Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, asserted on Wednesday that Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO application is considered Ankara’s “independent decision.” Peskov said that Turkey, being a NATO member, holds responsibilities within the military alliance.
During a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov underscored, “This decision rests within Turkey’s sovereign authority.” The Turkish parliament endorsed Sweden’s NATO membership with a vote of 287 to 55 on Tuesday. Hungary stands as the sole NATO member yet to endorse Sweden’s entry into the alliance.
Regarding the French government’s stance on mercenaries involved in the conflict in Ukraine, Peskov remarked that while the French authorities claim they have limited influence over such individuals, they could advise them against participating in hostilities.
“We believe it would be more prudent for them to counsel their citizens, strongly discouraging involvement in the actions of the Kyiv regime, which are deemed criminal”, he said.
Responding to inquiries about the fate of participants in Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine initiated in February 2022, Peskov mentioned that those individuals who consider public service as their calling could potentially enroll in specialized training programs and pursue careers in government institutions.
