Rampage
Member
Finland’s president and prime minister, Sauli Niinistö and Sanna Marin, declared on Thursday that their country must apply to join without delay. Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats, long split over the issue, are now expected to opt for membership on Sunday. In Finland, support for Nato membership had never risen above 30% since the end of the cold war, and often fell below 20%. It currently stands at 76%. In Sweden, where non-alignment (preceded by neutrality) has been more ideological, rather than pragmatic, support has also surged: more than 57% of people now support membership.
Both countries are receiving a warm welcome. Their membership would increase Nato’s ability to defend the Baltic. In reality, they are already close partners, taking part in exercises and sharing intelligence with the alliance. But entry would formally bind them to the common security guarantee set out in article 5 of the treaty, stating that an attack on any member is an attack on all, and committing members to defend each other.
Nato expansion has doubtless contributed to Mr Putin’s paranoid mindset. He sees the organisation as little more than an expression of US power. But it is primarily Russian aggression that has driven expansion, not vice versa.
The Guardian states it clearly. Russia invaded Ukraine. After that Finland and Sweden relinquish their neutrality to choose the side they think is safer.
The Guardian said: "Nato expansion has doubtless contributed to Mr Putin’s paranoid mindset. He sees the organisation as little more than an expression of US power."
But NATO is primarily a defensive alliance. An attack on any NATO member nation is considered an attack on all NATO member nations. Putin has only himself to blame for this.
Both countries are receiving a warm welcome. Their membership would increase Nato’s ability to defend the Baltic. In reality, they are already close partners, taking part in exercises and sharing intelligence with the alliance. But entry would formally bind them to the common security guarantee set out in article 5 of the treaty, stating that an attack on any member is an attack on all, and committing members to defend each other.
Nato expansion has doubtless contributed to Mr Putin’s paranoid mindset. He sees the organisation as little more than an expression of US power. But it is primarily Russian aggression that has driven expansion, not vice versa.
The Guardian view on expanding Nato: Putin has only himself to blame | Editorial
Editorial: Support for membership in Finland and Sweden shows the Russian president’s assault on Ukraine has only strengthened the alliance
www.theguardian.com
The Guardian states it clearly. Russia invaded Ukraine. After that Finland and Sweden relinquish their neutrality to choose the side they think is safer.
The Guardian said: "Nato expansion has doubtless contributed to Mr Putin’s paranoid mindset. He sees the organisation as little more than an expression of US power."
But NATO is primarily a defensive alliance. An attack on any NATO member nation is considered an attack on all NATO member nations. Putin has only himself to blame for this.