Sweden’s Official Accession To NATO Marks Its Entrance As The Alliance’s 32nd Member
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden officially joined NATO on Thursday, marking a significant shift from its longstanding neutrality. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson ceremonially submitted accession documents to the US State Department in Washington, DC, completing a months-long approval process by all alliance members. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken received the documents, highlighting the extensive diplomatic efforts spanning nearly two years. The documents were then stored in a vault at the State Department, serving as NATO’s treaty depositary.
China Criticizes The ‘Unfathomable Absurdities’ Of Us Trade Controls While Celebrating Its Ties With Russia
At a news conference in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Washington’s perplexing trade policies, stating that the US is employing various tactics to suppress China. Wang expressed dismay at the increasing unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington, calling them “bewildering levels of unfathomable absurdity.” He questioned the confidence of the US as a major country if it reacts nervously to China’s mere mention.
A Lethal Russian Missile Hit Near Zelensky And The Greek Leader’s Convoy
A Russian missile detonated near a convoy transporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during an assault in Odesa on Wednesday. Witnesses observed a “mushroom cloud” of smoke after the explosion, approximately 500 meters from the convoy. Five fatalities occurred, with numerous others wounded, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, although neither Zelensky nor Mitsotakis sustained injuries.
