Sweden has officially joined NATO as the 32nd member state after abandoning its non-aligned policy due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The flag-raising ceremony took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels with the participation of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and NATO officials.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the support of Ukraine by Western allies is saving lives and should continue, as Ukraine has no choice but to fight against Russia's unprovoked aggression, while Russia could end the war today.
Polish President Andrzej Duda plans to propose raising the requirements for NATO defense spending from 2% to 3% of GDP during his upcoming visit to the United States and talks with the allies.
Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO after depositing its instrument of accession, marking the end of its longstanding policy of non-alignment in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Swedish government has decided to join NATO, opening a new chapter in its history and strengthening its security as a free Western democracy.
Sweden will officially join NATO today after submitting its application to the US government.
Sweden officially becomes the 32nd member of NATO after all member states accepted its accession protocol.
France invites Ukraine's allies and the NATO Secretary General to an online meeting on March 7 to develop proposals to strengthen support for Ukraine.
European defense and foreign ministers will meet in Paris to further discuss support for Ukraine and protect Moldova from Russian destabilization.
The Vatican calls Macron's proposal to send troops to Ukraine a "frightening scenario" that could lead to further escalation.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative to discuss the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine deserves attention.
Canada will continue to provide military assistance, but will not deploy its combat troops in Ukraine, Defense Minister Bill Blair said.
The United States will not send troops to Ukraine, even for non-combat missions, the White House national security spokesman says.
European leaders say they have no plans to send ground troops to Ukraine.
The French foreign minister suggests that Western troops could be deployed to Ukraine to provide support, such as demining and weapons production, without taking part in direct combat.
Finland has handed over 22 aid packages to Ukraine and will continue to provide military assistance, including ammunition and air defense equipment.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says that NATO has no plans to send combat troops to Ukraine amid reports that some Western countries are considering such a possibility.
The Hungarian parliament voted 188 to 6 in favor of Sweden's accession to NATO, approving Sweden's membership in the alliance. However, the law still needs to be signed by the President of the Republic before it can enter into force.
NATO is already planning to open a Joint Analytical, Training and Education Center in Poland to provide joint training for the Defense Forces and Western allies.
France supports Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the post of the next NATO Secretary General. In total, diplomats say that more than 20 countries have supported his candidacy.
The United Kingdom has announced its support for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who may become the next NATO Secretary General.
A spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force said that the F-16 fighters will be equipped with bombs and missiles currently used on MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft, but will be able to use them more effectively than Soviet-era fighters.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine will have the right to strike Russian military targets outside its borders with F-16 fighter jets received from its allies.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia was able to capture Avdiivka due to cooperation with Iran, North Korea and the build-up of its own production.
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine warned that not inviting Ukraine to join NATO at the upcoming summit would lead to further escalation in relations with Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged the U. S. Congress to approve aid to Ukraine as a matter of urgency.
At the Munich Security Conference, U. S. officials will reassure allies of NATO's commitment amid political instability caused by Trump.
NATO will set up a joint training center in Poland to help Ukraine's military exchange experience with Western partners and train to NATO standards as Kyiv seeks membership in the Alliance.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed hope that the US Congress will agree to continue supporting Ukraine amid the consequences of blocking aid, warning that if Putin is allowed to win, the world will become more dangerous.
NATO plans to open a training center for Ukraine's Armed Forces to help the country adopt NATO standards and increase its support for Ukraine.