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

WELT Nachrichtensender

26 Jan 202403:27

Summary

TLDRAfter 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.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Sweden's NATO Membership Progress

After more than one and a half years of deliberations, Turkish President Erdogan has finally approved Sweden's NATO membership by publishing the relevant legislation in the Official Gazette. The next step involves Turkey informing the U.S. Department of State about this decision. However, Sweden still requires Hungary's approval to officially become a NATO member. The discussion pivots to how Russia is responding to this expansion, with expectations that Sweden will soon join NATO. Russia, having anticipated Turkey's approval, perceives this as an inevitable outcome. Russia's opposition to NATO's expansion, whether eastward or northward, is highlighted, noting the strategic and military implications, including Russia's plan to increase its defense capabilities in response to NATO's proximity, particularly through the deployment of the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system near Finland.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Turkish President Erdogan

Turkish President Erdogan plays a pivotal role in international politics, particularly in the context of NATO expansion. In the video, his approval of Sweden's NATO membership signifies a crucial step towards the country's integration into the alliance. Erdogan's decision, after more than a year and a half of deliberation, illustrates the complex interplay of diplomatic negotiations and national interests. His approval is depicted as a bargaining chip, linked to Turkey receiving upgrades and F-16 fighter jets from the US, showcasing how international relations often involve reciprocal concessions.

💡Sweden's NATO Membership

Sweden's bid for NATO membership is a central theme, marking a significant shift in the country's non-aligned policy amidst growing security concerns in Europe. The video highlights the procedural steps for Sweden's admission into NATO, including the necessity of unanimous approval from existing members, with Turkey's consent being a major milestone. However, it also notes Hungary's pending approval, emphasizing the collective decision-making process within NATO and the geopolitical implications of Sweden's potential membership.

💡Hungary's Approval

The video mentions Hungary's approval as the remaining hurdle for Sweden's NATO membership. This situation underscores the alliance's requirement for unanimity among its members on expansion decisions. Hungary's position is portrayed as a formality expected to resolve soon, reflecting the political dynamics within NATO where member states' approvals are crucial yet often anticipated as procedural steps in the context of broader consensus.

💡NATO Expansion

NATO expansion is a recurring theme, referring to the process of incorporating new member states into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The video discusses this in the context of Sweden and historically with other Eastern and Northern European countries. Expansion is controversial, especially with Russia, which sees it as a threat to its security. The narrative connects Sweden's potential membership to ongoing debates about the strategic direction of NATO and its impact on European security architecture.

💡Russia's Opposition

Russia's staunch opposition to NATO's expansion is a key point, reflecting longstanding tensions between Russia and the Western alliance. The video articulates Russia's perspective that NATO's approach to its borders, exemplified by the inclusion of Sweden and previously Finland, constitutes a direct threat. This opposition is rooted in strategic concerns about encirclement and the enhancement of military capabilities near Russian territory, leading to vows of military buildup in response.

💡Military Buildup

The concept of military buildup is discussed as Russia's response to NATO's expansion. It includes the strengthening of military forces and infrastructure, particularly near NATO borders. The video specifies the deployment of Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles, capable of being nuclear-armed, to regions adjacent to Finland. This illustrates the escalation of military preparedness and the tit-for-tat nature of security dynamics between Russia and NATO.

💡Containment Operation

The term 'containment operation' is used to describe NATO's perceived strategy towards Russia, aiming to limit its power and influence in Europe. The video conveys Russia's view that NATO's eastward and northward expansions are part of a long-term containment policy. This perspective highlights the geopolitical struggle between NATO and Russia, with each side taking measures to safeguard its interests and security.

💡F-16 Fighter Jets

F-16 fighter jets are mentioned as part of the US's commitment to Turkey in exchange for approving Sweden's NATO membership. This detail highlights the strategic assets and military capabilities involved in diplomatic negotiations. The modernization packages for these jets represent a significant aspect of military cooperation and alliance politics, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of international relations and defense agreements.

💡NATO's Unanimity Requirement

The unanimity requirement within NATO for admitting new members is a crucial procedural aspect discussed in the video. It underscores the alliance's principle of collective decision-making, where each member state has a veto power over expansion decisions. This requirement reflects the democratic and consensus-based approach of NATO, but also the complexities and potential for delays in the expansion process, as seen in Sweden's case.

💡Geopolitical Implications

The video delves into the broader geopolitical implications of Sweden's NATO membership and the alliance's expansion. It explores how these moves affect the balance of power in Europe, Russia's security perceptions, and the strategic calculus of NATO countries. The potential membership of Sweden is portrayed as part of a larger narrative of shifting alliances and security priorities in response to evolving global threats and regional tensions.

Highlights

Turkey's Approval for Sweden's NATO Membership

Legislation Published

Next Steps Involving the US

Hungary's Approval Still Pending

Russia's Reaction to NATO Expansion

Turkey's Compensation from the US

Hungary's Approval Seen as Formality

NATO's Expansion and Russian Borders

Russia's Military Response

Containment Strategy