The world is busy figuring out Russia's next move and Ukraine is making some move of its own. Ukraine has applied for 'fast track' NATO membership. As per experts, 'If Ukraine joins NATO, that means World War'.

Experts: If Ukraine joins NATO, that means World War

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday trained guns on Sweden and Finland once again regarding NATO membership and said Ankara continues to maintain its principle position.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday trained guns on Sweden and Finland once again regarding NATO membership and said Ankara continues to maintain its principle position. Erdogan threatened that he may not ratify the NATO membership bids of the two Nordic nations until the promises given to Ankara were met. "Until the promises made to our country are kept, we will maintain our principled position," said Erdogan in the country's parliament. "We are closely following whether the promises made by Sweden and Finland are kept or not, and of course, the final decision will be up to our great parliament," he added in the speech. Erdogan continues to denounce Finland and Sweden for providing a safe haven to Kurdish 'terrorists'. The Turkish leader is also cross with the Nordic countries for imposing an arms embargo on Ankara after Turkey's intervention in the Syrian conflict in 2019. However, in June, the three countries struck a deal where Turkey said it will seek extradition of 33 suspects from Finland and Sweden, in lieu of ratifying their NATO signing documents. Read more: NATO bid: Turkey strikes deal with Finland, Sweden over Kurdish militants However, Erdogan's statement on Saturday suggests that both Sweden and Finland had failed to make do on their promises. Both Nordic countries had sped up their process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, earlier this year. As reported by WION, Sweden and Finland need NATO allies to sign the ratification to complete the formal joining process. The accession will only be complete after all 30 NATO allies have signed the form. So far, 28 out of 30 countries have signed the document. Only Turkey and Hungary are yet to put pen to paper. Read more: Joe Biden signs documents supporting Sweden and Finland's bid to join NATO Prior to the invasion, Putin had repeatedly warned that the expansion of NATO threatens Russia and contravenes assurances given to it as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. “We don’t have problems with Sweden and Finland like we do with Ukraine. If Finland and Sweden wish to, they can join. That’s up to them. They can join whatever they want,” said Putin. However, the Russian President warned that "if military contingents and military infrastructure were deployed there, we would be obliged to respond symmetrically and raise the same threats for those territories where threats have arisen for us”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Turkey refuses to ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid

As Europe continues to play the blame game regarding the Nord Stream pipeline leaks, China has also called for an investigation into the matter. Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN on Friday in a speech at UN Security Council stated that the damage to the two pipelines was most likely deliberate and called for an 'impartial' and 'objective' investigation into the matter.

As Europe continues to play the blame game regarding the Nord Stream pipeline leaks, China has also called for an investigation into the matter. Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN on Friday in a speech at UN Security Council stated that the damage to the two pipelines was most likely deliberate and called for an 'impartial' and 'objective' investigation into the matter. “We note that current information indicates that the leak was not an accident, but likely to be sabotage. If true, it would constitute an attack on multinational civilian facilities and undersea pipelines in violation of international law,” said the Chinese envoy. "We also note that all relevant parties consider it necessary to conduct an objective, impartial and professional investigation into the leak," he further added, Beijing also threw its hat in the ring and said it was willing to work with all the stakeholders to reach a possible solution. “The leak highlights the fragility of cross-border infrastructure. We are willing to work with all parties to maintain their security,” said Geng. Read more: Russia launches 'international terrorism' probe after Nord Stream leaks: Report As reported extensively by WION, the two explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines on Monday were followed by unexplained gas leaks. According to a Danish-Swedish investigation released on Friday, the four breaches impacting the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea were brought on by underwater explosions equivalent to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives. Germany, Denmark and Sweden have clearly mentioned that they were attacks which caused gas from the two Russian-owned gas pipelines to pour into the sea. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a ploy by the West after its sanctions did not affect Moscow. "Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin stated during a live speech at a Kremlin ceremony to annex four areas of Ukraine that are now under Russian control. Read more: Putin blames West for Nord Stream blasts measuring 2.3 and 2.1 on Richter scale "By organising explosions on the Nord Stream international gas pipelines that run along the bottom of the Baltic Sea they actually started destroying European energy infrastructure," Putin added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China calls for 'impartial' investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline leaks

We're in the seventh month of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and in the latest, the Ukrainian troops have captured two villages that lie very close to Eastern Russian occupied stronghold of Lehman which lies in the Donetsk region and has served as a key area for Russian operations in the north of the region.

Kyiv hopes to fast-track bid to join NATO, Ukraine troops capture Russian outpost

Russia has formally annexed four Ukrainian territories, warning Ukraine against any counter-attack. This comes as Zelensky has requested a fast-track NATO membership.

WION FINEPRINT: Russia formally annexes 4 Ukrainian regions; Ukraine applies for NATO membership

Finland had shut down a section of one of its main highways for five days for the first time in decades. The Nordic country will allow its fighter jets to practice landings & take-offs on a reserve road runway.

Finland closes highway for fighter jet drill for first time in decades amid NATO bid

Unexplained gas leaks detected in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines from Russia to Germany have prompted investigations by European countries into the cause amid fear of possible sabotage.

Russia seeks probe into leakage in Nord stream pipelines; NATO allies hint at 'act of sabotage'

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday (September 27) slammed annexation votes called by Russia in four occupied regions in Ukraine. Calling the vote a "sham", Stoltenberg said that it was "a blatant violation of international law"

He took to Twitter to say that he spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Just spoke with President @ZelenskyyUa &amp; made clear that #NATO Allies are unwavering in our support for #Ukraine’s sovereignty &amp; right to self-defence. The sham referenda held by #Russia have no legitimacy &amp; are a blatant violation of international law. These lands are Ukraine," he tweeted.

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Just spoke with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> &amp; made clear that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> Allies are unwavering in our support for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>’s sovereignty &amp; right to self-defence. The sham referenda held by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> have no legitimacy &amp; are a blatant violation of international law. These lands are Ukraine.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1574781321704083456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The referendums are globally being viewed as an attempt to legitimise their annexation. Despite recent retreats, Russia control large swathes of territory in eastern Ukraine that have several important cities.

Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has again spoken of nuclear attack on Ukraine. Medvedev is a staunch ally of Vladimir Putin.

"Let's imagine that Russia is forced to use the most fearsome weapon against the Ukrainian regime which had committed a large-scale act of aggression that is dangerous for the very existence of our state," Medvedev said in a post on Telegram.

Medvedev's remarks quoted the exact terminology of one of the conditions of Russia's nuclear strike doctrine: "aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened".

(With inputs from agencies)

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NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday (September 27) slammed annexation votes called by Russia in four occupied regions in Ukraine. Calling the vote a "sham", Stoltenberg said that it was "a blatant violation of international law" He took to Twitter to say that he spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday (September 27) slammed annexation votes called by Russia in four occupied regions in Ukraine. Calling the vote a "sham", Stoltenberg said that it was "a blatant violation of international law" He took to Twitter to say that he spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Just spoke with President @ZelenskyyUa & made clear that #NATO Allies are unwavering in our support for #Ukraine’s sovereignty & right to self-defence. The sham referenda held by #Russia have no legitimacy & are a blatant violation of international law. These lands are Ukraine," he tweeted. Just spoke with President @ZelenskyyUa & made clear that #NATO Allies are unwavering in our support for #Ukraine’s sovereignty & right to self-defence. The sham referenda held by #Russia have no legitimacy & are a blatant violation of international law. These lands are Ukraine. — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 27, 2022 × The referendums are globally being viewed as an attempt to legitimise their annexation. Despite recent retreats, Russia control large swathes of territory in eastern Ukraine that have several important cities. Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has again spoken of nuclear attack on Ukraine. Medvedev is a staunch ally of Vladimir Putin. "Let's imagine that Russia is forced to use the most fearsome weapon against the Ukrainian regime which had committed a large-scale act of aggression that is dangerous for the very existence of our state," Medvedev said in a post on Telegram. Medvedev's remarks quoted the exact terminology of one of the conditions of Russia's nuclear strike doctrine: "aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened". (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 slams annexation votes in Ukraine, Putin ally repeats nuclear threat

NATO’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation of thousands of extra troops for the war in Ukraine will escalate the conflict and his threat to use nuclear weapons was dangerous and reckless.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg says Putin's Ukraine escalation dangerous and reckless

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced military mobilisation and called out NATO allies. He said, NATO wants to start a war against our country and West is cultivating hatred for decades.

'NATO wants to start a war against our country,' says Russian President Vladimir Putin

Four people are feared dead after a private plane reportedly carrying “a family” crashed into the Baltic Sea off the Latvia coast after “rapidly losing altitude”, according to Daily Mail.

NATO jets scrambled to intercept the Austrian-registered Cessna 551 aircraft before it crashed into the sea.

According to FlightRadar24 data, the private jet took off from southern Spain without a destination.&nbsp;Before heading straight over the Baltic, the plane turned twice at Paris and Cologne and passed near the Swedish island of Gotland.&nbsp;

German news site Bild reported that the plane was to land at Cologne-Bonn airport, Germany, but it faced pressure problems in the cabin shortly after the take-off.

According to local reports, four people were on board the plane including the pilot, a man, a woman and their daughter.

Though rescue efforts are underway, officials have warned that the chance of finding survivors is slim.

“We've learned that the plane has crashed (in the ocean) north-west of the town of Ventspils in Latvia,” Daily Mail quoted a spokesperson for Sweden's rescue service, adding that the plane “has disappeared from the radar”.

The Mirror reported that the Swedish Maritime Administration has dispatched rescue boats, planes and a helicopter to the crash site, with the country's coast guards confirming that the wreckage has been found.

Earlier, a Lithuanian air force spokesperson informed that fighter aircraft from the NATO Baltic Air Police mission in Amari airfield in Estonia had taken off to follow the plane, without giving any more details.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four people are feared dead after a private plane reportedly carrying “a family” crashed into the Baltic Sea off the Latvia coast after “rapidly losing altitude”, according to Daily Mail.

Four people are feared dead after a private plane reportedly carrying “a family” crashed into the Baltic Sea off the Latvia coast after “rapidly losing altitude”, according to Daily Mail. NATO jets scrambled to intercept the Austrian-registered Cessna 551 aircraft before it crashed into the sea. According to FlightRadar24 data, the private jet took off from southern Spain without a destination. Before heading straight over the Baltic, the plane turned twice at Paris and Cologne and passed near the Swedish island of Gotland. German news site Bild reported that the plane was to land at Cologne-Bonn airport, Germany, but it faced pressure problems in the cabin shortly after the take-off. According to local reports, four people were on board the plane including the pilot, a man, a woman and their daughter. Though rescue efforts are underway, officials have warned that the chance of finding survivors is slim. “We've learned that the plane has crashed (in the ocean) north-west of the town of Ventspils in Latvia,” Daily Mail quoted a spokesperson for Sweden's rescue service, adding that the plane “has disappeared from the radar”. The Mirror reported that the Swedish Maritime Administration has dispatched rescue boats, planes and a helicopter to the crash site, with the country's coast guards confirming that the wreckage has been found. Earlier, a Lithuanian air force spokesperson informed that fighter aircraft from the NATO Baltic Air Police mission in Amari airfield in Estonia had taken off to follow the plane, without giving any more details. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Four feared dead after private jet crashes into Baltic Sea off Latvia coast

Why ethnic tensions are flaring again in northern Kosovo

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for more investment in the Arctic as Moscow reopens hundreds of Soviet-era military sites.

WION Fineprint | NATO chief warns about Russia's Arctic military build-up

One day after leaving Portsmouth for a four-month deployment to the US, the £3 billion Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales experienced mechanical difficulties.

As the Royal Navy conducts "investigations into an emergent technical issue," the 65,000-ton warship has remained on the south coast drill area close to the Isle of Wight, a spokesperson said on Sunday. They choose not to add more commentary.

According to the Navy Lookout news site, divers have been investigating the 930-foot carrier after a propeller shaft was reportedly damaged.

As reported by the Guardian, the ship, which is the biggest warship in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/halsey-suffers-food-poisoning-before-uk-festival-performance-511046">British</a> Navy and the Nato's flagship carrier, has a history of issues and was left stuck at Portsmouth at the end of 2020 after flooding in the engine room damaged the electrics. After springing leaks twice in five months, the carrier reportedly spent less than 90 days at sea during its first two years of operation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gas-crisis-hits-key-sectors-in-europe-510807">Electricity prices hit record highs in Europe, affect supply chains, spark fears of fertiliser shortage</a>

It was scheduled to go across the Atlantic with a 1,600-person crew, making stops in Halifax, Canada, New York, and the Caribbean. The crew will participate in a program using unmanned technologies and F-35B fighters to train alongside the US military and the Royal Canadian Navy.

The ship was given an energetic sendoff as it sailed through the Victorious music festival on Southsea Common in Portsmouth.

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There isn’t much that will stop a crowd of <a href="https://twitter.com/Sugababes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sugababes</a> fans <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/victoriousfestival?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#victoriousfestival</a>, except <a href="https://twitter.com/HMSPWLS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMSPWLS</a> going past! ❤️⚓️😂 <a href="https://t.co/Bb3PV5Fq9u">pic.twitter.com/Bb3PV5Fq9u</a>
— Naval Base Commander of HMNB Portsmouth (@CdreJohnVoyce) <a href="https://twitter.com/CdreJohnVoyce/status/1563549777769295873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth are both ships in the UK's carrier strike group, which will deploy to the Baltic and Mediterranean this fall. 
Cold Response 22, its first drill, took place there. In addition to being able to engage in fierce combat, it is anticipated to function in a variety of situations like giving humanitarian help and disaster relief.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Two Air France pilots suspended for cockpit brawl during Geneva-Paris flight

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One day after leaving Portsmouth for a four-month deployment to the US, the £3 billion Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales experienced mechanical difficulties.

One day after leaving Portsmouth for a four-month deployment to the US, the £3 billion Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales experienced mechanical difficulties. As the Royal Navy conducts "investigations into an emergent technical issue," the 65,000-ton warship has remained on the south coast drill area close to the Isle of Wight, a spokesperson said on Sunday. They choose not to add more commentary. According to the Navy Lookout news site, divers have been investigating the 930-foot carrier after a propeller shaft was reportedly damaged. As reported by the Guardian, the ship, which is the biggest warship in the British Navy and the Nato's flagship carrier, has a history of issues and was left stuck at Portsmouth at the end of 2020 after flooding in the engine room damaged the electrics. After springing leaks twice in five months, the carrier reportedly spent less than 90 days at sea during its first two years of operation. Also read | Electricity prices hit record highs in Europe, affect supply chains, spark fears of fertiliser shortage It was scheduled to go across the Atlantic with a 1,600-person crew, making stops in Halifax, Canada, New York, and the Caribbean. The crew will participate in a program using unmanned technologies and F-35B fighters to train alongside the US military and the Royal Canadian Navy. The ship was given an energetic sendoff as it sailed through the Victorious music festival on Southsea Common in Portsmouth. There isn’t much that will stop a crowd of @Sugababes fans #victoriousfestival, except @HMSPWLS going past! ❤️⚓️😂 pic.twitter.com/Bb3PV5Fq9u — Naval Base Commander of HMNB Portsmouth (@CdreJohnVoyce) August 27, 2022 × The HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth are both ships in the UK's carrier strike group, which will deploy to the Baltic and Mediterranean this fall. Cold Response 22, its first drill, took place there. In addition to being able to engage in fierce combat, it is anticipated to function in a variety of situations like giving humanitarian help and disaster relief. Also WATCH | Two Air France pilots suspended for cockpit brawl during Geneva-Paris flight

The HMS Prince of Wales breaks down a day after leaving Portsmouth

Jens Stoltenberg&nbsp;stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area.&nbsp;This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites."&nbsp;

As he concluded a trip to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised the need to increase security along the alliance's northern flank to deter Russia.&nbsp;

At a press conference held at an air base in Cold Lake, Alberta, Stoltenberg stated, "The high north is strategically important for Euro-Atlantic security," emphasising that after the accession of Finland and Sweden, seven of the eight Arctic states will be NATO members.&nbsp;

He also cautioned that the North Pole would be the shortest route for Russian missiles and bombers to reach North America. As a result, NATO and North America both rely heavily on NORAD.&nbsp;

The US-Canadian organisation NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defense Command.

The head of NATO and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a Cold War-era early warning radar station and saw military drills in the Canadian Arctic.&nbsp;

He stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area.&nbsp;

This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-ambush-on-gold-mine-vehicle-convoy-kills-seven-in-burkina-faso-510503">Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso</a>

In addition, Stoltenberg raised alarm over China's intentions to develop the largest icebreaker fleet in the world and its plans to conduct resource exploitation and commerce in the Arctic.

"Beijing and Moscow have pledged to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic. This forms part of the deepening strategic partnership that challenges our values and our interests, "added Stoltenberg.&nbsp;

He asserted that NATO must react by stepping up its presence in the far north and investing in new tools.&nbsp;

He stated that the increased "security challenges" posed by climate change necessitate a serious reevaluation of NATO's Arctic stance.

( with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Jens Stoltenberg stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area.

Jens Stoltenberg stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area. This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites." As he concluded a trip to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised the need to increase security along the alliance's northern flank to deter Russia. At a press conference held at an air base in Cold Lake, Alberta, Stoltenberg stated, "The high north is strategically important for Euro-Atlantic security," emphasising that after the accession of Finland and Sweden, seven of the eight Arctic states will be NATO members. He also cautioned that the North Pole would be the shortest route for Russian missiles and bombers to reach North America. As a result, NATO and North America both rely heavily on NORAD. The US-Canadian organisation NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defense Command. The head of NATO and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a Cold War-era early warning radar station and saw military drills in the Canadian Arctic. He stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area. This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites." Also Read: Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso In addition, Stoltenberg raised alarm over China's intentions to develop the largest icebreaker fleet in the world and its plans to conduct resource exploitation and commerce in the Arctic. "Beijing and Moscow have pledged to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic. This forms part of the deepening strategic partnership that challenges our values and our interests, "added Stoltenberg. He asserted that NATO must react by stepping up its presence in the far north and investing in new tools. He stated that the increased "security challenges" posed by climate change necessitate a serious reevaluation of NATO's Arctic stance. ( with inputs from agencies)

Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief

Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev.

Medvedev, who served as the president of Russia between 2008 and 2012, is currently the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council.

Highlighting that Russia is prepared to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Medvedev said that dropping NATO aspirations by Kyiv will not be sufficient in order to establish peace.

Medvedev told LCI television that Putin will not stop his ''special military operation'' to "denazify" Ukraine until its goals have been achieved. &nbsp;

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Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several rounds of peace talks were held between the two countries, but they made no progress.

Denying that US weapons supplied to Ukraine pose a substantial threat, Medvedev said the situation would change if Washington sent weapons that could hit targets at longer distances.

"It means that when this sort of missile flies 70 km, that is one thing," he said.&nbsp;

"But when it's 300-400 km, that is another, now that would be a threat directly to the territory of the Russian Federation."

As he wrapped up a visit to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need to beef up security along the alliance's northern flank to counter Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's LIVE TV here:

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&nbsp;

Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev.

Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, who served as the president of Russia between 2008 and 2012, is currently the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council. Highlighting that Russia is prepared to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Medvedev said that dropping NATO aspirations by Kyiv will not be sufficient in order to establish peace. Medvedev told LCI television that Putin will not stop his ''special military operation'' to "denazify" Ukraine until its goals have been achieved. × Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several rounds of peace talks were held between the two countries, but they made no progress. Denying that US weapons supplied to Ukraine pose a substantial threat, Medvedev said the situation would change if Washington sent weapons that could hit targets at longer distances. "It means that when this sort of missile flies 70 km, that is one thing," he said. "But when it's 300-400 km, that is another, now that would be a threat directly to the territory of the Russian Federation." As he wrapped up a visit to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need to beef up security along the alliance's northern flank to counter Russia. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's LIVE TV here: ×

Putin's ally says Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv drops NATO hopes

Investigators have discovered an undercover Russian spy in Italy who allegedly "charmed her way into NATO circles", say reports.

Researchers from Bellingcat,&nbsp;a Netherlands-based investigative journalism group that specialises in fact-checking and open-source intelligence, said a woman named Maria Adela Kuhfeldt Rivera posed as a Latin American jewellery designer and travelled the world as a Peru-born socialite and had made friends in the NATO offices in Naples while she worked as a deep-cover spy.

The woman was defined as a "GRU illegal" by the investigators. 
 
“Maria Adela” reportedly travelled to Malta and Rome between 2009 and 2011 and tried to obtain a German passport because she reportedly had a German father. The investigators said she received a Russian passport in 2006.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spy-held-for-trying-to-enter-international-criminal-court-via-internship-in-netherlands-488938">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-spy-held-for-trying-to-enter-international-criminal-court-via-internship-in-netherlands-488938" hreflang="en">Russian spy held for trying to enter war crimes court in Netherlands</a>

“Maria Adela” also allegedly married an Italian man. Investigators, however, claimed the man was born in Moscow and held Ecuadorian and Russian citizenship. The man reportedly died in Moscow in 2013.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian hacking group targets Norway's public websites

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-hacking-group-targets-norways-public-websites-493364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The woman's mother had reportedly left her in the former Soviet Union in 1980 as she visited the country to witness the Olympic Games. The mother apparently never returned after leaving for Peru. She was adopted by a Russian family&nbsp;which&nbsp;had befriended her mother. Maria claimed her adoptive parents abused her during her childhood.

Adela moved to Naples in 2015 and worked as a "Russian spy" and worked for the military intelligence agency, the GRU, as she mixed in&nbsp;the local social scene and opened a jewellery boutique which became a trendy club. She was also part of the Lions Club and reportedly mingled with many NATO staff members and one NATO employee allegedly had a "brief romantic relationship with Maria Adela". 
 
She also reportedly had access to US Navy officers in Naples and attended NATO annual balls, fund-raising dinners and US Marine Corps balls.

The mysterious 'GRU illegal' also visited Bahrain in 2017, Bellingcat revealed, however, in 2018 she suddenly flew to Moscow and allegedly said on her Facebook page that she had cancer and had undergone chemotherapy.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Investigators have discovered an undercover Russian spy in Italy who allegedly "charmed her way into NATO circles", say reports. Researchers from Bellingcat, a Netherlands-based investigative journalism group that specialises in fact-checking and open-source intelligence, said a woman named Maria Adela Kuhfeldt Rivera posed as a Latin American jewellery designer and travelled the world as a Peru-born socialite and had made friends in the NATO offices in Naples while she worked as a deep-cover spy.

Investigators have discovered an undercover Russian spy in Italy who allegedly "charmed her way into NATO circles", say reports. Researchers from Bellingcat, a Netherlands-based investigative journalism group that specialises in fact-checking and open-source intelligence, said a woman named Maria Adela Kuhfeldt Rivera posed as a Latin American jewellery designer and travelled the world as a Peru-born socialite and had made friends in the NATO offices in Naples while she worked as a deep-cover spy. The woman was defined as a "GRU illegal" by the investigators. “Maria Adela” reportedly travelled to Malta and Rome between 2009 and 2011 and tried to obtain a German passport because she reportedly had a German father. The investigators said she received a Russian passport in 2006. Also Read: Russian spy held for trying to enter war crimes court in Netherlands “Maria Adela” also allegedly married an Italian man. Investigators, however, claimed the man was born in Moscow and held Ecuadorian and Russian citizenship. The man reportedly died in Moscow in 2013. Watch: Russian hacking group targets Norway's public websites The woman's mother had reportedly left her in the former Soviet Union in 1980 as she visited the country to witness the Olympic Games. The mother apparently never returned after leaving for Peru. She was adopted by a Russian family which had befriended her mother. Maria claimed her adoptive parents abused her during her childhood. Adela moved to Naples in 2015 and worked as a "Russian spy" and worked for the military intelligence agency, the GRU, as she mixed in the local social scene and opened a jewellery boutique which became a trendy club. She was also part of the Lions Club and reportedly mingled with many NATO staff members and one NATO employee allegedly had a "brief romantic relationship with Maria Adela". She also reportedly had access to US Navy officers in Naples and attended NATO annual balls, fund-raising dinners and US Marine Corps balls. The mysterious 'GRU illegal' also visited Bahrain in 2017, Bellingcat revealed, however, in 2018 she suddenly flew to Moscow and allegedly said on her Facebook page that she had cancer and had undergone chemotherapy. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian 'deep cover-spy' mixed freely with NATO officials in Naples, claim investigators

NATO is building a new military base in Romania. The aim is to secure NATO's 'eastern flank'. Over 1,000 troops will be stationed at this base. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: NATO is building a military base in Romania

India has confirmed holding talks with NATO officials late in 2019. Chinese state media criticised the talks saying NATO would trigger tensions and divisions in Asia. Palki Sharma tells you how India must deal with the alliance.

Gravitas: India held talks with NATO in 2019

A week after Senate ratified the entrance of Nordic countries Finland and Sweden into North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed the&nbsp;instruments of ratification, confirming the accession.

The expansion of NATO, the world's most powerful military alliance, comes in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Biden said, "It was and is a watershed moment. I believe in the alliance and for the greater security and stability not only of Europe and the United States but of the world."

Taking a dig at Russian President Vladimir Putin, the US president, speaking from the East Room of the White House added, ″Putin thought he could break us apart. Our alliance is closer than ever, it is more united than ever and after Finland and Sweden join, we will be stronger than ever.”

Taking to Twitter, Biden reaffirmed his formal backing to the two Nordic countries. "Finland and Sweden will make NATO stronger. Today, I signed the U.S. Instruments of Ratification, making the United States the 23rd Ally to approve their membership in NATO," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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Finland and Sweden will make NATO stronger. 
 
Today, I signed the U.S. Instruments of Ratification, making the United States the 23rd Ally to approve their membership in NATO.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1557081605713416192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-finland-sweden-get-formal-invites-to-join-nato-493057">&nbsp;Finally, Finland, Sweden get formal invites to join NATO</a>

After Biden's signature, Sweden and Finland need the other allies to sign the&nbsp;ratification to complete the formal process. The accession will be complete only after all the 30 NATO allies have signed the form that the two countries will be protected under Article Five of NATO, where an attack on one ally is deemed an attack on all.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that both Nordic countries had sped up their process to join the&nbsp;nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, earlier this year.

Prior to the invasion,&nbsp;Putin had repeatedly warned that the expansion of NATO threatens Russia and&nbsp;contravenes&nbsp;assurances given to it as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-nato-against-inclusion-of-finland-sweden-440093">Russia warns NATO against inclusion of Finland, Sweden</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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>

&nbsp;

A week after Senate ratified the entrance of Nordic countries Finland and Sweden into North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed the instruments of ratification, confirming the accession.

A week after Senate ratified the entrance of Nordic countries Finland and Sweden into North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed the instruments of ratification, confirming the accession. The expansion of NATO, the world's most powerful military alliance, comes in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Biden said, "It was and is a watershed moment. I believe in the alliance and for the greater security and stability not only of Europe and the United States but of the world." Taking a dig at Russian President Vladimir Putin, the US president, speaking from the East Room of the White House added, ″Putin thought he could break us apart. Our alliance is closer than ever, it is more united than ever and after Finland and Sweden join, we will be stronger than ever.” Taking to Twitter, Biden reaffirmed his formal backing to the two Nordic countries. "Finland and Sweden will make NATO stronger. Today, I signed the U.S. Instruments of Ratification, making the United States the 23rd Ally to approve their membership in NATO," he tweeted. Finland and Sweden will make NATO stronger. Today, I signed the U.S. Instruments of Ratification, making the United States the 23rd Ally to approve their membership in NATO. — President Biden (@POTUS) August 9, 2022 × Read more: Finally, Finland, Sweden get formal invites to join NATO After Biden's signature, Sweden and Finland need the other allies to sign the ratification to complete the formal process. The accession will be complete only after all the 30 NATO allies have signed the form that the two countries will be protected under Article Five of NATO, where an attack on one ally is deemed an attack on all. It is pertinent to note that both Nordic countries had sped up their process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, earlier this year. Prior to the invasion, Putin had repeatedly warned that the expansion of NATO threatens Russia and contravenes assurances given to it as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Read more: Russia warns NATO against inclusion of Finland, Sweden (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Joe Biden signs documents supporting Sweden and Finland's bid to join NATO

US senators have approved Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO. More than half of all NATO member parliaments have ratified the alliance's Nordic expansion. Palki Sharma gets you the latest on the Ukraine war front.

Gravitas: US senate ratifies Finland & Sweden's NATO accession

The U.S. Senate ratified adding Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a move aimed at bolstering the military alliance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Senate ratifies NATO membership for Finland and Sweden

The United States Senate ratified Finland and Sweden's entry into the NATO, strongly backing the expansion of the transatlantic alliance in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Senate voted 95 to 1 in favor of Finland and Sweden's accession, making US the 23rd country to formally endorse the Nordic countries.

US Senate votes 95 to 1 to Finland and Sweden's NATO bid

Turkey has threatened to freeze Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bids making renewed threats. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara would freeze the process if both the nations do not keep their promises on counter-terrorism.

Turkiye: Ankara renew threats over Sweden, Finland NATO bids

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