North Atlantic Treaty Organization

BELGRADE - Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic described on Thursday as a "worrying message" an announcement by the NATO commander in Europe, Christopher Cavoli, that the alliance would send more troops to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo-Metohija.

Türkiye announced that it has renamed the Incirlik Tanker Base as "10th Main Jet Base Command," in line with the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), a move that will allow the deployment of F-16 jetfighters on the facility, according to a statement by the Defense Ministry.

Italy has thrown its weight behind Bulgaria's bid for full-fledged membership in the Schengen area, affirming its steadfast support during Italian President Sergio Mattarella's two-day visit to Bulgaria.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have dealt a severe blow to Russian military installations in the temporarily occupied Crimea peninsula. Reports indicate that the strikes targeted the airport in the city of Dzhankoi, a key hub from which Russian invaders have been launching missiles towards Odesa.

Tensions in the Black Sea region have escalated, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as NATO announces plans to bolster its military presence, with a new base set to be established in Bulgaria.

As a strategic partner of Israel, and also a country with traditional ties with the Muslim world, Greece, a NATO and European Union member in close proximity to the Middle East, is monitoring the latest developments in the region and is ready to play any role that may be deemed necessary.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced Slovakia's opposition to Ukraine's bid for NATO membership, emphasizing the need for a neutral Ukraine to safeguard Slovakia's interests.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies on Monday to show the same "unity" towards Ukraine as Israel, which said it repelled an Iranian attack over the weekend with Western support.

Ukraine has in recent months grown increasingly frustrated at delays in Western aid, including air defences it says are urgently needed to repel deadly Russian attacks.

High-ranking Greek and Turkish officials will meet in Athens on Monday, April 22.

The agenda, whose details are not yet known, will focus on the so-called Confidence Building Measures. It is part of the effort to maintain communications between the two NATO allies and avoid tensions.

Senior Turkish and American officials will meet in the Turkish capital to discuss joint efforts to improve bilateral ties and discuss regional issues, including the situation in Gaza and Russia's occupation of Ukraine.

Under Secretary of State Department John Bass will be in Ankara on April 15 and 16, the State Department has announced.