Amid growing friction, China has called on the NATO military alliance to avoid attempts to start a new Cold War, describing its expansion to the Asian-Pacific region as dangerous.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have warned that the war in Ukraine could last years.

Russian forces continue to push for full control of the breakaway Donbas region in eastern Ukraine as the military operation completes 100 days.

Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde says Finland will almost certainly apply for membership in NATO, raising the expectation that both countries will join the military alliance despite Moscow’s warnings.

NATO countries have planned for a permanent military presence on the alliance’s eastern border in an effort to contain future Russian military actions, says NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Ukraine has called on members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to provide Kiev with all the weaponry it needs to fight Russia, as Moscow continues a military offensive against the country.

Western leaders have stepped up pressure on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine, agreeing to increase military aid to Kiev and tighten their sanctions on Moscow.