Delegations from Sweden and Finland are set to meet Turkish officials today, the meeting comes with the hope of clearing up differences with Ankara after Turkey opposed Sweden and Finland's bid to join NATO.

Sweden, Finland delegations hope to woo Turkey over NATO bid

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has opposed Sweden and Finland joining NATO, held phone calls with the Sweden and Finland leaders. He has raised concerns about Ankara.

Russia-Ukraine war: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan calls Swedish & Finnish leaders

Extensions over Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid continue to intensify. Russia has now halted natural gas supplies to Finland in what is believed to be a retaliatory move by Moscow to put pressure on Finland.

Kremlin turns off taps to Finland, move to counter NATO expansion plan?

Nordic countries Sweden and Finland have applied for NATO membership. However, Turkey is the lone roadblock to their NATO bids. US President Biden said that new NATO members are not a threat.

US President Joe Biden: New NATO members are not a threat

The conundrum over NATO entry continues. US, NATO are ready to welcome Sweden & Finland into the alliance but Turkey is blocking their applications. Analysts say that Turkey is using its position in NATO to extract compensations. There will be political pressure on Turkey if it blocks the applications. Turkey’s veto may be used as leverage against existing NATO members. What does Turkey want?

Turkey, NATO & US: The big chaos over Sweden & Finland alliance bids

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have mulled applying for NATO membership. However, Turkey has blocked their early vote to join the NATO alliance.

Turkey blocks Sweden and Finland's early vote to join NATO

The number of NATO troops stationed on the alliance's eastern frontier has nearly doubled since last year, reaching 40,000. There were 4,650 troops under direct NATO command in February 2021, a year before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NATO records. In Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, these soldiers were assigned to four multinational battlegroups.

Then Russia began deploying troops and capabilities along its shared border with Ukraine, accelerating these moves at the end of last year and beginning of this year, claiming it was a defensive move in response to Ukraine's NATO ambitions and the trans-Atlantic alliance's eastward expansion since the 1990s.

NATO and its 30 members bolstered their eastern locations with more soldiers and capabilities in response to Russia's troop buildup.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-backs-finland-and-swedens-historic-nato-application-480234" hreflang="en">Biden backs Finland and Sweden's 'historic' NATO application</a>

There were 40,000 allied forces under direct NATO command a month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, with existing battlegroups dramatically strengthened — Poland's increased from 1,010 men to 10,500 — and four new battlegroups established in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Over 250 Ukrainians from Azovstal are in Russian captivity

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-over-250-ukrainians-from-azovstal-are-in-russian-captivity-480054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Furthermore, under bilateral agreements, numerous European countries have requested additional US troops, raising the total number of American soldiers in Europe to around 100,000, the highest level since 2005.

As a result of Russia's aggression, European NATO members have pledged to dramatically increase their defence spending in order to meet the alliance's aim of 2% of GDP. Members of NATO have also begun a "reset" of their policy, promising to enhance deployments and capabilities on the ground, at sea, and in the air. At a conference in June, more specifics on this approach will be revealed.

Furthermore, two European nations, Sweden and Finland, have made formal requests to join the defence alliance, thus doubling the length of the union's shared border with Russia.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The number of NATO troops stationed on the alliance's eastern frontier has nearly doubled since last year, reaching 40,000. There were 4,650 troops under direct NATO command in February 2021, a year before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NATO records.

The number of NATO troops stationed on the alliance's eastern frontier has nearly doubled since last year, reaching 40,000. There were 4,650 troops under direct NATO command in February 2021, a year before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NATO records. In Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, these soldiers were assigned to four multinational battlegroups. Then Russia began deploying troops and capabilities along its shared border with Ukraine, accelerating these moves at the end of last year and beginning of this year, claiming it was a defensive move in response to Ukraine's NATO ambitions and the trans-Atlantic alliance's eastward expansion since the 1990s. NATO and its 30 members bolstered their eastern locations with more soldiers and capabilities in response to Russia's troop buildup. Also Read: Biden backs Finland and Sweden's 'historic' NATO application There were 40,000 allied forces under direct NATO command a month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, with existing battlegroups dramatically strengthened — Poland's increased from 1,010 men to 10,500 — and four new battlegroups established in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Watch: Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Over 250 Ukrainians from Azovstal are in Russian captivity × Furthermore, under bilateral agreements, numerous European countries have requested additional US troops, raising the total number of American soldiers in Europe to around 100,000, the highest level since 2005. As a result of Russia's aggression, European NATO members have pledged to dramatically increase their defence spending in order to meet the alliance's aim of 2% of GDP. Members of NATO have also begun a "reset" of their policy, promising to enhance deployments and capabilities on the ground, at sea, and in the air. At a conference in June, more specifics on this approach will be revealed. Furthermore, two European nations, Sweden and Finland, have made formal requests to join the defence alliance, thus doubling the length of the union's shared border with Russia. 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.

Ukraine war: NATO now has 40,000 soldiers on Europe's border with Russia

After holding out for nearly 90 days, the city of Mariupol surrendered to Russian forces. Hours later, Finland and Sweden officially submitted their application to join NATO. Palki Sharma tells you how Russia's war is changing European security considerations.

Gravitas: Finland and Sweden submit NATO application

The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase.

It is no secret that the initial invasion went badly for Russia. Expecting easy victories, the Russian Army inflicted terrible destruction — especially in its shelling of cities — but for the most part failed to take territory outside the southeast of the country. Ukrainian resistance was fierce. After six weeks of war, undermanned Russian forces were made to retreat from Kyiv and its suburbs.

In the hope of winning new victories, Russia has now confined its forces to the south and east of Ukraine. The main battles are taking place in small towns and villages along the Donets River. Russia talks of cutting off the Ukrainian Army from the Donbas, but so far, its forces have made slow progress advancing from the Black Sea coast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-turned-off-gas-supply-in-transit-points-says-ukraine-478138">Russia has turned off gas supply in transit points, says Ukraine</a>

In response, the United States and its allies have also shifted their position. At first, the Western support for Ukraine was mainly designed to defend against the invasion. It is now set on a far grander ambition: to weaken Russia itself. Presented as a common-sense response to Russian aggression, the shift, in fact, amounts to a significant escalation.

By expanding support to Ukraine across the board and shelving any diplomatic effort to stop the fighting, the United States and its allies have greatly increased the danger of an even larger conflict. They are taking a risk far out of step with any realistic strategic gain.

Russia’s more limited focus has proved more manageable for its armed forces. The bloody siege of Mariupol is, for practical purposes, now complete, and Russia has secured the town of Izium while bombarding minor cities. But these advances, which have come at a cost, are limited. The likelihood of Russian territorial advances far from Crimea or the Donbas is now remote.

The shift from general to limited conquest was already a concession on Russia’s part. The Russian leadership has blamed a single factor: It claims to be fighting not just Ukraine but the NATO system in Eastern Europe. Hubris and clumsy tactics are more to the point. Yet there is no denying that the United States, Britain, Poland and other European NATO members have been parties to the conflict from the outset.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict to fuel food crisis in Africa

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-to-fuel-food-crisis-in-africa-478014/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is not just military transports and trucks carrying tens of thousands of antiaircraft and antiarmor weapons to Ukrainian fighters. The United States has also provided real-time intelligence, reportedly including targeting information on the location of Russian forces. Though the Pentagon has disputed the extent of intelligence sharing, leaks have been remarkably revealing. We now know the United States provided the tracking intelligence that led to the sinking of the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. More striking still, U.S. intelligence agencies provided critical targeting for battlefield assassinations of Russian generals.

This was already a significant form of participation in the war. But the United States has since shifted its strategy to push Russia further. The early U.S. response to the invasion was simple: Supply the defenders and apply America’s unique financial weaponry to the Russian economy. The new strategy — call it bleed Russia — is quite different. The underlying idea is that the United States and its allies should seek to recover more from the rubble of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk than the survival of Ukraine as a polity or even a symbolic frustration of Russian aggression.

Top officials have made that quite clear. The U.S. secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, has said the goal is “to see Russia weakened.” The speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said Ukraine is defending “democracy writ large for the world.” Britain’s foreign minister, Liz Truss, was explicit about widening the conflict to take in Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia, such as Crimea, when she spoke of evicting Russia from “the whole of Ukraine.” This is both an expansion of the battlefield and a transformation of the war.

Whereas once the primary Western objective was to defend against the invasion, it has become the permanent strategic attrition of Russia. The outline of the new policy began to emerge on April 13, when the Pentagon called a convocation of the eight biggest American arms companies to prepare arms transfers on a grand scale. The result was the pledge made by President Biden on April 28 that the United States would provide four times as much military aid to Ukraine as it had already supplied since the beginning of the conflict — a promise made good by a proposed aid package for Ukraine worth $39.8 billion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-pushing-back-russians-from-kharkiv-zelensky-478089">Ukraine pushing back Russians from Kharkiv: Zelensky</a>

This strategic shift has coincided with the abandonment of diplomatic efforts. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were always fraught but contained moments of promise. They have now stalled completely. Russia bears its fair share of responsibility, of course. But European channels to Moscow have been all but severed, and there is no serious effort from the United States to seek diplomatic progress, let alone cease-fires.

When I was in Ukraine during the first weeks of the war, even staunch Ukrainian nationalists expressed views far more pragmatic than those that are routine in America now. Talk of neutral status for Ukraine and internationally monitored plebiscites in Donetsk and Luhansk has been jettisoned in favor of bombast and grandstanding.

The war was dangerous and destructive enough in its initial form. The combination of expanded strategic aims and scotched negotiations has made it more dangerous still. At present, the only message to Russia is: There is no way out. Though President Vladimir Putin did not declare general conscription in his Victory Day speech on May 9, a conventional escalation of this kind is still possible.

Nuclear weapons are discussed in easy tones, not least on Russian television. The risk of cities being reduced to corium remains low without NATO deployment in Ukraine, but accident and miscalculation cannot be discounted. And the conflict takes place at a time when most of the Cold War arms control agreements between the United States and Russia have been allowed to lapse.

A weakened Russia was a likely outcome of the war even before the shift in U.S. policy. Russia’s economic position has deteriorated. Far from a commodity superpower, its undersized domestic industry is struggling and is dependent on technology imports that are now inaccessible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hypersonics-missile-strikes-russias-assault-on-ukraine-in-numbers-478150">Hypersonics &amp; missile strikes: Russia's assault on Ukraine in numbers</a>

What’s more, the invasion has led directly to greater military spending in second- and third-tier European powers. The number of NATO troops in Eastern Europe has grown tenfold, and a Nordic expansion of the organization is likely. A general rearmament of Europe is taking place, driven not by desire for autonomy from American power but in service to it. For the United States, this should be success enough. It is unclear what more there is to gain by weakening Russia, beyond fantasies of regime change.

Ukraine’s future depends on the course of the fighting in the Donbas and perhaps the south. The physical destruction of the east is already well underway. Ukrainian casualties are not insignificant; estimates of the number killed and wounded vary widely, but it is certainly in the tens of thousands. Russia has destroyed whatever sense of shared heritage remained before the invasion.

But the longer the war, the worse the damage to Ukraine and the greater the risk of escalation. A decisive military result in eastern Ukraine may prove elusive. Yet the less dramatic outcome of a festering stalemate is hardly better. Indefinite protraction of the war, as in Syria, is too dangerous with nuclear-armed participants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-covers-leg-with-blanket-as-health-rumours-swirl-on-victory-day-477866">Putin covers leg with blanket as health rumours swirl on Victory Day</a>

Diplomatic efforts ought to be the centerpiece of a new Ukraine strategy. Instead, the war’s boundaries are being expanded and the war itself recast as a struggle between democracy and autocracy, in which the Donbas is the frontier of freedom. This is not just declamatory extravagance. It is reckless. The risks hardly need to be stated.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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>

The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. It is no secret that the initial invasion went badly for Russia. Expecting easy victories, the Russian Army inflicted terrible destruction — especially in its shelling of cities — but for the most part failed to take territory outside the southeast of the country.

The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. It is no secret that the initial invasion went badly for Russia. Expecting easy victories, the Russian Army inflicted terrible destruction — especially in its shelling of cities — but for the most part failed to take territory outside the southeast of the country. Ukrainian resistance was fierce. After six weeks of war, undermanned Russian forces were made to retreat from Kyiv and its suburbs. In the hope of winning new victories, Russia has now confined its forces to the south and east of Ukraine. The main battles are taking place in small towns and villages along the Donets River. Russia talks of cutting off the Ukrainian Army from the Donbas, but so far, its forces have made slow progress advancing from the Black Sea coast. Also read | Russia has turned off gas supply in transit points, says Ukraine In response, the United States and its allies have also shifted their position. At first, the Western support for Ukraine was mainly designed to defend against the invasion. It is now set on a far grander ambition: to weaken Russia itself. Presented as a common-sense response to Russian aggression, the shift, in fact, amounts to a significant escalation. By expanding support to Ukraine across the board and shelving any diplomatic effort to stop the fighting, the United States and its allies have greatly increased the danger of an even larger conflict. They are taking a risk far out of step with any realistic strategic gain. Russia’s more limited focus has proved more manageable for its armed forces. The bloody siege of Mariupol is, for practical purposes, now complete, and Russia has secured the town of Izium while bombarding minor cities. But these advances, which have come at a cost, are limited. The likelihood of Russian territorial advances far from Crimea or the Donbas is now remote. The shift from general to limited conquest was already a concession on Russia’s part. The Russian leadership has blamed a single factor: It claims to be fighting not just Ukraine but the NATO system in Eastern Europe. Hubris and clumsy tactics are more to the point. Yet there is no denying that the United States, Britain, Poland and other European NATO members have been parties to the conflict from the outset. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict to fuel food crisis in Africa It is not just military transports and trucks carrying tens of thousands of antiaircraft and antiarmor weapons to Ukrainian fighters. The United States has also provided real-time intelligence, reportedly including targeting information on the location of Russian forces. Though the Pentagon has disputed the extent of intelligence sharing, leaks have been remarkably revealing. We now know the United States provided the tracking intelligence that led to the sinking of the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. More striking still, U.S. intelligence agencies provided critical targeting for battlefield assassinations of Russian generals. This was already a significant form of participation in the war. But the United States has since shifted its strategy to push Russia further. The early U.S. response to the invasion was simple: Supply the defenders and apply America’s unique financial weaponry to the Russian economy. The new strategy — call it bleed Russia — is quite different. The underlying idea is that the United States and its allies should seek to recover more from the rubble of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk than the survival of Ukraine as a polity or even a symbolic frustration of Russian aggression. Top officials have made that quite clear. The U.S. secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, has said the goal is “to see Russia weakened.” The speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said Ukraine is defending “democracy writ large for the world.” Britain’s foreign minister, Liz Truss, was explicit about widening the conflict to take in Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia, such as Crimea, when she spoke of evicting Russia from “the whole of Ukraine.” This is both an expansion of the battlefield and a transformation of the war. Whereas once the primary Western objective was to defend against the invasion, it has become the permanent strategic attrition of Russia. The outline of the new policy began to emerge on April 13, when the Pentagon called a convocation of the eight biggest American arms companies to prepare arms transfers on a grand scale. The result was the pledge made by President Biden on April 28 that the United States would provide four times as much military aid to Ukraine as it had already supplied since the beginning of the conflict — a promise made good by a proposed aid package for Ukraine worth $39.8 billion. Also read | Ukraine pushing back Russians from Kharkiv: Zelensky This strategic shift has coincided with the abandonment of diplomatic efforts. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were always fraught but contained moments of promise. They have now stalled completely. Russia bears its fair share of responsibility, of course. But European channels to Moscow have been all but severed, and there is no serious effort from the United States to seek diplomatic progress, let alone cease-fires. When I was in Ukraine during the first weeks of the war, even staunch Ukrainian nationalists expressed views far more pragmatic than those that are routine in America now. Talk of neutral status for Ukraine and internationally monitored plebiscites in Donetsk and Luhansk has been jettisoned in favor of bombast and grandstanding. The war was dangerous and destructive enough in its initial form. The combination of expanded strategic aims and scotched negotiations has made it more dangerous still. At present, the only message to Russia is: There is no way out. Though President Vladimir Putin did not declare general conscription in his Victory Day speech on May 9, a conventional escalation of this kind is still possible. Nuclear weapons are discussed in easy tones, not least on Russian television. The risk of cities being reduced to corium remains low without NATO deployment in Ukraine, but accident and miscalculation cannot be discounted. And the conflict takes place at a time when most of the Cold War arms control agreements between the United States and Russia have been allowed to lapse. A weakened Russia was a likely outcome of the war even before the shift in U.S. policy. Russia’s economic position has deteriorated. Far from a commodity superpower, its undersized domestic industry is struggling and is dependent on technology imports that are now inaccessible. Also read | Hypersonics & missile strikes: Russia's assault on Ukraine in numbers What’s more, the invasion has led directly to greater military spending in second- and third-tier European powers. The number of NATO troops in Eastern Europe has grown tenfold, and a Nordic expansion of the organization is likely. A general rearmament of Europe is taking place, driven not by desire for autonomy from American power but in service to it. For the United States, this should be success enough. It is unclear what more there is to gain by weakening Russia, beyond fantasies of regime change. Ukraine’s future depends on the course of the fighting in the Donbas and perhaps the south. The physical destruction of the east is already well underway. Ukrainian casualties are not insignificant; estimates of the number killed and wounded vary widely, but it is certainly in the tens of thousands. Russia has destroyed whatever sense of shared heritage remained before the invasion. But the longer the war, the worse the damage to Ukraine and the greater the risk of escalation. A decisive military result in eastern Ukraine may prove elusive. Yet the less dramatic outcome of a festering stalemate is hardly better. Indefinite protraction of the war, as in Syria, is too dangerous with nuclear-armed participants. Also read | Putin covers leg with blanket as health rumours swirl on Victory Day Diplomatic efforts ought to be the centerpiece of a new Ukraine strategy. Instead, the war’s boundaries are being expanded and the war itself recast as a struggle between democracy and autocracy, in which the Donbas is the frontier of freedom. This is not just declamatory extravagance. It is reckless. The risks hardly need to be stated. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

America and its allies want to bleed Russia. They really shouldn’t.

After reports claimed Turkey President Erdogan had blocked talks with Finland and Sweden to join NATO, US President Biden backed the bids from the Nordic countries.

"The United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression" while their bid is considered, Biden said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-blocks-talks-with-finland-sweden-on-nato-membership-report-480173">Also Read |&nbsp;Turkey blocks talks with Finland, Sweden on NATO membership: Report</a>

Sweden and Finland had jointly bid for NATO's membership on Tuesday. Biden said he strongly supports the "historic applications".

President Erdogan has however criticised both countries of harbouring terrorists referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which Ankara has designated a terrorist organisation.

Watch: Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bids

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finland-and-swedens-historic-nato-membership-bids-480110/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Erodgan went a step further and had asked the officials of the two countries not to "bother" coming to Turkey for talks.

Sweden and Finland had maintained neutral status in European conflicts for decades, however, after President Putin ordered the "special military operation" against Ukraine pressure grew on both countries to join NATO.

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken had earlier backed Sweden and Finland's bid to join the European military alliance as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg asserted the process will be "swift and smooth".

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

After reports claimed Turkey President Erdogan had blocked talks with Finland and Sweden to join NATO, US President Biden backed the bids from the Nordic countries.

After reports claimed Turkey President Erdogan had blocked talks with Finland and Sweden to join NATO, US President Biden backed the bids from the Nordic countries. "The United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression" while their bid is considered, Biden said. Also Read | Turkey blocks talks with Finland, Sweden on NATO membership: Report Sweden and Finland had jointly bid for NATO's membership on Tuesday. Biden said he strongly supports the "historic applications". President Erdogan has however criticised both countries of harbouring terrorists referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which Ankara has designated a terrorist organisation. Watch: Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bids Erodgan went a step further and had asked the officials of the two countries not to "bother" coming to Turkey for talks. Sweden and Finland had maintained neutral status in European conflicts for decades, however, after President Putin ordered the "special military operation" against Ukraine pressure grew on both countries to join NATO. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken had earlier backed Sweden and Finland's bid to join the European military alliance as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg asserted the process will be "swift and smooth". (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden backs Finland and Sweden's 'historic' NATO application

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is about to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Wednesday, the latest step in the process of repairing ties between the two NATO allies.

Turkish foreign minister to meet US Secretary of State in Washington

Turkey opposed NATO's plan to admit Sweden and Finland as members of the military alliance. Is Erdogan using the opportunity to secure concessions from the West? What is the West willing to offer Turkey? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Turkey derails NATO's Nordic expansion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has restarted his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the NATO. Turkey has also asked both countries to extradite suspected PKK members.

Turkey threatens to block Sweden, Finland NATO bids

Finland's desire to join the NATO military alliance has not gone down well with Moscow. In the latest, it has warned Finland that the country would face consequences for NATO membership without any delay, the threat by Moscow comes at a time when Ukraine has claimed to have damaged a Russian navy in the Black Sea.

Russia threatens to retaliate over Finland's NATO membership move

As Finland and Sweden declared they would join NATO, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he won't endorse their membership in the European military alliance.

"We will not say 'yes' to those countries who apply sanctions to Turkey to join security organisation NATO," Turkey's president asserted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-finland-sweden-decides-to-join-nato-putin-says-expect-a-response-479666">Also Read:&nbsp;After Finland, Sweden decides to join NATO; Putin says expect a 'response'</a>

Erdogan accussed Sweden of being a "hatchery" for terrorist organisations. Turkey's president had earlier accussed Sweden and Finland of harbouring terrorists while referring to Kurdish separatists.

Erodgan had said the Nordic countries were "like a guesthouse for terror organisations" with the Turkish government having sent several extradition requests to Norwegian countries to extradite what it calls "terrorists".

Watch:&nbsp;Why did Turkey set demands on Finland &amp; Sweden to join NATO?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-did-turkey-set-demands-on-finland-sweden-joining-nato-479631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkey's government had hit out against Sweden and Finland's alleged leniency towards the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). PKK is on the European Union's list of terrorist organisations.

Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist had said his country would be sending diplomats to Ankara in an attempt to reach out to President Erdogan.

Erdogan's latest move comes as Sweden on Monday declared it was ready to apply for NATO's membership, a day after Finland expressed its willingness to join the European military alliance reversing decades of neutrality amid the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

&nbsp;

As Finland and Sweden declared they would join NATO, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he won't endorse their membership in the European military alliance. "We will not say 'yes' to those countries who apply sanctions to Turkey to join security organisation NATO," Turkey's president asserted.

As Finland and Sweden declared they would join NATO, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he won't endorse their membership in the European military alliance. "We will not say 'yes' to those countries who apply sanctions to Turkey to join security organisation NATO," Turkey's president asserted. Also Read: After Finland, Sweden decides to join NATO; Putin says expect a 'response' Erdogan accussed Sweden of being a "hatchery" for terrorist organisations. Turkey's president had earlier accussed Sweden and Finland of harbouring terrorists while referring to Kurdish separatists. Erodgan had said the Nordic countries were "like a guesthouse for terror organisations" with the Turkish government having sent several extradition requests to Norwegian countries to extradite what it calls "terrorists". Watch: Why did Turkey set demands on Finland & Sweden to join NATO? Turkey's government had hit out against Sweden and Finland's alleged leniency towards the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). PKK is on the European Union's list of terrorist organisations. Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist had said his country would be sending diplomats to Ankara in an attempt to reach out to President Erdogan. Erdogan's latest move comes as Sweden on Monday declared it was ready to apply for NATO's membership, a day after Finland expressed its willingness to join the European military alliance reversing decades of neutrality amid the Ukraine war. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

We will not say yes, says Erdogan on Sweden & Finland's NATO membership

In a monumental decision Sweden and Finland both have now confirmed that they will apply for NATO membership, a decision which will bring about one of the biggest changes to Europe's security architecture in decades.

Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans

Sweden & Finland will soon apply for NATO membership. There were apprehensions about Turkey not supporting their NATO bid. Now Turkey has laid down demands for NATO membership of two Nordic countries. “They need to stop supporting terrorist organisations. The defence industry restriction or the prohibitions on export permits imposed to an ally such as Turkey should definitely be lifted,” Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu said. Meanwhile, US & NATO are confident that Turkey will not impede membership.

Why did Turkey set demands on Finland & Sweden joining NATO?

Nordic countries Finland and Sweden have ditched neutrality and seek to join the NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Finland & Sweden ditches neutrality & seek to join NATO amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application.

The move is a dramatic turnaround from the two countries' military non-alignment policies, dating back more than 75 years for Finland and two centuries for Sweden.

In Helsinki, parliament began a marathon session with over 150 of 200 MPs asking to speak, following a membership proposal presented on Sunday by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-prepares-for-russian-military-push-in-donbas-region-amid-ongoing-crisis-479397">Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis</a>

"Our security environment has fundamentally changed," Marin told parliament. 
"The only country that threatens European security, and is now openly waging a war of aggression, is Russia", she said.

Russia has repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden of consequences if they apply to join NATO.

"This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Monday.

Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia, has a long shared history with Russia.

It spent more than a century as part of the Russian empire until it gained independence in 1917. It was then invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europes-security-landscape-reshaped-sweden-finland-confirm-nato-plans-479291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Finns put up a fierce fight during the bloody Winter War, but were ultimately forced to cede a huge stretch of their eastern Karelia province in a peace treaty with Moscow.

An overwhelming majority of Finland's 200 MPs&nbsp;at least 85 per cent back the decision to join NATO after Marin's Social Democratic Party on Saturday said it was in favour of joining.

Finnish public opinion is also strongly in favour of membership.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-ruling-party-backs-nato-membership-479243">Sweden's ruling party backs NATO membership</a>

According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Finns want to join the alliance, almost triple the level seen before the war in Ukraine began on February 24.

Meanwhile, a group of US senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, visited Helsinki on Monday for talks with President Niinisto.

"The goal in the United States will be to approve (Finland's) admission as rapidly as possible", McConnell said after the meeting.

Sweden 'vulnerable' outside NATO&nbsp;

Meanwhile in Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was consulting parliament on Monday before announcing her government's official intention to apply, though lawmakers are not expected to vote on the issue.

Her Social Democratic Party came out in favour of joining the alliance on Sunday, securing a firm majority in parliament for membership. Only two of eight parties are opposed to membership.&nbsp;

The turnaround by her party is dramatic, having opposed NATO membership since the birth of the alliance, with Andersson herself expressing opposition as recently as March.

Swedish public support for NATO membership has also risen dramatically, albeit lower than in Finland at around 50 percent -- with about 20 percent against.

Andersson acknowledged that Sweden's decision to join NATO was closely tied to Finland's.

As the only country in the Baltic Sea region outside of NATO, Sweden would find itself "in a very vulnerable position", she told parliament, citing the risk of "Russia increasing the pressure on Sweden".

She also stressed Sweden's "extensive military cooperation" with Finland.

If Sweden doesn't join, and "Finland as a NATO member focuses more on its cooperation with NATO countries, Sweden's defence capability decreases at a time when it instead needs to be strengthened."

But if Sweden were to join, cooperation and defence capabilities around the Baltic Sea "would increase drastically". 
"The best thing for our country's security is therefore for Sweden to apply for membership in NATO and to do it together with Finland," she said.

The Left Party, which is opposed to membership, meanwhile lamented that Sweden did not put the question to the public in either an election or referendum, calling it "deeply problematic."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

&nbsp;

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression. Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application. The move is a dramatic turnaround from the two countries' military non-alignment policies, dating back more than 75 years for Finland and two centuries for Sweden. In Helsinki, parliament began a marathon session with over 150 of 200 MPs asking to speak, following a membership proposal presented on Sunday by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Also read | Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis "Our security environment has fundamentally changed," Marin told parliament. "The only country that threatens European security, and is now openly waging a war of aggression, is Russia", she said. Russia has repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden of consequences if they apply to join NATO. "This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Monday. Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia, has a long shared history with Russia. It spent more than a century as part of the Russian empire until it gained independence in 1917. It was then invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939. Watch | Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans Finns put up a fierce fight during the bloody Winter War, but were ultimately forced to cede a huge stretch of their eastern Karelia province in a peace treaty with Moscow. An overwhelming majority of Finland's 200 MPs at least 85 per cent back the decision to join NATO after Marin's Social Democratic Party on Saturday said it was in favour of joining. Finnish public opinion is also strongly in favour of membership. Also read | Sweden's ruling party backs NATO membership According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Finns want to join the alliance, almost triple the level seen before the war in Ukraine began on February 24. Meanwhile, a group of US senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, visited Helsinki on Monday for talks with President Niinisto. "The goal in the United States will be to approve (Finland's) admission as rapidly as possible", McConnell said after the meeting. Sweden 'vulnerable' outside NATO Meanwhile in Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was consulting parliament on Monday before announcing her government's official intention to apply, though lawmakers are not expected to vote on the issue. Her Social Democratic Party came out in favour of joining the alliance on Sunday, securing a firm majority in parliament for membership. Only two of eight parties are opposed to membership. The turnaround by her party is dramatic, having opposed NATO membership since the birth of the alliance, with Andersson herself expressing opposition as recently as March. Swedish public support for NATO membership has also risen dramatically, albeit lower than in Finland at around 50 percent -- with about 20 percent against. Andersson acknowledged that Sweden's decision to join NATO was closely tied to Finland's. As the only country in the Baltic Sea region outside of NATO, Sweden would find itself "in a very vulnerable position", she told parliament, citing the risk of "Russia increasing the pressure on Sweden". She also stressed Sweden's "extensive military cooperation" with Finland. If Sweden doesn't join, and "Finland as a NATO member focuses more on its cooperation with NATO countries, Sweden's defence capability decreases at a time when it instead needs to be strengthened." But if Sweden were to join, cooperation and defence capabilities around the Baltic Sea "would increase drastically". "The best thing for our country's security is therefore for Sweden to apply for membership in NATO and to do it together with Finland," she said. The Left Party, which is opposed to membership, meanwhile lamented that Sweden did not put the question to the public in either an election or referendum, calling it "deeply problematic." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swedish, Finnish MPs debate NATO membership

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have applied for NATO membership. However, tensions are escalating over the issue as Russia is against their bid.

Finnish President calls Russian President Putin as tensions escalate over Finland's NATO bid

Finland is expected to announce decision to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Sunday (May 15). Meanwhile, Sweden's ruling party is holding a key meet that may lead to both countries applying jointly for membership of the alliance.

The two Nordic neighbours have been militarily non-aligned for decades look keen to reverse policy in light of Russian invasion of Ukraine. The move has come less than three months after Russia's February 24 invasion.

"Hopefully we can send our applications next week together with Sweden," Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Saturday.

The countries broke their strict neutralities after the end of the Cold War by joining the EU and becoming partners to NATO in the 1990s, solidifying their affiliation with the West.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-cut-finlands-electricity-supply-says-finnish-operator-478851">Russia has cut Finland's electricity supply, says Finnish grid operator</a>

But the concept of full NATO membership was a non-starter in the countries until the war in Ukraine saw public and political support for joining the military alliance soar in both countries.

Finland has been leading the charge, while Sweden appears anxious at being the only non-NATO country around the Baltic Sea.

Many Swedish politicians have said that they will support Sweden joining NATO if Finland does the same.

Three days after publicly saying their country "must apply for NATO membership without delay", Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin are due to announce Helsinki's decision on whether to seek membership at a news conference at 1 pm (1000 GMT).

After a government council meeting, they are expected to submit a membership proposal to parliament on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Finland is expected to announce decision to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Sunday (May 15). Meanwhile, Sweden's ruling party is holding a key meet that may lead to both countries applying jointly for membership of the alliance.

Finland is expected to announce decision to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Sunday (May 15). Meanwhile, Sweden's ruling party is holding a key meet that may lead to both countries applying jointly for membership of the alliance. The two Nordic neighbours have been militarily non-aligned for decades look keen to reverse policy in light of Russian invasion of Ukraine. The move has come less than three months after Russia's February 24 invasion. "Hopefully we can send our applications next week together with Sweden," Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Saturday. The countries broke their strict neutralities after the end of the Cold War by joining the EU and becoming partners to NATO in the 1990s, solidifying their affiliation with the West. Also Read | Russia has cut Finland's electricity supply, says Finnish grid operator But the concept of full NATO membership was a non-starter in the countries until the war in Ukraine saw public and political support for joining the military alliance soar in both countries. Finland has been leading the charge, while Sweden appears anxious at being the only non-NATO country around the Baltic Sea. Many Swedish politicians have said that they will support Sweden joining NATO if Finland does the same. Three days after publicly saying their country "must apply for NATO membership without delay", Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin are due to announce Helsinki's decision on whether to seek membership at a news conference at 1 pm (1000 GMT). After a government council meeting, they are expected to submit a membership proposal to parliament on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Finland expected to announce decision to join NATO today

While Finland has announced historic NATO membership bid, Turkey has raised objections objections to the Nordic nations bid. However, NATO chief is confident of resolving Turkey's concerns.

Ukraine war: Finland announces historic NATO membership bid, ditches military non-alignment

As Finland announced it was willing to join NATO, the head of the European military alliance Jens Stoltenberg said "Ukraine can win this war. Ukrainians are bravely defending their homeland."

The NATO chief vowed to "step up and sustain" support to Ukraine as he informed that Finland's membership will "increase our shared security, demonstrate that NATO's door is open and that aggression does not pay".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-apply-for-nato-membership-says-finlands-president-479129">Also Read:&nbsp;Will apply for NATO membership, says Finland's President</a>

Finland and Sweden have been making efforts to join NATO ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24.

"Finland and Sweden are concerned about the interim period... we will try to speed up that process," Stoltenberg said, adding, "We will look into ways to provide security assurances including by increasing NATO presence in the region."

Watch:&nbsp;Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden &amp; Finland's NATO bid

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-says-turkey-is-not-in-favour-of-sweden-finlands-nato-bid-478778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said military support will be provided to Ukraine for its self-defence as long as the country needs it.

Stoltenberg said Turkey is not blocking Finland's NATO membership after President Erdogan alleged that the Scandavanian nations were home to "terrorists" while referring to Kurdish separatists.

Stoltenberg informed that the alliance was determined to find "common ground" and "consensus" over the membership issue.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said the Biden administration will&nbsp;"strongly support"&nbsp;Finland and&nbsp;Sweden's&nbsp;NATO membership.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As Finland announced it was willing to join NATO, the head of the European military alliance Jens Stoltenberg said "Ukraine can win this war. Ukrainians are bravely defending their homeland.

As Finland announced it was willing to join NATO, the head of the European military alliance Jens Stoltenberg said "Ukraine can win this war. Ukrainians are bravely defending their homeland." The NATO chief vowed to "step up and sustain" support to Ukraine as he informed that Finland's membership will "increase our shared security, demonstrate that NATO's door is open and that aggression does not pay". Also Read: Will apply for NATO membership, says Finland's President Finland and Sweden have been making efforts to join NATO ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24. "Finland and Sweden are concerned about the interim period... we will try to speed up that process," Stoltenberg said, adding, "We will look into ways to provide security assurances including by increasing NATO presence in the region." Watch: Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO bid German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said military support will be provided to Ukraine for its self-defence as long as the country needs it. Stoltenberg said Turkey is not blocking Finland's NATO membership after President Erdogan alleged that the Scandavanian nations were home to "terrorists" while referring to Kurdish separatists. Stoltenberg informed that the alliance was determined to find "common ground" and "consensus" over the membership issue. Meanwhile, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said the Biden administration will "strongly support" Finland and Sweden's NATO membership. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine can win this war, aggression does not pay, says NATO chief Stoltenberg

As Finland decided to join NATO, President Sauli Niinisto informed President Vladimir Putin in a "direct and straightforward" way.

Kremlin said Finland's decision to join the European military alliance was viewed by President Putin as a "mistake since there is no threat to Finland's security".

"Such a change in the country's political orientation can have a negative impact on Russian-Finnish relations developed over years in a spirit of good neighbourliness," Kremlin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fallout-of-failed-ukraine-invasion-putin-sacks-top-military-commander-amid-setbacks-say-reports-478940">Also Read:&nbsp;Putin sacks top military commander amid setbacks, say reports</a>

Earlier, Finland had said Russia suspended electricity supplies to the country. The Russian energy firm said it had decided to suspend electricity over payment issues.

Finland's NATO application was not welcomed by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who declared his county did not have a&nbsp;"positive opinion" over the issue.

Watch:&nbsp;Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden &amp; Finland's NATO bid

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-says-turkey-is-not-in-favour-of-sweden-finlands-nato-bid-478778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Scandinavian countries are like a guesthouse for terror organisations," Turkey's president alleged. The White House said it was&nbsp;"working to clarify Turkey's position" after Erdogan's comments calling "Turkey a valued NATO ally".

Finland and Sweden have been calling for NATO membership after Russian President Putin declared his "special military operation" against Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "big majority of the Turkish people are against the membership of those countries who are supporting PKK terrorist organization."

"But these are the issues that we need to talk of course with our NATO allies as well as these countries," Cavusoglu added.

Amid the reports of Finland set to join NATO, the leader of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov signed a decree to hold a referendum to join Russia. Bibilov had lost his bid re-election bid earlier this month.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As Finland decided to join NATO, President Sauli Niinisto informed President Vladimir Putin in a "direct and straightforward" way. Kremlin said Finland's decision to join the European military alliance was viewed by President Putin as a "mistake since there is no threat to Finland's security".

As Finland decided to join NATO, President Sauli Niinisto informed President Vladimir Putin in a "direct and straightforward" way. Kremlin said Finland's decision to join the European military alliance was viewed by President Putin as a "mistake since there is no threat to Finland's security". "Such a change in the country's political orientation can have a negative impact on Russian-Finnish relations developed over years in a spirit of good neighbourliness," Kremlin said. Also Read: Putin sacks top military commander amid setbacks, say reports Earlier, Finland had said Russia suspended electricity supplies to the country. The Russian energy firm said it had decided to suspend electricity over payment issues. Finland's NATO application was not welcomed by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who declared his county did not have a "positive opinion" over the issue. Watch: Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO bid "Scandinavian countries are like a guesthouse for terror organisations," Turkey's president alleged. The White House said it was "working to clarify Turkey's position" after Erdogan's comments calling "Turkey a valued NATO ally". Finland and Sweden have been calling for NATO membership after Russian President Putin declared his "special military operation" against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "big majority of the Turkish people are against the membership of those countries who are supporting PKK terrorist organization." "But these are the issues that we need to talk of course with our NATO allies as well as these countries," Cavusoglu added. Amid the reports of Finland set to join NATO, the leader of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov signed a decree to hold a referendum to join Russia. Bibilov had lost his bid re-election bid earlier this month. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE ×

NATO bid: Finland's President calls Putin; Turkey ready to talk

Turkey has slammed Sweden & Finland's NATO bid as Turkish President says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO move.

Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO bid

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

He accused both countries of harbouring "terrorist organisations" and said Turkey does not have a ''positive opinion'' about them.

Citing a "mistake" made by Turkey's former rulers who approved Greece's NATO membership in 1952, Erdogan said he does not want to repeat it.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-russia-invade-finland-next-478500/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He had previously condemned the Nordic countries for harbouring extremist Kurdish groups as well as supporters of a US-based preacher, Fethullah Gulen who was wanted over a failed 2016 coup.&nbsp;

Following Erdogan's statement, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington is "working to clarify Turkey's position".

She added that other members of NATO have shown broad support to Finland and Sweden for becoming members of the transatlantic alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-suspend-finland-electricity-supply-from-weekend-over-payment-issues-478731">Russia to suspend Finland's electricity supply amid NATO membership rift</a>

According to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, "Turkey is a valued NATO ally; that has not changed.''

''They have been involved and helpful in trying to get dialogue going between Russia and Ukraine, and they have provided assistance to Ukraine. So nothing changes about their standing in the NATO alliance," he added.

Finland and Sweden want to become a part of NATO to deter Russian aggression after it invaded Ukraine. But for this, they need unanimous approval by all members, and Turkey's stance can act as a potential obstacle to the nations' membership bid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<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>&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He accused both countries of harbouring "terrorist organisations" and said Turkey does not have a ''positive opinion'' about them.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He accused both countries of harbouring "terrorist organisations" and said Turkey does not have a ''positive opinion'' about them. Citing a "mistake" made by Turkey's former rulers who approved Greece's NATO membership in 1952, Erdogan said he does not want to repeat it. He had previously condemned the Nordic countries for harbouring extremist Kurdish groups as well as supporters of a US-based preacher, Fethullah Gulen who was wanted over a failed 2016 coup. Following Erdogan's statement, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington is "working to clarify Turkey's position". She added that other members of NATO have shown broad support to Finland and Sweden for becoming members of the transatlantic alliance. Also read | Russia to suspend Finland's electricity supply amid NATO membership rift According to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, "Turkey is a valued NATO ally; that has not changed.'' ''They have been involved and helpful in trying to get dialogue going between Russia and Ukraine, and they have provided assistance to Ukraine. So nothing changes about their standing in the NATO alliance," he added. Finland and Sweden want to become a part of NATO to deter Russian aggression after it invaded Ukraine. But for this, they need unanimous approval by all members, and Turkey's stance can act as a potential obstacle to the nations' membership bid. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Erdogan says Turkey does not have 'positive opinion' on Sweden, Finland joining NATO

The move by Finland to join the NATO alliance has angered Russia who will be suspending all electricity supplies this weekend, a supplier said according to an AFP report. Tensions continue to rise between Russia and Finland as the latter continue their bid to join NATO – a move Russia has described as a ‘threat’. The decision came after Finland announced on Thursday that they want to join NATO ‘without delay’ – a stand that was strengthened by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

“We are forced to suspend the electricity import starting from May 14,” RAO Nordic, a subsidiary of Russian state energy holding Inter RAO said in a statement, according to AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-attack-people-attending-funeral-procession-of-journalist-shireen-abu-aqleh-478723">Israeli police ​attack funeral procession of journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh</a>

“RAO Nordic is not able to make payments for the imported electricity from Russia,” they added,

“This situation is exceptional and happened for the first time in over 20 years of our trading history.”

Earlier, Russia expressed their displeasure at Finland’s urgency to join NATO. “The expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-says-one-step-closer-to-joining-nato-russia-calls-it-a-threat-to-our-borders-478383" hreflang="en">Finland says one step closer to joining NATO, Russia calls it a threat to ‘our borders’</a>

The Kremlin also made it clear that they will be “forced to take reciprocal steps, military-technical and other, to address the resulting threats” if Finland continue with their process to join NATO.

Finland is ready to cope in the event that Russia cuts off its supply of natural gas, the government's emergency preparedness committee said after a meeting on Friday.

"Finland is prepared for a suspension of Russian natural gas imports," the statement read.

WATCH WION LIVE TV HERE -

<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>

(With inputs from agencies)

The move by Finland to join the NATO alliance has angered Russia who will be suspending all electricity supplies this weekend, a supplier said according to an AFP report.

The move by Finland to join the NATO alliance has angered Russia who will be suspending all electricity supplies this weekend, a supplier said according to an AFP report. Tensions continue to rise between Russia and Finland as the latter continue their bid to join NATO – a move Russia has described as a ‘threat’. The decision came after Finland announced on Thursday that they want to join NATO ‘without delay’ – a stand that was strengthened by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. “We are forced to suspend the electricity import starting from May 14,” RAO Nordic, a subsidiary of Russian state energy holding Inter RAO said in a statement, according to AFP. Also read | Israeli police attack funeral procession of journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh “RAO Nordic is not able to make payments for the imported electricity from Russia,” they added, “This situation is exceptional and happened for the first time in over 20 years of our trading history.” Earlier, Russia expressed their displeasure at Finland’s urgency to join NATO. “The expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Reuters. Also read | Finland says one step closer to joining NATO, Russia calls it a threat to ‘our borders’ The Kremlin also made it clear that they will be “forced to take reciprocal steps, military-technical and other, to address the resulting threats” if Finland continue with their process to join NATO. Finland is ready to cope in the event that Russia cuts off its supply of natural gas, the government's emergency preparedness committee said after a meeting on Friday. "Finland is prepared for a suspension of Russian natural gas imports," the statement read. WATCH WION LIVE TV HERE - (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to suspend Finland electricity supply from weekend amid NATO membership rift

Finland's leaders have agreed to seek NATO membership 'without delay'. Russia has vowed to retaliate if Finland's membership bid is accepted. Will Putin invade Finland next? Why is NATO teasing Putin's red lines? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Will Russia invade Finland next?

Finland is expected to announce its bid to join NATO on Thursday with Sweden likely to follow soon after, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshapes European security and the Atlantic military alliance.

Finland may soon announce bid to join NATO

Responding to Finland’s move to join NATO, Kremlin on Thursday sounded a warning that their neighbour’s decision to join the US-led military alliance would “definitely” pose a threat to Russia.

“The expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Reuters.

When asked what move would Russia take following Finland’s decision, Peskov said that it will depend on what specific steps NATO will take to bring its infrastructure close to the Russian borders.

He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin already had ordered to work out steps to strengthen the country's defences in the west in response to NATO's expansion closer to the Russian borders.

When asked whether Finland’s membership would be a threat, Peskov answered: “definitely.”

Watch |&nbsp;Reports: Allies to approve Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-allies-to-approve-finland-and-swedens-nato-membership-bid-478294/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Everything will depend on how this process takes place, how far the military infrastructure will move towards our borders,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin had announced that the Nordic nation is just one step close to joining NATO, finally shedding its decades-long policy of military neutrality.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-sanctions-russian-ruble-is-the-worlds-top-performing-currency-in-2022-478370">Despite sanctions, Russian ruble is world's top performing currency in 2022</a>

In the joint statement, Niinisto and Marin said: "NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days."

The statement came after the Finnish government recently submitted a report on national security to the country's parliament which outlined the path to joining the alliance as one of Finland’s options.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-intends-to-achieve-goals-beyond-donbas-may-impose-martial-law-us-intelligence-chief-477931" hreflang="en">Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief</a>

Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia and has been militarily non-aligned for decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

Responding to Finland’s move to join NATO, Kremlin on Thursday sounded a warning that their neighbour’s decision to join the US-led military alliance would “definitely” pose a threat to Russia.

Responding to Finland’s move to join NATO, Kremlin on Thursday sounded a warning that their neighbour’s decision to join the US-led military alliance would “definitely” pose a threat to Russia. “The expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Reuters. When asked what move would Russia take following Finland’s decision, Peskov said that it will depend on what specific steps NATO will take to bring its infrastructure close to the Russian borders. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin already had ordered to work out steps to strengthen the country's defences in the west in response to NATO's expansion closer to the Russian borders. When asked whether Finland’s membership would be a threat, Peskov answered: “definitely.” Watch | Reports: Allies to approve Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid “Everything will depend on how this process takes place, how far the military infrastructure will move towards our borders,” he said. Earlier in the day, Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin had announced that the Nordic nation is just one step close to joining NATO, finally shedding its decades-long policy of military neutrality. Also read | Despite sanctions, Russian ruble is world's top performing currency in 2022 In the joint statement, Niinisto and Marin said: "NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days." The statement came after the Finnish government recently submitted a report on national security to the country's parliament which outlined the path to joining the alliance as one of Finland’s options. Also read | Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia and has been militarily non-aligned for decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Finland says one step closer to joining NATO, Russia calls it a threat to ‘our borders’

The reports suggest that Finland will be announcing its bid to join the NATO military alliance practically as early as today while Sweden is likely to make the announcement by the end of this week.

Finland, Sweden likely to announce decision on NATO soon

nato

Nato, News on Nato, stories on Nato, articles on Nato, Nato stories at Wion, Nato news, Nato latest news