Explained: Why Finland wants to join NATO; why is Putin against it?
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto confirmed on Sunday that his country would submit an application for the membership of the Military Alliance of Inter -Government Organizations (NATO), in a shift in historical policies driven by the Ukraine War. Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian neighbors have considered applying for a 30 -year -old military alliance membership. Meanwhile, Deputy Head of NATO said he was convinced that the organization could overcome objections by Turkey and quickly recognize Finland and Sweden. On Saturday, the Turkish Foreign Minister unexpectedly submitted an objection and said the move was “unacceptable and outrageous,” Reuters reported.
The Importance of Finland Joining NATO
1. Finland was declared independent in 1917 after more than a century of government by Moscow. His army twice against Soviet forces during the Second World War before handing about 10 percent of his territory, the British media outlet reported by Guardian.
2. If Finland joins NATO, it will be one of the fastest enlargement for the alliance. Furthermore, Russia and Finland shared the border of 1,300 km. If Finland joins, it will double the border of the alliance with Russia.
3. Russia’s second largest city, St. Petersburg, located about 170 km from the border with Finland. Finland and Sweden to join NATO will mark repair and re -draw European security maps in the East.
Conditions proposed by Finland, Sweden
1. NATO Diplomat says the Finnish and Swedish application process can take almost a year because parliament of all 30 NATO countries needs to approve new members. Finland and Sweden have asked for some guarantees that NATO member countries will defend them during this period until they become full members.
2. Sweden and Finland have received guarantees from the US, Germany and Britain from support if they are attacked.
The current relationship between Finland and NATO
1. Finland and Sweden are NATO’s closest partners. They contribute to the operation of alliances and air policing. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they officially improved information exchange with NATO and sat in every meeting about the problem of war.
2. Finland says that it has reached the NATO defense expenditure guidelines of 2 percent of the gross domestic product. Sweden also increased its military budget and hoped to reach the target in 2028. The average NATO was estimated at 1.6 percent last year.
Putin’s warning for Finland
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his colleague Finnish Sauli Niinisto on Saturday and joined NATO “will be a mistake” that can damage the relationship between their two countries, Reuters reported. Russia, in some parts, blamed the east of NATO expansion for the war with Ukraine. Putin has promised “military, technical” responses if they join the alliance.