The Latest Breaking News from Jens Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says that Finland, Sweden have applied for membership amid concerns over Russia’s war on Ukraine

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters defending the last holdout in Mariupol were evacuated to areas controlled by Russian-backed separatists and officials worked Tuesday to get the rest out, signaling the beginning of the end of a siege that became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. Russia called the operation a mass surrender.

Troops holed up in the last Ukrainian stronghold in the besieged port of Mariupol began evacuating on Monday, appearing to cede control of the once prosperous city to Russia after months of bombardment.

NATO members rallied around Finland and Sweden on Sunday after they announced plans to join the alliance, marking another dramatic change in Europe’s security architecture triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Ukraine news from May 16: Announcement comes day after Finland said it intends to join NATO.

Sweden's Prime Minister says Russia only has itself to blame to more countries wanting to join the military alliance, saying: "The Kremlin has shown that they are prepared to use violence to achieve their political objectives."

NATO expects the Nordic countries’ membership bid will not be hindered by Ankara, whose concerns will be addressed.

Sweden’s governing party has backed joining Nato, reversing its decades long opposition, with a Government announcement expected Monday.

It's the latest historic shift in Europe precipitated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.