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.

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?

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview on Sunday (Dec 17), warned of problems with neighbouring country Finland after it joined NATO earlier this year.

Putin said that Moscow, in response, will create a new military district in the northwest part of Russia.

"They (the West) dragged Finland into NATO. Did we have any disputes with them? All disputes, including territorial ones in the mid-20th century, have long been solved," Putin told a state TV reporter.&nbsp;

"There were no problems there, now there will be, because we will create the Leningrad military district and concentrate a certain amount of military units there."

Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border with Russia, joined NATO in April this year amid Moscow's Ukraine offensive.&nbsp;

Putin's remarks come after Finland, again this week, shut its border with Russia, condemning it for staging a migrant crisis on its border.&nbsp;

Moscow has forewarned of counter-measures in retaliation to Helsinki's NATO accession.&nbsp;

Putin also said that Russia had no reason to be at war with NATO countries after United States President Joe Biden said that Moscow "won't stop" in Ukraine if it is successful there.&nbsp;

"It is rhetoric to justify false policy on Russia," Putin said.&nbsp;

He said Moscow had "no interest, either in geopolitical, economic or military terms, to fight with NATO countries."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-projectile-says-south-korea-670644">North Korea fires ballistic projectile, says South Korea</a>

The Kremlin's Ukraine campaign has rekindled fears of Russian aggression in the eastern side of NATO.&nbsp;

<h2>Finland again shut Russian border</h2>

Finland's interior minister on Thursday (Dec 14) announced that the country would again shut its border with Russia after a spike in migrant crossings that Helsinki dubbed as Moscow's hybrid attack.

Two border crossing points in southeastern Finland were opened overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.

The Finnish border guard said Thursday that at least 40 people had crossed into Finland to seek asylum since the border was opened.

"The number of migrants increased rapidly and the phenomenon accelerated faster than expected," Rantanen said.

Arthur Parfenchikov, the governor of Karelia, the Russian region bordering Finland, said Thursday on X, that "there are groups of migrants among the people wishing to cross the border."

"The others are allowed to pass through the checkpoint in small groups," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview on Sunday (Dec 17), warned of problems with neighbouring country Finland after it joined NATO earlier this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview on Sunday (Dec 17), warned of problems with neighbouring country Finland after it joined NATO earlier this year. Putin said that Moscow, in response, will create a new military district in the northwest part of Russia. "They (the West) dragged Finland into NATO. Did we have any disputes with them? All disputes, including territorial ones in the mid-20th century, have long been solved," Putin told a state TV reporter. "There were no problems there, now there will be, because we will create the Leningrad military district and concentrate a certain amount of military units there." Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border with Russia, joined NATO in April this year amid Moscow's Ukraine offensive. Putin's remarks come after Finland, again this week, shut its border with Russia, condemning it for staging a migrant crisis on its border. Moscow has forewarned of counter-measures in retaliation to Helsinki's NATO accession. Putin also said that Russia had no reason to be at war with NATO countries after United States President Joe Biden said that Moscow "won't stop" in Ukraine if it is successful there. "It is rhetoric to justify false policy on Russia," Putin said. He said Moscow had "no interest, either in geopolitical, economic or military terms, to fight with NATO countries." Also read: North Korea fires ballistic projectile, says South Korea The Kremlin's Ukraine campaign has rekindled fears of Russian aggression in the eastern side of NATO. Finland again shut Russian border Finland's interior minister on Thursday (Dec 14) announced that the country would again shut its border with Russia after a spike in migrant crossings that Helsinki dubbed as Moscow's hybrid attack. Two border crossing points in southeastern Finland were opened overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. The Finnish border guard said Thursday that at least 40 people had crossed into Finland to seek asylum since the border was opened. "The number of migrants increased rapidly and the phenomenon accelerated faster than expected," Rantanen said. Arthur Parfenchikov, the governor of Karelia, the Russian region bordering Finland, said Thursday on X, that "there are groups of migrants among the people wishing to cross the border." "The others are allowed to pass through the checkpoint in small groups," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of 'problems' with Finland after NATO membership

Militaries account for 5.5% of global emissions. But when it comes to disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, militaries are let off the hook. NATO hasn't offered any transparency on how it plans to cut its emissions. When will it be held accountable?

Gravitas | Military's devastating carbon footprint

Gen Z have come up with a new dating term called 'Nato Dating'. Gone are the days when people chased their happily ever afters. The current generation is less concerned about where their relationship might eventually lead.

Nato Dating: A new dating trend in town

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in Israel this week, where he says he will work to help prolong a cease-fire so more hostages can be released and more humanitarian aid can be delivered to Gaza. At the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Blinken tried to reassure allies of continued U.S. support for Ukraine as Kyiv prepares for another winter of fighting. U.S. President Joe Biden will not be attending this week’s 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP 28.

Blinken's Israel visit | Blinken reassures NATO on Ukraine

Russia's invasion of Ukraine shook the world in February 2022. Political and military arenas felt the weight of history as forces of a former superpower crossed borders to wage a war many thought would be over within weeks given Russia's more than decisive superiority over Ukraine in military might. The invasion suddenly brought the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) into focus and made European countries closer to Russia rethink their decades-old stance of military neutrality.

Sweden and Finland were among these nations. After Russian troops began their clash with Ukrainian forces, Sweden and Finland promptly applied for membership in NATO.

Why?

Because NATO was a guarantee of security, at least on paper, against external aggression. An attack on one NATO country is considered an attack against all. So at least in theory, the aggressor against a NATO nation will have to face the might of all 31 member countries. And to include new members, there must be approval from all current members.

Watch | NATO Foreign ministers attend meeting on Ukraine in Brussels

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Sweden and Finland's path to NATO membership was not smooth. In focus have been two countries, Turkey and Hungary. But Turkey is considered somewhat of the main obstacle. After a delay caused by Turkey in giving its seal of approval, Finland joined NATO this year. However, it has not fully completed the process for Sweden's inclusion.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself has given the green light to Sweden's inclusion. But this needs to be ratified by Turkey's parliament. And procedural delay over the last year has been perceived as Turkey's reluctance to let Sweden in.

In May last year, Erdogan objected to Finland and Sweden's inclusion saying both countries need to crack down on elements within their borders which Ankara deems to be terrorists.

Has Turkey benefitted from its continued opposition to Sweden and formerly, to Finland's inclusion in NATO?

It's worth taking a look.

<h2>The moves in the Western, and Nordic camps</h2>

The West has always been keen on the expansion of NATO as the grouping was born as a West-supported anti-Russia alliance during the Cold War. However, the urgency appears to have increased after the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

Sweden and Finland's concessions to Turkey

Turkey made an agreement with Sweden and Finland at a NATO meeting in Madrid last year that saw the Nordic countries lift arms embargoes against Turkey. The countries also took some action against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the so-called Gulen movement. Along with Turkey, the United States and the European Union consider PKK to be a terrorist group. And Turkey considers the Gulen movement responsible for the 2016 coup attempt.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/turkey-and-turnaround-thanksgivings-economic-upswing-661858">Turkey and turnaround: Thanksgiving's economic upswing</a>

Last year, Sweden lifted the ban on military equipment export to Turkey. Stockholm introduced an anti-terrorism bill in June that made being part of a terrorist organisation against the law.

Multiple incidents of Quran burning in Sweden have drawn sharp reactions in the Muslim world, including in Turkey. In response to this, Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said Sweden was exploring the possibility of changes in the law which would ban the burning of the Quran in public.

Finland on its part, said last year that it would consider granting arms export to Turkey on a case-by-case basis.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-youngest-nato-ally-seals-all-it-border-crossings-with-russia-664200">Finland, a NATO member, seals all its border crossings with Russia</a>

Canada quietly reopened talks with Turkey to lift export controls on drone parts after Erdogan said in July that Sweden would eventually get the green light to join NATO. Canada is a NATO member.

Moreover, the Netherlands lifted restrictions on arms deliveries to Turkey.

<h2>All is not rosy</h2>

Turkey argues that the United States is trying to pressure Turkey by delaying the F-16 deal. Turkey had made the purchase request in 2021 to buy F-16 fighter jets and modernisation kits worth USD 20 billion. Although the US denies the connection between the F-16 deal and Turkey's delay in greenlighting Sweden's NATO bid, US Congress has heard opinions from lawmakers to use the deal as a way to nudge Turkey to approve Sweden's inclusion.

Moreover, just a day after Erdogan gave his seal of approval for Sweden to join NATO in July, the White House announced that it would go ahead with the transfer of F-16s while being in consultation with Congress.

<h2>So what's the current state of Sweden's bid?</h2>

There were signs on Wednesday (November 29) that Turkey may finally be moving ahead with the process.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that his Turkish counterpart told him that he expects parliament to ratify Sweden's bid within weeks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-may-ratify-swedens-nato-membership-within-weeks-swedish-minister-664356">Turkey may ratify Sweden's NATO membership 'within weeks': Swedish minister</a>

"I had a bilateral with my colleague, the (Turkish) foreign minister ... where he told me he expected the ratification to take place within weeks," Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told reporters before the second day of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

"The Turkish foreign minister (Hakan Fidan) didn't present a date but said 'within weeks'," Billstrom said.

Hungary, another NATO member, is yet to give its seal of approval to Sweden's NATO membership as well. But Turkey is seen as the main obstacle.

"(Prime Minister) Viktor Orban has repeatedly said that Hungary won't be the last to ratify Sweden's membership," Billstrom said.

"That means that it is more in the hands of Ankara than maybe of Budapest. We expect white smoke from Budapest the moment there is white smoke from Ankara," Billstrom said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine shook the world in February 2022. Political and military arenas felt the weight of history as forces of a former superpower crossed borders to wage a war many thought would be over within weeks given Russia's more than decisive superiority over Ukraine in military might.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine shook the world in February 2022. Political and military arenas felt the weight of history as forces of a former superpower crossed borders to wage a war many thought would be over within weeks given Russia's more than decisive superiority over Ukraine in military might. The invasion suddenly brought the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) into focus and made European countries closer to Russia rethink their decades-old stance of military neutrality. Sweden and Finland were among these nations. After Russian troops began their clash with Ukrainian forces, Sweden and Finland promptly applied for membership in NATO. Why? Because NATO was a guarantee of security, at least on paper, against external aggression. An attack on one NATO country is considered an attack against all. So at least in theory, the aggressor against a NATO nation will have to face the might of all 31 member countries. And to include new members, there must be approval from all current members. Watch | NATO Foreign ministers attend meeting on Ukraine in Brussels × Sweden and Finland's path to NATO membership was not smooth. In focus have been two countries, Turkey and Hungary. But Turkey is considered somewhat of the main obstacle. After a delay caused by Turkey in giving its seal of approval, Finland joined NATO this year. However, it has not fully completed the process for Sweden's inclusion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself has given the green light to Sweden's inclusion. But this needs to be ratified by Turkey's parliament. And procedural delay over the last year has been perceived as Turkey's reluctance to let Sweden in. In May last year, Erdogan objected to Finland and Sweden's inclusion saying both countries need to crack down on elements within their borders which Ankara deems to be terrorists. Has Turkey benefitted from its continued opposition to Sweden and formerly, to Finland's inclusion in NATO? It's worth taking a look. The moves in the Western, and Nordic camps The West has always been keen on the expansion of NATO as the grouping was born as a West-supported anti-Russia alliance during the Cold War. However, the urgency appears to have increased after the outbreak of the Ukraine war. Sweden and Finland's concessions to Turkey Turkey made an agreement with Sweden and Finland at a NATO meeting in Madrid last year that saw the Nordic countries lift arms embargoes against Turkey. The countries also took some action against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the so-called Gulen movement. Along with Turkey, the United States and the European Union consider PKK to be a terrorist group. And Turkey considers the Gulen movement responsible for the 2016 coup attempt. Also Read | Turkey and turnaround: Thanksgiving's economic upswing Last year, Sweden lifted the ban on military equipment export to Turkey. Stockholm introduced an anti-terrorism bill in June that made being part of a terrorist organisation against the law. Multiple incidents of Quran burning in Sweden have drawn sharp reactions in the Muslim world, including in Turkey. In response to this, Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said Sweden was exploring the possibility of changes in the law which would ban the burning of the Quran in public. Finland on its part, said last year that it would consider granting arms export to Turkey on a case-by-case basis. Also Read | Finland, a NATO member, seals all its border crossings with Russia Canada quietly reopened talks with Turkey to lift export controls on drone parts after Erdogan said in July that Sweden would eventually get the green light to join NATO. Canada is a NATO member. Moreover, the Netherlands lifted restrictions on arms deliveries to Turkey. All is not rosy Turkey argues that the United States is trying to pressure Turkey by delaying the F-16 deal. Turkey had made the purchase request in 2021 to buy F-16 fighter jets and modernisation kits worth USD 20 billion. Although the US denies the connection between the F-16 deal and Turkey's delay in greenlighting Sweden's NATO bid, US Congress has heard opinions from lawmakers to use the deal as a way to nudge Turkey to approve Sweden's inclusion. Moreover, just a day after Erdogan gave his seal of approval for Sweden to join NATO in July, the White House announced that it would go ahead with the transfer of F-16s while being in consultation with Congress. So what's the current state of Sweden's bid? There were signs on Wednesday (November 29) that Turkey may finally be moving ahead with the process. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that his Turkish counterpart told him that he expects parliament to ratify Sweden's bid within weeks. Also Read | Turkey may ratify Sweden's NATO membership 'within weeks': Swedish minister "I had a bilateral with my colleague, the (Turkish) foreign minister ... where he told me he expected the ratification to take place within weeks," Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told reporters before the second day of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. "The Turkish foreign minister (Hakan Fidan) didn't present a date but said 'within weeks'," Billstrom said. Hungary, another NATO member, is yet to give its seal of approval to Sweden's NATO membership as well. But Turkey is seen as the main obstacle. "(Prime Minister) Viktor Orban has repeatedly said that Hungary won't be the last to ratify Sweden's membership," Billstrom said. "That means that it is more in the hands of Ankara than maybe of Budapest. We expect white smoke from Budapest the moment there is white smoke from Ankara," Billstrom said. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Did Turkey benefit as it delayed Sweden's NATO bid?

International support for Ukraine continues to make headway. NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels. Ministers pledged to support Ukraine in war.

NATO Foreign ministers attend meeting on Ukraine in Brussels

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Wednesday (Nov 29) that Turkey has conveyed Sweden that it expects to ratify the latter's accession to NATO within weeks. Turkey's nod to Sweden's inclusion in NATO military alliance is a longstanding issue.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, Sweden and Finland abandoned their decades-old neutral stance and applied to join NATO. Finland has since been included but Sweden's accession has been held up due to delay from Turkey, itself a NATO member.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been raising objections that Finland and Sweden have been offering protection to groups considered terrorists by Ankara.

Watch | Israeel-Hamas War: Turkey takes in Gaza's cancer patients as hospitals crumble

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After a considerable delay, Turkey okayed Finland's NATO membership in April this year, but is yet to take final decision on Sweden.

"I had a bilateral with my colleague, the (Turkish) foreign minister ... where he told me he expected the ratification to take place within weeks," Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told reporters before the second day of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

"The Turkish foreign minister (Hakan Fidan) didn't present a date but said 'within weeks'," Billstrom said.

There was no immediate reaction from Turkey.

<h2>What's the hold-up?</h2>

Turkey has been demanding that Sweden should act in order to rein in functioning of the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) on its soil. Turkey, along with the European Union and the US consider PKK a terrorist group.

Sweden has since introduced an anti-terrorism bill. The legislation makes membership of a terrorist organisation illegal. Sweden has also lifted arm export restrictions on Turkey.

There was a feeling within NATO that ratification about Sweden's inclusion would be completed by now.

Explained | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-with-turkey-delaying-swedens-nato-bid-how-has-stockholm-addressed-ankaras-concerns-660105">With Turkey delaying Sweden's NATO bid, how has Stockholm addressed Ankara's concerns?</a>

Earlier this year, Erdogan linked Sweden's NATO membership to the issue of Turkey's EU membership. The talks on the latter issue have been frozen for years now.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/turkey-and-turnaround-thanksgivings-economic-upswing-661858">Turkey and turnaround: Thanksgiving's economic upswing</a>

On Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that there were "open issues" still and they needed to be addressed before an accession can happen.

Hungary too, has not yet ratified Sweden's NATO membership.

"(Prime Minister) Viktor Orban has repeatedly said that Hungary won't be the last to ratify Sweden's membership," Billstrom said.

"That means that it is more in the hands of Ankara than maybe of Budapest. We expect white smoke from Budapest the moment there is white smoke from Ankara," Billstrom said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Wednesday (Nov 29) that Turkey has conveyed Sweden that it expects to ratify the latter's accession to NATO within weeks.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Wednesday (Nov 29) that Turkey has conveyed Sweden that it expects to ratify the latter's accession to NATO within weeks. Turkey's nod to Sweden's inclusion in NATO military alliance is a longstanding issue. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, Sweden and Finland abandoned their decades-old neutral stance and applied to join NATO. Finland has since been included but Sweden's accession has been held up due to delay from Turkey, itself a NATO member. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been raising objections that Finland and Sweden have been offering protection to groups considered terrorists by Ankara. Watch | Israeel-Hamas War: Turkey takes in Gaza's cancer patients as hospitals crumble × After a considerable delay, Turkey okayed Finland's NATO membership in April this year, but is yet to take final decision on Sweden. "I had a bilateral with my colleague, the (Turkish) foreign minister ... where he told me he expected the ratification to take place within weeks," Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told reporters before the second day of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. "The Turkish foreign minister (Hakan Fidan) didn't present a date but said 'within weeks'," Billstrom said. There was no immediate reaction from Turkey. What's the hold-up? Turkey has been demanding that Sweden should act in order to rein in functioning of the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) on its soil. Turkey, along with the European Union and the US consider PKK a terrorist group. Sweden has since introduced an anti-terrorism bill. The legislation makes membership of a terrorist organisation illegal. Sweden has also lifted arm export restrictions on Turkey. There was a feeling within NATO that ratification about Sweden's inclusion would be completed by now. Explained | With Turkey delaying Sweden's NATO bid, how has Stockholm addressed Ankara's concerns? Earlier this year, Erdogan linked Sweden's NATO membership to the issue of Turkey's EU membership. The talks on the latter issue have been frozen for years now. Also Read | Turkey and turnaround: Thanksgiving's economic upswing On Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that there were "open issues" still and they needed to be addressed before an accession can happen. Hungary too, has not yet ratified Sweden's NATO membership. "(Prime Minister) Viktor Orban has repeatedly said that Hungary won't be the last to ratify Sweden's membership," Billstrom said. "That means that it is more in the hands of Ankara than maybe of Budapest. We expect white smoke from Budapest the moment there is white smoke from Ankara," Billstrom said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey may ratify Sweden's NATO membership 'within weeks': Swedish minister

NATO Foreign Ministers concluded two days of meetings in Brussels on Wednesday, addressing support for Ukraine, preparations for the Washington Summit and pressing security challenges, including in the Western Balkans and NATO's southern neighbourhood.

US Secretary of State discusses war in Ukraine with NATO countries

Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating an "influence" operation into the European Union and has decided to close all its land borders with the country being presided over by Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

All but one Finland-Russia border crossing was open for the transit of people and goods. But after what was reported to be an "extraordinary cabinet meeting" in Helsinki, it was announced that the Raja-Jooseppi crossing would be closed in the far north.&nbsp;

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that the decision was made following the unveiling of "new information" this week.

Also watch |&nbsp;Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon?

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The disclosure of new information, the prime minister claimed, has strengthened Helsinki's belief that Moscow was deliberately sending in migrants over the border. Helsinki, however, did not provide any evidence for its claims.

"The phenomenon seen at the border in recent weeks must be stopped," Orpo said at a press conference.

"This is not only about the number of visitors but the phenomenon itself. This is about Russia’s influence [on] activities and we do not accept that."

<h2>Finland-Russia ties in recent months</h2>

Finland has accused Russia of trying to destabilise its national security after nearly a thousand migrants attempted to use its eastern border crossings this month. The number was up from just a few dozen in previous months.

The historically neutral Finland effectively went into the US camp after it joined NATO in April, partly in response to Moscow's military offensive in Ukraine.

Helsinki has accused Moscow of engaging in "hybrid warfare", a tactic used to stoke tensions without a declaration of conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-finland-is-now-a-nato-member-is-it-a-direct-threat-to-russia-579538">Explained: Finland is now a NATO member. Is it a direct threat to Russia?</a>

Earlier this month, Finland closed its seven other checkpoints with Russia along their 1,340km border.

Finland's inclusion in the transatlantic military alliance has led to outrage in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power.&nbsp;

Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, said last week that Russia "deeply regretted" Finland’s decision to join NATO and that Helsinki had abandoned "longstanding, very kind relations based on mutual respect."

(With inputs from agencies)

Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating an "influence" operation into the European Union and has decided to close all its land borders with the country being presided over by Vladimir Putin.

Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating an "influence" operation into the European Union and has decided to close all its land borders with the country being presided over by Vladimir Putin. All but one Finland-Russia border crossing was open for the transit of people and goods. But after what was reported to be an "extraordinary cabinet meeting" in Helsinki, it was announced that the Raja-Jooseppi crossing would be closed in the far north. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that the decision was made following the unveiling of "new information" this week. Also watch | Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon? × The disclosure of new information, the prime minister claimed, has strengthened Helsinki's belief that Moscow was deliberately sending in migrants over the border. Helsinki, however, did not provide any evidence for its claims. "The phenomenon seen at the border in recent weeks must be stopped," Orpo said at a press conference. "This is not only about the number of visitors but the phenomenon itself. This is about Russia’s influence [on] activities and we do not accept that." Finland-Russia ties in recent months Finland has accused Russia of trying to destabilise its national security after nearly a thousand migrants attempted to use its eastern border crossings this month. The number was up from just a few dozen in previous months. The historically neutral Finland effectively went into the US camp after it joined NATO in April, partly in response to Moscow's military offensive in Ukraine. Helsinki has accused Moscow of engaging in "hybrid warfare", a tactic used to stoke tensions without a declaration of conflict. Also read | Explained: Finland is now a NATO member. Is it a direct threat to Russia? Earlier this month, Finland closed its seven other checkpoints with Russia along their 1,340km border. Finland's inclusion in the transatlantic military alliance has led to outrage in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power. Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, said last week that Russia "deeply regretted" Finland’s decision to join NATO and that Helsinki had abandoned "longstanding, very kind relations based on mutual respect." (With inputs from agencies)

Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all its border crossings with Russia

The United Nations chief urges world leaders to take decisive action to tackle ever-worsening climate change when they gather at the COP28 summit in Dubai starting this week. "We are trapped in a deadly cycle," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says. "The solutions are well known."

COP 28 UAE: UN Chief calls fossil fuel production poisonous root of climate crisis

The foreign affairs commission of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (Nov 16) delayed a vote on Sweden's NATO membership bid, again holding up the expansion of the inter-governmental military alliance.

The foreign affairs commission of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (Nov 16) delayed a vote on Sweden's NATO membership bid, again holding up the expansion of the inter-governmental military alliance. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, commission chairperson Fuat Oktay said the commission would hold further talks and may bring back the vote next week. However, Oktay did not set a clear timeline. "For all of our lawmakers to approve Sweden's NATO membership, they need to be fully convinced. We will discuss all of these in our (next) commission meeting (on the issue)," Oktay told reporters. He also said that the commission could pass bills by a simple majority, adding it might invite the Swedish ambassador to brief lawmakers if needed and if parliament's regulations allow. The postponement comes days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would try to facilitate the ratification process. Why the postponement? Thursday's vote on Sweden's membership of NATO was delayed after lawmakers from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party submitted a motion for postponement on the grounds that some issues needed clarification and that negotiations with Sweden had not matured enough. For ratification, the membership bill needs to be approved by the Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission before being put to a full parliament vote, which could come days or weeks later. President Erdogan would then sign it into law to conclude the process. As Russia launched a war against Ukraine in February last year, Sweden and Finland made bids to join NATO. All 30 members of the inter-governmental military alliance have to ratify a country's membership. The process of Sweden and Finland joining NATO was held up by Turkey and Hungary. Earlier this year, Turkey and Hungary ratified Finland's bid, but both the member states have kept Sweden waiting. Now there are two reasons for the delay: > Turkey has accused Sweden of being too lenient towards groups that Ankara regards as threats to its security, including Kurdish militants and members of a network that Ankara blames for a failed coup in 2016. > Turkey has also been angered by a series of demonstrations by supporters of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, in Sweden as well as Quran-burning protests. The delay also comes as Turkey has been at odds with its Western allies over the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, and its tough diplomacy over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also angered some allies. Turkey maintains good relations with Moscow and Kyiv, opposing Russia's invasion but also the Western sanctions on Russia. What concessions has Sweden made? During a NATO meeting in Madrid last year, Turkey struck an agreement with Sweden as well as Finland in which the two Nordic countries would lift arms embargoes and take measures against members of PKK, and the Gulen movement that Turkey holds responsible for the failed 2016 coup. Last year, Sweden reversed a ban on exporting military equipment to Turkey but did not reveal details of companies or products. In June this year, it introduced a new anti-terrorism bill that makes being a member of a terrorist organisation illegal, saying that it had upheld its part of the deal. A report by the news agency Reuters on Thursday said that in recent months, a top court in Sweden blocked the extradition of two Turks that Ankara said were Gulenists, while an appeals court upheld the conviction of a man for attempting to finance the PKK. And amid growing criticism of Turkey and other Muslim-majority countries over incidents of Quran burning, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said that Stockholm was examining whether it could change the law to stop people from burning the Muslim holy book in public. Finland, meanwhile, agreed last year to consider granting arms export permits to Turkey on a case-by-case basis. What is the status of Sweden's NATO bid? The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will now hold further discussions on Sweden's membership bill as soon as next week. If the commission backs the bill, Turkey's full general assembly would hold a vote, possibly within days or weeks, Reuters reported. On Tuesday, the speaker of Turkey's parliament told his Swedish counterpart they were hoping to complete ratification "as soon as possible." Since submitting the bill to parliament in October, Erdogan has said he will try to facilitate ratification but added that Stockholm still had not taken enough action against Kurdish militants. From Nov 28-29, NATO foreign ministers will meet in Brussels and before these dates, Sweden's membership bid has to be approved by Turkey as well as Hungary. However, Turkey is being seen as the main roadblock to Sweden's accession. On Thursday, the US ambassador to Hungary said he had been assured by the Hungarian government that Budapest would not be the last to ratify Sweden's bid, adding he was "confident" Stockholm would soon be a NATO member. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | With Turkey delaying Sweden's NATO bid, how has Stockholm addressed Ankara's concerns?

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday, the bill must be approved by the commission before a vote by the full general assembly.

Erdogan would then sign it into law.

Sweden and Finland had applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Finland's membership of the inter-governmental military was sealed in April this year.&nbsp;

However, Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Previously, Turkey had raised objections over Sweden's alleged harbouring of individuals who Ankara said were members of terrorist groups.

Since the Turkish parliament reopened on Oct 1, officials repeatedly&nbsp;said that Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia before Ankara could ratify its membership bid.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-warns-sweden-to-take-concrete-steps-against-terrorism-to-garner-support-for-nato-bid-641772">Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid</a>

Nearly two weeks back, the parliament's foreign affairs commission said it would not speed up ratifying NATO membership. However, Erdogan said later he would try to facilitate it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine announced last Thursday (Nov 9) that a global peace summit for Ukraine might now take place in February 2024 - which is the second anniversary of the Russian offensive.&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky's top adviser Ihor Zhovkva told Reuters that Ukraine would arrange a fourth meeting of national security advisers in late November or early December.

"And the Global Summit might take place in February 2024," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO.

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday, the bill must be approved by the commission before a vote by the full general assembly. Erdogan would then sign it into law. Sweden and Finland had applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Finland's membership of the inter-governmental military was sealed in April this year. However, Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Previously, Turkey had raised objections over Sweden's alleged harbouring of individuals who Ankara said were members of terrorist groups. Since the Turkish parliament reopened on Oct 1, officials repeatedly said that Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia before Ankara could ratify its membership bid. Also read: Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid Nearly two weeks back, the parliament's foreign affairs commission said it would not speed up ratifying NATO membership. However, Erdogan said later he would try to facilitate it. Meanwhile, Ukraine announced last Thursday (Nov 9) that a global peace summit for Ukraine might now take place in February 2024 - which is the second anniversary of the Russian offensive. President Volodymyr Zelensky's top adviser Ihor Zhovkva told Reuters that Ukraine would arrange a fourth meeting of national security advisers in late November or early December. "And the Global Summit might take place in February 2024," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish parliament to debate Sweden's NATO bid on Nov 16

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has seen Russian forces attacking Ukrainian ports, including Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Mykolaiv, with missiles and drones.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin visits military HQ in Roston-on-Dov

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially submitted Sweden's NATO membership application to the Turkish parliament on Monday, his office said, bringing closer the possible end of a 17-month standoff.

"Sweden's NATO membership protocol was signed on October 23, 2023 by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and sent to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey," the presidency posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Turkey and Hungary are last two NATO members which are yet to ratify Sweden's membership application. Sweden moved away from its long-standing policy of non-alignment after Russia invaded Ukraine and made an application to join the alliance.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called Turkish presidency's announcement an "encouraging news"

"Welcome that President Erdoğan signed Sweden’s ratification protocol to NATO and submitted it to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Parliamentary procedures will now commence. We are looking forward to becoming a member of NATO," his office posted on X.

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Welcome that President Erdoğan signed Sweden’s ratification protocol to NATO and submitted it to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Parliamentary procedures will now commence. We are looking forward to becoming a member of NATO.
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NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Erdogan's move as well. He said he was looking forward to welcoming Sweden as a 'full NATO ally' soon

"I welcome President Erdogan's signature of the accession protocol for Sweden and its referral to the Grand National Assembly. I look forward to a speedy vote to ratify, and to welcoming Sweden as a full NATO ally very soon," Stoltenberg said in a statement.&nbsp;

As pressure to give its seal of approval grew on Turkey, Erdogan agreed at NATO summit in Vilnius in July that he would put ratification of Sweden's membership before Turkish parliament.

Finland, Sweden's neighbour which shares a border with Russia which had applied to join NATO at the same time, got membership in the month of April this year.

Erdogan had delayed approving Sweden's bid asking Stockholm to take actions on Quran desecrations in the country that have strained relations between the two countries.

Turkey alleges Sweden harbours outlawed Kurdish militants and has demanded their extradition.

(This is a breaking news. More to follow shortly)

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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially submitted Sweden's NATO membership application to the Turkish parliament on Monday, his office said, bringing closer the possible end of a 17-month standoff.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially submitted Sweden's NATO membership application to the Turkish parliament on Monday, his office said, bringing closer the possible end of a 17-month standoff. "Sweden's NATO membership protocol was signed on October 23, 2023 by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and sent to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey," the presidency posted on X, formerly Twitter. Turkey and Hungary are last two NATO members which are yet to ratify Sweden's membership application. Sweden moved away from its long-standing policy of non-alignment after Russia invaded Ukraine and made an application to join the alliance. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called Turkish presidency's announcement an "encouraging news" "Welcome that President Erdoğan signed Sweden’s ratification protocol to NATO and submitted it to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Parliamentary procedures will now commence. We are looking forward to becoming a member of NATO," his office posted on X. Welcome that President Erdoğan signed Sweden’s ratification protocol to NATO and submitted it to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Parliamentary procedures will now commence. We are looking forward to becoming a member of NATO. — SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) October 23, 2023 × NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Erdogan's move as well. He said he was looking forward to welcoming Sweden as a 'full NATO ally' soon "I welcome President Erdogan's signature of the accession protocol for Sweden and its referral to the Grand National Assembly. I look forward to a speedy vote to ratify, and to welcoming Sweden as a full NATO ally very soon," Stoltenberg said in a statement. As pressure to give its seal of approval grew on Turkey, Erdogan agreed at NATO summit in Vilnius in July that he would put ratification of Sweden's membership before Turkish parliament. Finland, Sweden's neighbour which shares a border with Russia which had applied to join NATO at the same time, got membership in the month of April this year. Erdogan had delayed approving Sweden's bid asking Stockholm to take actions on Quran desecrations in the country that have strained relations between the two countries. Turkey alleges Sweden harbours outlawed Kurdish militants and has demanded their extradition. (This is a breaking news. More to follow shortly) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkey: Erdogan signs Sweden's NATO membership application, sends it to parliament for ratification

Turkey on Tuesday (Oct 10) took command of a NATO-led force in Kosovo for the first time in a backdrop of a volatile situation in the country's north and tense relations with former wartime rival Serbia.

In late September, about 30 gunmen ambushed a police patrol near the northern border with Serbia. This led to the death of a Kosovan police officer.

It was one of the most serious incidents in ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade still refuses to recognise the move.

After the ambush, the gunmen retreated and barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery. They were involved in a shootout that lasted for hours.

The US and the European Union (EU) expressed deep concern over the incident and urged restraint.

A handover ceremony took place in Pristina on Tuesday. Turkish Major General Ozkan Ulutas said that he was mindful of the responsibility at the helm of KFOR during a "sensitive period that Kosovo is going through", a KFOR statement said.

Major General Ulutas will be commanding the 4500-string KFOR. The troops in the force are provided by 27 NATO and partner countries.

Kosovo has accused Serbia of backing the full operation near&nbsp;its northern border and claimed that it was aimed at annexation of Kosovo's north.

The suspected commando leader who killed the officer, Milan Radoicic, admitted to masterminding the deadly attack.

Radoicic is also a former vice president of the main political grouping of Kosovo Serbs. He was briefly detained in Serbia earlier this month and ordered freed on a conditional release.&nbsp;

KFOR was deployed in Kosovo after the 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Serbian armed forces.

The war claimed about 13,000 lives. It ended with the NATO bombing of Serbia. This forced Belgrade to withdraw its military and police from Kosovo.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkey on Tuesday (Oct 10) took command of a NATO-led force in Kosovo for the first time in a backdrop of a volatile situation in the country's north and tense relations with former wartime rival Serbia.

Turkey on Tuesday (Oct 10) took command of a NATO-led force in Kosovo for the first time in a backdrop of a volatile situation in the country's north and tense relations with former wartime rival Serbia. In late September, about 30 gunmen ambushed a police patrol near the northern border with Serbia. This led to the death of a Kosovan police officer. It was one of the most serious incidents in ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade still refuses to recognise the move. After the ambush, the gunmen retreated and barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery. They were involved in a shootout that lasted for hours. The US and the European Union (EU) expressed deep concern over the incident and urged restraint. A handover ceremony took place in Pristina on Tuesday. Turkish Major General Ozkan Ulutas said that he was mindful of the responsibility at the helm of KFOR during a "sensitive period that Kosovo is going through", a KFOR statement said. Major General Ulutas will be commanding the 4500-string KFOR. The troops in the force are provided by 27 NATO and partner countries. Kosovo has accused Serbia of backing the full operation near its northern border and claimed that it was aimed at annexation of Kosovo's north. The suspected commando leader who killed the officer, Milan Radoicic, admitted to masterminding the deadly attack. Radoicic is also a former vice president of the main political grouping of Kosovo Serbs. He was briefly detained in Serbia earlier this month and ordered freed on a conditional release. KFOR was deployed in Kosovo after the 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Serbian armed forces. The war claimed about 13,000 lives. It ended with the NATO bombing of Serbia. This forced Belgrade to withdraw its military and police from Kosovo. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkey takes charge of NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo

Russia is boosting its defence budget by a whopping 70%. Russian economy was once thought to be crumbling under western sanctions. But increased war spending has instead accelerated its industrial production index, by over 2%. Russia continues to bag defence contracts across the world and foster ties with several friendlies of the west including some NATO nations. So, has the war choked Russia or helped it grow? Is the Ukraine war emerging as Russia’s game plan to boost its economy? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana

Is Ukraine war helping Russia boost its defence industry and economy?

Putin has made Ukraine’s NATO ambitions & the bloc's eastward expansion the principal grounds for the Russian invasion of 2022. NATO members say Russia’s war has backfired, with Finland having joined the alliance & Sweden awaiting formal entry. The policy shift ended decades of both nations' respective non-aligned status. However, Slovakia, Bulgaria & Hungary have stood out as particularly pro-Russia in their attitudes. Bulgaria’s previous government had to secretly provide Kyiv with ammunition & fuel, concealing the facts from the public. After a call to send s-300 air defence systems to Ukraine, Bulgaria's pro-Russian president recently criticised the government & the parliament alike for becoming what he called donors to foreign armies. Hungary has officially refused to deliver arms to Ukraine, echoing the popular belief that doing so would drag these countries into the conflict. Remember, Hungary joined NATO in 1999, while Bulgaria & Slovakia joined the alliance in 2004.

NATO wrong on Russia's war backfiring? Slovakia, Bulgaria & Hungary pro-Russia in their attitudes

Is NATO playing with fire in Putin's backyard? The U.S.-led bloc has bolstered its troops' presence on the ground amid tensions with Russian ally Serbia. Watch this video to find out more about the escalating situation in the landlocked Balkan nation.

Gravitas: Will Russian Ally Serbia Invade Kosovo? NATO Boosts Forces Amid Escalating Tensions

Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation", Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkey's vice president was quoted as saying by Financial Times.&nbsp;

Turkey is combating a resurgence of Kurdish rebels, reflected recently in an attack close to the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), ahead of the opening of a parliament session.&nbsp;

Also watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-parliament-attack-suicide-bomb-attack-reported-just-before-parliament-was-set-to-meet-641442">Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet</a>

<h2>Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events</h2>

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in July that Ankara would no longer resist Sweden's request to join NATO.&nbsp;

But Erdogan's purported commitment to let Sweden enter NATO has to be ratified in the parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday but the agenda was overshadowed by the suicide bombing that occurred close to the parliamentary premise.&nbsp;

During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden within the US-led military alliance, the allies of his Justice and Development party (AKP) in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it has to join NATO.&nbsp;

The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of masterminding a 2016 coup attempt.&nbsp;

Yılmaz further cautioned Sweden saying that since these issues are very crucial to Ankara, the parliament would be under great pressure if significant measures are not taken by Stockholm. Sweden had signed an agreement with Turkey last year in which it vowed to take stern action action extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group.

"Our parliament is very sensitive about these issues because there is a public opinion in Turkey," Yılmaz said.

"If we don’t see enough progress in practice, then the parliament will be under great pressure."

Yılmaz further sharing a clause to the approval from parliament said that it would fairly depend upon if “real concrete steps are taken against the terrorist groups or individuals that work openly against Turkey”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine. "We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation", Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkey's vice president was quoted as saying by Financial Times. Turkey is combating a resurgence of Kurdish rebels, reflected recently in an attack close to the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), ahead of the opening of a parliament session. Also watch | Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in July that Ankara would no longer resist Sweden's request to join NATO. But Erdogan's purported commitment to let Sweden enter NATO has to be ratified in the parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday but the agenda was overshadowed by the suicide bombing that occurred close to the parliamentary premise. During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden within the US-led military alliance, the allies of his Justice and Development party (AKP) in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it has to join NATO. The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of masterminding a 2016 coup attempt. Yılmaz further cautioned Sweden saying that since these issues are very crucial to Ankara, the parliament would be under great pressure if significant measures are not taken by Stockholm. Sweden had signed an agreement with Turkey last year in which it vowed to take stern action action extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group. "Our parliament is very sensitive about these issues because there is a public opinion in Turkey," Yılmaz said. "If we don’t see enough progress in practice, then the parliament will be under great pressure." Yılmaz further sharing a clause to the approval from parliament said that it would fairly depend upon if “real concrete steps are taken against the terrorist groups or individuals that work openly against Turkey”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid

The US has called on the Serbian leadership to withdraw forces and ‘a large military buildup’ from the border with Kosovo, a separatist region. The buildup is a result of ongoing tensions between Kosovo’s majority Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs.&nbsp;

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby Friday (Sep 29) described the "large military deployment" of sophisticated tanks and artillery as "a very destabilising development".

Kirby also referred to an intense standoff between police and three Serbian armed men on Sunday (Sep 24) in the northeastern region of Kosovo, which resulted in the killing of four. Kosovo accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack.

"It's worrisome. It doesn't look like just a bunch of guys who got together to do this, we are calling on Serbia to withdraw those forces from the border," Kirby said.

He claimed that the buildup took place over the last weekend and its purpose was not clear.

<h2>Blinken talks to Serbian president</h2>

John Kirby also mentioned that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had talked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic over the phone and urged immediate de-escalation. On the other hand, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

It must be noted that the Serbian president has categorically denied that Serbia’s forces are on high alert near Kosovo’s border.

WATCH:&nbsp;Kosovo: Four killed after armed men storm Kosovo monastery; Serbia President condemns killing

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"I have denied untruths where they talk about the highest level of combat readiness of our forces, because I simply did not sign that and it is not accurate," Vucic said, adding, "We don't even have half the troops we had two or three months ago."

<h2>UK sending more troops for NATO mission</h2>

Meanwhile, the UK has announced it will send more troops to NATO’s ‘peacekeeping mission’ in Kosovo in the wake of the “current situation.”

“Due to the current situation in Kosovo, we have transferred command of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment – a reserve force for NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) – to NATO so it can provide support if required," Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-joins-kosovo-in-investigating-deadly-violence-639956">Also read:&nbsp;US joins Kosovo in investigating deadly violence</a>

As tensions continue to rise, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (Sep 28) that he had "authorised additional forces to address the current situation".

It is the second time in three months that NATO has bolstered its forces in the country.

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The US has called on the Serbian leadership to withdraw forces and ‘a large military buildup’ from the border with Kosovo, a separatist region. The buildup is a result of ongoing tensions between Kosovo’s majority Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs.

The US has called on the Serbian leadership to withdraw forces and ‘a large military buildup’ from the border with Kosovo, a separatist region. The buildup is a result of ongoing tensions between Kosovo’s majority Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby Friday (Sep 29) described the "large military deployment" of sophisticated tanks and artillery as "a very destabilising development". Kirby also referred to an intense standoff between police and three Serbian armed men on Sunday (Sep 24) in the northeastern region of Kosovo, which resulted in the killing of four. Kosovo accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack. "It's worrisome. It doesn't look like just a bunch of guys who got together to do this, we are calling on Serbia to withdraw those forces from the border," Kirby said. He claimed that the buildup took place over the last weekend and its purpose was not clear. Blinken talks to Serbian president John Kirby also mentioned that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had talked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic over the phone and urged immediate de-escalation. On the other hand, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti. It must be noted that the Serbian president has categorically denied that Serbia’s forces are on high alert near Kosovo’s border. WATCH: Kosovo: Four killed after armed men storm Kosovo monastery; Serbia President condemns killing × "I have denied untruths where they talk about the highest level of combat readiness of our forces, because I simply did not sign that and it is not accurate," Vucic said, adding, "We don't even have half the troops we had two or three months ago." UK sending more troops for NATO mission Meanwhile, the UK has announced it will send more troops to NATO’s ‘peacekeeping mission’ in Kosovo in the wake of the “current situation.” “Due to the current situation in Kosovo, we have transferred command of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment – a reserve force for NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) – to NATO so it can provide support if required," Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Also read: US joins Kosovo in investigating deadly violence As tensions continue to rise, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (Sep 28) that he had "authorised additional forces to address the current situation". It is the second time in three months that NATO has bolstered its forces in the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US urges Serbia to withdraw forces from Kosovo border, NATO bolsters forces

As per reports, Russia President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine continues to adversely impact Russia's economy and it has forced the leader to review his budget priorities but instead of what at least NATO would have expected.

Cost of Russia Ukraine War: Russia doubles 2024 defence spending as Ukraine war costs soar

The NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg has called out Russia's imperialistic Ambitions claiming that the Ukrainian forces were gradually gaining ground in their counteroffensive.

NATO chief: Ukraine fighting Russia's imperial delusions

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