NATO greenlit the addition of two new European countries to the alliance in a massive blow to Vladimir Putin and Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced a new trilateral agreement between Finland, Sweden, and Turkey to allow the 2 Nordic nations to join the alliance despite initial objections from Istanbul.
“I am pleased to announce we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO,” declared Stoltenberg. “Turkey, Finland and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey’s concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism.”
Turkey also bragged about the deal, saying that it “got what it wanted” including “full cooperation… in the fight against” certain terrorist groups.
Finish President Sauli Niinistö expressed excitement over the resolution, saying, “Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Türkiye to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security.”
The deal was struck after an early morning phone call between Biden and Turkish President Erdogan at the request of Finland and Sweden. While the White House claims that Biden didn’t want to “play broker” for the deal, they did confirm that the call to Erdogan was to “encourage him to seize this moment and get this done.”
The addition of the 2 traditionally neutral nations is certain to upset Putin in Russia. Finland’s addition in particular is almost certain to elicit a response since they share a large border with the former Soviet Union.
The move by Finland and Sweden to apply for membership came as a result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine which has lasted several months and come at the cost of close to 100,000 lives. NATO countries swear to defend each other militarily against outside threats, including a Russian invasion.
With Russia heavily invested in the war in Ukraine and rumors swirling around Putin’s health, it will be interesting to see how the Kremlin reacts to the announcement. Do you think they can actually do anything to push back or is it all idle threats at this point?
