Victory Day was celebrated in all pomp and glory in Russia on May 9. It is one of the most important events for every former USSR nations. The day commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. As a matter of pride, all ex-Soviet Union nations celebrate it every year. However, this year, not each nation got a moment to mark this important event. Dozens of people were arrested for celebrating Victory Day in NATO nations.

Crackdown on Pro-Putin Victory Day celebrations in NATO countries

NATO is reportedly planning to open a liaison office in Tokyo. After Russia, Is NATO now provoking China? Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Why does United States want to open a NATO office in the Pacific?

NATO Intelligence Chief has warned russia may sabotage undersea cables to punish western nations for supporting Ukraine. Threats to undersea cables & pipelines have become a focus of public attention. Last year, unexplained explosions crippled the Nord stream 1 & 2 pipelines, built to ship gas from Russia to Germany across the Baltic sea. As concerns grow over the security of undersea cables, western countries are setting out to turn the North Sea into a green power engine. Analysts say NATO adversaries realise the huge strategic advantage of being able to threaten the security of western internet, energy & financial systems. As part of an underwater reconnaissance programme, Russia is reportedly mapping allied critical infrastructure on land & the seabed. NATO allies are closely monitoring Russian vessels equipped with sensors that can collect electronic or acoustic information from the seabed. Spy ships can be identified by their antennae or unusual activity near critical areas.

NATO warns: Russia patrolling more throughout the Atlantic; Threat to undersea cables & pipelines

<p>NATO is reportedly planning to open a liaison office in the Japanese capital Tokyo for military and strategic coordination with the US-led alliance's close partners across the Indo-Pacific, such as Australia, South Korea and New Zealand.</p>

<p>NATO’s planned new liaison Tokyo office&nbsp;will reportedly open next year. It will be the first of its kind in Asia and will allow the US-led military alliance to conduct periodic consultations with Japan and key partners, such as Australia, Nikkei Asia reported.</p>

<p>The Chinese government has not reacted to the report so far. Beijing has previously warned NATO against extending "its tentacles to the Asia-Pacific."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-open-to-more-engagement-with-india-says-us-representative-julianne-smith-577834">NATO open to more engagement with India, says US representative Julianne Smith</a></strong></p>

<p>In the Chinese strategic diplomatic vocabulary, the term Asia-Pacific,&nbsp;used to refer to the maritime regions east of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean, is still in vogue. Almost everywhere else in the rest of the world, the term Asia-Pacific has been replaced by Indo-Pacific&nbsp;to reflect the geographic precision and India's centrality in the region.</p>

<p>Nikkei Asia reported that NATO and Japan plan to upgrade their levels of cooperation. The US-led alliance and Tokyo intend to cooperate on tackling cyber threats, disinformation and emerging and disruptive technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;NATO to strengthen partnership with Japan amid the ongoing Ukraine war</strong></p>

<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/nato-to-strengthen-partnership-with-japan-amid-the-ongoing-ukraine-war-557616/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"As the secretary-general said in Tokyo in February, among Nato’s partners, none is closer or more capable than Japan," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungesc was quoted as saying by The Guardian while referring to NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg's comments.</p>

<p>"We share the same values, interests and concerns, including supporting Ukraine and addressing the security challenges posed by authoritarian regimes, and our partnership is getting stronger," she said.</p>

<p>NATO, in its "strategic concept" released last year, argued that China poses "systemic challenges" to European-Atlantic security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO accused China of carrying out "malicious hybrid and cyber operations" and "remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up".</p>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the NATO summit in the Spanish capital of Madrid last year. The leaders of the Asia Pacific Partners (AP4) grouping – Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand – met on the sidelines.</p>

<p>Anthony Albanese has accepted an invitation to travel to the next NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July.</p>

<p>"Australia shares with NATO members a commitment to supporting democracy, peace, and security and upholding the rule of law," a spokesperson for Albanese said last month.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


NATO is reportedly planning to open a liaison office in the Japanese capital Tokyo for military and strategic coordination with the US-led alliance's close partners across the Indo-Pacific, such as Australia, South Korea and New Zealand.

NATO is reportedly planning to open a liaison office in the Japanese capital Tokyo for military and strategic coordination with the US-led alliance's close partners across the Indo-Pacific, such as Australia, South Korea and New Zealand. NATO’s planned new liaison Tokyo office will reportedly open next year. It will be the first of its kind in Asia and will allow the US-led military alliance to conduct periodic consultations with Japan and key partners, such as Australia, Nikkei Asia reported. The Chinese government has not reacted to the report so far. Beijing has previously warned NATO against extending "its tentacles to the Asia-Pacific." ALSO READ | NATO open to more engagement with India, says US representative Julianne Smith In the Chinese strategic diplomatic vocabulary, the term Asia-Pacific, used to refer to the maritime regions east of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean, is still in vogue. Almost everywhere else in the rest of the world, the term Asia-Pacific has been replaced by Indo-Pacific to reflect the geographic precision and India's centrality in the region. Nikkei Asia reported that NATO and Japan plan to upgrade their levels of cooperation. The US-led alliance and Tokyo intend to cooperate on tackling cyber threats, disinformation and emerging and disruptive technologies. ALSO WATCH | NATO to strengthen partnership with Japan amid the ongoing Ukraine war × "As the secretary-general said in Tokyo in February, among Nato’s partners, none is closer or more capable than Japan," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungesc was quoted as saying by The Guardian while referring to NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg's comments. "We share the same values, interests and concerns, including supporting Ukraine and addressing the security challenges posed by authoritarian regimes, and our partnership is getting stronger," she said. NATO, in its "strategic concept" released last year, argued that China poses "systemic challenges" to European-Atlantic security. NATO accused China of carrying out "malicious hybrid and cyber operations" and "remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up". Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the NATO summit in the Spanish capital of Madrid last year. The leaders of the Asia Pacific Partners (AP4) grouping – Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand – met on the sidelines. Anthony Albanese has accepted an invitation to travel to the next NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July. "Australia shares with NATO members a commitment to supporting democracy, peace, and security and upholding the rule of law," a spokesperson for Albanese said last month. 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 checkmating China in Indo-Pacific? US-led alliance to open Tokyo office

Will Finland become a new front in the Ukraine war? US and Finland are reportedly negotiating an agreement that allows America to use Finnish military bases. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Finland the new front in the Ukraine war?

Finland's accession into the NATO military alliance has changed the security framework of the Arctic on a very fundamental level. Although initially reluctant, Russia has now inked a historic maritime security deal with China. And what this means is that Moscow and Beijing are now joining hands to take on the NATO presence over the Arctic ice. The Arctic council has 8 nations & If Sweden too joins the NATO military alliance, then 7 of the 8 nations of the Arctic council will be a part of the NATO military alliance. So how is Russia planning to take on the NATO military alliance in one of the coldest regions of the earth? Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Russia joins hands with China to push NATO out of the Arctic circle

<p>NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (April 27) that NATO allies had delivered almost all the combat vehicles promised by them to Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion.</p>

<p>"More than 98% of the combat vehicles promised to Ukraine have already been delivered. That means over 1,550 armoured vehicles, 230 tanks, and other equipment, including vast amounts of ammunition," he told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels.</p>

<p>"In total, we have trained and equipped more than nine new Ukrainian armoured brigades. This will put Ukraine in the strong position to continue to retake occupied territory," he said at a news conference with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.</p>

<p>Whether this marks beginning of the end of active Western support to Ukraine is a matter that remains to be seen. There have been voices from the Western sphere that allies cannot keep on supporting and supplying Ukraine indefinitely.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. The successful Ukrainian counterattacks are in large parts attributed to Western help that was in the form of monetary aid and weapons.</p>

<p>Currently, the fight between Russian and Ukrainian forces is over the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, a Ukrainian artillery unit fired a US-made howitzer. It is being rumoured that Ukrainian military is preparing for a counteroffensive.</p>

<p>Andrii, a 22-year-old gun commander, told Reuters in a hideout near the artillery position, that although the American-made M119 howitzer was first used in the 1980s, it had one big advantage over Soviet-made guns.</p>

<p>"This (howitzer) is easy to handle. Our (Soviet-made howitzers) are more complicated to handle, which costs us time. And as you know, we don't have much time," he said.</p>

<p>Spotting targets in Bakhmut for Andrii via reconnaissance drones, 24-year-old Yaroslav added that it had become more difficult to hit Russian troops in the embattled town.</p>

<p>"We often observed large groups of soldiers moving around, it was very illogical... they adapted, and now we see them moving in small groups, two to four people that move around, keeping 20 to 30 metres' distance," Yaroslav said.</p>

<p>The general staff of Ukraine's armed forces, in a report on Facebook, said fighting gripped Bakhmut and nearby areas. It said Russian forces had failed to advance on two villages to the northwest. At least a dozen localities came under Russian fire.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>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"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<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" loading="”lazy”" 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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (April 27) that NATO allies had delivered almost all the combat vehicles promised by them to Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (April 27) that NATO allies had delivered almost all the combat vehicles promised by them to Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion. "More than 98% of the combat vehicles promised to Ukraine have already been delivered. That means over 1,550 armoured vehicles, 230 tanks, and other equipment, including vast amounts of ammunition," he told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels. "In total, we have trained and equipped more than nine new Ukrainian armoured brigades. This will put Ukraine in the strong position to continue to retake occupied territory," he said at a news conference with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. Whether this marks beginning of the end of active Western support to Ukraine is a matter that remains to be seen. There have been voices from the Western sphere that allies cannot keep on supporting and supplying Ukraine indefinitely. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. The successful Ukrainian counterattacks are in large parts attributed to Western help that was in the form of monetary aid and weapons. Currently, the fight between Russian and Ukrainian forces is over the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, a Ukrainian artillery unit fired a US-made howitzer. It is being rumoured that Ukrainian military is preparing for a counteroffensive. Andrii, a 22-year-old gun commander, told Reuters in a hideout near the artillery position, that although the American-made M119 howitzer was first used in the 1980s, it had one big advantage over Soviet-made guns. "This (howitzer) is easy to handle. Our (Soviet-made howitzers) are more complicated to handle, which costs us time. And as you know, we don't have much time," he said. Spotting targets in Bakhmut for Andrii via reconnaissance drones, 24-year-old Yaroslav added that it had become more difficult to hit Russian troops in the embattled town. "We often observed large groups of soldiers moving around, it was very illogical... they adapted, and now we see them moving in small groups, two to four people that move around, keeping 20 to 30 metres' distance," Yaroslav said. The general staff of Ukraine's armed forces, in a report on Facebook, said fighting gripped Bakhmut and nearby areas. It said Russian forces had failed to advance on two villages to the northwest. At least a dozen localities came under Russian fire. (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 has delivered almost all combat vehicles to Ukraine, says secretary general

<p>Weeks after joining the NATO military alliance, Finland is now constructing the first section of a fence on its border with Russia, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following its NATO application, the government feared reprisal from the east and resolved to build the wall last year, mainly in case Russia attempted to flood the border with migrants.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jack-dorseys-twitter-alternative-bluesky-makes-debut-on-android-584966">Jack Dorsey's Twitter alternative Bluesky makes debut on Android</a></p>

<p>Finland wants to prevent a recurrence of what happened in Poland in the winter of 2021, when the EU accused Belarus, a close ally of Russia, of instigating a crisis by flying in migrants from the Middle East, giving them visas, and pushing them across the border.</p>

<p>By the end of 2026, the Finnish barrier, which is made of steel mesh, should enclose around 200 kilometres (125 miles) of its most important border sections.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-secures-big-win-in-crash-case-court-says-autopilot-feature-did-not-fail-584976">Tesla secures big win in crash case, court says autopilot feature did not fail</a></p>

<p>Ismo Kurki, the project manager, stated on Friday that the barrier will feature monitoring technology even if it is not meant to thwart any invasion attempts.</p>

<p>The frontier, which spans 1,300 kilometres, has seen relatively little human activity up to this point.</p>

<p>According to the Finnish Border Guard, just 30 unlawful crossings were discovered in Finland last year, whereas 800 attempts to enter Finland were blocked by Russian border guards, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Oliver Dowden named UK deputy pm after Dominic Raab's resignation</strong></p>

<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/oliver-dowden-named-uk-deputy-pm-after-dominic-raabs-resignation-584952/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kai Sauer, Finland's Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy, told CBS News, "We reacted to Russia, actually," Sauer told CBS News. "It was a reaction to an action by Russia, and the action was Russia's aggression on Ukraine."</p>

<p>"If you have a big neighbor who was challenging international law, the international security architecture, and breaking international law, I think the natural reaction for smaller countries is to seek protection, and to seek it in the collective defense organization — and I would emphasize the word 'defense.'"</p>

<p>"NATO is not an aggressor" Sauer added.</p>

<p>Finland and Sweden both formally requested NATO membership after the Ukraine war started. Sweden is expected to become the next new member later this year.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Weeks after joining the NATO military alliance, Finland is now constructing the first section of a fence on its border with Russia, reports said. Following its NATO application, the government feared reprisal from the east and resolved to build the wall last year, mainly in case Russia attempted to flood the border with migrants.

Weeks after joining the NATO military alliance, Finland is now constructing the first section of a fence on its border with Russia, reports said. Following its NATO application, the government feared reprisal from the east and resolved to build the wall last year, mainly in case Russia attempted to flood the border with migrants. Also Read | Jack Dorsey's Twitter alternative Bluesky makes debut on Android Finland wants to prevent a recurrence of what happened in Poland in the winter of 2021, when the EU accused Belarus, a close ally of Russia, of instigating a crisis by flying in migrants from the Middle East, giving them visas, and pushing them across the border. By the end of 2026, the Finnish barrier, which is made of steel mesh, should enclose around 200 kilometres (125 miles) of its most important border sections. Also Read | Tesla secures big win in crash case, court says autopilot feature did not fail Ismo Kurki, the project manager, stated on Friday that the barrier will feature monitoring technology even if it is not meant to thwart any invasion attempts. The frontier, which spans 1,300 kilometres, has seen relatively little human activity up to this point. According to the Finnish Border Guard, just 30 unlawful crossings were discovered in Finland last year, whereas 800 attempts to enter Finland were blocked by Russian border guards, reported Reuters. Watch | Oliver Dowden named UK deputy pm after Dominic Raab's resignation × Kai Sauer, Finland's Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy, told CBS News, "We reacted to Russia, actually," Sauer told CBS News. "It was a reaction to an action by Russia, and the action was Russia's aggression on Ukraine." "If you have a big neighbor who was challenging international law, the international security architecture, and breaking international law, I think the natural reaction for smaller countries is to seek protection, and to seek it in the collective defense organization — and I would emphasize the word 'defense.'" "NATO is not an aggressor" Sauer added. Finland and Sweden both formally requested NATO membership after the Ukraine war started. Sweden is expected to become the next new member later this year. 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.

Finland fencing along Russian border amid security concerns after joining NATO

<p>NATO asked China to be more transparent about its nuclear arsenal that Beijing has vowed to triple to 900 by 2035.&nbsp;The US-led military alliance also intends to strike a deal with China over responsible use of artificial intelligence and related disruptive technologies in the domain of military, the chief&nbsp;of the US-led military alliance, Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The NATO chief's comments come&nbsp;in the light of Beijing's expedited investments in&nbsp;capabilities such as long-range missiles.</p>

<p>Beijing has vowed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-triple-its-nuclear-warheads-by-2025-report-561307">triple its nuclear warheads to 900 by 2035</a> in the backdrop of its territorial and maritime assertion over Taiwan.</p>

<p>Stoltenberg asked China&nbsp;to provide more transparency about its nuclear arsenal, including those with verifiable limits.</p>

<p>"China should be willing to sit down and engage in more arms control agreements, including limits on their number of nuclear warheads," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Military use of Artificial Intelligence: Why call for universal standards?</strong></h2>

<p>NATO is pushing for "shared universal standards for new technologies". This entails a shared principle-based outline over responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.</p>

<p>"The next step would be to engage with China, both on these values and principles but also to perhaps agree on some rules of the road for responsible use," Stoltenberg told a NATO conference on arms control and disarmament, by video link.</p>

<p>He added that NATO was in regular contact with various stakeholders around the world, including in Beijing.</p>

<h2><strong>China a 'systemic challenge' for NATO</strong></h2>

<p>In June 2022, NATO member nations defined China as a "systemic challenge", given Beijing's assertive security threats and its bullying behaviour against its neighbours.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation'</strong></p>

<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/seoul-joins-natos-cyber-defence-unit-china-terms-the-move-as-provocation-477459/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We don’t regard or assess China as an adversary but China poses some challenges to our interests, to our NATO values and to our security," Stoltenberg said Tuesday. "That makes it even more important to engage with China because we see they are investing in new modern capabilities, long-range missiles — more than tripling the number of nuclear warheads in a few years."</p>

<p>Earlier in February, delegates from over 60 nations, including the United States, China and South Korea, met in February in The Netherlands to discuss ethical and legal consequences of the use of Artificial Intelligence in the military.</p>

<p>These nations then signed a "call to action" towards responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence in the military.</p>


NATO asked China to be more transparent about its nuclear arsenal that Beijing has vowed to triple to 900 by 2035. The US-led military alliance also intends to strike a deal with China over responsible use of artificial intelligence and related disruptive technologies in the domain of military, the chief of the US-led military alliance, Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

NATO asked China to be more transparent about its nuclear arsenal that Beijing has vowed to triple to 900 by 2035. The US-led military alliance also intends to strike a deal with China over responsible use of artificial intelligence and related disruptive technologies in the domain of military, the chief of the US-led military alliance, Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday. The NATO chief's comments come in the light of Beijing's expedited investments in capabilities such as long-range missiles. Beijing has vowed to triple its nuclear warheads to 900 by 2035 in the backdrop of its territorial and maritime assertion over Taiwan. Stoltenberg asked China to provide more transparency about its nuclear arsenal, including those with verifiable limits. "China should be willing to sit down and engage in more arms control agreements, including limits on their number of nuclear warheads," he said. Military use of Artificial Intelligence: Why call for universal standards? NATO is pushing for "shared universal standards for new technologies". This entails a shared principle-based outline over responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. "The next step would be to engage with China, both on these values and principles but also to perhaps agree on some rules of the road for responsible use," Stoltenberg told a NATO conference on arms control and disarmament, by video link. He added that NATO was in regular contact with various stakeholders around the world, including in Beijing. China a 'systemic challenge' for NATO In June 2022, NATO member nations defined China as a "systemic challenge", given Beijing's assertive security threats and its bullying behaviour against its neighbours. ALSO WATCH | Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation' × "We don’t regard or assess China as an adversary but China poses some challenges to our interests, to our NATO values and to our security," Stoltenberg said Tuesday. "That makes it even more important to engage with China because we see they are investing in new modern capabilities, long-range missiles — more than tripling the number of nuclear warheads in a few years." Earlier in February, delegates from over 60 nations, including the United States, China and South Korea, met in February in The Netherlands to discuss ethical and legal consequences of the use of Artificial Intelligence in the military. These nations then signed a "call to action" towards responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence in the military.

NATO flags China's expanding nuclear arsenal, seeks 'responsible use' of military AI

<p>NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday (April 21) that all NATO allies agreed that war-torn Ukraine would eventually become a member of the intergovernmental military alliance, but the main focus was to ensure that Ukraine prevails against Russia, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine defence contact group at Ramstein air base in Germany, Stoltenberg said that once the war in Ukraine ends, Kyiv must have "the deterrence to prevent new attacks".</p>

<p>"I said in Kyiv yesterday that Ukraine's future is in the Euro-Atlantic family and all&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;allies have agreed that Ukraine will become a&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;member. But the main focus now is, of course, on how to ensure that Ukraine prevails," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, Ukraine has been seeking to be allowed into NATO. But according to Western diplomats, it remained a distant prospect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Friday's announcement came a day after Jens Stoltenberg visited Ukraine, his first since the beginning of the war. The NATO secretary-general met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnky. Stoltenberg also visited Bucha and laid a wreath in memory of those who died during the occupation of the town and visited a local church.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint press conference with Stoltenberg on Thursday, President Zelensky said, "Now, when the majority of people in NATO countries and the majority of Ukrainians support the entry of our country into the alliance, it is time to take the appropriate decision."</p>

<p>Zelensky also said that a NATO summit in July could become historic if Ukraine received a formal invitation to join.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stoltenberg meanwhile, said, "Ukraine's future is in the Euro-Atlantic family, Ukraine's future is in NATO, all allies agree on that."</p>

<p>During Friday's meeting at the&nbsp;Ramstein air base, Ukraine pressed allies for long-range weapons, jets and ammunition. And US Defence Secretary&nbsp;Lloyd Austin told reporters that Washington and allies would discuss providing more air defence and ammunition for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Ukraine urgently needs our help to shield its citizens and infrastructure and forces from Russia’s missile threat,” Austin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday (April 21) that all NATO allies agreed that war-torn Ukraine would eventually become a member of the intergovernmental military alliance, but the main focus was to ensure that Ukraine prevails against Russia, the news agency Reuters reported.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday (April 21) that all NATO allies agreed that war-torn Ukraine would eventually become a member of the intergovernmental military alliance, but the main focus was to ensure that Ukraine prevails against Russia, the news agency Reuters reported. Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine defence contact group at Ramstein air base in Germany, Stoltenberg said that once the war in Ukraine ends, Kyiv must have "the deterrence to prevent new attacks". "I said in Kyiv yesterday that Ukraine's future is in the Euro-Atlantic family and all NATO allies have agreed that Ukraine will become a NATO member. But the main focus now is, of course, on how to ensure that Ukraine prevails," he said. Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, Ukraine has been seeking to be allowed into NATO. But according to Western diplomats, it remained a distant prospect. Friday's announcement came a day after Jens Stoltenberg visited Ukraine, his first since the beginning of the war. The NATO secretary-general met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnky. Stoltenberg also visited Bucha and laid a wreath in memory of those who died during the occupation of the town and visited a local church. In a joint press conference with Stoltenberg on Thursday, President Zelensky said, "Now, when the majority of people in NATO countries and the majority of Ukrainians support the entry of our country into the alliance, it is time to take the appropriate decision." Zelensky also said that a NATO summit in July could become historic if Ukraine received a formal invitation to join. Stoltenberg meanwhile, said, "Ukraine's future is in the Euro-Atlantic family, Ukraine's future is in NATO, all allies agree on that." During Friday's meeting at the Ramstein air base, Ukraine pressed allies for long-range weapons, jets and ammunition. And US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters that Washington and allies would discuss providing more air defence and ammunition for Ukraine. “Ukraine urgently needs our help to shield its citizens and infrastructure and forces from Russia’s missile threat,” Austin added. (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.

NATO allies agree Ukraine will be a member of alliance: Stoltenberg

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>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finland-joins-nato-dealing-blow-to-russia-for-ukraine-war-579102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<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>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></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.

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>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-fuels-from-russian-oil-are-getting-backdoor-entry-into-europe-via-india-579845/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<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">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<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>

<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>


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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></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.

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

nato

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