The Facts
In energy security developments, Nordstream AG informed Denmark authorities that the outflow of natural gas from the Nordstream 1 pipeline rupture has now stopped. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that it was possible to fix the damaged infrastructure of both Nordstream 1 and 2 but that it would take "time and appropriate funds."
Meanwhile, on Sunday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg suggested that Ukraine's recapture of the town of Lyman shows that Ukrainian forces are able to push back Russian forces, stating that the operation "demonstrates the Ukrainians are making progress." Stoltenberg also affirmed that Ukraine's application for accelerated NATO membership would need the consent of all 30 NATO members.
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Zelenskyy's bid to join NATO is nothing more than a provocation that won't bring anything to fruition. Due to the current situation, NATO's members will be hesitant to accept the bid, as it would result in a direct conflict between the alliance and Russia. This wasted retaliation in response to the reunification of Russian territories is likely to fall on deaf ears.
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine is the very thing that's pushing Kyiv straight into NATO's arms. While it remains to be seen whether all 30 members will welcome Ukraine, Zelenskyy's fast-track application takes a strong stance against Putin's illegitimate referenda. It exposes that Putin is failing in one of his primary goals.