Amid Finland and Sweden's application for NATO membership, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune has reportedly said Ukraine's EU&nbsp;membership is "15 or 20 years" away.

Beaune speaking to a local radio station said: "We have to be honest. If you say Ukraine is going to join the EU in six months, or a year or two, you're lying," he said, adding, "It's probably in 15 or 20 years, it takes a long time."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-rules-out-ceasefire-says-russia-might-hit-harder-after-break-481120">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine rules out ceasefire, says Russia might hit harder after break</a>

President Macron had earlier sought to create a "European political community" to ensure Ukraine can join the European block later, however, the move was dismissed by Zelensky who asked for EU membership.

President Putin had repeatedly warned Ukraine against joining the European military alliance before the invasion. After the Russian president announced his "special military operation" on February 24 against Ukraine, Finland and Sweden began preparing to join NATO.

Watch:&nbsp;Moscow mulls prisoner swap with Kyiv

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However, President Erdogan has expressed displeasure over Finland and Sweden joining NATO blaming them for harbouring "terrorists" referring to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.

Erdogan in a phone call to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said the country should stop "financial and arms support to terrorist organisations".

Sweden and Finland gave up decades of neutrality as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, however, President Putin had expressed displeasure at&nbsp;the Nordic nations joining NATO.

Russia cut gas supply to Finland complaining it hadn't paid in roubles which were widely seen as a retaliation to join NATO.

US President Joe Biden had backed Finland and Sweden's membership asserting that it would "make NATO stronger".

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid Finland and Sweden's application for NATO membership, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune has reportedly said Ukraine's EU membership is "15 or 20 years" away.

Amid Finland and Sweden's application for NATO membership, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune has reportedly said Ukraine's EU membership is "15 or 20 years" away. Beaune speaking to a local radio station said: "We have to be honest. If you say Ukraine is going to join the EU in six months, or a year or two, you're lying," he said, adding, "It's probably in 15 or 20 years, it takes a long time." Also Read: Ukraine rules out ceasefire, says Russia might hit harder after break President Macron had earlier sought to create a "European political community" to ensure Ukraine can join the European block later, however, the move was dismissed by Zelensky who asked for EU membership. President Putin had repeatedly warned Ukraine against joining the European military alliance before the invasion. After the Russian president announced his "special military operation" on February 24 against Ukraine, Finland and Sweden began preparing to join NATO. Watch: Moscow mulls prisoner swap with Kyiv However, President Erdogan has expressed displeasure over Finland and Sweden joining NATO blaming them for harbouring "terrorists" referring to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. Erdogan in a phone call to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said the country should stop "financial and arms support to terrorist organisations". Sweden and Finland gave up decades of neutrality as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, however, President Putin had expressed displeasure at the Nordic nations joining NATO. Russia cut gas supply to Finland complaining it hadn't paid in roubles which were widely seen as a retaliation to join NATO. US President Joe Biden had backed Finland and Sweden's membership asserting that it would "make NATO stronger". (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.

Ukraine's EU membership '15 or 20 years' away, says French minister

As Finland and Sweden's NATO membership hangs in balance over Turkey's disagreement, President Erdogan set condictions on the two countries joining the European military alliance.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Stoltenberg.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-say-yes-says-erdogan-on-sweden-finlands-nato-membership-479680">Also Read:&nbsp;We will not say yes, says Erdogan on Sweden &amp; Finland's NATO membership</a>

Stoltenberg said talks need to continue to resolve the issue. Turkey's president had earlier asked diplomats from Finland and Turkey not to visit Ankara while expressing his open displeasure after reiterating&nbsp;that Nordic countries were safe haven for "terrorists" referring to Kurding militants.

Erdogan spoke to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson asking the government to end "political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations" while he told the government to&nbsp;"take concrete and serious steps" against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.

Watch |&nbsp;NATO bid:&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;raises Ankara's concerns

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PKK has been blacklisted by Turkey including the European Union. Sweden and Finland had applied for NATO membership after President Putin's forces invaded Ukraine in February, however, the membership is dependent on consent from all 30 countries agreeing to allow a new member to take its place in the alliance.

Erdogan told the Swedish prime minister that restrictions imposed on Turkey's defence industry must be lifted which was put in place after the Syrian operation three years ago.

Turkey's president told his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto that it expects support for a "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people."

(With inputs from Agencies)

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As Finland and Sweden's NATO membership hangs in balance over Turkey's disagreement, President Erdogan set condictions on the two countries joining the European military alliance.

As Finland and Sweden's NATO membership hangs in balance over Turkey's disagreement, President Erdogan set condictions on the two countries joining the European military alliance. "Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Stoltenberg. Also Read: We will not say yes, says Erdogan on Sweden & Finland's NATO membership Stoltenberg said talks need to continue to resolve the issue. Turkey's president had earlier asked diplomats from Finland and Turkey not to visit Ankara while expressing his open displeasure after reiterating that Nordic countries were safe haven for "terrorists" referring to Kurding militants. Erdogan spoke to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson asking the government to end "political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations" while he told the government to "take concrete and serious steps" against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. Watch | NATO bid: Erdogan raises Ankara's concerns PKK has been blacklisted by Turkey including the European Union. Sweden and Finland had applied for NATO membership after President Putin's forces invaded Ukraine in February, however, the membership is dependent on consent from all 30 countries agreeing to allow a new member to take its place in the alliance. Erdogan told the Swedish prime minister that restrictions imposed on Turkey's defence industry must be lifted which was put in place after the Syrian operation three years ago. Turkey's president told his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto that it expects support for a "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people." (With inputs from Agencies) 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.

Address terror-related concerns: Erdogan tells Finland, Sweden over NATO bid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amid the Ukraine war, the UK government said it would be deploying the Sky Sabre missile system in Poland.

"We are going to deploy the Sky Sabre medium-range, anti-air missile system to Poland with about 100 personnel to make sure that we stand alongside Poland," UK defence secretary Ben Wallace said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

The request was reportedly made by the Polish government, the UK government said. The development comes as the US announced it would be sending defence equipment worth $800 million to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.

Watch:&nbsp;16-storey building hit by missile; 1 killed, 4 injured in attack

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President Biden on Thursday had announced the US would be sending 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 2,000 Javelin, 1,000 light anti-armour weapons and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armour systems and 100 tactical unmanned aerial systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-ukraine-has-been-able-to-stall-russian-advance-460209">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance?</a>

The defence package also includes drones, grenade launchers, 5,000 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 400 machine guns and 400 shotguns. Biden declared his administration will also be sending "short-range air defence systems" to Zelensky's government to defend their position in Ukraine.

At least 30 countries have provided security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid the Ukraine war, the UK government said it would be deploying the Sky Sabre missile system in Poland. "We are going to deploy the Sky Sabre medium-range, anti-air missile system to Poland with about 100 personnel to make sure that we stand alongside Poland," UK defence secretary Ben Wallace said.

Amid the Ukraine war, the UK government said it would be deploying the Sky Sabre missile system in Poland. "We are going to deploy the Sky Sabre medium-range, anti-air missile system to Poland with about 100 personnel to make sure that we stand alongside Poland," UK defence secretary Ben Wallace said. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction The request was reportedly made by the Polish government, the UK government said. The development comes as the US announced it would be sending defence equipment worth $800 million to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. Watch: 16-storey building hit by missile; 1 killed, 4 injured in attack President Biden on Thursday had announced the US would be sending 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 2,000 Javelin, 1,000 light anti-armour weapons and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armour systems and 100 tactical unmanned aerial systems. Also Read in Pics: Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance? The defence package also includes drones, grenade launchers, 5,000 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 400 machine guns and 400 shotguns. Biden declared his administration will also be sending "short-range air defence systems" to Zelensky's government to defend their position in Ukraine. At least 30 countries have provided security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid Ukraine war, UK to deploy Sky Sabre missile system in Poland

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

As Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, reports claimed Kosovo has appealed to US President Joe Biden to support its NATO membership.&nbsp;

In a letter sent to Biden, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani&nbsp;reportedly said the country's "membership in&nbsp;NATO has become an imperative".

The Balkan nation had declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-to-get-us-stingers-javelin-anti-armour-systems-is-it-a-gamechanger-463142">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger?</a>

As the Russian invasion in Ukraine enters the fourth week, President Putin's forces have continued their bombing operation in northeast Ukraine where troops continue to bear down on Kharkiv as the city continued to face persistent bombardment by Russian troops.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia release Melitopol mayor, President Zelensky speaks to him

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At least three people were killed while five others were injured in a fire after shelling hit a market in the city amid air raids that hit a warehouse with food and humanitarian aid and two schools.

However, reports claim Ukrainian authorities continue to maintain control of both the key cities in the region but officials say cities of Sumy, Lebedyn and Okhtyrka remain encircled by Russian troops.

Mariupol city officials said around 30,000 people have fled the besieged city with food, water and electricity running low. Ukraine accused Russia of bombing a theatre in Mariupol even as hundreds were taking shelter there. The port city Sea of Azov has been under heavy Russian shelling for days.

Authorities said over 2,000 people have reportedly died in Mariupol.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. As Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, reports claimed Kosovo has appealed to US President Joe Biden to support its NATO membership. In a letter sent to Biden, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani reportedly said the country's "membership in NATO has become an imperative". The Balkan nation had declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger? As the Russian invasion in Ukraine enters the fourth week, President Putin's forces have continued their bombing operation in northeast Ukraine where troops continue to bear down on Kharkiv as the city continued to face persistent bombardment by Russian troops. Watch: Russia release Melitopol mayor, President Zelensky speaks to him At least three people were killed while five others were injured in a fire after shelling hit a market in the city amid air raids that hit a warehouse with food and humanitarian aid and two schools. However, reports claim Ukrainian authorities continue to maintain control of both the key cities in the region but officials say cities of Sumy, Lebedyn and Okhtyrka remain encircled by Russian troops. Mariupol city officials said around 30,000 people have fled the besieged city with food, water and electricity running low. Ukraine accused Russia of bombing a theatre in Mariupol even as hundreds were taking shelter there. The port city Sea of Azov has been under heavy Russian shelling for days. Authorities said over 2,000 people have reportedly died in Mariupol. (With inputs from Agencies)

Kosovo seeks Biden's support to join NATO: Report

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