Thread by @AFP

The latest developments in the war in #Ukraine
* Eurovision win lifts spirits
* President Volodymr Zelensky warns of 'Very difficult' situation in east Ukraine
* Finland to apply for NATO membership
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Map of Ukraine showing position of military forces in Ukraine as of May 15, 0700 GMT
#AFPgraphics @AFP

#UPDATE The Finnish government officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday, as Sweden's ruling party was to hold a decisive meeting that could pave the way for a joint application
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VIDEO: The Finnish government officially announces its intention to join NATO. Less than three months after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the move is a stunning reversal of Finland's policy on military non-alignment dating back more than 75 years

#BREAKING NATO chief says Finland, Sweden member bids show 'aggression does not pay'

#UPDATE NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday that membership by Finland and Sweden would prove "aggression does not pay" after Russia's invasion of Ukraine

#BREAKING 'Ukraine can win' war against Russia: NATO chief

#UPDATE Ukraine can defeat Russia's invasion, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday, urging the alliance to keep sending military aid to Kyiv

#BREAKING NATO chief 'confident' on resolving Turkey concerns on Sweden, Finland membership

#BREAKING NATO will look at providing security guarantees for Finland and Sweden during the interim period from their application for membership to accession, alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday

#BREAKING Blinken confident on Finland, Sweden NATO bids

#UPDATE NATO will look at providing security guarantees for Finland and Sweden during the interim period from their application for membership to accession, alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday

#UPDATE US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced confidence Sunday that Sweden and Finland would join NATO once they formally apply despite Turkey's voiced concerns

VIDEO: Speaking virtually at a NATO meeting in Berlin, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine can defeat Russia's invasion, urging the alliance to keep sending military aid to Kyiv

#BREAKING Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party backs NATO membership bid: statement

#UPDATE Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party on Sunday said it was in favour of joining NATO, reversing its decades-long opposition and paving the way for the country to submit a membership application

📸 Swedish soldiers prepare to go out on patrol near Boden

#BREAKING Joint Swedish-Finnish NATO bid is 'best thing' for Sweden's security: PM

Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday, as Sweden's ruling party said it also backed membership

Though Turkey has raised some objections, US Secretary of State Blinken said he is 'very confident' a concensus will be reached

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