Thread by @AFP

Ukraine is preparing for a new Russian push in the eastern Donbas region, as Kyiv says its army's counterattack around Kharkiv has gained momentum.

Western intelligence has predicted Russia's campaign will stall amid heavy losses and fierce resistance

u.afp.com/w6sx

#BREAKING Sweden, Finland NATO bids are 'grave mistake': Russia

#UPDATE Russia warns that decisions by Finland and Sweden to join the NATO military alliance are serious mistakes.

"This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies

#UPDATE Ukraine is preparing for a new Russian push in the eastern Donbas region, as Kyiv said its army's counterattack around Kharkiv has gained momentum
u.afp.com/w6en

#BREAKING Finland, Sweden NATO bid will not improve European security: Kremlin

#UPDATE The Kremlin says that Finland and Sweden's decision to join the NATO military alliance will not improve security in Europe

#BREAKING Sweden, Finland NATO bid no threat to Russia but may trigger 'response': Putin

#BREAKING Sweden will apply for NATO membership: PM Andersson

#UPDATE Sweden on Monday officially announced it will apply for #NATO membership as a deterrent against Russian aggression, entering a "new era" as it reverses two centuries of military non-alignment, the country's prime minister said ▶️ u.afp.com/w689