Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made a surprising announcement, withdrawing his country’s longstanding opposition to Sweden joining NATO. This move paves the way for Sweden to join the military alliance and sends a powerful message about unity on the eve of NATO’s summit in Lithuania.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Erdogan has agreed to send Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to the Turkish Parliament as soon as possible. This decision is seen as a historic step that benefits the security of all NATO allies, particularly during this critical time.
Erdogan’s change of heart comes as a surprise, considering Turkey’s previous objections to Sweden’s membership. Turkey had claimed that Sweden was sympathetic to Kurdish militants, which Ankara considers a threat to national security. Additionally, earlier on Monday, Erdogan had demanded acceptance into the European Union in exchange for signing off on Sweden’s NATO membership.
The role of President Joe Biden’s phone call with Erdogan on Sunday in Turkey’s change of stance remains unclear. However, Biden issued a statement welcoming Turkey’s decision and expressing his readiness to work with Erdogan and Turkey on enhancing defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Biden has emphasized NATO’s solidarity as a defense against Russian aggression, which prompted Finland and Sweden to seek entry into the alliance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland became NATO’s 31st member in April.
Although Hungary has not ratified Sweden’s accession, Stoltenberg expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved. He stated that Sweden will become a full member of the alliance.
In other developments, Russia’s Defense Ministry released a video of Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the first public appearance since Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin’s failed coup attempt. The video aims to showcase Gerasimov’s continued role as Russia’s military chief.
A survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed that 89% of Ukrainians want their country to join NATO. This reflects the strong desire for NATO membership among Ukrainians.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces announced that Ukraine has liberated almost 4 square miles in the south and about 1.5 square miles in the east over the past week. This progress demonstrates Ukraine’s ongoing efforts in the conflict.
In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his commanders. The meeting, which took place five days after the mercenary group’s rebellion, introduces uncertainty about Prigozhin’s influence with Russia’s leader following the failed mutiny. Prigozhin offered his unconditional support to Putin during the meeting.
Elon Musk, known for his controversial peace plan proposal last year, suggested that Ukraine’s counteroffensive has been slowed due to concerns about a potential Russian counterattack. Musk highlighted the high number of casualties on both sides and Russia’s numerical advantage, stating that a war of attrition would favor Russia.
Musk’s plan, which suggested Ukraine drop its bid for NATO membership and allow regions seized by Russia to hold referendums, drew support from Moscow but faced criticism from Ukraine’s leaders. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged people to visit Ukraine to witness the situation firsthand before offering solutions to end the war.
Overall, Turkey’s decision to withdraw its opposition to Sweden joining NATO is a significant development that strengthens the alliance and sends a message of unity. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s actions continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, with various actors expressing their positions and concerns.
What were Turkey’s previous objections to Sweden’s membership in NATO?
Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has surprised many by announcing that his country will no longer oppose Sweden joining NATO. This unexpected move opens the door for Sweden to join the military alliance and sends a strong message of unity ahead of NATO’s summit in Lithuania.
NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, has confirmed that Erdogan has agreed to submit Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to the Turkish Parliament as soon as possible. This decision is being hailed as a historic step that will enhance the security of all NATO allies, particularly at this critical time.
Erdogan’s change of stance is surprising, considering Turkey’s previous objections to Sweden’s membership. Turkey had accused Sweden of sympathizing with Kurdish militants, who Ankara sees as a threat to national security. Furthermore, earlier on Monday, Erdogan had demanded acceptance into the European Union in exchange for supporting Sweden’s NATO membership.
It is unclear what role President Joe Biden’s phone call with Erdogan on Sunday played in Turkey’s change of heart. Nevertheless, Biden has issued a statement welcoming Turkey’s decision and expressing his readiness to collaborate with Erdogan and Turkey in strengthening defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Biden has repeatedly stressed NATO’s unity as a defense against Russian aggression, which prompted Finland and Sweden to seek membership after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland became NATO’s 31st member in April.
Although Hungary has yet to ratify Sweden’s accession, Stoltenberg remains confident that the issue will be resolved. He has stated that Sweden will become a full member of the alliance.
In other news, Russia’s Defense Ministry has released a video featuring Gen. Valery Gerasimov, his first public appearance since the failed coup attempt led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The video aims to showcase Gerasimov’s continued leadership.
President Erdogan’s surprise reversal on Swedish NATO membership at the Baltic Summit is a positive development for regional unity. This unexpected turn has the potential to strengthen NATO’s presence in the Baltic region and foster greater cooperation among member states.
President Erdogan’s unexpected support for Sweden’s NATO membership at the Baltic Summit showcases a promising display of unity among member countries. This surprising reversal could potentially strengthen NATO’s stance, fostering collaboration and reinforcing regional security in the Baltic region.