for finland. the decision could mean abandoning its policy of avoiding confrontation with its enormous neighbor. russia's deputy foreign minister warned a far reaching consequences. the kremlin says it could send more troops to the 1300 kilometer border with finland. but becoming a member of the western military alliance isn't guaranteed. as steadfast reports from the german capital berlin, finland, and sweden will be warmly welcomed into the nato military alliance. that was the message from all nato foreign ministers at a meeting in berlin. except for one turkey has made objection saying the nordic nations are hosting, but it calls terrorist organizations pointing among others at the p. k. k. the quidditch workers party. to be frank on a bit confused. because i had a telephone discussion with the president aradonda that is approximately months ago and term actually he took up himself before i had the possibility to do that, that you're applying for nato membership and we will assess it favorable.

p of finland is so high. the the military capabilities are so high. finland is not using old soviet equipment like they are in ukraine and finland hasn't needed anyone's help. up until now is not depending on other countries to train the finish military. so i don't think the comparisons are completely compatible at this moment, but certainly fill and prided itself on being able to handle its own defense as ukraine did. and yeah, now finland does not want to see itself. suffer the same thing, which i think most of the world can understand. terry shall brussels tonight. terry, as always, thank you. the with human rights council has launched an investigation into alleged rights abuses committed by russia in ukraine. the council voted overwhelmingly to approve the pro, which will look into abuses in the regions of heave, turn to heave hockey and to you. and human rights chief says that russian forces are responsible for the vast majority of civilian deaths in great dw correspondent, but he is earlier is in here a

finland and sweden make nato stronger. not just because of the capacities, but because they are strong, strong democracies. a strong, united nato is the foundation of america's security. by joining nato, allies make a sacred commitment to one another. that an attack on one is an attack against all. it's article 5 of the washington troaty and the core building block of our alliance. the only time in history article 5 has been invoked was after 9/11, when the united states was attacked and all our allies rallied to our side. the united states will never forget that. and we will never fail in our pledge to defend every single inch of nato territory. i welcome sweden and finland choosing that responsibility as well. it's going to benefit all of our people and today, the president, prime minister and i committed that we're going to work together to remain vigilant against threats to our shared security and to deter and confront any aggression while finland and sweden are in this accession process. there's nothing going to be mi

finland joining nato. everyone has been taken aback by his sin it is not something you can mess around with. if you assert that you are going to join nato and that a country blocks your membership because nato, you need unanimity, all members must agree so turkey is forcing them to twist in the wind. many leaders said this is something that will be required conversation, that this is nothing to be concerned about. but i think it sends a message to my mind from turkey that there may be -- they might be easing this as an opportunity to use a leverage and get what they want. but i think as lie -- it is not the smart's move. there have been moves, the turkish drones they had been supplying to ukraine. the turkish president maybe overplayed his hands but maybe everything can be smoothed over, maybe there's a misunderstanding but security issues and defense issues are a serious that are serious and this horsetrading should not be done public. >> is being reported that turkey's objections focus on what it conside

weill. between finland and russia? well, finland, as — between finland and russia? well, finland, as abbreviated _ between finland and russia? well, finland, as abbreviated by - between finland and russia? -ii finland, as abbreviated by the term, finland, as abbreviated by the term, finland, during the cold war, finland, during the cold war, finland has tried to balance its relations between east and west to accommodate russian strategic concerns, but finland joined the european union in 1995 and has since fully aligned with the west politically. so, since then, finland has taken, and a sweden, they have calculated the regional balance very carefully so as to try and keep russia on site and to try and help russia on site and to try and help russia integrate with western actors, to be a kind of mediator or actors, to be a kind of mediator or a go—between between the west and russia. but now, with russia's full—scale military assault on ukraine, that now looks no longer possible, and finland and indeed sweden see themselves very much at risk. because of that risk,

of nato, finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. finland must apply for nasal membership. without delay of the announcement is expected to put pressure on sweet, which is also considering applying of this map shows the current nato members on the european continent and that long border that finland shares with russia spanning some 1300 kilometers. now the national mood has changed dramatically in finn and since moscow's invasion of ukraine as vis report explains finland is looking to bitch decades of military non alignment. while helsinki has moved closer to nato in recent years, it just will stay out of the alliance to avoid antagonizing russia under now. but the invasion of ukraine has battled much of the finish public. who now worry that big would be next. give us security nature of course. yeah, that's why i want leslie i nature and i think that we should have an benita already in a near 1990 s money than it was possible. we stood alone in 1939. we don't want to stand alone again. with every veteran who fought and survived the winter was never ever to stand alone agai

let's go to finland now. our capabilities _ let's go to finland now. our capabilities of _ let's go to finland now. oi" capabilities ofjoining nato, we will have this discussion that we have already had within the next few months and try to make sure that it will be smooth and fast as possible. we have not had any indication in nato that there will be any problems for fenland are sweden's nato that there will be any problems forfenland are sweden's membership. we are already interlinked with nato and we are close part nurse to nato. we have not had any indications that there would be any problems. we have seen some statements that there are some questions still, but i think it is important that we will have these discussions with these countries, with the ministers and with other leaders that we have. in a calm manner and discuss all the issues that there might be, i don't think there will be any problems but our interest is that the process will be very fast. to interest is that the process will be ve fast. ., , ., ~ interest is that the process will

finland has made its decision . the process has once again redeemed the strength of sweden's democracy. starting from the strong public support that decision was made with an overwhelming parliamentary majority and it also enjoys huge strong popular support. i want to thank you mister president for your steadfast support throughout this hrprocess. in early march i visited the white house and you encouraged us to go further. that was vitally important to our process. your statement yesterday and our meeting today are a testimony of enduring commitment. the united states has made to european and transatlantic security. i want to assure that finland will become a strong nato ally. we take our security very seriously. the finnish armed forces are one of the strongest in europe. we have also consistently invested in developing our capabilities. the finns willingness to defend their country is one of the highest in the whole world. we are ready to contribute to the security of the whole. making the commitment to mutual se

so finland is thinking that similar hybrid warfare could, could also take place in finland or cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. is this a done deal though? now that the leadership is supported, this, i would say it is we are expecting to see in finland now, a sort of snowball effect. now that the president and prime minister, publicly back nato membership, most likely different political parties, parliamentary groups. well, today under the coming days, also announce favoring nato membership, and after that still at the end of this week, finland will officially decide on. also submitting this application, the finished president saline news is visiting sweden next week and this could also be the occasion for the 2 countries to announce together that they will submit their applications. but of course, also what has been happening over the past couple of weeks is that and the political leadership of these 2 countries have been meeting with with other statesman and trying to get security guarantees for that application process. well, thanks for coming in on that breaking news on a saturd

both leaders saying nato membership would strengthen finland, security as a member of nato. finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. finland must apply for native membership without delay. that announcement expected to put pressure on sweden, which is also considering applying to join nato. now, when you look at a map of the current members of nato, here in europe, and you see that long border which finland shears with russia, it measures 1300 kilometers. the national mood has changed dramatically in finland since moscow's invasion of ukraine will begin with this report. finland is looking to ditch decades of military non alignment. while helsinki has moved closer to nato in recent years, it just will stay out of the alliance to avoid antagonizing russia under now. but the invasion of ukraine has battled much of the finish public. who now worry that be could be next. give us security nature of course. yeah. that's why i went that way. i nature and i think that we should have an benita already in a near 1990 s money. when it was possible. we stood alone in 1939. we don't want

finland takes a step toward joining nato. the leaders say after decades of military nonalignment, the country should join without delay. moscow worrying that nato expansion will be a threat. they are claiming that moscow is responsible for the vast majority of civilian casualties. also, the u.s. president kicks off a global covid-19 summit with a warning against complacency. >> thousands still dying every day. now is the time for us to act. all of us, together. >> as the u.s. marks one million covid-19 deaths, we look at how countries around the world are coping with the pandemic. astronomers casting light on the dark heart of our galaxy. they have revealed the first images of a supermassive black hole at the center of the milky way. i am brent goff. to our viewers and all of the around the world, good to have you with us. tonight, the historic turning point for european security. finland's president calling for their country to apply for nato membership as soon as possible. david -- they said that this would strengthen finla

troops towards the border with finland. however, we have to say that the russian army has suffered huge losses in ukraine. it's offensive, there has lost a momentum, according to military official. so they are too busy there to try to take any steps against finland. the thinking here in berlin is and i got of an am and in berlin. thank you so much. arson troops have been driven out of the north eastern ukrainian city of car give despite the destruction left behind you. crane is counting the russian withdrawal as a wind crane says his forces we captured villages from russian troops, north and north, east of harkins, pushing them back towards the border. ukrainian forces have been clearing the liberated villages near car give and residents have started focusing on rebuilding their lives. the deputies mathias bullying is in kiff, and i asked him if clark, if is now considered a complete victory for ukraine's forces. what we're hearing is that the russians have almost driven the ukrainians have almost driven the russian troops

finland does, and if finland does _ russia? finland does, and if finland does apply - russia? finland does, and if finland does apply for- russia? finland does, and if finland does apply for nato| finland does apply for nato membership, which it is likely to announce tomorrow that it wants to do, followed by sweden a few days later, then the two of them enter a really dangerous period where they are not yet full members with nato, and that is why the uk felt it had to make this announcement and signed this agreement with sweden and finland ahead of them submitting their membership applications, so that there is no doubt that france will come to their rescue, meaning the uk. the us is also an officially pledged similar support so that the russians know if it were to attack sweden and finland during this really tricky period of them having played for nato membership and not being members yet that they would have the support of the uk and the us, and that is intended to convince russia not to try any dangerous military tricks while the two are waiting to be admitted. what is the

and actually they're closer to moscow than finland. and so that does not really change that much in the strategic out though the russian military, the russian general staff, lou sure will be say that this is a big threat that they need more money from the budget. they should build new bases, they new need, new weapons. this they'll be playing up this threat. theresa owe and touched on this in an earlier answer. the fact that both finland and sweden essentially broke there of strict neutrality is when they joined the you, when they became partners to nato in the 990 s. i'm curious from your perspective, would they have, have to have joint nato at some point any way or, or was joining nato really a nonstarter until russia invaded ukraine? i think that they are very careful balancing at and carefully cultivated neutrality . finland has a different form of neutrality compared to sweden, but sweden, historically, as i noted, 200 years of 2 centuries, hooton's actions and ukraine. how upset their calculus. they realize they cannot be safe at

, security as a member of nato. finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. finland must apply for nato membership without delay. and this is the 1st step in the process of could see finland roll, but decades of military non alignment enhancement is also expected to put pressure on sweden, which is considering applying to join the western military defense alliance. finland shares of 1300 kilometer border with russia. mood in the country has changed dramatically since moscow's invasion of ukraine as get more i for will go to brussels home of nature and d, w correspondent at max xander. welcome max. so nato has been sending out positive signals about the possibility of finland joining other likely to be any roadblocks . right, so, so at the moment we're not them hearing that there are any major roadblocks on the way to finish nato membership at the moment. what we're hearing right now here in brussels is pretty much a relief at this a step um is likely to be taken and there seems to be a great sense that this will also keep members safe from attacks that were, that, that we're se

when asked about the expectations for finland as part of nato he said that finland punches above its weight in comparison to other existing members. he also said that the goal is to approve this process as rapid, as quickly as possible. our nic robertson was standing there, he asked a question. nic, what did you take away from that? >> reporter: yeah, the idea that the united states could be, according to senator mitch mcconnell, could be and would like to be the first country to grant permission for finland to accede to nato, a very strong commitment there, actually, he said because of legal technical procedures it may take a little bit longer to the united states to complete the process than other countries, but clearly the united states at the leading edge of supporting finland. he talked b you know, the close nature of the way that the two countries have trained before, have been on joint operations before. we know they've been in iraq at the same time, afghanistan statement, could have owe voe, lebanon, bosnia all of these places finnish forces have worked side-by-side with u.s.

she is on finland. if you are ready, we already feel like one potential problem. turkey has expressed reservations about letting the 2 nordic countries join anchor blames them for sheltering. curtis activists that turkey considers enemies of the state. there should be absolute security guarantees here. and this is not just about to candidate countries, but also about allied states who need to stop supporting terrorist organizations. but officials said they were certain those differences could be resolved quickly. meanwhile, nothing will change right away. the finished parliament must ratify the decision and the nato application process could take up to a year. early, i spoke to edo, sat a k, a political scientist at the university of helsinki, and i asked her why finland didn't join nato earlier. well, i think the 1st reason is that there was to says in a lack of public support, i mean according to the tools somewhere between 20 to 70 percent, only when the date of joining the alliance before that when

finland says russia has cut off supplies of natural gas — days after finland announced it was applying to join nato. meanwhile in ukraine, russia intensifies its attacks in the donbas region as its forces capture more territory in the south and east. the senior civil servant sue gray met with the prime minister to discuss publishing photos as part of her inquiry into downing street lockdown parties. joe biden discusses security and north korea's nuclear programme with south korea's president in seoul. today, president yoon suk—yeol and i committed to strengthening our close engagement and working together to take on challenges of regional security including addressing the threat posed by the democratic people's republic of korea. as monkeypox spreads worldwide, uk doctors say it could have a "massive impact" on access to sexual health services. polls close in parts of australia as two political veterans battle it out for the country's top job. and could this be the first of record—breaking heatwaves across europe? hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world.

so, finland sees... the finnish public see and the finnish government see that russia is no longer taking calculated risks. previously with the proxy war, russia support in donbas, illegal annexation of crimea, and the 2008 russia—georgia war, we saw that these russian operations, these russian wars had limits. now we can see, or we can't see rather, where the limits of russian aggression is. and finland seeks the most comprehensive form of deterrent, that is nato�*s collective defence and nato�*s nuclear deterrent. the finnish train for nato membership has left the station and there is no going back at this point. that's very interesting. can you give us a sense of what is the historic relationship between finland and russia? well, finland, as abbreviated by the term finlandisation, finland has always... during the cold war, finland has tried to balance its relations between east and west to accommodate russian strategic concerns, but finland joined the european union in 1995 and has since fully a

that's what sweden and finland have done. so today, it's an affirmation those countries in europe that share our values, that we're willing and able to do what it takes to be part of the alliance. nato's door remains open. in just a few minutes i'll be leaving to spend time with two of our indo-pacific allies. in a half hour or so i will be flying to the republic of korea and japan. i thank the president and the prime minister for traveling here on this meet, for this meeting, before i take off because it is so important. america's alliances in europe and in asia keep us, and i would argue the world, strong and secure. they're how we confront the challenge of our time, and deliver, deliver for our people today and harness, harness opportunities for better tomorrow. i look forward to soon calling sweden and finland our friends, partners, and nato allies. i want to thank you both for being here, and i'm going to invite each of you to say a few words. we'll start, mr. president, the podium is yours. >> mr. president, it is with

well, finland, we have to say is a very close partner of natal. finland has a very resilient, very strong democratic society. this is one of the most important criteria here. finland has also a high capable army. that is already part of a nato military structure, so it would benefit the alliance of course. and as we heard here today, be also very good for finland to become a member of the alliance. he doubly is alexander varnum, and thank you very much. he crane says the front lines and the east of the country are shifting. russia has made some gains in the don bass region, but ukraine says it's waging a counter offensive on the russian health city of is you. give says, russian forces retreated from ukraine's. the 2nd says he hearken to shore up as defenses of is young. ukrainian forces have been clearing via liberated villages near car give and residence there. have now started re focusing on rebuilding their lives. well, let's get you up to speed on some of the stories making headlines around the world . the f b, i says a mass shooting at a sip walketh in buffalo was racially motivated.

., , been cyber things happening towards finland? , , . ., ., ., finland? let us be clear, nato is a defence alliance, _ finland? let us be clear, nato is a defence alliance, and _ finland? let us be clear, nato is a defence alliance, and our- finland? let us be clear, nato is a defence alliance, and our position | defence alliance, and our position is not meant to be against anyone, we are certainly not attacking anyone and not threatening russia in anyone and not threatening russia in any way. so this is our own decision, and russia has told repeatedly that they are not in favour of nato enlargement, but this is our decision that we are about to make, and if they will react in a way that is not appropriate, they will probably somehow manifest their ill will or malevolence but we have been preparing and there is a great show of support to finland, much solidarity from the uk, the united states and germany and we are grateful for that.— grateful for that. when you say react in a _ grateful for that. when you say react in a way _ grateful for that. when yo

to as a neutral finland. all that has more to do with public opinion which for decades favored staying out of native public opinion has reflected that sentiment for decades. not any more. a recent poll out just this week, showing 70 percent 76 percent of people in favor, 12 percent against a u turn, driven by putin's invasion of ukraine. we stood alone in 1939. we don't want to stand alone again with every veteran who fought and survived the winter was never standalone again. russia happy to radiate us so many times now again and it's, it's absolutely that we shoot at jade nato. it will give us a security nature of course. yeah, that's the right island that we, i nature and i think that we should have at the nato already in, in, in 1990 s money when it was possible. i really am really, really happy about that. and i'm thing, it's a great thing because it's will bring more safety. the thin and again, rush and aggression. russian president vladimir putin, he now thinks is an expanding native hawaiians on his do

tomorrow, finland and sweden are going. just the juxtaposition of what is going on in the world right now as you all are trying to focus (inaudible). mr. sullivan: and, you know, it's interesting, we actually don't regard this as a tension between investing time, energy, and attention in europe and time, energy, and attention in the indo-pacific. we regard this as mutually reinforcing. first, look at the indo-pacific partners that have stepped up to help make these sanctions and export controls as effective as they are: korea, japan, australia, even singapore. second, look at the extent to which european countries are increasingly invested in the indo-pacific, in helping ensure that our vision of a free and open indo-pacific is actually realized. we see that with the auukus partnership, where you've got the united kingdom alongside australia and the united states. we see it with the way the european union has, for the first time ever, put out an indo-pacific strategy. and so, actually, we think that there is something quite

the alliance is always made clear to finland and sweden . there's a place for them here, room for more flags and some offices that could use new tenants. but as some of the most wealthy well equipped countries in europe, these new nordic members would feel much more important gaps than those sweeten thing. land bring difference assets to nato. finland famously brings the ability to guard a very lat long land. with russia, sweden brains, a 500 year old navy, and a navy that is among the largest in the baltic sea where we should remember. nathan doesn't have very many large neighbors, excepting the 2 country should be a no brainer for nato says. former finish prime minister alexander stood that morning to compatible the most nato member states themselves like finland. as an example, we're always spent about 2 percent of our g, d, p on a military expenditure. we have reserves with 900000. we can mobilize 280000 quickly during the war time. we have a $62.00 f eighteens just bought to $64.00 f, $35.00, and indeed nato secretary general yen stilto

ah, sweden and finland said they want to join nato. that's despite warnings from moscow, with washers invasion of ukraine are. those countries on the threat, and what will nato membership mean for the nordic region? this is inside story. ah, hello, welcome to the program, i'm adrian finnegan, before the russian invasion of ukraine, nato membership barely featured in political debates in finland and sweden. but moscow's actions and nuclear threats may have gained the western military alliance to new members. the leaders of both countries have the support of germany, where they recently met chancellor of shots to talk about security in the region. moscow's repeatedly warned of serious consequences if finland or sweden joined the alliance of the decision will be neither easy nor quick if they apply the parliaments of all 30 nato countries. b to approve new members. and that could take time is a bi lender and sizes. so if these 2 countries decide that they want to join nato, they can count on our support. the members of the government made

but finland has felt quite secure with its very strong national defense. it has one of the largest standing armies in europe if its reservists were called in to duty. and so it felt like with the low level of threat coming from the kremlin at that time, it certainly could, could take care of itself. of course, now that russia has attacked a peaceful neighbor just on another border. villain is thinking again terry moscow has already reacted, is warding, it will be forced to take retaliatory steps. good this potentially us coit. certainly moscow would like finland and sweden to, to think that it could escalate. and it tried to warn these 2 countries to not to make this decision. and you can see in finish president sally mean as to how annoying that was to him. and he said yesterday in a press conference that moscow should look in the mirror if it wants to know why finland is joining nato. is moscow that cause this? he said, so yes, russia may take some steps. it's not going to be conventional warfare like we're seeing in ukraine, but it is likely to be cyber

as in finland? hi, thank you for having me- as you — in finland? hi, thank you for having me- as you set— in finland? hi, thank you for having me. as you set the _ in finland? hi, thank you for having me. as you set the timing - in finland? hi, thank you for having me. as you set the timing is - in finland? hi, thank you for having me. as you set the timing is crucial| me. as you set the timing is crucial here. we are approaching summer and the weather is not as cold and finland men energy need is coming during the winter season. the gas supplies from russia has been mainly is channelled into heavy industry as well as heating for the household. as we approach summer, there is less demand for the heating, it is obviously going down and gives a good opportunity for the government to prepare for the next winter to secure the energy supplies for the next time. currently we do not see much affect or impact. this is mainly because on top of that timing, the energy mix or portfolio of finland has been quite diverse. i of finland has been quite diverse.

tell us what this means for finland and sweden in their bits to join nato. well this is obviously going to have to be worked out because the new members can only be admitted to the alliance by unanimous consent. that means that or to one will have to agree to let them in what he's accusing sweden and finland of doing is not, is sending back not extra dining. some members of the p k k, the kurdistan people's party, which everyone considers a terrorist organization. if not extradited them at his request. now the european union did put the p k k on its list of terrorist organizations in 2002, and sweden have been and finland have reminded on her that they obey all of these rules. but now everyone seems to be bringing up specific cases of people. he's asked to be sent back that they haven't done in sweden and finland aren't the only ones who were planning to negotiate. this. certainly this will be an issue for nato secretary general, un stolberg. and the united states will have something to say about this as well, because all countries except turkey have assured

now you're nato membership of finland, nato. a membership is not all done and dusted. turkey has misgivings and could theoretically spoil your bid. do you expect to veto from ankara? what are you doing to against it? well, we've had a lot of indications of support to us and to make those open door policy applies and we believe so. we have been told repeatedly that we are welcome and we certainly believe that, but we need to be how far it needs to be rectified needs and every member a member state. so the assistant, ged is something that is at the end, the members, including turkey. i don't expect any, any major problems with turkey. we understand that they can be some different uses. and of course, that's totally possible. but we share the same goal to fight against terrorism. that's a very important, a high priority. i believe that we can work together and that was to, to, to brian and the finish minister for european a fast talking to w. william russia's president vladimir putin has been welcoming leaders of the russian lead c

security as a member of nato, finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. finland must apply for native membership without delay. finland's history with russia, an uneasy one in the 2nd world war. the fins fall off a soviet invasion, but they were forced to make painful territorial concessions to de finland chairs a 1300 kilometer border with russia. the invasion of ukraine has a majority offend, suddenly worried that their border could also become a front line in a russian invasion to point out neighboring sweden, also not a member of nato has also seen public opinion do a 180 in favor of joining. despite finland's participation in nato operations from lebanon to iraq, to bosnia, it is also referred to as a neutral finland, or that has more to do with public opinion which for decades favored staying out of native public opinion has reflected that sentiment for decades, not any more a recent poll out just this week, showing 70 percent 76 percent of people in favor, 12 percent against a u turn, driven by putin's invasion of ukraine. we stood alone in 1939. we don't want to sta

finland is finland, it is going to stay finland, no matter what. there are things that can be denied and there are no-go areas. on the winning the war, i think when we look at nato, i think afghanistan was a loss and a large undertaking. you understand why it became so difficult, why it became so long-standing. one has to not forget, nato has been the most successful alliance in history. it has made sure that the cold war and results are won. without a single shot being down in europe. i think the deterrent of nato and article five is strong. i do not have any doubts all of the countries outside of nato respect that. and it has been successful. i think afghanistan is my feeling of the relevance of nato in any way. >> one final question. my question does focus on the endgame. your interest is the next few months. i wanted to offer you the chance to comment on behalf of your cells or the government about -- of yourselves or the government about the endgame. an interesting debate where he and secretary blinken visited at the end of april at austin sai

now you share a very not you personally finland. she has a very long line with russia as its neighbor. how could russia react to, to finland, to joining nato? yeah. well, we've seen already in that criminal rhetoric over that 10 past 20 years that they don't want any to, to enlarge. and this is something we have to take into account for potentially. they could be some hybrid threats, cyber threats, and also we seen in the, in the past, my nations of air space, these might continue. they might be broken to switch energy supply with them again f in is heavily dependent on russian energy are such as a gas. so it's, it's not such a big issue. and i think these are the kinds of dog meshes that good take place, potentially. right, so a turkey, as we've just heard this report, could still vito villains plan to join nato just very briefly. what would that mean? i think it's a highly unlikely situation to happen. ah, turkey is are now bringing this issue on the table maybe to advance its own causes and interests. but i think this is not some

if finland and sweden advised tojoin nato, _ finland and sweden advised tojoin nalo, thal— finland and sweden advised tojoin nato, that would be a historic momenl— nato, that would be a historic moment for europe, vuna finland and sweden, _ moment for europe, vuna finland and sweden, for— moment for europe, vuna finland and sweden, for nato. it will contribute to strengthening sweden and finland, nato to strengthening sweden and finland, nalo and _ to strengthening sweden and finland, nato and also strength and stability across _ nato and also strength and stability across the _ nato and also strength and stability across the area. i have been in contact — across the area. i have been in contact with the foreign minister, he was _ contact with the foreign minister, he was attending the meeting yesterday evening. i expect we will be able _ yesterday evening. i expect we will be able to — yesterday evening. i expect we will be able to follow up quickly if finland — be able to follow up quickly if finland and sweden applies for membership. when it comes to russia, of course _ me

both finland _ that is? for a number of reasons. both finland and _ that is? for a number of reasons. both finland and sweden - that is? for a number of reasons. both finland and sweden are - that is? for a number of reasons. i both finland and sweden are worried about any russian misinformation campaign that could sway the debates somewhat. there is a generalfeeling in a sweden that there is now a broader question around the question of nato membership. polls are showing it is the highest in a public opinion that we have seen in terms of a response to the possibility of warming up to nato membership. in some sense, the debate is being portrayed as though it is almost a done deal. however, there are concerns from the greens, some elements of the social democratic party that this is moving fast. ~ ., democratic party that this is moving fast. ~ . ., ., ., fast. what about the actual threat to sweden? _ fast. what about the actual threat to sweden? the _ fast. what about the actual threat to sweden? the threat _ fast. what about the actual threat to sweden? the

let finland in the current situation? let me — finland in the current situation? let me be — finland in the current situation? let me be clear— finland in the current situation? let me be clear because - finland in the current situation? let me be clear because the i finland in the current situation? i let me be clear because the solemn declaration— let me be clear because the solemn declaration is itself clear what it says is — declaration is itself clear what it says is in— declaration is itself clear what it says is in the event of a disaster or in_ says is in the event of a disaster or in the — says is in the event of a disaster or in the event of an attack on either— or in the event of an attack on either of— or in the event of an attack on either of us _ or in the event of an attack on either of us then yes, we will come to each— either of us then yes, we will come to each other's assistance, including _ to each other's assistance, including with military assistance but the _ including with military assistance but the nature of that assista

see if finland and sweden are admitted into nato. that something president biden told the leaders of both countries he fully backs. they are proud to welcome and offer the strong support of the united states. for the application is to great democracies and to close highly capable partners to join the strongest most powerful defensive allies in the history of the world. but while biden may be keen to welcome sweden and finland into native se, if you would have turkey's president, edwin has made clear that he has objections in addressing the turkish parliament. on wednesday, he accused the 2 nordic countries of supporting kurdish militias of turkey considers terrorist groups. i go what on nga? we have finished. president said they were trying to address turkey's concerns, the whole alliance, assa nato allies. we will commit to turkey security, just as turkey will commit to olive security. we take terrorism seriously. we condemn terrorism in all its forms, and we are actively engaged in combating it. we are open to discussing all the co

finland's security situation. it's as representatives from the military alliance are meeting in germany. russian troops have withdrawn from ukraine's second biggest city, kharkiv, according to its mayor. it's been under constant bombardment since the invasion began. both sides say it's not clear when the war might end. translation: the west has declared total hybrid war on us and it's hard i to predict how long this will last but it's clear the consequences will be felt by everyone. a ban on buy—one—get—one—free deals on unhealthy food in england is to be put on hold for a year. a former health minister warns that it undermines the country's commitment to healthy living. i worry at its commitment to health disparities, to the ten year cancer programme, to the fight to lead a healthy life, to our whole commitment to making britain healthier. after a goalless first half at wembley, the fa cup final is back under way, with chelsea and liverpool both looking for victory. and can he contain his tension ahead of