Why NATO should swiftly admit Sweden and Finland
Vladimir Putin has only himself to blame if his neighbours seek protection from his aggression
For finland and Sweden to join nato is a rebuke to the anti-nato arguments of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. Two countries that are proud of their long history of military non-alignment think the risk of antagonising their neighbour to the east is outweighed by the security they will gain. It is the direct result of the invasion of Ukraine, which Mr Putin ordered ostensibly to forestall nato’s expansion.
Finland and Sweden submitted their applications on May 18th. Despite Turkey’s stalling tactics, over Kurdish militants and possibly American fighter planes, their admission is likely. They will bring formidable capabilities in Arctic warfare and, in Finland’s case, the largest artillery force in Europe. Membership will more than double the length of nato’s border with Russia. It will also make the Baltic states easier to defend.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The meaning of membership”
From the May 21st 2022 edition
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