Finland Seeks NATO Membership – Russia Irate!
(UnitedVoice.com) – When Europe and the United States created the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949, the Soviet Union was on the march. It expanded its territory significantly as Western countries moved to organize protective measures against the former communist government. The most impactful part of the treaty is Article 5, which says an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all members.
For at least 100 years, Finland has been a stable democracy. Still, it has remained neutral between NATO and Moscow since the beginning of the Cold War. Traditionally, it has had a good relationship with Russia. When Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in late February, Finland considered joining NATO. Now, it’s moving forward with its application, and Russia is threatening the country over its move to join the Western military alliance.
Finland Says It’s Joining NATO Despite Threats From Russia
On Thursday, May 12, Finnish leaders announced they would be submitting their application to join NATO within a matter of days. Finland shares an 830-mile border with Russia, which would more than double NATO’s presence along Russia’s territory. Putin has repeatedly stated one of the reasons for his aggression into Ukraine was to prevent NATO from knocking on Russia’s back door. Finland shares significantly more border territory with Russia than Ukraine.
Still, Finnish leaders say Putin boxed them into a corner. President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said joining NATO would increase its defenses over concerns that Putin’s long-term plans may include more than Ukraine.
Reporters asked Niinistö if applying for NATO membership would provoke Putin. The Finnish president responded by asserting that Putin forced their hand when he invaded Ukraine. He insinuated that if the Russian president didn’t like their decision, he could look in the mirror to see the culprit.
Despite Russian Threats, NATO To Welcome Finland With Open Arms
As the news broke that Finland would formally apply for NATO membership as soon as possible, the Kremlin responded with more threats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said an expansion of NATO doesn’t make Europe safer or more stable. He added Russia’s next move would depend on how NATO closes Russian borders. Previously, the Kremlin said if Finland or Sweden joined the Western alliance, it would respond with severe military and political consequences.
Still, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO would warmly welcome Finland into the fold and vowed that accepting its membership would be swift and smooth. He stated Finland is a close partner to NATO, a mature democracy, a member of the European Union, and a contributor to the continent’s security.
While Article 5 won’t cover Finland during the application process, NATO members say they will offer it assurances of protection if Moscow responds negatively to the Baltic state.
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