Jens Stoltenberg welcomes membership requests by two countries neighboring Russia at 'crucial moment for our security'

Erdogan points to the nonaligned Nordic countries' alleged support for Kurdish militants as cause of objection; some officials say he is 'pushing up the price' for their membership

Iranian authorities say they might postpone the death sentence, currently scheduled to take place on May 21

PM describes move as 'a historic change in our country’s security policy'; Putin says 'expansion of military infrastructure onto this territory' will lead to a 'response'

West says Russians losing momentum as Britain assesses Moscow has lost a third of its forces; Sweden moves to follow Finland in bid to join Western military alliance

Sweden's ruling Social Democrats to meet Sunday to decide whether to follow suit; Finland's parliament will hold a session on Monday to debate membership proposal

Diplomats meeting in Berlin to discuss new potential members and increasing Ukraine aid; Finland and Sweden already making moves toward joining

Ankara, which can block new members to alliance, accuses Nordic countries of harboring Kurdish 'terror' groups, as they seek deterrent against Russia

Dramatic shift from decades-old neutrality comes after warning by Moscow of 'military and political repercussions' should Helsinki and neighboring Sweden join alliance

Swedish newspaper links arrest to upcoming trial in Stockholm of Iranian accused of genocide; Tehran also due to soon execute Swede accused of spying for Israel