U.S. Announces Additional $6 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Oil Sanctions and Fuel Shortages 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Rejects Putin’s New START Extension Offer, Raising Fears of a New Nuclear Arms Race 
NATO to Discuss Strengthening Greenland Security Amid Arctic Tensions 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Trump Allegedly Sought Airport, Penn Station Renaming in Exchange for Hudson River Tunnel Funding 
TrumpRx Website Launches to Offer Discounted Prescription Drugs for Cash-Paying Americans 
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges 
Marco Rubio Steps Down as Acting U.S. Archivist Amid Federal Law Limits 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
Trump Allows Commercial Fishing in Protected New England Waters 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University 
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans 
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Washington is looking forward to Sweden becoming a member of the NATO alliance by the summit in July. Austin added that the US would further encourage Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden’s membership.
During a visit to Sweden on Wednesday, Austin said the United States is looking forward to Sweden becoming a NATO country by the time the alliance meets for its annual summit in July. Austin added that Washington will also encourage Ankara and Budapest to ratify Sweden’s membership, as both countries have yet to do so, expressing grievances toward Stockholm.
Sweden and Finland jointly applied for NATO membership last year as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, both countries ran into objections from Turkey, which has accused Sweden of harboring members of what it calls terrorist groups. Finland’s application was ratified first, becoming the 31st member of the alliance.
“We look forward to soon welcoming Turkey as the 32nd. To be clear, we look forward to that to happen before the summit in July,” said Austin in a news conference. “We encourage our allies, Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden’s accession as soon as possible.”
Austin visited Sweden to meet with his counterpart Pal Jonson about the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as Sweden’s NATO application. Austin’s visit also included a tour of Sweden’s underground base in Musko. Jonson said Austin’s visit was a sign of Washington’s commitment to Sweden’s security on a “bilateral basis” and was an opportunity for Sweden to show its military capabilities.
Finland became the alliance’s 31st member earlier this month, marking a shift in its long-running stance of neutrality despite threats from Russia. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Helsinki’s accession during the week was “historic” while expressing hope that Sweden could be a member as soon as possible.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, foreign minister Pekka Haavisto, and defense minister Antti Kaikkonen were in attendance as Finland’s flag was raised alongside all the alliance’s member countries.
“It is a historic moment for us,” said Haavisto in a statement. “For Finland, the most important objective at the meeting will be to emphasize NATO’s support to Ukraine as Russia continues its illegal aggression. We seek to promote stability and security throughout the Euro-Atlantic region.”
