sweden was there to defend them. and i think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of sweden's democratic character. change driven by its people. by its citizens. there's also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that putin's invasion of ukraine has become for russia. we see a russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. it's standing in ukraine. -- its standing in ukraine has changed dramatically. whereas before 2014, the first invasion, people were open to positive relations with russia. now virtually the entire society, and not just today, generations, is turned against russia because of its aggression. and fundamentally, our alliance is now, as i said, both larger and stronger than it's ever been. and we see again and again and again and again that prevent, he's actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression. and there's no clearer example of that than sweden becoming a member of the -- a member of this alliance. but even once that decision

sweden isjoining nato, it is not step. sweden isjoining nato, it is hot the _ step.ng — not the end of something. it is the beginning of something new. i look forward _ beginning of something new. i look forward to— beginning of something new. i look forward to making the world safer and freer— forward to making the world safer and freer together with the united states— and freer together with the united states and all of it nato allies. and allow me, finally, a very short summary— and allow me, finally, a very short summary irr— and allow me, finally, a very short summary in swedish. he and allow me, finally, a very short summary in swedish.— summary in swedish. he speaks swedish. studio: that is the swedish prime minister in washington, dc. you are hearing him live from their and with antony blinken as well, as sweden became the 32nd member of nato, brought on by the russian invasion of ukraine. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. bbc news — bringing you different stories from across the uk. they've arrived by the truckload in recent days to abby

sweden was there to defend them. think what this tells us e reaffirmation of sweden's democratic character. change driven by its people. by its citizens. there's also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that putin's invasion of ukraine has become for russia. we see a russia that is now weaker militarily, eco diplomatically. it's standing in ukraine. -- its standing in ukraine has changed dramatically. whereas before 2014, the first invasion, people were open to positive relations with russia. now virtually the entire society, and not just today, probably for generations, is turned against russia because of its aggression. and fundamentallyou i said, botr and stronger than it's ever been. and we see again and again and again and everything putin sought to prevent, he's actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression. and there's no clearer exampleta member of the -- a member of this alliance. but even once that decision was was easy. none of this was obvious. it's taken two years, nearly two

sweden had a of nonalignment.and before putin's re-invasion of ukraine in february of 2022, if you looked at the$o polling, less than one third of swedes supported joining nato. this was part and■ p and then everything changed. after the invaition, three their desire to join. swedes realized something very profound. putin was willing to y to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not sto. and if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. and so, the swedish people stoor own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on, to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity, when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. i tells us there to defend them. even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of sweden's democratic character. citizens. there's also no clearer example than t of the strategic deba

daniel, when finland in sweden 1st applied to join. some analysts said that their membership would turn the baltic sea into a nato lake. would you agree with that? and what do you see as the geo political implications of the expansion? you know, the geo political implication is that nato is not on. frank is significantly strengthened and especially the organizations ability to, to uh, to reinforce its positions within the bath to countries which additionally used to be to the most exposed for posts of the organization. since they joined nato. and i think the positions are significantly strengthened, significantly, reinforced, and against the background the push to are against russia to undertake any thought experiments to the challenge in april positions in, in the region the, the messages that it can be potentially a very bad idea. so politics and data like bout succeed nato lake, so definitely in board time, del peroration on capability. also the russian baltic fleets to conduct maneuvers will be significantly limited. sports going a

the, the, this is the, the, the news line from the nato is bigger and stronger, says it's chief fest sweden's formerly joins the alliance. the swedish flag is raised at nato headquarters in brussels as yet self invest expires. the rushes of president bonham. at present, this failed, and his mission to destroy ukraine. also on the program, a ship carrying 200 tons of food for gaza whites to leave cyprus, open arms will use a new maritime, a college of little, far as a site that of problems of unloading and distributing supplies. and the secretary of states of joins emergency tops in jamaica on pages. by running down 5, dozens have been killed, resigned groups attacked public buildings and free thousands of pressed the . i'm to go welcome to the program. the swedish flag is not flying at nato headquarters in brussels, a sweetness full of the welcomed into the alliance as it's 32nd to member the countries location military power and experience of dealing with the rush. i mean it's succession as me porting both for the block. it's also a big step for sweden, which has turned its back on 2 centuri

this is built on a partnership between sweden and nato that goes back many,y sweden has long been anctive partner with nato ally, training to, exercising together, working together. and fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because sweden embodied s that are at the heart of nato. democracy. liberty, the rule of law. and it also brings unique this . unique capabilities in the arctic, the baltic sea, and this year of course sweden will contribute more than% of its g.d.p., to defense and continue to show the way for all nato members. if you go back to 1949, at ng nt truman said this, and i quote. in taking steps to prevent aggression against our ownrposef aggression against other peoples. we hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of■.■@-8 aggression. a bulwark which will permit to get on with the real business of government society. the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens. that is fundamentally what this intervise -- enterprise is all about. what nato is all about. it's making sure that together we are creat

and sweden has been an important country in that. so it was hurting the alliance knots to have sweden as a member. and it's gonna help to implement those new defense plans, knowing that sweden is now in the lions. and as i mentioned, they have a highly, highly capable armed forces. unlike some other members of nato who are joining the alliance after the end of the cold war and state will improve the situation in the bolts baltic sea. we already talked about that. and the voltage states can feel mice much say for a now, because a sweden can help the to make sure that they can be there because there can be c in for reinforcements. so if needed, if there is anything, if russia would risk any miscalculation until now, the baltic states would needs to be provided with weapons and armed forces with very, very vulnerable border crossing between poland and lisa when yeah. and now the situation, the whole situation has a change. so i think there is no real challenge to integrate sweden. but what is of it's problematic if the whole process tha

the secretary general of nato said that sweden's membership will make nato stronger, sweden safer andthis makes the alliance safer. the netherlands, germany, england and ukraine also welcomed sweden's membership in nato . but moscow called sweden's membership in nato a threat against russia. the deputy of the council of the russian federation considered stockholm's decision to join nato or the north atlantic treaty organization led by the united states as short-sighted and said: sweden will henceforth become a member of this military pact. with the start of the ukraine war, sweden and finland applied for nato membership. finland became a member of this treaty last april. sweden officially became the 32nd member of nato yesterday. at i will talk more about this with mr. dariush safarnejad, an expert on eurasian issues who is a visual companion of today's world. hello mr. safarnejad . as a first question, i would like to ask what happened when sweden abandoned two centuries of neutrality and became a nato member. to you and dear viewers, in the name of allah, the most merciful, i would

our topic this week, and sweden and finland in nato. a strategic defeats for russia, the hello and welcome to the port. it's great to have you with us, our guests this week, alexandra fund, them and heads dw as brussels bureau covers, nato and security policy, and has also reported from russia. and it's a pleasure to welcome daniel who can do it. she is a senior fellow at the german marshall fund with a focus on central europe and colonel. both congress wished, joins us drummond virtually from vienna. she's a senior advisor at the austrian institute for europe and security policy. so let me begin. if i may, uh, with you, alexandra to formerly neutral all nations join the western alliance. how momentous is this shift? does it significantly strengthen data? the answer is yes, definitely having finland. and so sweden join nato is a big win for the alliance. when we talk about a suite and they have a very highly capable armed forces and a geographic situation improve nato's a push, straightened, the baltic sea. and of course, in addition, y

but see, fade. nato is bigger and stronger. sweden now has security guarantees from nation. remember, states shouldn't come under attack from russia or anyone else in the future. in return sweden's military capability makes it a powerful new member, boasting cutting edge aircraft, and n t a croft and these files as well as the state of the art tanks and submarines. it also has a considerable slays of ships of sweden's geographical position is another advantage. firstly, as a land transit route to reinforce feller, members, norway, and finland. and secondly, by allowing nato to take control of the baltic sea in any conflict with russia by sweden's enormous coastline. sweden's military has taken its 1st steps in the alliance, joining nato, whose biggest drills since the cold war. the exercises across the blocks, nordic states, aimed at sending a clear message from russia's rivals, both nature and sweden, a foss, stronger with disagreement. here's a look at some of the stories making headlines around the world. colin's president is urging fellow nasal members to make a major in

it is also a big step for sweden, which has turned its back on 2 centuries of neutrality. the swedish flag raised for the 1st time outside nase. her head causes following its neighbour of finland. sweden has become the 32nd member of the alliance. at the ceremony in brussels, sweden's prime minister laid out the nordic nations reasons for leaving behind its history of neutrality to the security situation in our region has not been this serious since the 2nd world war. under russia would stay a threats to you, atlantic security for a foreseeable future. it was in these light, sweden applied to join the native defense alliance to gain security, but also to provide security since rushes full scale invasion of ukraine. 2 years ago, nato has sought to develop defense plans. the eastern and nordic members. russia claimed to have launch the war imparts because of nature as a split expansion. but it's the threats of only pushed more countries to join the alliance. when pressed on tooth and launched is full for scaling nation 2 years ago. he won't the less natal. i'm more control o

so now the sweden's flag has been raised at nato headquarters. should the alliance be cheering that it's expansion looking over its shoulder? i'm wondering how russia will respond. i'm feel gaily live and this is the day i of the suite and is now part of nato. so for this going to be good for. and the more things that just felt like the reasonable step to take the 1st the, unless it would be safe. but if you like, think about it, the a why and it smells that. sure. i feel it's really a mistake, a historic mistakes with this making right now right now to wall calling to make also on the day i last is movie going experience was dominated by the single time use release of 2 block bustos, unknown together as bob and time in the end though, only one of them triumphed at sundays off cuz we made a film about the amount of created the atomic bomb and for better or for worse, we're all living in oppenheimer's world. so i would really like to dedicate this to the peace makers everywhere. welcome to the day and night service. welcome to the newest member, r

we'll take a look at bald sweden brings tonight. but 1st, let's hear from the swedish prime minister, speaking in brussels in the last hour to secure the situation in our region has not been the serious since the 2nd world war. and russia will stay a threat to you. atlantic security for a foreseeable future. it was in these lights, sweden applied to join the native defense alliance to gain security, but also to provide security. oh, given sweden's locations, military pilot and experience in dealing with russian aggression, it's succession to nato is widely seen as a blow to the kremlin. we've been taking a look at what the country adds to the trans atlantic alliance, as it looks to bolster its defenses against a potential russian attack. sweden becomes the seconds nordic nation in the past year to join nato. and its membership brings with its a number of advantages for the alliance. firstly, by following finland in abandoning neutrality. sweet and ascending an important message to those nations still on the fence about russia's inva

so why did sweden thing joining data? it was a site for the remaining neutral, very spotty, a is a former director of policy planning on a so he's now security on the list to see a rasmussen global exactly this week. but most of the finish position will not be a sign in to this by the name of it was increasing the risky i was the shown should certain mortgage. right. why? because the major situation, the warranty. i swear the 100 percent guarantee that other members, stacy, the call to is support. so the base sweeter solutions to raise it into a region that is increasing the other pressure is actually there. so next, after your credit for one of these are the washer rice and then it's always, always, always about a geography. is that if you look at the geography suite of succession tonight. so that means, but nato now has this type of grip on the baltic sea, which is a vital transit route for vladimir putin is navy show. and do you think dates would be preparing for pushback from moscow because of this? this is a very imp

do you think sweden's i session is now a cause for a need a victory lot. well i'm, i'm sure there are going to be plenty of bottles of champagne popped around here because it was a difficult path for suite. and there, it had to involve a lot of other allies putting pressure on turkey and hungry to get their approval, their preliminary approval, their head of state approval. but you know, that isn't necessarily something that you want to celebrate in, in that way, because it proves that there are limitations on what you can do it, nato, you know, the fact that it took 2 years for sweden to get approval in almost one year longer than finland showed up some, some weaknesses in the alliance when it comes to unity, they're always saying that they're, you know, on one page all for $1.00 and $1.00 for all. but it didn't look that way when sweden was trying to get, trying to become a member. so let's take a look in practical terms at what their session means. uh, what do you think sweden and finland bring to the table in terms of dealing with a potential russian m

both nature and sweden of foss, stronger with disagreement. as a priest party, a, as a form of policy director at nato, asked him about the benefits of sweden joining and how russia might put push back to be closed is a very important goal for basic. uh, so really, sorry, my main guy that need to was dealing with is how many years whereby, you know, they need somebody to our car looking at the bought the region the have to do we, we bought basically line automatically at least on both sweetheart. and so in that sense, it really helps us, like that's all they need to retiring about how and which forces we have available in the region and how we can respond to any contingency. so in the really strengths of the foster in the region, our main russia waiting is to be exact for sure. all the see fit as low as you. but also, i think for me to ask you to do it for and how soon see slides on how to basically breach the russia. atx is already a denial community to use the topic to really kind of think, what is it just to read you. so we kind of holding,

it was in these light, sweden applied to join the native defense alliance to gain security. but also to provide security since rushes full scale invasion of ukraine. 2 years ago, nato has sought to develop defense plans. the eastern and nordic members, russia claimed to have launch the war imparts because of nature is a split expansion. but it's the threats of only pushed more countries to joining the alliance when pressed on tooth and launched is full for scaling nation 2 years ago. he won't the less nate the more control over his neighbors. he wanted to destroy ukraine as a sovereign state. but she said the nato is bigger and stronger. sweden now has security guarantees from nation. remember, states shouldn't come under attack from russia or anyone else in the future. in return sweden's military capability makes it a powerful new member, boasting cutting edge aircraft and anti aircraft missiles, as well as the state of the art tanks and submarines. it also has a considerable slate of ships. sweden's geographical position is another advantage. firstly, as a land transit rou

it's also a big step for sweden, which has turned its back on 2 centuries of neutrality. the swedish flag raised for the 1st time outside nature headquarters following its neighbour of finland. sweden has become the 32nd member of the alliance. at the ceremony in brussels, sweden's prime minister laid out the nordic nations reasons for leaving behind its history of neutrality to the security situation in our region has not been the serious since the 2nd world war under russia would stay a threat to you. atlantic security for a foreseeable future. it was in these light, sweden applied to join the native defense alliance to gain security, but also to provide security. since rushes full scale invasion of ukraine, 2 years ago, nato has sought to develop defense plans for eastern and nordic members. russia claimed to have launch the war imparts because of nature as a split expansion. but it's the threats of only pushed more countries to joining the alliance when pressed on tooth and launched is full for scaling nation 2 years ago. he won't the less nate the more control over h

and so it's great news for sweden. what about for nato is sweden succession here. now a cause for a need, a victory? well, certainly there's a lot of relief here. i've heard people expressing that here this morning as they're milling around everybody like shoot, we made it. but you know, the fact that it took sweden 2 years to get into the alliance. the fact that 2 allies held out until there were, you know, basically some transactions made in the end, it took the unit, the united states guarantee, guaranteeing jet fighters to turkey. and it took, took a new deal with hungry for, for groupings from suite in itself. those kinds of things sort of have brought up some ugly corners of how the alliance works. but in the end, as victor or bon agreed in the end, this means when they are altogether than it is all for one and one for all in the end. they are ready to fight and die for each other, which is what? joining nato really requires of every country and terry for looking at the potential of a russian military. right. what do sweden and finland bring to the table for

so now the sweden's flag has been raised at nato headquarters. should the alliance be cheering that it's expansion looking over its shoulder? i'm wondering how russia will respond. i'm so gaily lane, and this is the day i of the suite and is now part of nato. so for this kind of the good for and the more things that felt like the reasonable step to take the 1st the, unless it would be safe. but if you like, think about it for a while. it's not that sure. i feel it's really a mistake. a historic mistake sweden, this making right now came to not to was calling to make also on the day of last year's movie going experience was dominated by the single time use release of 2 block best as a known together as bob and heim. in the end, the only one of them triumphed at sunday's off cuz he made a film about the mine and created the atomic bomb. and for better or for worse, we're all living in oppenheimer's world. so i would really like to dedicate this to the peace makers everywhere. welcome to the day and night service. welcome to the newest member, raisi

our topic this week, and sweden and finland in nato. a strategic defeats for russia, the hello and welcome to the port. it's great to have you with us, our guests this week, alexandra fund, them and heads dw as brussels bureau covers, nato and security policy, and has also reported from russia. and it's a pleasure to welcome daniel who can do it. she is a senior fellow at the german marshall fund with a focus on central europe and colonel of, of congress to joins us drum virtually from vienna. she's a senior advisor at the austrian institute for europe and security policy. so let me begin, if i may, uh, with you, alexandra to formerly neutral nations, join the western alliance. how momentous is the shift? does it significantly strengthen data? the answer is yes, definitely. having phillips and so sweet, enjoying nature as a big win for the alliance. when we talk about a sweden, they have a very highly capable armed forces and a geographic situation in proof of nato's, a portia in the baltic sea. and of course, in addition, you have to s

joining nato is good for sweden.rity of our whole alliance. sweden has long been a partner. now, you are an ally. with all the benefits and responsibilities that this brings. with me is our diplomatic correspondentjames landale how significant is this for sweden and nato? �* u, , how significant is this for sweden and nato? �* u, , ., how significant is this for sweden and nato? �* , ., , and nato? because we have been talkin: and nato? because we have been talking about _ and nato? because we have been talking about this _ and nato? because we have been talking about this for _ and nato? because we have been talking about this for 20 - and nato? because we have been talking about this for 20 months i and nato? because we have been. talking about this for 20 months or so since they applied forjoining z we forget what a big step this is for sweden. for finland, its neutrality was shot ten. it was a function of the cold war and its relationship with the soviet union. sweden's neutrality goes back to the napoleonic wars

but see, fade. nate is bigger and stronger. sweden now has security guarantees from nation. remember, states shouldn't come under attack from russia or anyone else in the future. in return sweden's military capability makes it a powerful new member, boasting cutting edge aircraft and anti aircraft missiles, as well as the state of the art tanks and submarines. it also has a considerable slate of ships. sweden's geographical position is another advantage. firstly, as a land transit route to reinforce feller, members, norway, and finland. and secondly, by allowing nate her to take control of the baltic sea in any conflict with russia via sweden's enormous coastline. sweden's military has taken its best steps in the alliance, joining nato, whose biggest drills since the cold war. the exercises across the blocks, nordic states, aimed at sending a clear message from russia's rivals, both nature and sweet in a foss. stronger with disagreement. also brace papa is a full month nato policy director. i asked him about the benefits of sweden joining the alliance and how russia might pu

but sweden was not in and so there's a huge relief sense of relief. you're around nato headquarters. both swedish prime minister of christmas and, and secretary general against oldenburg, were, were clearly happy, even laughing a little bit. and you don't see that very often here at nato. so everyone is really in a good mood that this finally, this process finally has come to an end with the re raising of the swedish flag here. now we heard a moment ago from the swedish prime minister, and he said the russians threat to euro atlantic security tip the scales for a sweden to join nato. and that brakes for the long tradition of neutrality. why the sweet and st joining nato is a safer bed and staying neutral? well, one of the points he made this morning and, and we noticed also from nato's change and as military pastor is it, they don't believe this threat from russia is going away any time soon. not only will the war in ukraine, not be over quickly, but then russia will turn to other neighbors perhaps. and that's, of course, if you're in the baltic state

and then sweden joined. so now the sweden's flag has been raised at nato headquarters. should the alliance be cheering that it's expansion? we'll look over it shoulder, i'm wondering how russia will respond. i'm feel gaily, lane, and this is the day i of the suite and is now part of nato. so for this going to be good for and the more piece that just felt like the reasonable step to take the 1st the unless it would be safe. but if you'd like, think about it the a why and it smells that? sure. i feel it's really a mistake historic mistakes with this, making it right now not to walk home to make but also on the day of last year's movie going experience was dominated by the single time use release of 2 block best as a known together as bob and time in the end, the only one of them triumphed at sundays off because we made a film about the amount of created the atomic bomb. and for better or for worse, we're all living in oppenheimer's world. so i would really like to dedicate this to the peace makers everywhere. welcome to the day and night service. welcome to the newest mem

i feel it's really a mistake, a historic mistake sweden, this making right now really not to was calling to make also on the day of last year's movie going experience was dominated by the single tiniest release of 2 block best of unknown together as bob and time in the end, the only one of them triumphed at sunday's off because we made a film about the mine and created the atomic bomb. and for better or for worse, we're all living in oppenheimer's world. so i would really like to dedicate this to the peace makers everywhere. welcome to the day and night service. welcome to the newest member, raising the swedish flag over its headquarters in brussels. they took chief to install some books at the moment, represented the bottom of pretense failure to weaken the military lines. the sermon was held on monday to formerly box reading, succession and cemented surprise to see a lot of success. the 2nd time this comes to he is asked, normally country applied to join a specialist full scale invasion of ukraine. after the ceremony, mister stolt of books broke alongside swedish prime minister of chri

what do sweden and finland bring to the table for nato? these are definitely 2 of the best trained, best equipped militaries in nato. you know, sweden brings as, as you heard in that piece, just incredible military technology. it has a huge weapons manufacturing program in it, it on its own. and remember that these 2 countries had planned to stay on their own . and so they were ready to be self sufficient, and so now they're bringing all those capabilities to the alliance, and their geo political position cannot be overstated. you've now got the nordics lake sealed across the top right there in the arctic where russia keeps the crown jewels of its own weaponry and its own military. so this is certainly something that the kremlin is not going to be happy about. and we have heard the russian foreign ministry say that it's going to see how sweden behaves in practice and then decide if it's going to retaliate. terry, thank you very much for that. that is our brussel correspondent, terry schultz. which one is the most pressing issues facing nat

so and sweden, a far stronger as a result of this agreement camera for 8 seconds. now the w's process correspondents . terry schultz with a swede joining is being treated as a victory financial after. as you say this very long, 2 years and especially even this last year when finland was admitted to the alliance, having gotten all the, the approval from all the other allies a year ago that live sweet and in a position where it felt very vulnerable, almost like it had a target on it. there was new member of finland on one side of norway on the other side, but sweden was not in. and so there's a huge, really sense of relief. you're around nato headquarters, both swedish prime minister of christmas and, and secretary general against oldenburg, were, were clearly happy, even laughing a little bit. and you don't see that very often here at nato. so everyone is really in a good mood that this finally, this process. finally has come to an end with the right raising of the swedish flag here. and now we heard a moment ago from the swedish prime minister. and he said the russ

but moscow called sweden's membership in nato a threat to russia. deputy of the council of the russian federation, stockholm's decision to join nato he considered the us-led north atlantic treaty to be short-sighted and said that from now on, joining this military pact will be considered a threat against moscow. with the start of the ukraine war, sweden and finland applied for nato membership. finland became a member of this treaty last april. sweden officially became the 32nd member of nato yesterday. i will talk more about this with mr. dariush safarnejad, an expert on eurasian issues who are with the world today, mr. safarnejad. hello, mr. safarnejad. as a first question, i would like to ask what happened when sweden became two centuries old. he left his side and became a member of nato. hello , i would like to ask you and the dear viewers, in the name of allah, the most merciful, the most merciful, to see that after the war between russia and the west in the so-called second phase of ukraine, that is, two years ago, in these days , almost we had

so now the sweden's flag has been raised at nato headquarters should the alliance be cheering at its expansion? well, looking over its shoulder, i'm wondering how russia will respond. i'm feel gaily live, and this is the day i of the suite and is now part of nato. so for this kind of the good for and the more things that you have, it felt like the reasonable step to take the 1st the, unless it would be safe. but if you like, think about it for a while. it smells, that's sure. i feel it's really a mistake. historic mistakes we this making right now. they came to the wall calling to make sure also on the day of last year's movie going experience was dominated by the single time use release of 2 block bustos, unknown together as bob and heim. in the end, the only one of them triumphed at sunday's off cuz we made a film about the amount of created the atomic bomb and for better or for worse, we're all living in oppenheimer's world. so i would really like to dedicate this to the peace makers everywhere. welcome to the day and night service. welcome to the newest member, raising the swedis

and sweden has been an important country in that. so it was hurting the alliance knots to have sweden as a member. and it's gonna help to implement those new defense plans, knowing that sweden is now in the lions. and as i mentioned, they have a highly, highly capable armed forces. unlike some other members of nato who are joining the alliance after the end of the cold war and state will improve the situation in the bolts baltic sea. we already talked about that. and the voltage states can feel mice much say for a now, because a sweden can help, but to make sure that they can be there because there can be c in for reinforcements. so if needed, if there is anything, if russia would risk any miscalculation until now, the baltic states would needs to be provided with weapons and on forces with very, very vulnerable border crossing between poland and lisa when yeah. and now the situation, the whole situation has a change. so i think there is no real challenge to integrate sweden. but what is a problem i took if the whole process that it

sweden has a strong tech sector and startup.e see the access to the emerging and critical technologies is key. that is important for nato as well. >> important points there, bjorn. let's be honest. sweden has not got espeten near for the gdp in defense spending. any chance in the short-to-medium term that sweden will get tothe 2% level? >> yes, for sure. we are on the way. defense minister said we should aim at 2.5%. we are seeing major investment in the infrastructure. look at the railroads connecting norway and the baltic sea. not only military needs for infrastructure, but investment for sure. >> when i spoke to the then prime minister and finance minister or foreign affairs minister who made the announcement originally, we talked about the russians and what they will do to sweden with cyber warfare or testing on a regular basis. sweden, i guess, is ready for the ramifications straightaway of what the russian activities will look like in the short-term short-term? >> yes. we are studying the case in finland. i would say the b

we only know once we have article 5, and that's what nato membership gives sweden. that was the w, as correspond to terry sills reporting from brussels. now let's have a look at some of the other stories making headlines around the world. in indonesia, at the desk toll from the weekends, flash flooding and land slides has risen to at least 26 officials, said 11 others were still missing on the island of somal truck. while floodwaters are receiving risk. assets have been handed by outages and damaged roads. at a meeting in cairo, 3 libby and leaders have agreed to form a new government to oversee the late elections that they be a was amends to hold the vote in 2021 of the more than a decade of conflict that was postponed, of the disagreements over the candidates and election rules, china's legislature has wrapped up its annual session and paging with that, a good signing off on a more than 70 percent. boost in different spending, the tightly controlled week long event. so the routing communist party is plans when the universal support, as expected, or to portugal kno

congrats, of course, in sweden a lot of people don't realize what is happening at all., i feel sad and ashamed about this situation, because those who know about it in sweden are just shocked, they don't really think it's real, they think it's some kind of joke. and, in my opinion, here too. some, some nonsense is happening, because people who try to help voluntarily, they are also taxed for it, thank you for your opinion, for what you are doing, i will ask mr. yevhen right now, mr. yevhen, have you communicated with other volunteers, with your colleagues, do they have similar situations, or do they also not know how to proceed, and are you already watching? that it is possible that western charitable organizations are reducing their aid to ukraine because of all this, or are you still not recording this? yes, talked to other volunteer organizations, a lot, can you hear me? yes, yes, we hear. many ignore, many do not, do not know how to do the same, many organizations do not want to. well this do it, because they don't know how it will end, that's all, despite the fact

at the ceremony in brussels, sweden's prime minister laid out the nordic nations reasons for leaving behind its history of neutrality. of the security situation in our region has not been the serious since the 2nd world war. and russia will stay a threats to you. atlantic security for a foreseeable future. it was in these lights, sweden applied to join to the native defense alliance, to gain security, but also to provide security since russia's full scale invasion of ukraine. 2 years ago, nato has sought to develop defense plans. the eastern and nordic members, russia claimed to have launch the war imparts because of nature is a split expansion. but the threats of only pushed more countries to join the alliance. when pressed on tooth and launched is full for scaling nation 2 years ago. he won't, the less, nate, the more control over his neighbors. he wanted to destroy ukraine as a southern states. but she said nato is bigger and stronger. sweden now has security guarantees from nature and then the states shouldn't come under attack from russia or anyone else in the future. in return

turn into some other news now, and sweden's flag will be raised on monday, outside nato's headquarters after it officially joined us. the 30 seconds member of the military alliance, sweden, succession and decades of post world war 2 neutrality. as concerns about russian aggression in europe continue to grow fellow nordic nation. finland joined in april 2023 with nato members, claiming the expansion to be a major blow to the kremlin. sweden becomes the 2nd nordic nation in the past year to join nato. and its membership brings with its a number of advantages for the airlines. firstly, by following finland in a band and in utility, sweden, they sending an important message to those nations still on the fence about russia's invasion of ukraine. it's time to pick a side slammed on his weakness. now leaving 200 years of neutrality, a non alignment behind, and it's a big steps to see. we must take that seriously more. but it's also a very natural step that we're taking card. furthermore, the kremlin can no longer claim finland's a session was an isolated incidents has made. so 6 to develop de

but she said, nato is bigger and stronger. sweden now has security guarantees from nation. remember, states shouldn't come under attack from russia or anyone else in the future. in return sweden's military capability makes it a powerful new member, boasting cutting edge aircraft and anti aircraft missiles, as well as the state of the art tanks and submarines. it also has a considerable slaves of ships, of sweden's geographical position is another advantage. firstly, as a land transit route to reinforce feller, members, norway, in finland. and secondly, by allowing nato to take control of the baltic sea in any conflict with russia by sweden's enormous coastline. sweden's military has taken its 1st steps in the alliance, joining nato, whose biggest drills since the cold war. the exercises across the blocks, nordic states, aimed at sending a clear message from russia's rivals, both nature and sweden, a foss, stronger with disagreement. so let's pick up some of the methods arising with for brief pots. yeah, he's a former director of policy planning for nato, and i was the secur

sweden, however, faced a few obstacles on the way.for kurdish separatists and said it would not agree to its nato membership unless it prevents anti—turkey protests. then hungary delayed the process, unhappy with sweden's criticism of the hungarian government. after a few visits and long negotiations hungary's parliament ratified sweden's bid last month , ending more than a year of delays. earlier, i sasked our diplomatic correspondent, james landale, what this means for nato going forward. well, i think strategically it matters immensely, because what it does is it beefs up nato's support for the baltic states. at the moment, the three baltic states, latvia, lithuania and estonia are members of nato's. but they're joined tonight by a very small little gap of land between belarus and a bit of russian territory. sweden now means that nato will be able to resupply the baltic states if they ever needed to be resupplied. there's a massive great island in the baltic sea called gotland, which is swedish, that will now become like a sort of

firing exercises are also planned in sweden and norway. openly states that the purpose of manners is to work out a combat plan in the event of a confrontation with russia. of course, such provocations, and demonstrative. remain unanswered, due to nato’s approach to our borders , the leningrad and moscow military districts were recreated, against the backdrop of finland and sweden joining the alliance, the russian army strengthened troop groups in the northwestern and western strategic directions. the americans saw, quote, the reason for the insane losses of the ukrainian armed forces from space, journalists from the new york times. studied satellite images, which show the so-called syrsky line, and came to the conclusion that there is nothing with such fortifications amazing thing about the military failures of the kiev regime: rudimentary trenches west of avdievka, we will show in our story. new york times headline. ukraine's surprisingly weak defenses help the russian offensive. american journalists are trying to understand the reasons f

evgeny, let's start with sweden. so what is this special role in the alliance?edia reports, sweden is assigned the role of a major logistics center in the event of a conflict with russia. the british newspaper financial times wrote about this, citing its sources. the article states: the swedish island of gotland in the baltic sea is likely to be used by nato as a transport hub. from there it is possible to organize the transfer of troops to finland and baltic states. the head of the latvian ministry of foreign affairs said on this occasion that sweden's membership in the north atlantic alliance will make the baltic countries. countries are less vulnerable. the russian foreign ministry stated that our country will build its policy towards sweden depending on how it will act after joining nato. diplomats reacted to the latest statement by the president of finland. at the first press conference after the inauguration, alexander stoop said that it is important for finland to have a nuclear deterrent force. on practice this is ensured by the deployment of us nuclear

sweden raised its flag at nato headquarters. vladimir putin says: he will send his troops to the border with finland. both countries joined the alliance because of the war in ukraine and are already participating in nato's largest military exercises. but what exactly are they preparing for? we will talk about this for the next 15 minutes live from london in the studio of jafer umerov. sweden, the newest member of nato, raised its flag at the headquarters of the alliance in brussels. the lifting ceremony at the beginning of the week, you can now see it on the screen. jen stoltenberg, nato secretary general, said that with sweden's membership, the alliance will become stronger and safer. by the way, volodymyr zelenskyi also welcomed sweden's membership and said that another country in europe has become more protected from russian evil. the country applied in may 22 , along with finland, after russia's full-scale war against ukraine. and sweden and finland officially became members of nato. remember, one of the reasons... what vlad

so that threats sweden's military capability also makes it a powerful new member. the nation boasts cutting edge across an anti aircraft missiles, as well as states of the tanks and submarines and a considerable fleets of ships wave embrace a size or 100 year old navy, in the navy that is among the largest in the baltic sea, which you'd remember nathan doesn't have very many large, mavis sweden's geographical position also makes it useful. firstly, as a land transit routes to reinforce the members no way in finland. and secondly, by allowing nato to take control of the baltic sea in any conflict with russia via sweden's enormous coastline. in return, sweden now has security guarantees from nato and member states, should it come under attack from russia, or anyone else in the future? the message from russia is opponents, is clear, both nights so and sweden, a far stronger as a result of this agreement camera for a 2nd doctor working at a ukrainian hospital dumped. the survival factory by medics has been describing their experience after years of war. thousands of pa

sweden has long been a partner. and responsibilities that this brings. let's speak to dr neil melvin, who's director of international security studies at the royal united services institute. welcome to the programme. just how significant a moment is this? well, i mean, ithink significant a moment is this? well, i mean, i think it is a historic moment because not only does it change sweden's current position but it really overturns nearly 200 years of military nonalignment that started in napoleonic wars for sweden when they were sort are being challenged by many of the great powers of europe so it is really a historic change that has happened in the region. historic change that has happened in the reuion. ~ ., ., ,, historic change that has happened in the reuion. ~ ., ., i. ~ the region. what do you think it brinus to the region. what do you think it brings to nato? _ the region. what do you think it brings to nato? how _ the region. what do you think it brings to nato? how does - the region. what do you think it i

but sweden was not in and so there's a huge relief sense of relief. you're around nato headquarters, both swedish prime minister of christmas, and the secretary general again, stolen berg were, were clearly happy, even laughing a little bit. and you don't see that very often here at nato, so everyone is really in a good mood that this finally, this process finally has come to an end with the right raising of the swedish flag here. now we heard a moment ago from the swedish prime minister, and he said the russians threat to euro atlantic security tip the scales for a sweden to join nato. and that brakes for the long tradition of neutrality. why the sweet and st joining nato is a safer bed and staying neutral? well, one of the points he made this morning and, and we notice also from nato's change and as military pastor is it, they don't believe this threat from russia is going away any time soon. not only will the war in ukraine, not be over quickly, but then russia will turn to other neighbors perhaps. and that's, of course, if you're in the baltic sta

finland and sweden's membership of nato underscores that nato is a vital and living body. critical to the defense of the trans-atlantic. and we are determined to work with to make the 75th summit a success and 20 continue -- to continue our efforts to help ukraine. i wish this panel well. thank you very much for inviting me. it's such an important subject. look forward to what the panel has to say. thank you very much. [applause] >> here, for sharing that with us. thank you all for joining us. it is such an honor to be talking about the importance of enheansing northern european security. to talk a little about the geopolitical changes and how it's important that we have a fresh approach to the region. i am joined here with three amazing scholars. i want to start with our guest, andrew michta, who is director e scowcroft strategy initiative. he is also the former dean of the college of international and security studies at the george c. marshall european center for security studies. he holds a ph.d. in te relations from johns hopkins university, his areas of expertise are

the nato secretary general said that sweden's membership will make nato stronger and sweden safer . and this makes the coalition safer. netherlands, germany, england and ukraine also welcomed sweden's membership in nato, but moscow called sweden's membership in nato a threat to russia. the deputy of the council of the russian federation considered stockholm's decision to join the nato north atlantic treaty as short-sighted and said that sweden will be considered a threat against moscow by joining this military pact from now on. with the beginning of the ukrainian war. saudi arabia and finland applied for membership in nato. finland became a member of this military alliance 11 months ago, and sweden officially became the 32nd member of nato yesterday. book reader and media festival ended its work. introduction the elected officials and the announcement of the new location of the headquarters of the country's public libraries, including the parts of the final ceremony of this. public libraries of the country in a ceremony attended by the minister of culture and islamic guidance , the

finland and sweden's membership of nato underscores that nato is a vital and living body. absolutely critical to the defense of the trans-atlantic. and we are determined to work with the administration to make the 75th summit a success and 20 continue -- to continue our efforts to help ukraine. i wish this panel well. thank you very much for inviting me. it's such an important subject. look forward to what the panel has to say. thank you very much. [applause] >> thank you so much, ambassador, for being here, for sharing that with us. thank you all for joining us. it is such an honor to be talking about the importance of enheansing northern european security. to talk a little about the geopolitical changes and how it's important that we have a fresh approach to the region. i am joined here with three amazing scholars. i want to start with our guest, andrew michta, who is director and senior fellow at the scowcroft strategy initiative. he is also the former dean of the college of international and security studies at the george c. marshall european center for security studie

firing practice is also planned in sweden. in norway.hip openly states that the purpose of the maneuvers is to work out a combat plan in the event of a confrontation with russia. of course, such provocations, and demonstrative ones at that, do not go unanswered; due to nato’s approach to our borders, the leningrad and moscow military districts were recreated. against the backdrop of finland and sweden joining the alliance, the russian army strengthened its troop groups northwestern western strategic directions. the americans saw, quote: the reason for the insane losses of the ukrainian armed forces from space. new york times journalists studied satellite images showing the so-called syrsky line and came to the conclusion that with such fortifications there is nothing surprising in the military failures of the kiev regime. we will show rudimentary trenches to the west of avdievka in ours. new york times headline. ukraine's surprisingly weak defenses help the russian offensive. american journalists, trying to understand the reasons recent

sweden was there to defend them. sweden was there to defend them. sweden was there to defend them.citizens. there is also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle but putin's invasion of ukraine has become for russia. we see a russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, and diplomatically. it is standing in ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before in 2014, people were open to positive relations with russia. now the virtually entire society, notjust today, russia. now the virtually entire society, not just today, probably society, notjust today, probably for generations, has turned against russia part of its aggression. and fundamentally our alliance is now both larger and stronger than it has ever been. and we see again and again and again that everything putin sought to prevent, he has actually precipitated by his aggression, and there is no clearer example of that than sweden becoming a member of this alliance.