The Baltic States Make a Move That Infuriates Russia

 The Baltic States Make a Move That Infuriates Russia

Al Ritter

In a formal move this week within their Government, Finland will make application to NATO. Sweden might not be far behind as talks between them have escalated since the Ukrainian invasion.

Sweden and Finland have both held neutrality in foreign affairs but the Ukrainian War has changed all that. NATO was formed in 1949 to offer protection to smaller countries to keep larger ones from invading them.

If Finland makes formal application their membership could happen as soon as June of this year.

It is unclear if Sweden and Finland are truly afraid of Russia at this point or do they smell the blood in the water watching Russia accept one defeat after another in their Ukrainian Invasion.

Russia has committed 65% of its military might in the Ukraine war, which leaves them little power left for other conflicts, should they arise. If Russia commits to additional areas of conflict it would leave their own homeland susceptible to invasion.

Russia has already threatened Finland and Sweden, that there would be serious repercussions if they made application to NATO. Finland shares a common border with Russia, so in Putin’s eyes poses the largest threat. His concern is largely unfounded because neither country has ever threatened Russia in any way.

NATO can only defend when a member requests help and for Finland that might not happen until June, Sweden even later. Until then both countries are on their own for defense.

Russia has already started to amass its military on the Finland border. I expect the next thing to happen is that the Swedish Embassy in Russia will be closed and all staff expelled from the country.

More and more European countries are offering moral and military support to the Ukraine, and that support doesn’t seem to be waning either. In fact Turkey has started to reel Russia in as mine that Russia planted in the Black Sea have found their way to Turkish waters, prompting the Turkish Navy in a show of force to mobilize its flotilla.

This past weeks action to use chemical warfare clearly shows Putin’s frustration in not being able to accomplish his invasion in a quick manner. Rather than admit defeat and back off he instead is doubling down on his intimidation tactics.

The world is tired of bullies and Putin is surely the poster child for that.

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