NATO Summit Unites West Against Russian Aggression, Strengthening Alliance’s Presence in Northern Europe

Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) opened their summit on Tuesday with a show of unity in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine. After days of intensive talks, the government of current NATO member Turkey withdrew its objections to Sweden joining the alliance, paving the way for the country’s accession to the transatlantic organization.

The agreement is seen as a signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his unprovoked war against Ukraine has backfired, uniting the West against him rather than dividing his global adversaries.

“Rumors of the death of NATO’s unity were greatly exaggerated,” U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday.

The two-day summit will focus on the threat Russia poses to eastern Europe, and the addition of Sweden to the alliance will strengthen NATO’s presence in Northern Europe.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the agreement was a “clear signal of our unity and resolve” and a demonstration of the alliance’s commitment to defending its members.

The summit will also address other issues, such as the security of the Arctic region, the fight against terrorism, and the future of the alliance. The leaders are expected to announce a new plan to strengthen NATO’s defense capabilities and to reaffirm their commitment to the transatlantic alliance.