Despite being suspended by the UN, Russia continues to go on the offensive. They don’t seem to have a plan to go back down yet. We’ve seen:
- Residents moving away from Ukraine
- Russia attacking areas such as Kyiv and Eastern Ukraine
- The rapid increase in oil prices
- Ukraine’s death toll rises every day
- Russia exhausting their resources
The current conflict triggered NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to strengthen its forces. Now, Finland and Sweden are seeking to join the alliance amid the Russia and Ukraine war. Can this pact help stop and manage the effects of the war?
Finland and Sweden Joining NATO Will Be a Worthwhile
Finland and Sweden are two of the most progressive countries in Europe. They may soon join forces with NATO to counter Russia’s attacks. It’s likely the quickest NATO enlargement ever. Moreover, it would redraw Europe’s security map.
Both countries are modernizing their armed forces and are upgrading their equipment. Finland is purchasing dozens of high-end F-35 warplanes. They also said that Finland had already hit NATO’s defense spending guideline of 2% gross domestic product.
On the other hand, Sweden has a top-quality fighter jet, the Gripen. They are ramping up their military budget. Sweden expects to reach the target by 2028.
Russia Not Threatened with Finland and Sweden joining NATO
Kremlin is not convinced that Finland and Sweden joining NATO would improve security. Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, remarked Finland and Sweden said they wanted to join the military alliance.
Peskov believes that the two countries joining NATO won’t change anything in the war. He said, “We are not convinced that Finland and Sweden joining NATO will somehow strengthen or improve the security architecture on our continent.”
Only time can tell if Finland and Sweden’s presence can make NATO strong enough to defend against Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Finland. He said that the relations between the two neighbors could be “negatively affected” if Finnish President Sauli Niinisto follows through on the plan to apply for NATO membership.
Ironically, it was Putin himself who made NATO stronger. His actions made countries seek to join forces and look for one another.
Turkey Objects Alliance with Finland
All 30 NATO members must unanimously approve new member states…
Unfortunately, Turkey is challenging the move, saying they harbor people linked to Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants and followers of Fethullah Gulen. Turkey also accuses Finland and Sweden of supporting terrorism. These objections have dampened hopes for expanding NATO quickly.
Finland and Sweden also halted arms sales to Turkey in 2019. This happened after Turkey launched an incursion into northern Syria. It looks like there are some unresolved issues between these countries.
NATO wants to speed up approving new members in light of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Turkey’s disapproval is slowing the process as of now.
