Brussels (TIP): The 30 NATO allies signed off on the accession protocols for Sweden and Finland on July 5, sending the membership bids of the two nations to the alliance capitals for legislative approvals. The move increases Russia‘s strategic isolation in the wake of its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February and military struggles. “This is truly a historic moment for Finland, for Sweden and for NATO,” said alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Despite the agreement in the alliance, parliamentary approval in member state Turkey could still pose problems for their final inclusion as members.

– AP