the Cold War schemes, when the military planning process, resources and infrastructure are being prepared for confrontation with Russia," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Steadfast Defender 24 : NATO begins its biggest military exercise in decades

<p>NATO&nbsp;signed a 1.1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) contract for hundreds of thousands of 155mm artillery rounds on Tuesday, some of which will be supplied to Ukraine after Kyiv complained of ammunition shortages.</p>

<p>"The war in Ukraine has become a battle of ammunition,"&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters after a signing ceremony at the Western military alliance's headquarters in Brussels.</p>

<p>Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said last week a shortage of ammunition, which he described as "shell hunger", was a big problem for Kyiv's troops nearly two years after Russia's full-scale invasion.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) struck the deal on behalf of several allies who will either pass on the shells to Ukraine or use them to stock up their own depleted inventories.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;official identified the buyers as Belgium, Lithuania and Spain, which pooled together to benefit from the lower prices ensured by buying in bulk.</p>

<p>The contract is likely to yield about 220,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, with the first deliveries expected at the end of 2025, the official told Reuters.</p>

<p>The shells will be supplied by French arms maker Nexter and Germany's Junghans, according to an industry source.</p>

<p>Since&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;began a programme to address shortfalls in allies' military stocks last July, the NSPA has agreed deals worth some $10 billion (9.19 billion euros), Stoltenberg said. This included artillery and tank shells, and Patriot air defence missiles.</p>

<p>At a meeting in February,&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;defence ministers are set to discuss other ways to step up industrial production which the&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;chief described as absolutely necessary to enable continued Western support for Kyiv.</p>


NATO signed a 1.1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) contract for hundreds of thousands of 155mm artillery rounds on Tuesday, some of which will be supplied to Ukraine after Kyiv complained of ammunition shortages.

NATO signed a 1.1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) contract for hundreds of thousands of 155mm artillery rounds on Tuesday, some of which will be supplied to Ukraine after Kyiv complained of ammunition shortages. "The war in Ukraine has become a battle of ammunition," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters after a signing ceremony at the Western military alliance's headquarters in Brussels. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said last week a shortage of ammunition, which he described as "shell hunger", was a big problem for Kyiv's troops nearly two years after Russia's full-scale invasion. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) struck the deal on behalf of several allies who will either pass on the shells to Ukraine or use them to stock up their own depleted inventories. A NATO official identified the buyers as Belgium, Lithuania and Spain, which pooled together to benefit from the lower prices ensured by buying in bulk. The contract is likely to yield about 220,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, with the first deliveries expected at the end of 2025, the official told Reuters. The shells will be supplied by French arms maker Nexter and Germany's Junghans, according to an industry source. Since NATO began a programme to address shortfalls in allies' military stocks last July, the NSPA has agreed deals worth some $10 billion (9.19 billion euros), Stoltenberg said. This included artillery and tank shells, and Patriot air defence missiles. At a meeting in February, NATO defence ministers are set to discuss other ways to step up industrial production which the NATO chief described as absolutely necessary to enable continued Western support for Kyiv.

NATO signs 1.1 billion euro contract for 155mm artillery ammunition

Turkey's parliament has approved Sweden's NATO membership bid after more than four hours of debates.

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO bid

<p>The Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Jan 23) gave its long-awaited approval to Sweden's NATO membership, pushing the Nordic country significantly closer to the Western military alliance. Hungary is the only other NATO country left to ratify the Swedish membership bid.<br />
<br />
Three months after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a bill which approved Sweden's membership to parliament, the country's MPs voted in favour of ratification late on Tuesday night.</p>

<p>After a four-hour-long debate, 287 lawmakers voted in favour of Sweden's NATO membership, while 55 voted against it. Sweden is now likely to become the 32nd member of the alliance. The Turkish president is likely to sign the ratification document of Sweden and conclude the role of Ankara in the protracted saga in the days ahead.</p>

<p>Taking to social media after the voting, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO Positive that the Grand General Assembly of Turkey has voted in favour of Sweden’s Nato accession.”</p>

<p>Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that the vote was “of course good”, but added that the government is now waiting for Erdogan to sign the ratification and send it on. “Of course, we are not finished with the process until it has happened, on the Turkish side,” he said while speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/turkeys-first-astronaut-launched-on-flight-to-international-space-station-681841">Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station</a></p>

<p>NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the approval of Turkey and appealed to Hungary to do the same, appealing Budapest to "complete its national ratification as soon as possible". He added, “Sweden’s membership makes NATO stronger and us all safer.”</p>

<p>The United States further appreciated the approval granted by the Turkish parliament, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating on social media that the addition of Sweden to NATO is set to make the alliance "safer and stronger".</p>

<h2><strong>Hungary PM says 'reaffirmed' support to Sweden membership</strong></h2>

<p>Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Wednesday that he 'reaffirmed' his country's support to Sweden's NATO membership in a phone call with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.</p>

<p>"I reaffirmed that the Hungarian government supports the NATO membership of Sweden," Orban wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<p>"I also stressed that we will continue to urge the Hungarian National Assembly to vote in favour of Sweden's accession and conclude the ratification at the first possible opportunity," he added.</p>

<p>Hungary is the last holdout to Sweden's bid to join NATO. Verbal reaffirmation of support may not necessarily indicate that hightly technical, formal process of official ratification will move forward swiftly.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Turkey</strong></p>

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<p>Sweden applied to join NATO membership in May 2022, marking a major shift in its security policy after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Finland had also applied for NATO membership around the same time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congratulating Sweden, Finland's outgoing president Sauli Niinisto wrote on X, “I am very glad of the Turkish parliament’s vote to ratify Sweden’s Nato membership. Sweden’s membership will improve security in the Baltic region and make the whole alliance stronger. When Sweden is a member, Finland’s membership will also be completed.”</p>

<p>Hungary’s government had submitted the application for ratifying Sweden's membership in parliament in 2022, however, a final vote has been delayed repeatedly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Jan 23) gave its long-awaited approval to Sweden's NATO membership, pushing the Nordic country significantly closer to the Western military alliance.

The Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Jan 23) gave its long-awaited approval to Sweden's NATO membership, pushing the Nordic country significantly closer to the Western military alliance. Hungary is the only other NATO country left to ratify the Swedish membership bid. Three months after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a bill which approved Sweden's membership to parliament, the country's MPs voted in favour of ratification late on Tuesday night. After a four-hour-long debate, 287 lawmakers voted in favour of Sweden's NATO membership, while 55 voted against it. Sweden is now likely to become the 32nd member of the alliance. The Turkish president is likely to sign the ratification document of Sweden and conclude the role of Ankara in the protracted saga in the days ahead. Taking to social media after the voting, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO Positive that the Grand General Assembly of Turkey has voted in favour of Sweden’s Nato accession.” Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that the vote was “of course good”, but added that the government is now waiting for Erdogan to sign the ratification and send it on. “Of course, we are not finished with the process until it has happened, on the Turkish side,” he said while speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT. Also read: Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the approval of Turkey and appealed to Hungary to do the same, appealing Budapest to "complete its national ratification as soon as possible". He added, “Sweden’s membership makes NATO stronger and us all safer.” The United States further appreciated the approval granted by the Turkish parliament, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating on social media that the addition of Sweden to NATO is set to make the alliance "safer and stronger". Hungary PM says 'reaffirmed' support to Sweden membership Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Wednesday that he 'reaffirmed' his country's support to Sweden's NATO membership in a phone call with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. "I reaffirmed that the Hungarian government supports the NATO membership of Sweden," Orban wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "I also stressed that we will continue to urge the Hungarian National Assembly to vote in favour of Sweden's accession and conclude the ratification at the first possible opportunity," he added. Hungary is the last holdout to Sweden's bid to join NATO. Verbal reaffirmation of support may not necessarily indicate that hightly technical, formal process of official ratification will move forward swiftly. Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Turkey Sweden applied to join NATO membership in May 2022, marking a major shift in its security policy after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Finland had also applied for NATO membership around the same time. Congratulating Sweden, Finland's outgoing president Sauli Niinisto wrote on X, “I am very glad of the Turkish parliament’s vote to ratify Sweden’s Nato membership. Sweden’s membership will improve security in the Baltic region and make the whole alliance stronger. When Sweden is a member, Finland’s membership will also be completed.” Hungary’s government had submitted the application for ratifying Sweden's membership in parliament in 2022, however, a final vote has been delayed repeatedly. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey ratifies Sweden's much-delayed NATO bid, ball now in Hungary's court

Sweden finally overcomes NATO roadblock as Turkish Parliament approves NATO bid

Sweden finally approves overcomes NATO roadblock with the help of Turkey

On the other war front, the Ukraine-Russia conflict is nearing the two-year mark, but Moscow is no mood to relent. It continues to pound Ukraine. While Zelensky's appetite for weapons keeps on increasing. NATO has now signed a $1.2-billion contract to make tens of thousands of artillery rounds and replenish dwindling stocks of member countries.

Russia-Ukraine war: Europe is running out of weapons

NATO announced that it would begin its largest military exercise- Steadfast Defender 2024 next week, involving 90,000 troops and testing the allies' ability over months to engage in a conflict with an adversary like Russia.

NATO to launch largest drills since cold war

NATO announced Thursday that it would begin its largest military exercise- Steadfast Defender 2024 next week, involving 90,000 troops and testing the allies' ability over months to engage in a conflict with an adversary like Russia.

NATO's biggest military exercise after cold war with 90,000 troops

NATO is launching its largest exercise since the Cold War, rehearsing how U.S. troops could reinforce European allies in countries bordering Russia and on the alliance's eastern flank if a conflict were to flare up with a "near-peer" adversary.

NATO to hold biggest drills since Cold War with 90,000 troops

NATO's Biggest Military Exercise: Steadfast defender 2024 drills

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<p>The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will launch its biggest military exercises in decades from next week, top officials said in a press conference on Thursday (Jan 18). According to NATO, the exercises - dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 - will show that the inter-governmental military alliance can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometres, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe.</p>

<p>Troops will be moving to and through Europe until the end of May. Speaking to reporters, US General Christopher Cavoli said, “The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transatlantic movement of forces from North America.” Cavoli added that the alliance would also demonstrate our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other."</p>

<h2><strong>90,000 personnel to take part in war games</strong></h2>

<p>According to NATO officials, around 90,000 military personnel (of the alliance's member states) will take part in the months-long exercises. The wargames are aimed at showing that NATO can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-claims-russian-missile-briefly-entered-its-airspace-674789">NATO member Poland claims Russian missile briefly entered its airspace</a></strong></p>

<p>NATO is not directly involved in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, except by supplying Kyiv with non-lethal support. However, many member states of the alliance, including the United States, have been sending weapons and ammunition, and providing military training.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, NATO had beefed up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;before the war started in Feb 2022. Steadfast Defender 24 is meant to deter Russia from targeting a NATO member.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations</strong></p>

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<p>In Thursday's press conference, the chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer said, "It's a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean from the US to Europe."</p>

<p>Sweden, which is expected to join the alliance this year, will also take part.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will launch its biggest military exercises in decades from next week, top officials said in a press conference on Thursday (Jan 18).

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will launch its biggest military exercises in decades from next week, top officials said in a press conference on Thursday (Jan 18). According to NATO, the exercises - dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 - will show that the inter-governmental military alliance can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometres, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe. Troops will be moving to and through Europe until the end of May. Speaking to reporters, US General Christopher Cavoli said, “The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transatlantic movement of forces from North America.” Cavoli added that the alliance would also demonstrate our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other." 90,000 personnel to take part in war games According to NATO officials, around 90,000 military personnel (of the alliance's member states) will take part in the months-long exercises. The wargames are aimed at showing that NATO can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia. Also read: NATO member Poland claims Russian missile briefly entered its airspace NATO is not directly involved in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, except by supplying Kyiv with non-lethal support. However, many member states of the alliance, including the United States, have been sending weapons and ammunition, and providing military training. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, NATO had beefed up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine before the war started in Feb 2022. Steadfast Defender 24 is meant to deter Russia from targeting a NATO member. Also watch | NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations × In Thursday's press conference, the chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer said, "It's a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean from the US to Europe." Sweden, which is expected to join the alliance this year, will also take part. (With inputs from agencies)

NAṬO to launch its biggest military exercises in decades

NATO's Biggest Military Exercise: Know who will participate, major locations

The crisis in West Asia is spiralling out of control. On one hand, Iran has launched 'revenge strikes' on targets in Iraqi Kurdistan and Syria. On the other hand, Yemeni Houthis have vowed to escalate their fight against Israel, and the U.S. Meanwhile, a leaked document from the German foreign ministry reveals NATO's doomsday plan in case Russia plans to escalate the Ukraine war. In light of these developments, one can't help but wonder, is the world heading towards World War 3?

Gravitas | Russia, Ukraine, to West Asia Crisis: Is this the beginning of World War III?

<p>The British defence ministry said on Monday (Jan 15) that the United Kingdom will commit 20,000 military personnel to serve across Europe in one of NATO's largest military exercises since the Cold War.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grant Shapps, the UK's defence secretary, will announce the deployment of army, naval, and RAF personnel to the 31-nation drill throughout Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The excerpts of the speech, due to be delivered later on Monday at Lancaster House, were published by the defence ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It revealed that the deployment includes 16,000 British army troops who will be based in Eastern Europe from February to June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also includes an aircraft carrier strike group and F35B Lightning attack jets and surveillance planes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-it-shot-down-anti-ship-cruise-missile-from-houthi-area-of-yemen-targeting-uss-laboon-679991">US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen targeting USS Laboon</a></strong></p>

<p>"I can announce today that the UK will be sending some 20,000 personnel to take part in one of NATO's largest deployments since the end of the Cold War," Shapps will say according to the excerpts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO increased the number of combat-ready forces after Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to invade Ukraine about two years ago. The nation has continued to provide military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It will see our military joining forces with counterparts from 30 NATO countries plus Sweden, providing vital reassurance against the Putin menace," Shapps said about the exercise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed last week that Britain will enhance its help for Ukraine to 2.5 billion pounds ($3.19 billion) in the coming fiscal year, up 200 million pounds from the previous two years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/red-sea-attacks-spark-global-inflation-fears-disrupting-supply-chains-680168">Red Sea attacks spark global inflation fears, disrupting supply chains</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK backing anti-India secessionist elements?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Strikes against Houthis</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Britain said that it will "wait and see" before deciding to launch fresh military strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen in order to protect international shipping, Shapps said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked whether or not Britain would carry out more strikes, Shapps told Sky News, "Let's wait and see what happens, because it's not that we want to be involved in action in the Red Sea. But ultimately freedom of navigation is an international right that must be protected."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain took part in US-led air strikes against Houthi troops in Yemen last Thursday in retaliation for months of attacks on Red Sea shipping but did not participate the next day when US forces carried out another hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The British defence ministry said on Monday (Jan 15) that the United Kingdom will commit 20,000 military personnel to serve across Europe in one of NATO's largest military exercises since the Cold War.

The British defence ministry said on Monday (Jan 15) that the United Kingdom will commit 20,000 military personnel to serve across Europe in one of NATO's largest military exercises since the Cold War. Grant Shapps, the UK's defence secretary, will announce the deployment of army, naval, and RAF personnel to the 31-nation drill throughout Europe. The excerpts of the speech, due to be delivered later on Monday at Lancaster House, were published by the defence ministry. It revealed that the deployment includes 16,000 British army troops who will be based in Eastern Europe from February to June. It also includes an aircraft carrier strike group and F35B Lightning attack jets and surveillance planes. Also read: US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen targeting USS Laboon "I can announce today that the UK will be sending some 20,000 personnel to take part in one of NATO's largest deployments since the end of the Cold War," Shapps will say according to the excerpts. NATO increased the number of combat-ready forces after Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to invade Ukraine about two years ago. The nation has continued to provide military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Kyiv. "It will see our military joining forces with counterparts from 30 NATO countries plus Sweden, providing vital reassurance against the Putin menace," Shapps said about the exercise. This comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed last week that Britain will enhance its help for Ukraine to 2.5 billion pounds ($3.19 billion) in the coming fiscal year, up 200 million pounds from the previous two years. Also read: Red Sea attacks spark global inflation fears, disrupting supply chains Watch: UK backing anti-India secessionist elements? × Strikes against Houthis Britain said that it will "wait and see" before deciding to launch fresh military strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen in order to protect international shipping, Shapps said on Monday. On being asked whether or not Britain would carry out more strikes, Shapps told Sky News, "Let's wait and see what happens, because it's not that we want to be involved in action in the Red Sea. But ultimately freedom of navigation is an international right that must be protected." Britain took part in US-led air strikes against Houthi troops in Yemen last Thursday in retaliation for months of attacks on Red Sea shipping but did not participate the next day when US forces carried out another hit. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to send 20,000 service personnel for NATO’s military exercises

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: Russian shelling in southern Ukraine kills 2, several injured. Ukrainian Air Force shoots down 21 drones. Watch the video to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Japan pledges $37 million to NATO fund for drone detection system

<p>A key parliamentary committee of the Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Dec 26) gave its seal of approval for Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Association (NATO) following months of delays. This represents the clearing of another hurdle in the way Sweden's application to join the alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Inclusion of new members in the NATO requires approval of all existing members and Sweden's bid encountered significant delays due to opposition from Turkey and Hungary. The process faced further complications as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked Sweden's inclusion to Turkey's request for F-16 fighter jets from the United States.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Following the invasion, Sweden and Finland moved away from their decades-old stand of military non-alignment and applied to join NATO.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey intensifies airstrikes against Kurdish groups in Syria, Northern Iraq</strong></p>

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<p>All NATO members other than Turkey and Hungary approved the request. Both the countries eventually relented over Finland and it joined the alliance in April this year. Finland became 31st member of NATO.</p>

<p>Turkey and Hungary are yet to ratify Sweden's bid even 19 months after its initial application.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/turkey-luxury-cars-seized-from-criminal-gangs-turned-into-traffic-police-vehicles-673743">Turkey: Luxury cars seized from criminal gangs turned into traffic police vehicles</a></strong></p>

<p>Sweden's application has now been approved by Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee.</p>

<p>"The protocol (on Sweden's NATO accession) passed the committee," opposition CHP party lawmaker Utku Cakirozer, a member of the foreign affairs committee, told AFP after the vote. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-eight-civilians-killed-after-turkish-strikes-on-syria-673699">At least eight civilians killed after Turkish strikes on Syria</a></strong></p>

<p>Next step is the parliament vote on the measure. Erdogan's ruling alliance has a majority in the Turkish parliament. It was not immediately declared when will the full parliament hold its vote.</p>

<h2><strong>The holdup</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey for long had been saying that Sweden was not taking adequate measures against pro-Kurdistan elements in Sweden which Turkey calls terrorists.</p>

<p>After Stockholm's crackdown on these groups, Erdogan lifted his objections in July.</p>

<p>NATO members have increased pressure on Turkey to fast-track the process of final approval. France has also said that credibility of the alliance was "at stake"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A key parliamentary committee of the Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Dec 26) gave its seal of approval for Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Association (NATO) following months of delays.

A key parliamentary committee of the Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Dec 26) gave its seal of approval for Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Association (NATO) following months of delays. This represents the clearing of another hurdle in the way Sweden's application to join the alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Inclusion of new members in the NATO requires approval of all existing members and Sweden's bid encountered significant delays due to opposition from Turkey and Hungary. The process faced further complications as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked Sweden's inclusion to Turkey's request for F-16 fighter jets from the United States. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Following the invasion, Sweden and Finland moved away from their decades-old stand of military non-alignment and applied to join NATO. Watch | Turkey intensifies airstrikes against Kurdish groups in Syria, Northern Iraq × All NATO members other than Turkey and Hungary approved the request. Both the countries eventually relented over Finland and it joined the alliance in April this year. Finland became 31st member of NATO. Turkey and Hungary are yet to ratify Sweden's bid even 19 months after its initial application. Also Read | Turkey: Luxury cars seized from criminal gangs turned into traffic police vehicles Sweden's application has now been approved by Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee. "The protocol (on Sweden's NATO accession) passed the committee," opposition CHP party lawmaker Utku Cakirozer, a member of the foreign affairs committee, told AFP after the vote. Also Read | At least eight civilians killed after Turkish strikes on Syria Next step is the parliament vote on the measure. Erdogan's ruling alliance has a majority in the Turkish parliament. It was not immediately declared when will the full parliament hold its vote. The holdup Turkey for long had been saying that Sweden was not taking adequate measures against pro-Kurdistan elements in Sweden which Turkey calls terrorists. After Stockholm's crackdown on these groups, Erdogan lifted his objections in July. NATO members have increased pressure on Turkey to fast-track the process of final approval. France has also said that credibility of the alliance was "at stake" (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish parliamentary committee greenlights Sweden’s NATO bid

Sweden is now one step closer to joining NATO, this is after a lot of delay. Member Turkey is now moving ahead to ractify its bid to join its military alliance.

Sweden edges closer to joining NATO, Turkey objects Sweden's bid | World DNA | WION

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission approved Sweden's NATO membership bid on Tuesday in a key step towards enlarging the Western bloc after 19 months of delays in which Ankara demanded security-related concessions from Stockholm.

Sweden edges closer to NATO after vote in Turkish parliamentary commission

After blocking Sweden's NATO bid, Turkey Parliament panel approves bid

It looks like NATO is very interested in extending its strategic influence, all the way to Asia. The major player in this Asian NATO, if you will, is Japan. Over the weekend, North Korea conducted back-to-back missile tests, capable of hitting the United States of America. Amid threats from China, North Korea and Russia, NATO members have sought to forge closer ties with its Asian allies.

Gravitas: China, N. Korea bonhomie worries NATO | North Atlantic-Pacific Treaty Organisation soon?

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