Finland and Sweden submit applications to join NATO

Published

4 years ago

May 18, 2022

Anthony Lucas

Finland and Sweden have officially submitted their applications to join NATO

Finland and Sweden have handed in applications to join NATO.

It ends decades of political neutrality for both nations, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Chief of NATO says the applications are quote an “historic step”.

If their bid is successful, it will bring the alliance’s membership to 32.

While Russia strongly opposes the move, there are also members within NATO’s own ranks voicing their concerns.

Dubbed the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the NATO alliance was founded in 1949

It follows one rule: an attack on one, is an attack on all.

It sought to counter Russian expansion in Europe after World War Two.

But following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of its former Eastern European allies joined the alliance, something that has raised concerns in Moscow.

Finland and Sweden need the support of all member states to join. If they’re successful, it will take the alliance to 32 members.

NATO members must spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence. Finland already meets this target and Sweden says it will do so “as soon as possible”.

The two countries will also bring a range of military might.

Finland has over 19-thousand active troops, and Sweden has over 14-and-a-half thousand.

There are 220 tanks, and over 200 combat aircraft.

Russia believes NATO has been verging on its door stop and is warning both nations against joining.

Turkey’s President is also voicing concerns, saying the two Scandinavian nations should not send delegations to convince him of their bids.

Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

7 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

9 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

9 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion