Washington: US President Joe Biden announced that the US approves the membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO, saying, ‘Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he could break our alliance. But now, our alliance is closer than ever, and our unity is stronger. After the participation of Finland and Sweden, NATO will be seen to be stronger.’ The US has become the 23rd NATO country to approve NATO memberships for these two countries. Although most of the countries have supported Finland and Sweden’s entry into NATO, it has come to light that Turkey’s opposition has not entirely subsided yet. Analysts claim that the path has not cleared for these countries to join NATO.
In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, countries like Finland and Sweden, which had adopted a neutral policy until now, had indicated their accession to NATO. Both countries officially applied for NATO membership in May after NATO promised to speed up the process. But Turkey had raised serious objections. Turkey had threatened to use the right of denial, accusing the two countries of supporting terrorism. However, after the mediation of NATO and the United States, an agreement was reached between Turkey and Finland-Sweden. Although Turkey has accepted the inclusion of both these European countries through the deal, there are indications that Turkey may change its position in the final stage.
On the other hand, Russia has warned both Finland and Sweden of severe consequences. Russian President Putin openly warned that both countries could be targets of Russian nuclear weapons. Other Russian leaders and analysts have repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden and predicted the possibility of new military deployments.
Against this background, the approval by the United States for the entry of these two countries into NATO attracts attention. Last week, the US Senate approved Finland’s NATO membership by a vote of 95 to 1. Biden said in response to the resolution passed in the Senate that the United States can make big decisions showing political unity. Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO is said to be the fastest in NATO’s history.
Both the countries have managed to get the approval of more than 50% of the countries even before the completion of three months. Currently, NATO has 30 member countries. Ukrainian moves for NATO membership are considered a major cause of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In such a situation, if countries like Finland and Sweden are made members of NATO, a more aggressive reaction may be received from Russia. Analysts have already warned that Europe will become more unstable and vulnerable.
Related posts:
Sweden allows NATO to deploy forces to face Russia
US to deploy ‘THAAD’ missile defense system in Germany to respond to Russia and Iran’s threat
Trump reprimands Germany and other European countries for not contributing to NATO’s defence spending
Europe can no longer rely on the US, criticizes Germany Foreign Minister
Europe will have to retaliate against the US sanctions, warns German Foreign Minister
Finland announces entry into NATO; Turkey bitterly opposes entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO
