The military conflict in Europe, triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine 74 days ago, is about to escalate if Finland and Sweden, two traditionally neutral countries, decide to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Ahead, fighting with all its might is Russia, which has accused the West of encircling it and threatening its physical integrity. In fact, due to a geographical curiosity, the border line between Finland and Russia is greater than that of Ukraine. Historically, in the days of the late Soviet Union, before and during World War II, Moscow waged two border wars (1939 and 1944) against Helsinki, which it managed to win despite the fierce defense of the Finns, who lost 10% of its territory.
Between Wednesday and Thursday, most of Finland’s political leaders announced their intention for the country to join NATO “without delay”, a measure that would strengthen the Western military alliance and prompted Russia’s swift promise of retaliation.
The Nordic nation, which shares an 810-mile border with Russia, is expected to gain quick access to join the alliance that was founded to counter the power of the Kremlin. Neighboring Sweden looks set to follow suit in the coming days.
Moscow said Finland’s move posed a threat and vowed to retaliate with military-technical and other actions as Russian President Vladimir Putin has just been confronted with the reality that the war in Ukraine has turned out to be the complete opposite of his initial goals. .
“Helsinki must be aware of the responsibility and consequences of this move,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that hours later was reinforced by Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov.
“Finland joined the unfriendly steps taken by the European Union towards our country. This cannot fail to arouse our regret and is a reason for corresponding symmetrical responses from our side,” Peskov told Russian journalists, according to Reuters.
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced their support for the decision in a joint statement early Thursday. “Membership in NATO would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance,” they said.
And they emphasized: “Finland must apply to join NATO without delay. We hope that the steps still needed to make this decision will be taken quickly over the next few days.”
The decision is a sign of European unity and a position in the face of Putin’s aggression against Ukraine with Western countries acting to counter fears that the Kremlin wants to restore Russian power over its neighbors beyond Ukraine. Moldova, to the west of Ukraine, where there is a strong Russian separatist movement, could be another target for Moscow.
The end of kyiv’s long-standing desire to join NATO and the removal of Western troops from the region were central to Putin’s pre-war demands, but Finland’s addition would double Russia’s border with the transatlantic alliance. .
“Another NATO expansion does not make our continent more stable and secure,” Peskov added.
Asked Wednesday whether Finland would provoke Russia by joining the Atlantic alliance, President Niinistö said Putin would be to blame. “My answer would be that you caused this. Look in the mirror », he said.
If Finland becomes a full member of NATO, it would be covered by Article 5, under which all members, including the United States, come to the defense of any other member that is attacked.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that Finland will be “warmly welcomed into NATO,” adding that the process will be “smooth and fast.”
“Finland is a mature democracy, a member of the European Union and a major contributor to Euro-Atlantic security,” he said.
Helsinki will not be formally covered by Article 5 during its application process, but NATO members are expected to offer security guarantees against any move by Moscow.
