News

Is this a stronger NATO? Sweden and Finland’s securing alliance

Published

4 years ago

May 18, 2022

Costa Haritos

Sweden and Finland are seeking to join NATO, in a move supported by existing members

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

While Russia strongly opposes the move, there are members within NATO’s own ranks that have raised concerns.

Turkey has threatened to block Sweden and Finland from joining the NATO alliance.

Elina Valtonen is a Member of Parliament in Finland, she told Ticker News that her country has been reassured.

#BREAKING: Member of Finland's Parliament @elinavaltonen says #Finland is ready and capable to defend itself against Russia, should Kremlin become aggressive over NATO membership. pic.twitter.com/QPLocAe7PT
— TICKER NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) May 17, 2022

Both Sweden and Finland are on the cusp of joining NATO, but Finland shares a direct border with Russia, therefore its decision to join the military alliance is significant.

Related Topics:Featured NATO Politics trending

Up Next

Azovstal evacuations – Fighters arrive in Russian-controlled territory

Don't Miss

Golfing giant has turned down $100 million deal

Costa Haritos

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

News

U.S. keeps Greenland in focus as Rubio signals all options remain

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

Published

2 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

The United States is sharpening its focus on Greenland, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming that Washington is keeping every option on the table. His comments come ahead of a high-level diplomatic meeting with Danish leaders next week.

The visit is seen as a signal of President Donald Trump’s ongoing strategic interest in the Arctic territory, which holds growing geopolitical and security significance as global competition in the region intensifies.

While the administration has not outlined specific next steps, the message from Washington is clear that Greenland remains firmly on the US agenda.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Greenland #USPolitics #MarcoRubio #Arctic #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #WorldNews #Ticker

News

U.S. seizes Venezuelan oil tankers Marinera and Sophia amid legal turmoil

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

Published

2 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

In a dramatic escalation of its campaign against Venezuelan oil smuggling, the U.S. has seized two oil tankers linked to Caracas. The Russian-flagged Marinera — formerly known as the Bella-1 — was captured in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long chase by U.S. forces, who allege it was violating sanctions tied to Venezuelan and Iranian oil. This rare high-seas seizure has drawn international attention due to the change of flag and the involvement of Russian maritime interests.

Meanwhile, a second vessel, the Sophia, was taken in the Caribbean in a coordinated operation against alleged sanctioned shipments. U.S. authorities describe these moves as part of a broader effort to clamp down on illicit oil flows and enforce sanctions by interdicting vessels before they can deliver crude to sanctioned buyers. The Sophia was reportedly operating with its tracking systems off, a tactic used in “dark fleet” smuggling operations.
Defense News

While the White House defends the operations as necessary to uphold sanctions and curb illicit oil trafficking, legal experts and foreign governments — especially Russia — are questioning the legality of boarding and seizing foreign-flagged ships in international waters. The debate over maritime law and sanctions enforcement is heating up as the U.S. signals it will continue to aggressively target Venezuela’s oil network.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#VenezuelaOil #USSeizure #Marinera #OilSmuggling #InternationalLaw #TrumpAdministration #GlobalPolitics

News

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Venezuela #MariaCorinaMachado #VenezuelaPolitics #FreeElections #Democracy #LatinAmerica #PoliticalPrisoners #TickerNews