The NATO military alliance on Wednesday formally invited Finland and Sweden to join its ranks, after Turkey on Tuesday agreed to drop its opposition to the countries' prospective membership.
Such a "historic expansion" of the alliance is surely a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine, CNN writes, which is colored in part by fears of NATO's eastward enlargement.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Make mine a soju and tonic: the rise of Korea's favourite spiritThe Week Recommends The rice-based drink can replace gin or vodka in traditional cocktails for a refreshing twist on the classics
-
The full moon calendar for every monthIn depth When to see the lunar phenomenon every month
-
The end of WeightWatchersTalking Point The diet brand has filed for bankruptcy in the US as it struggles to survive in era of weight-loss jabs
-
Is the 'coalition of the willing' going to work?Today's Big Question PM's proposal for UK/French-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine provokes 'hostility' in Moscow and 'derision' in Washington
-
Is Europe's defence too reliant on the US?Today's Big Question As the UK and EU plan to 're-arm', how easy will it be to disentangle from US equipment and support?
-
Experts call for a Nato bank to 'Trump-proof' military spendingUnder The Radar A new lender could aid co-operation and save millions of pounds, say think tanks
-
What would happen if Russia declared war on Nato?In depth Response to an attack on UK or other Western allies would be 'overwhelming'
-
What can Ukraine gain from Russia incursion?Today's Big Question Gamble to boost morale, improve negotiating position and show the West it can still win is 'paying off – for now'
-
British defence: the crisis in the Armed ForcesTalking Point Depleted military power may not be able to meet its own commitment to up defence spending to 2.5%
-
What would happen if World War Three started?In depth With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
