UKRAINE-KRIEG: "Ist genau das eingetroffen, was der Kreml immer befürchtet hat!" Was Putin nun plant

Summary

After more than a year and a half, Turkish President Erdogan has finally approved Sweden's NATO membership, a decision announced through official publication. This step requires Turkey to inform the U.S. State Department, but Sweden still awaits Hungary's consent to become a full NATO member. From Moscow, Christoph Wanner reports on Russia's reaction, highlighting the Kremlin's anticipated approval by Turkey in exchange for F-16 jets and upgrades. Despite Russia's longstanding opposition to NATO expansion, the inclusion of Sweden—and previously Finland—positions NATO at Russia's borders. This expansion triggers Russia's defensive measures, including military enhancements and the deployment of Iskander-M short-range missiles, underscoring the escalating tension and strategic shifts in the region.

Takeaways

• 🇹🇪 Turkish President Erdogan has finally approved Sweden's NATO membership after more than one and a half years, publishing a corresponding law in the Official Gazette.
• 📈 The next step involves Turkey informing the US State Department according to the accession rules, yet Sweden still requires Hungary's approval to become a full NATO member.
• 🛣️ Turkey's approval is seen as a significant milestone towards Sweden's NATO membership.
• 🔴 Russia is categorically against any NATO expansion, whether it is eastward or northward expansion.
• 🛡️ As part of the agreement for supporting Sweden's NATO bid, Turkey is reported to have received assurances to acquire F-16 jets and modernization packages for these US fighter jets.
• 🇨🇺 Hungary's pending approval for Sweden's NATO membership is viewed as a mere formality and is expected to be granted soon.
• 📓 The Kremlin has always sought to avoid NATO's expansion to its borders, a scenario it now faces with NATO's presence solidified through various enlargements, including the recent addition of Finland and now Sweden.
• 💣 In response to the NATO expansion, Russia plans to further militarize, including the establishment of new military districts and the deployment of Iskander-M short-range missiles capable of being armed with nuclear warheads, especially along the border with Finland.
• 🚨 Russia's border with Finland spans approximately 1,340 km, illustrating the proximity of NATO to Russian territory.
• 📝 The Kremlin and Russian officials have consistently spoken against NATO expansion, viewing it as a containment operation, but admit there's little they can do to counteract the expansion.

Q & A

How long did it take for the Turkish president to finally approve Sweden's NATO membership?

More than one and a half years.

What is the next procedural step after Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership?

Turkey must inform the US State Department according to the admission rules.

What is still required for Sweden to become a NATO member after Turkey's approval?

Sweden still requires the approval of Hungary to become a NATO member.

What did Turkey reportedly receive in exchange for approving Sweden's NATO membership?

Turkey reportedly received a promise of F-16s and some modernization packages for these US combat jets.

How does Russia view Sweden's potential NATO membership?

Russia is categorically against any NATO expansion, whether it's eastward or northward, but can do little against it.

What has been Russia's traditional response to NATO expansions?

Russia has traditionally spoken of a containment operation that started with NATO's eastward expansions in 1999, involving five rounds of NATO eastward expansion and now the northern expansion with Finland and Sweden.

What specific military actions has Russia indicated it will take in response to NATO's expansion?

Russia has indicated it will militarize further, including the establishment of new military districts and the deployment of the Iskander-M short-range missile, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads, especially near the border with Finland.

How long is the border between Finland and Russia?

The border between Finland and Russia is approximately 1340 km long.

What are the implications of NATO's expansion to Russia's borders according to the script?

The expansion brings NATO directly to Russia's borders, a scenario Russia has always wanted to avoid and has feared.

Who mentioned the consequences of NATO's expansion in terms of Russian military response?

Dmitry Medvedev, a close friend of Putin and the current Deputy Head of the Security Council of Russia, previously also President of the Russian Federation.