Finland and Sweeden are set to becoming the newest members of NATO Alliances
For decades Russia and Finland had been bound to an international treaty that prevented the Nordic nation from becoming a member of NATO. With the illegal invasion of Ukraine in February and the Annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s aggression in the region has reached its boiling point with neighbouring countries.
Today, Finlands President Sauli Niinistö and Sanna Marin, Prime Minister, declared the country’s intent to join NATO formally. The added;
As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.
The move to join NATO angered Vladimir Putin, prompting him to further rachet up the sabre-rattling by his government. The Kremlin promised to take appropriate actions to deter Findland from entering.
“joining NATO will also be a direct violation of FFinland’sinternational legal obligations, primarily the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947 and the 1992 Treaty between Russia and Finland on the fundamentals of relations,” “Russia’s foreign ministry said.
At this time, military actions against Finland would prove to be a costly mistake. Their army has failed to capture Ukraine, and with mounting casualties, shortage of supplies, outdated equipment, and inexperienced fighters, Russia can not afford to fight two wars a the same time.
With Findlad’s announcement of wanting to join NATO, news broke that Sweeden also will follow suit once the request makes its way through its parliament. Both Finland and Sweeden are the largest European countries left to join NATO. They also happen to have the longest border crossing shared with Russia.
Putin’s hubris and underestimation of the NATO alliances will not be enough to deter him from plunging his country into another unwanted war. Until then, the world will be playing Putin’s guessing game.
