The French military is gearing up for a new set of wargames - the Orion exercise 2023, which is scheduled to start off on Monday. It will be the first joint force command operation involving not only all three branches of nation's military but also NATO and non-NATO partners.

France readies for Orion military exercises, invites NATO & non-NATO allies to participate

<p>Russian news agencies claimed on Friday (April 14) that the Finnish embassy in Moscow had received a letter containing an unknown powder and had informed the Russian authorities about it.</p>

<p>Since Finland officially joined NATO on April 4, becoming the alliance's 31st member, relations between Moscow and Helsinki have deteriorated drastically.&nbsp;Finland shares a long land border with Russia.</p>

<p>Three envelopes were delivered to the embassy on Thursday, one of which had powder inside, according to the RIA news agency.</p>

<p>"In line with the security rules of the Finnish foreign ministry, the letters in question were handed to official representative organs of Russia which will study the matter," RIA quoted the embassy as saying.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;the embassy, it also alerted Russia's foreign ministry about the incident, reported Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-court-approves-macrons-controversial-pension-reform-plan-582540">French top court approves Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reform plan</a></p>

<p>The decision of Finland to join NATO put an end to seven decades of strategic non-alignment that had started after the nation repelled a Soviet invasion attempt during World War II. In the years following the war, it decided to keep cordial ties with Moscow.</p>

<p>However, Finland sought security under NATO's collective defence agreement after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, which stipulates that an assault on one member is an attack on all members.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Finland joins NATO, dealing blow to Russia for Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<p>On April 4, Finland formally joined the NATO military alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine the previous year served as the impetus for this.</p>

<p>The alliance, which promises in its charter that an attack on one of its members is an attack on all of them, has welcomed the Nordic country as its 31st member. It's an important turning point for Finland, which has long maintained its neutrality.</p>

<p>With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Stockholm of welcoming Kurdish militants and allowing them to protest on the streets, Sweden's application has so far come to a standstill. Sweden's membership has not yet been approved by Hungary.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Russian news agencies claimed on Friday (April 14) that the Finnish embassy in Moscow had received a letter containing an unknown powder and had informed the Russian authorities about it.

Russian news agencies claimed on Friday (April 14) that the Finnish embassy in Moscow had received a letter containing an unknown powder and had informed the Russian authorities about it. Since Finland officially joined NATO on April 4, becoming the alliance's 31st member, relations between Moscow and Helsinki have deteriorated drastically. Finland shares a long land border with Russia. Three envelopes were delivered to the embassy on Thursday, one of which had powder inside, according to the RIA news agency. "In line with the security rules of the Finnish foreign ministry, the letters in question were handed to official representative organs of Russia which will study the matter," RIA quoted the embassy as saying. As per the embassy, it also alerted Russia's foreign ministry about the incident, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | French top court approves Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reform plan The decision of Finland to join NATO put an end to seven decades of strategic non-alignment that had started after the nation repelled a Soviet invasion attempt during World War II. In the years following the war, it decided to keep cordial ties with Moscow. However, Finland sought security under NATO's collective defence agreement after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, which stipulates that an assault on one member is an attack on all members. ALSO WATCH | Finland joins NATO, dealing blow to Russia for Ukraine war On April 4, Finland formally joined the NATO military alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine the previous year served as the impetus for this. The alliance, which promises in its charter that an attack on one of its members is an attack on all of them, has welcomed the Nordic country as its 31st member. It's an important turning point for Finland, which has long maintained its neutrality. With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Stockholm of welcoming Kurdish militants and allowing them to protest on the streets, Sweden's application has so far come to a standstill. Sweden's membership has not yet been approved by Hungary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Finland’s embassy in Moscow receives letter containing unknown powder: Reports

Finland's accession into the NATO military alliance has officially ended 7 decades of relative peace in Europe. The dissolution of Nordic neutrality also means the dissolution of the buffer states. This means that there is no neutral territory that now separates Russia and the NATO military alliance. The arc of confrontation has suddenly doubled overnight. For over seven decades, Europe enjoyed a period of unpecedented peace & prosperity. But it did this after decades of horrific violence that Europe went through in the two world wars. But Europe it appears has not learnt any lessons. Hostile military alliances are the ingredients which spark off total wars. Mohammed Saleh gets you the story as to why with Finland joining the NATO military alliance, Europe will now witness decades of turmoil & strife.

Russia welcomes Finland's NATO membership with nuclear Iskander missiles | World at War

Three people shot dead in Marseille as France cracks down on narco gangs & angry Sudanese protesters paralyse Khartoum as the military again postpones transition to democracy. Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

World at War | Russia welcomes Finland's NATO membership with nuclear Iskander missiles

Is Europe divided on the Ukraine war? Are fissures emerging within NATO? Which countries are still doing business with Moscow? Molly Gambhir explains on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Europe divided on Ukraine War

Secret files detailing NATO's war plan in Ukraine has been leaked on social media. The confidential documents have data on weapon deliveries, troops, and battalion strength. Who leaked these files? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas | Leaked: NATO's game plan in the Ukraine war | Here's what the top secret files reveal

In a concerning security breach, classified war documents with secret US-Nato plans to help the Ukrainian military were leaked on social media platforms this week. This is according to a post by the New York times. The documents were also circulated on pro-Russian government channels.

US & Nato's classified plans to help Ukrainian offensive leaked online

<p>Several classified documents containing “secret details” of US and NATO plans for bolstering the Ukrainian forces for impending Russian offensive were leaked online, The New York Times (NYT) has reported.</p>

<p>The documents, which are currently circulating on Twitter and Telegram, have caused serious concern about breach of security and prompted the Biden administration to launch a probe into the matter.</p>

<p>Twitter and Telegram are the two dominant social media platforms used prolifically in Ukraine and Russia.</p>

<p>“We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon told the Times.</p>

<p>However, experts noted that the leak documents, which seems authentic, may very well be a hoax to distract the Russian forces in order to gain an upper hand in the disinformation game.</p>

<h2><strong>How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India</strong></h2>

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<p>According to the NYT report, the leaked documents have no information regarding battle plans and do not reveal how and when Ukraine intends to launch its offensive.</p>

<p>However, they do point towards an impending attack by the Russian military in the next month or so, as the documents are five weeks old, the report said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LEAKED DOD DOCS: These documents closely resemble the leaks reportedly containing top secret US/NATO intelligence and planning of a Ukrainian offensive. The Biden administration is reportedly working to have them "deleted" from social media. <a href="https://t.co/c8sZFdtbpp">https://t.co/c8sZFdtbpp</a> <a href="https://t.co/bJFb5Zh9UE">pic.twitter.com/bJFb5Zh9UE</a></p>
— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealAlexRubi/status/1644221448482082816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The other information in these documents is about the training schedules of 12 Ukraine combat brigades, and they say&nbsp;that nine of them were being trained by US and NATO forces.</p>

<p>The documents also say&nbsp;that 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanised vehicles are needed to ward off the Russian forces, the newspaper reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-heard-in-gaza-palestine-says-strikes-hit-hamas-training-sites-579951">Israel launches air strikes on Gaza Strip after vowing to retaliate over Lebanon rocket salvo</a></p>

<p>The documents—at least one of which carried a ‘top secret’ label —were circulated on pro-Russian government channels, it said.</p>

<p>The documents also detail expenditure rates for munitions under Ukraine military control, including for the HIMARS rocket systems, the US-made artillery rocket systems that have proven highly effective against Russian forces, it added.</p>

<p>It is not yet known how the documents were leaked online, but pro-Russian government channels have been sharing and circulating the briefing slides, military analysts told NYT.</p>

<p>The analysts warned that documents released by Russian sources could be selectively altered to present the Kremlin’s disinformation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Several classified documents containing “secret details” of US and NATO plans for bolstering the Ukrainian forces for impending Russian offensive were leaked online, The New York Times (NYT) has reported.

Several classified documents containing “secret details” of US and NATO plans for bolstering the Ukrainian forces for impending Russian offensive were leaked online, The New York Times (NYT) has reported. The documents, which are currently circulating on Twitter and Telegram, have caused serious concern about breach of security and prompted the Biden administration to launch a probe into the matter. Twitter and Telegram are the two dominant social media platforms used prolifically in Ukraine and Russia. “We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon told the Times. However, experts noted that the leak documents, which seems authentic, may very well be a hoax to distract the Russian forces in order to gain an upper hand in the disinformation game. How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India According to the NYT report, the leaked documents have no information regarding battle plans and do not reveal how and when Ukraine intends to launch its offensive. However, they do point towards an impending attack by the Russian military in the next month or so, as the documents are five weeks old, the report said. LEAKED DOD DOCS: These documents closely resemble the leaks reportedly containing top secret US/NATO intelligence and planning of a Ukrainian offensive. The Biden administration is reportedly working to have them "deleted" from social media. https://t.co/c8sZFdtbpp pic.twitter.com/bJFb5Zh9UE — Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) April 7, 2023 × The other information in these documents is about the training schedules of 12 Ukraine combat brigades, and they say that nine of them were being trained by US and NATO forces. The documents also say that 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanised vehicles are needed to ward off the Russian forces, the newspaper reported. Also read | Israel launches air strikes on Gaza Strip after vowing to retaliate over Lebanon rocket salvo The documents—at least one of which carried a ‘top secret’ label —were circulated on pro-Russian government channels, it said. The documents also detail expenditure rates for munitions under Ukraine military control, including for the HIMARS rocket systems, the US-made artillery rocket systems that have proven highly effective against Russian forces, it added. It is not yet known how the documents were leaked online, but pro-Russian government channels have been sharing and circulating the briefing slides, military analysts told NYT. The analysts warned that documents released by Russian sources could be selectively altered to present the Kremlin’s disinformation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Secret documents’ of US and NATO plans to help Ukraine beat Russia leaked online

<p>April 4, 2023, turned out to be a "great day" for Finland as it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Helsinki's journey to becoming the 31st member of the crucial security alliance was completed with the hoisting of Finland's blue-and-white Nordic cross flag at NATO's headquarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finland is now under NATO's security blanket and the alliance will also get a crucial and reliable ally. President Sauli Niinisto claimed that joining the defence alliance is a new era for his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Niinisto said, "It is a great day for Finland. Security and stability are those elements which we feel very strongly; if people can live in secure stable circumstances, that are the basic elements of a happy life."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Finnish presidency said in a statement that "each country maximises its own security. So does Finland. At the same time, NATO membership strengthens our international position and room for manoeuvre." The statement also mentioned that in the future, Finland will contribute to NATO's collective "deterrence and defence".&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Is Finland joining NATO a direct threat to Russia?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Analysts and experts from the West said that Finland joining NATO is a major blow to Russia. Moscow began Ukraine's invasion last year in February, which President Vladimir Putin calls a "special military operation", but the war prompted Finland to apply for NATO membership, along with Sweden. Finland's bid was historic because of its decades-old policy of military non-alignment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several concerns were raised over more possible invasions by Moscow after Ukraine in future. But any military attack on Finland will definitely get escalated as becoming a NATO member puts Finland under the alliance's Article Five, the collective defence pledge that an attack on one member "shall be considered an attack against them all".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After taking Helsinki into the camp, NATO doubled the length of its land border with Russia as Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre-long border with its neighbour. Moscow now has the West and its military forces closer to its border than before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A response is expected in one way or another because Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "this forces us to take countermeasures... in tactical and strategic terms".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in an immediate reaction, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the nation will make the countermeasures public in a calm manner and in due time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves here. Why should we? We will calmly disclose what we will do in response when the time is ripe," said Ryabkov, further adding that the West is "deeply mistaken" and "a reaction will follow". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that NATO's move to increase its own combat readiness has escalated the risk of conflict. Shoigu said that the West is intensifying combat training and reconnaissance activities near the borders of Russia and Belarus and all this creates the risk&nbsp;of a "significant escalation" of the conflict. He also stressed that the move will not affect the outcome of the "special military operation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin has often warned the West that NATO's expansion would be seen as aggression towards Russia and would justify the invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described Finland's membership as a proud day for both—him and the alliance. He said, "This will make Finland safer and NATO&nbsp;stronger. President Putin had a declared goal of the invasion of Ukraine to get less NATO&nbsp;along its borders and no more membership in Europe, he's getting exactly the opposite."&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What Finland will provide to NATO?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939 and it stayed out of NATO throughout the Cold War and also adopted neutrality in World War II. But its recent NATO membership portrays a significant change in Europe's political landscape.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
As mentioned, Finland will now help NATO allies to keep a watch on Russian activities as its strategic location boosts defences on a border running from the vulnerable Baltic states to the increasingly competitive Arctic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO&nbsp;will now have seven members on the Baltic Sea, further isolating Russia's coastal access to St Petersburg and its small exclave of Kaliningrad.</p>

<p>Its membership also brings a potent military into the alliance with a wartime strength of 280,000 and one of Europe's largest artillery arsenals.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened to Sweden's bid?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Stockholm also applied for NATO membership along with Finland, but its bid has been stalled. Sweden has upset Hungary's leader Viktor Orban, one of Putin's closest allies in Europe, by expressing alarm over the rule of law in Hungary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey is also angry with it because of refusing to extradite "terrorists" upon Turkish request. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan links them to a failed 2016 coup attempt and the Kurdish independence struggle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, analysts have said that they do not expect Turkey to ratify Sweden's application until after Turkey's May 14 election.</p>

<p>Not just Sweden, Ukraine is also pushing for eventual NATO membership. However, Western diplomats say that remains a distant prospect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said,&nbsp;"There is no better strategic solution to ensuring strategic security in the Euro-Atlantic region than the membership of Ukraine in the alliance."&nbsp;</p>

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April 4, 2023, turned out to be a "great day" for Finland as it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Helsinki's journey to becoming the 31st member of the crucial security alliance was completed with the hoisting of Finland's blue-and-white Nordic cross flag at NATO's headquarters.

April 4, 2023, turned out to be a "great day" for Finland as it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Helsinki's journey to becoming the 31st member of the crucial security alliance was completed with the hoisting of Finland's blue-and-white Nordic cross flag at NATO's headquarters. Finland is now under NATO's security blanket and the alliance will also get a crucial and reliable ally. President Sauli Niinisto claimed that joining the defence alliance is a new era for his country. Niinisto said, "It is a great day for Finland. Security and stability are those elements which we feel very strongly; if people can live in secure stable circumstances, that are the basic elements of a happy life." The Finnish presidency said in a statement that "each country maximises its own security. So does Finland. At the same time, NATO membership strengthens our international position and room for manoeuvre." The statement also mentioned that in the future, Finland will contribute to NATO's collective "deterrence and defence". Is Finland joining NATO a direct threat to Russia? Analysts and experts from the West said that Finland joining NATO is a major blow to Russia. Moscow began Ukraine's invasion last year in February, which President Vladimir Putin calls a "special military operation", but the war prompted Finland to apply for NATO membership, along with Sweden. Finland's bid was historic because of its decades-old policy of military non-alignment. Several concerns were raised over more possible invasions by Moscow after Ukraine in future. But any military attack on Finland will definitely get escalated as becoming a NATO member puts Finland under the alliance's Article Five, the collective defence pledge that an attack on one member "shall be considered an attack against them all". After taking Helsinki into the camp, NATO doubled the length of its land border with Russia as Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre-long border with its neighbour. Moscow now has the West and its military forces closer to its border than before. A response is expected in one way or another because Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "this forces us to take countermeasures... in tactical and strategic terms". But in an immediate reaction, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the nation will make the countermeasures public in a calm manner and in due time. "We don't want to get ahead of ourselves here. Why should we? We will calmly disclose what we will do in response when the time is ripe," said Ryabkov, further adding that the West is "deeply mistaken" and "a reaction will follow". Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that NATO's move to increase its own combat readiness has escalated the risk of conflict. Shoigu said that the West is intensifying combat training and reconnaissance activities near the borders of Russia and Belarus and all this creates the risk of a "significant escalation" of the conflict. He also stressed that the move will not affect the outcome of the "special military operation". Putin has often warned the West that NATO's expansion would be seen as aggression towards Russia and would justify the invasion. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described Finland's membership as a proud day for both—him and the alliance. He said, "This will make Finland safer and NATO stronger. President Putin had a declared goal of the invasion of Ukraine to get less NATO along its borders and no more membership in Europe, he's getting exactly the opposite." What Finland will provide to NATO? Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939 and it stayed out of NATO throughout the Cold War and also adopted neutrality in World War II. But its recent NATO membership portrays a significant change in Europe's political landscape. As mentioned, Finland will now help NATO allies to keep a watch on Russian activities as its strategic location boosts defences on a border running from the vulnerable Baltic states to the increasingly competitive Arctic. NATO will now have seven members on the Baltic Sea, further isolating Russia's coastal access to St Petersburg and its small exclave of Kaliningrad. Its membership also brings a potent military into the alliance with a wartime strength of 280,000 and one of Europe's largest artillery arsenals. What happened to Sweden's bid? Stockholm also applied for NATO membership along with Finland, but its bid has been stalled. Sweden has upset Hungary's leader Viktor Orban, one of Putin's closest allies in Europe, by expressing alarm over the rule of law in Hungary. Turkey is also angry with it because of refusing to extradite "terrorists" upon Turkish request. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan links them to a failed 2016 coup attempt and the Kurdish independence struggle. Also, analysts have said that they do not expect Turkey to ratify Sweden's application until after Turkey's May 14 election. Not just Sweden, Ukraine is also pushing for eventual NATO membership. However, Western diplomats say that remains a distant prospect. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "There is no better strategic solution to ensuring strategic security in the Euro-Atlantic region than the membership of Ukraine in the alliance." 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.

Explained: Finland is now a NATO member. Is it a direct threat to Russia?

Finland has become the 31st member of the Nato security alliance, and its flag will soon be raised at the alliance's headquarters. The Finnish foreign minister handed the accession document to the US secretary of state who declared Finland a member.

Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon?

Finland has become the 31st member of the NATO security alliance marking a major shift in the security landscape in north-eastern Europe what is the significance of Finland joining NATO and what kind of ramifications will it have on the ongoing war in Ukraine? We decode in this episode.

Finland joins NATO as 31st ally | World News | WION

The Finnish president's office said that Finland would officially become a member of NATO on Tuesday. The news was confirmed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, "tomorrow we will welcome Finland as the 31st member." He told reporters it would be "a historic and great day for NATO and for Finland.

Finland to become 31st NATO member on April 4

Finland joins NATO, dealing blow to Russia for Ukraine war

Finland formally joined the NATO military alliance on Tuesday in a historic policy shift brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing a threat from Moscow of "countermeasures".

Finland joins NATO, Russia warns of counter-measures

<p>Social media app TikTok has been officially banned by NATO from the devices it provides to its staffers, citing security concerns, as per two NATO officials who were familiar with the matter.</p>

<p>A note was sent to the staff by NATO officials on Friday announcing the ban on TikTok, the officials confirmed. Through the note the ban was made official, however, TikTok was not much usable on the devices issued by NATO before anyways, said the official, because of internal tech restrictions.</p>

<p>“Cyber security is a top priority for NATO. NATO has robust requirements for determining applications for official business use. TikTok is not accessible on NATO devices,” said a senior NATO official.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-rand-paul-blocks-tiktok-ban-asks-if-us-is-going-to-be-just-like-china-and-block-free-speech-577130">Republican Rand Paul blocks TikTok ban, asks if US is 'going to be just like China' and block free speech</a></p>

<p>NATO has become the latest governmental body which has banned the application over concerns that data of TikTok users can be accessed by the Chinese government through its Chinese parent company, Bytedance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The application has already been banned by the UK, US, European Parliament, Norway and other nations from government-issued devices.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew emphasised to US lawmakers that they are completely independent of China and stated that he has “seen no evidence that the Chinese government has access to that data; they have never asked us, we have not provided it".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stated that TikTok is shifting its data into the United States which will be stored on US soil by Oracle, the American company.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-in-the-us-tiktoks-attempts-to-reassure-government-security-concerns-surrounding-the-app-545724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“So the risk would be similar to any government going to an American company, asking for data,” he stated.</p>

<p>However, western governments remain sceptical. TikTok should be “ended one way or another,” said &nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month in a separate hearing while addressing Congress on the same day Chew was testifying. “Clearly, we, the administration and others are seized with the challenge that it poses and is taking action to address it," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Social media app TikTok has been officially banned by NATO from the devices it provides to its staffers, citing security concerns, as per two NATO officials who were familiar with the matter.

Social media app TikTok has been officially banned by NATO from the devices it provides to its staffers, citing security concerns, as per two NATO officials who were familiar with the matter. A note was sent to the staff by NATO officials on Friday announcing the ban on TikTok, the officials confirmed. Through the note the ban was made official, however, TikTok was not much usable on the devices issued by NATO before anyways, said the official, because of internal tech restrictions. “Cyber security is a top priority for NATO. NATO has robust requirements for determining applications for official business use. TikTok is not accessible on NATO devices,” said a senior NATO official. ALSO READ | Republican Rand Paul blocks TikTok ban, asks if US is 'going to be just like China' and block free speech NATO has become the latest governmental body which has banned the application over concerns that data of TikTok users can be accessed by the Chinese government through its Chinese parent company, Bytedance. The application has already been banned by the UK, US, European Parliament, Norway and other nations from government-issued devices. Earlier this month, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew emphasised to US lawmakers that they are completely independent of China and stated that he has “seen no evidence that the Chinese government has access to that data; they have never asked us, we have not provided it". He stated that TikTok is shifting its data into the United States which will be stored on US soil by Oracle, the American company. WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app “So the risk would be similar to any government going to an American company, asking for data,” he stated. However, western governments remain sceptical. TikTok should be “ended one way or another,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month in a separate hearing while addressing Congress on the same day Chew was testifying. “Clearly, we, the administration and others are seized with the challenge that it poses and is taking action to address it," he added. (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

NATO officially bans TikTok on devices of its staff

<p>Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared (March 26) that Russia would station tactical weapons in Belarus.</p>

<p>Russia and Belarus, the two Slav neighbours, are formally part of a "union state". Talks between the two countries have gone on for years for deeper integration. The process has gained pace after Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine's territory last year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO</strong></p>

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<p>The weapons "will be moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security," Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television.</p>

<p>"This will be done despite the noise in Europe and the United States."</p>

<p>The Russian envoy didn't fully specify where the weapons will be stationed. He, however, confirmed that a storage facility will be completed by July 1. It will then be moves to the West of Belarus.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-set-to-become-31st-nato-member-on-tuesday-secretary-general-stoltenberg-says-578596">Finland set to become 31st NATO member on Tuesday, Secretary General Stoltenberg says</a></strong><br />
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Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold.

Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared (March 26) that Russia would station tactical weapons in Belarus. Russia and Belarus, the two Slav neighbours, are formally part of a "union state". Talks between the two countries have gone on for years for deeper integration. The process has gained pace after Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine's territory last year. Watch | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO × The weapons "will be moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security," Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television. "This will be done despite the noise in Europe and the United States." The Russian envoy didn't fully specify where the weapons will be stationed. He, however, confirmed that a storage facility will be completed by July 1. It will then be moves to the West of Belarus. Also Read | Finland set to become 31st NATO member on Tuesday, Secretary General Stoltenberg says Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (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 ×

Russia to place tactical nukes near Belarus border with NATO countries: Envoy

The war in Ukraine is raging for over 400 days now. The war time President Zelensky keeps saying that Russia won't stop at Ukraine. While that seems a remote possibility at the moment. But before February, 2022, an invasion of Ukraine too looked remote. Given the heightened tensions, NATO troops are bolstering its defences.

NATO conducts military exercises with an eye on Russia | WION Pulse

<p>In the first such public remarks by a senior official of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) grouping, Julianne Smith, the United States Permanent Representative to NATO has said that the alliance is "open to more engagement" with India. In a press briefing with journalists, Smith confirmed that "informal exchanges" have taken place between some NATO and Indian officials on the sidelines of the annual Raisina Dialogue in Delhi.</p>

<p>"There have been some exchanges on the margins of the Raisina Dialogue, which is a start and has opened up the conversation a little bit," Smith said. She explained, "Message that has already been sent back to India is that the NATO alliance certainly is open to more engagement with India, should that country take an interest in pursuing that."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openais-chatgpt-blocked-in-italy-reports-577685">OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations</a></p>

<p>NATO currently has 40 different partners around the world. The NATO foreign ministerial meeting will take place in Brussels from April 4-5, and it has invited Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan to attend it. The four countries of the Indo Pacific region have formal partnerships with the mega alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about an invitation to India to attend these meetings and become a member of the grouping, Julianne Smith said, "In terms of the future with India, again, I think NATO's door is open in terms of engagement. Should India be interested, but we would not want to, at this stage, invite them to a NATO ministerial, until we knew more about their interest in engaging the Alliance more broadly."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-top-10-corrupt-countries-in-the-world-577675">Top 10 corrupt countries in the world</a></p>

<p>Smith also acknowledged that India plays a crucial role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The remarks come at a time when major geopolitical changes have been seen in Europe and Indo-Pacific region amid the Russia Ukraine conflict and Chinese aggressive actions from Asean to India. Moscow has blamed the current Ukraine conflict on expansion of NATO, something that has been dismissed by the member countries of the alliance.<br />
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In the first such public remarks by a senior official of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) grouping, Julianne Smith, the United States Permanent Representative to NATO has said that the alliance is "open to more engagement" with India.

In the first such public remarks by a senior official of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) grouping, Julianne Smith, the United States Permanent Representative to NATO has said that the alliance is "open to more engagement" with India. In a press briefing with journalists, Smith confirmed that "informal exchanges" have taken place between some NATO and Indian officials on the sidelines of the annual Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. "There have been some exchanges on the margins of the Raisina Dialogue, which is a start and has opened up the conversation a little bit," Smith said. She explained, "Message that has already been sent back to India is that the NATO alliance certainly is open to more engagement with India, should that country take an interest in pursuing that." Also Read | OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations NATO currently has 40 different partners around the world. The NATO foreign ministerial meeting will take place in Brussels from April 4-5, and it has invited Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan to attend it. The four countries of the Indo Pacific region have formal partnerships with the mega alliance. Asked about an invitation to India to attend these meetings and become a member of the grouping, Julianne Smith said, "In terms of the future with India, again, I think NATO's door is open in terms of engagement. Should India be interested, but we would not want to, at this stage, invite them to a NATO ministerial, until we knew more about their interest in engaging the Alliance more broadly." Also Read | Top 10 corrupt countries in the world Smith also acknowledged that India plays a crucial role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? × The remarks come at a time when major geopolitical changes have been seen in Europe and Indo-Pacific region amid the Russia Ukraine conflict and Chinese aggressive actions from Asean to India. Moscow has blamed the current Ukraine conflict on expansion of NATO, something that has been dismissed by the member countries of the alliance. 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.

NATO open to more engagement with India, says US representative Julianne Smith

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Turkish parliament ratifies Finland's NATO membership

The India's clout globally is on the rise, there are no two ways about it. The nations across the globe see India as a major powerhouse and this is not only evident but New Delhi's responsible role as the chair of global bodies such as G20 and SCO.

From NATO to ASEAN, India key to global blocs; World's most powerful want India on their side | WION

Turkey’s parliament voted unanimously to formally approve Finland’s membership to NATO on Thursday. Finland and Sweden both applied to NATO in May 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NATO membership requires the unanimous consent of all member nations. Finland passed its last test in the membership process with Ankara's decision late on Thursday.

Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership

Romania’s navy led multinational military drills in the Black Sea region brought together US and NATO troops as the 30-nation alliance looks to boost security on its southeastern flank amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

NATO’s Marine forces in action: US, South Korea stage largest ambitious landing

<p>Turkey on Thursday became the last NATO member to ratify Finland's membership of the US-led defence alliance. With this, Finland is well on its way to becoming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 31st member nation. "This evening, we are keeping the promises we made to Finland," announced ruling party lawmaker Akif Cagatay Kilic moments before the vote in which Turkish lawmakers unanimously backed Finland's accession to the international organisation. The parliament's approval as per AFP comes two weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publically gave his blessing to the Nordic country's bid.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Finland's president in Turkey for talks on NATO bid</strong></p>

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<p>Finland now needs to complete a few technical steps before it officially becomes the newest member of the world's most powerful military bloc. The process as per officials should be completed as early as next week.</p>

<p>The nation and its neighbour Sweden, following Russia's launch of a 'special military operation' against Ukraine, decided last May to end their decades of non-alignment and join the multi-member bloc.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-parliament-backs-finlands-nato-accession-576377">Hungary parliament backs Finland's NATO accession</a></strong></p>

<p>Their applications were accepted at the alliance summit last June, but the bids still needed to be ratified by all the member nation's parliaments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to AFP, the process was stalled due to Hungary and Turkey. The Hungarian Parliament ratified Finland's membership on Monday (March 27).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-membership-bid-gets-another-jolt-after-quran-burning-incident-outraged-turkey-555120">'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan</a></strong></p>

<p>Finland and Sweden, who applied for membership together, had to break up their bids to avoid delay to both their bids. Owing to long-standing disputes, Turkish President Erdogan had reportedly put up stiff resistance to Sweden's candidacy. However, the nation still hopes to join the military alliance in time for the Vilnius summit scheduled for July.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkey on Thursday became the last NATO member to ratify Finland's membership of the US-led defence alliance. With this, Finland is well on its way to becoming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 31st member nation.

Turkey on Thursday became the last NATO member to ratify Finland's membership of the US-led defence alliance. With this, Finland is well on its way to becoming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 31st member nation. "This evening, we are keeping the promises we made to Finland," announced ruling party lawmaker Akif Cagatay Kilic moments before the vote in which Turkish lawmakers unanimously backed Finland's accession to the international organisation. The parliament's approval as per AFP comes two weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publically gave his blessing to the Nordic country's bid. Watch | Finland's president in Turkey for talks on NATO bid Finland now needs to complete a few technical steps before it officially becomes the newest member of the world's most powerful military bloc. The process as per officials should be completed as early as next week. The nation and its neighbour Sweden, following Russia's launch of a 'special military operation' against Ukraine, decided last May to end their decades of non-alignment and join the multi-member bloc. Also read | Hungary parliament backs Finland's NATO accession Their applications were accepted at the alliance summit last June, but the bids still needed to be ratified by all the member nation's parliaments. According to AFP, the process was stalled due to Hungary and Turkey. The Hungarian Parliament ratified Finland's membership on Monday (March 27). Also read | 'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan Finland and Sweden, who applied for membership together, had to break up their bids to avoid delay to both their bids. Owing to long-standing disputes, Turkish President Erdogan had reportedly put up stiff resistance to Sweden's candidacy. However, the nation still hopes to join the military alliance in time for the Vilnius summit scheduled for July. (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 backs Finland's NATO membership, becoming last bloc member to ratify

<p>The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out.&nbsp;Finland can now formally join NATO in a couple of days.</p>

<p>“All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö&nbsp;tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/bK15QpZKGX">pic.twitter.com/bK15QpZKGX</a></p>
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<p>The role of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is prominent as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts have claimed that Ukraine's persistence on wanting to join the military alliance was the cause of the war&nbsp;that Vladimir Putin started in February 2022.</p>

<p>We explain the basic&nbsp;tenets of NATO, as well as how the inclusion of Finland can&nbsp;reshape the group.</p>

<h2><strong>Firstly, Why Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance?</strong></h2>

<p>The two nations have a long history of maintaining their neutrality and avoiding military alliances. However, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, this stance changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts claim that Vladimir Putin's activities have undermined a long-standing sense of stability in northern Europe, making countries like Sweden and Finland feel vulnerable, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb declared that his country's membership in the alliance was a "done deal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finland had been invaded by the Soviets in late 1939. Although being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish army put up a valiant fight for more than three months. They managed to evade occupation but ultimately lost 10 per cent&nbsp;of their area.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-buying-weapons-from-north-korea-in-exchange-for-food-claims-us-577670">Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US</a></p>

<p>As there have been numerous reports of Russian military aircraft violating Swedish airspace, Sweden has likewise felt at danger.</p>

<p>Only 28 per cent&nbsp;of Sweden's population indicated in April 2014 that they would be willing to join the alliance, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/660842/survey-on-perception-of-nato-membership-in-sweden/">data compiled by Statista</a>. When the question was reposed in February 2022, the percentage increased to 41 per cent&nbsp;in favour of Sweden joining NATO. This percentage rose to 64 per cent&nbsp;in July 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar to Finland, there was a shift in opinion about joining NATO. Only 24 per cent&nbsp;of the populace wants the nation to join the alliance in October 2021. Nevertheless, this increased to 76 per cent&nbsp;in May 2022.</p>

<p>Sweden and Finland were invited by all NATO partners in June of last year, and the ratification process has been proceeding ever since. While Sweden's bid to join the alliance is still encountering difficulties, Finland has received approval from all 30 countries, with Turkey being the latest to do so.</p>

<h2><strong>What would Finland's and Sweden's&nbsp;inclusion mean for NATO?</strong></h2>

<p>With Finland's inclusion, NATO's border with Russia will grow from its current 6 per cent&nbsp;land perimeter to its entire length. That would provide the alliance access to Finland's well-trained military, which currently employs weaponry that are compatible with the alliance, allowing it to increase its surveillance of Russia's western flank.</p>

<p>Although,&nbsp;Russia is now mired in its conflict in Ukraine, it still poses a small threat, and allies shouldn't underestimate Moscow's capacity to rebuild its military after the conflict, reported The Japan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, three of the EU's Baltic countries who are frequently considered prospective targets of Russian attack, will be protected by the bloc's increased security of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea as a result of Finland's entry.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership</strong></p>

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<p>It adds a second Arctic nation to the alliance, one whose military has been trained for cold weather, which is a valuable asset at a time when the High North is becoming more strategically significant due to China's and Russia's increased presence there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the two Nordic countries submitted their applications in May of last year, Finland's ratification represents one of the fastest memberships in NATO history. It took two years for North Macedonia to become the last member of the alliance.</p>

<h2><strong>What does NATO signify and who are part of it?</strong></h2>

<p>The United States,&nbsp;United Kingdom, Canada, and France were among the 12 nations that established NATO in 1949. The goal of this bloc was to protect one another from the former Soviet Union. It was the first military alliance between the United States and a non-Western country.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The core idea of collective defence as outlined in Article 5 binds group members, who have increased from 12 at the start to 30 at the most recent count. It still serves as a distinctive and enduring tenet that unites its members, committing them to defend one another and fostering a feeling of unity within the Alliance.</p>

<p>At present,&nbsp;NATO has 30 members. They are made up of 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out.

The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out. Finland can now formally join NATO in a couple of days. “All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said. pic.twitter.com/bK15QpZKGX — Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 30, 2023 × The role of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is prominent as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts have claimed that Ukraine's persistence on wanting to join the military alliance was the cause of the war that Vladimir Putin started in February 2022. We explain the basic tenets of NATO, as well as how the inclusion of Finland can reshape the group. Firstly, Why Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance? The two nations have a long history of maintaining their neutrality and avoiding military alliances. However, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, this stance changed. Experts claim that Vladimir Putin's activities have undermined a long-standing sense of stability in northern Europe, making countries like Sweden and Finland feel vulnerable, as reported by AFP. As soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb declared that his country's membership in the alliance was a "done deal." Finland had been invaded by the Soviets in late 1939. Although being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish army put up a valiant fight for more than three months. They managed to evade occupation but ultimately lost 10 per cent of their area. ALSO READ | Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US As there have been numerous reports of Russian military aircraft violating Swedish airspace, Sweden has likewise felt at danger. Only 28 per cent of Sweden's population indicated in April 2014 that they would be willing to join the alliance, according to data compiled by Statista. When the question was reposed in February 2022, the percentage increased to 41 per cent in favour of Sweden joining NATO. This percentage rose to 64 per cent in July 2022. Similar to Finland, there was a shift in opinion about joining NATO. Only 24 per cent of the populace wants the nation to join the alliance in October 2021. Nevertheless, this increased to 76 per cent in May 2022. Sweden and Finland were invited by all NATO partners in June of last year, and the ratification process has been proceeding ever since. While Sweden's bid to join the alliance is still encountering difficulties, Finland has received approval from all 30 countries, with Turkey being the latest to do so. What would Finland's and Sweden's inclusion mean for NATO? With Finland's inclusion, NATO's border with Russia will grow from its current 6 per cent land perimeter to its entire length. That would provide the alliance access to Finland's well-trained military, which currently employs weaponry that are compatible with the alliance, allowing it to increase its surveillance of Russia's western flank. Although, Russia is now mired in its conflict in Ukraine, it still poses a small threat, and allies shouldn't underestimate Moscow's capacity to rebuild its military after the conflict, reported The Japan Times. Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, three of the EU's Baltic countries who are frequently considered prospective targets of Russian attack, will be protected by the bloc's increased security of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea as a result of Finland's entry. ALSO WATCH | Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership It adds a second Arctic nation to the alliance, one whose military has been trained for cold weather, which is a valuable asset at a time when the High North is becoming more strategically significant due to China's and Russia's increased presence there. Since the two Nordic countries submitted their applications in May of last year, Finland's ratification represents one of the fastest memberships in NATO history. It took two years for North Macedonia to become the last member of the alliance. What does NATO signify and who are part of it? The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France were among the 12 nations that established NATO in 1949. The goal of this bloc was to protect one another from the former Soviet Union. It was the first military alliance between the United States and a non-Western country. Map showing the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pic.twitter.com/tU2T6klTe4 — AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 10, 2022 × The core idea of collective defence as outlined in Article 5 binds group members, who have increased from 12 at the start to 30 at the most recent count. It still serves as a distinctive and enduring tenet that unites its members, committing them to defend one another and fostering a feeling of unity within the Alliance. At present, NATO has 30 members. They are made up of 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: From neutral to NATO, what does Finland's entry mean for the military alliance?

Russia is set to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in its neighboring country Belarus. President Vladimir Putin made this announcement, as per Russian media reports, this will be the first time since the mid-1990s that Moscow would be stationed in such arms outside its territory. NATO has condemned Putin's decision.

NATO on Russia's move: Dangerous and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric

NATO has condemned President Vladimir Putin's decision to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in its neighboring country Belarus. Putin made this announcement, as per Russian media reports, this will be the first time since the mid-1990s that Moscow would be stationed in such arms outside its territory.

NATO has condemned Vladimir Putin's decision to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus | Details

<p>The Hungarian parliament approved a bill on Monday (March 27) to allow Finland to join The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) once its application has been ratified by all 30 members of the alliance. The approval ends months of foot-dragging by the ruling Fidesz party on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin tweeted after the vote, she said: "Thank you for the decision with clear numbers!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 182 votes versus six against, a large majority of lawmakers approved the accession of the Nordic country into the military alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vote means that 29 out of 30 NATO member state parliaments have ratified Finland's accession. The last will be Turkey's assembly, which is expected to also give Helsinki the nod next month.</p>

<p>Initially, Finland aimed to join together with fellow NATO aspirant Sweden, a Nordic power facing a litany of disputes with Turkey that ultimately sunk its chance to join the bloc before an alliance summit in Vilnius in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Ukraine, Russia war: Putin to deploy nuclear weapons to Belarus&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"The NATO membership of Finland and Sweden will strengthen the security of the whole Alliance. It is in everyone's interest that Sweden also becomes a member of NATO before the Vilnius Summit," said Marin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said that Turkey had decided on ratifying Helsinki's NATO bid. The claim came after reports emerged that Ankara's parliament will "highly likely" ratify Finland's NATO accession bid before mid-April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Russia began the invasion of Ukraine last year in February, Sweden and Finland applied to join the trans-Atlantic defence pact. However, both nations faced unexpected hurdles. To join NATO, all 30 members have to ratify any membership bids.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Hungarian parliament approved a bill on Monday (March 27) to allow Finland to join The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) once its application has been ratified by all 30 members of the alliance.

The Hungarian parliament approved a bill on Monday (March 27) to allow Finland to join The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) once its application has been ratified by all 30 members of the alliance. The approval ends months of foot-dragging by the ruling Fidesz party on the matter. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin tweeted after the vote, she said: "Thank you for the decision with clear numbers!" With 182 votes versus six against, a large majority of lawmakers approved the accession of the Nordic country into the military alliance. The vote means that 29 out of 30 NATO member state parliaments have ratified Finland's accession. The last will be Turkey's assembly, which is expected to also give Helsinki the nod next month. Initially, Finland aimed to join together with fellow NATO aspirant Sweden, a Nordic power facing a litany of disputes with Turkey that ultimately sunk its chance to join the bloc before an alliance summit in Vilnius in July. WATCH | Gravitas | Ukraine, Russia war: Putin to deploy nuclear weapons to Belarus × "The NATO membership of Finland and Sweden will strengthen the security of the whole Alliance. It is in everyone's interest that Sweden also becomes a member of NATO before the Vilnius Summit," said Marin. Earlier this month, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said that Turkey had decided on ratifying Helsinki's NATO bid. The claim came after reports emerged that Ankara's parliament will "highly likely" ratify Finland's NATO accession bid before mid-April. After Russia began the invasion of Ukraine last year in February, Sweden and Finland applied to join the trans-Atlantic defence pact. However, both nations faced unexpected hurdles. To join NATO, all 30 members have to ratify any membership bids. (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.

Hungary parliament backs Finland's NATO accession

Russia is set to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in in its neighbouring country Belarus. President Vladimir Putin made this announcement, as per Russian media reports, this will be the first time since mid-1990s that Moscow would be stationed in such arms outside its territory. NATO has condemns Putin's decision.

Russia to station nuclear weapons in Belarus; NATO condemns Putin's dangerous rhetoric

<p>NATO on Sunday backfired on Russia's nuclear weapons rhetoric calling it "dangerous and irresponsible.” This comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would station tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its ally Belarus.</p>

<p>“NATO is vigilant, and we are closely monitoring the situation. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own,” reported Reuters quoting a spokesperson for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>“Russia’s reference to NATO’s nuclear sharing is totally misleading. NATO allies act with full respect of their international commitments. Russia has consistently broken its arms control commitments, most recently suspending its participation in the New START Treaty.”</p>

<p>The agreement between Minsk and Moscow is a historic one since the mid-1990s as Russia has not been stationing such tactical nuclear weapons outside its own boundaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is nothing unusual here either: the United States has been doing this for decades. They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin said while substantiating the agreement it reached with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, reported AFP.</p>

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<p>Putin made it clear that his action does not violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is the cornerstone of international efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>"We agreed that we will do the same - without violating our obligations, I emphasize, without violating our international obligations on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons."</p>

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<p>Putin's declaration was met with unanimous condemnation from the US and Ukraine. According to Reuters news agency, a senior US administration official stated that Moscow and Minsk had discussed such an agreement during the previous year and added that there were no indications Russia wanted to deploy its nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky's senior security advisor also criticised Russian intentions to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. He claimed that taking such action would destabilise Belarus. He claimed Russia had taken Belarus "hostage."</p>

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NATO on Sunday backfired on Russia's nuclear weapons rhetoric calling it "dangerous and irresponsible.” This comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would station tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its ally Belarus.

NATO on Sunday backfired on Russia's nuclear weapons rhetoric calling it "dangerous and irresponsible.” This comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would station tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its ally Belarus. “NATO is vigilant, and we are closely monitoring the situation. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own,” reported Reuters quoting a spokesperson for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Also Read | Walmart lays off hundreds of US employees, gives them 90 days to find job at its other facilities “Russia’s reference to NATO’s nuclear sharing is totally misleading. NATO allies act with full respect of their international commitments. Russia has consistently broken its arms control commitments, most recently suspending its participation in the New START Treaty.” The agreement between Minsk and Moscow is a historic one since the mid-1990s as Russia has not been stationing such tactical nuclear weapons outside its own boundaries. "There is nothing unusual here either: the United States has been doing this for decades. They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin said while substantiating the agreement it reached with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, reported AFP. Also Read | Verified Twitter account without Blue checkmark? Musk's platform steps up to avoid shame, trolling Putin made it clear that his action does not violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is the cornerstone of international efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. "We agreed that we will do the same - without violating our obligations, I emphasize, without violating our international obligations on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons." Watch | Twitter CEO Elon Musk to give stocks to employees at $20 dollar valuation × Putin's declaration was met with unanimous condemnation from the US and Ukraine. According to Reuters news agency, a senior US administration official stated that Moscow and Minsk had discussed such an agreement during the previous year and added that there were no indications Russia wanted to deploy its nuclear weapons. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky's senior security advisor also criticised Russian intentions to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. He claimed that taking such action would destabilise Belarus. He claimed Russia had taken Belarus "hostage." 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.

Russia's nuclear weapons plans in Belarus 'dangerous and irresponsible': NATO

<p>Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The air force commanders had first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in Sweden in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology,” Denmark's air force said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Major General Jan Dam, the commander of the Danish air force, said that the move to integrate the air forces of the Nordic countries was triggered by Russia's offensive in Ukraine in February last year. Major General Dam added that the combined fleet could be compared to a large European country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters reported on Friday that Sweden has over 90 Gripens jets; Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets with 15 more of the latter on order, and Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order. Denmark, meanwhile, has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it was unclear how many of these aircraft were operational.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO's Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the US Air Force in the region, the news agency reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Norway and Denmark are already members of NATO. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO last year and Finland is expected to join the inter-governmental military alliance within weeks. Sweden, on the other hand, is facing a delay due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia.

Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The air force commanders had first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in Sweden in November last year. “The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology,” Denmark's air force said in a statement. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Major General Jan Dam, the commander of the Danish air force, said that the move to integrate the air forces of the Nordic countries was triggered by Russia's offensive in Ukraine in February last year. Major General Dam added that the combined fleet could be compared to a large European country. Reuters reported on Friday that Sweden has over 90 Gripens jets; Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets with 15 more of the latter on order, and Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order. Denmark, meanwhile, has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order. However, it was unclear how many of these aircraft were operational. The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO's Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the US Air Force in the region, the news agency reported. Norway and Denmark are already members of NATO. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO last year and Finland is expected to join the inter-governmental military alliance within weeks. Sweden, on the other hand, is facing a delay due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary. (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.

Nordic nations plan joint air defence to counter rising threat from Russia

NATO troops are facing test of readiness in the multinational battle group military exercise which is being held in Slovakia. It is the key protector of NATO's eastern flank. The Slovak shield drills are being conducted in the South of the country.

NATO troops face test of readiness; 2,000 troops take part in Slovak shield drills

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