The Russian invasion of Ukraine has uprooted Europe and continues to cast ripple effects throughout the globe. This is causing traditionally neutral countries such as Finland and Sweden to reconsider their place in Europe, and to consider joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, better known as NATO. If the goal of Vladimir Putin’s unnecessary invasion of Ukraine is to reestablish Russian control within the region and solidify its place as a world power, a Finland-NATO agreement would be yet another possible snag for the previous masterminds of the Soviet Union. Now, it appears that Putin’s continued war has solidified Finland’s decision.

Is Finland in NATO?

Yes, Finland is officially a part of NATO beginning on April 4, 2023. The Finland-NATO agreement comes after Finland’s Accession Protocol was signed on July 5, 2022, by the other 30 NATO members. Although largely maintaining neutrality since the end of World War II, the move came about to help Finland maintain its independence while keeping Russia’s aggression at bay.Finland may have Nordic ties, but the country was once a part of Russian control in the early 1800s after Sweden’s power in the region diminished. This lasted until 1917 when the Finns would declare themselves independent from both Sweden and Russia.The Winter War toward the beginning of WWII would see the Soviet Union launch an invasion. Still, Finland was able to defend itself and maintain a neutral position after the war, where it remained until 2023. NATO was created as a direct response to potential aggression from the Soviet Union, which is why Finland remain neutral for years so as to not escalate things. Now, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine well over a year long, Finland is joining to help protect itself from further aggression.More like this:Ukraine and Russia WWI Treaty Casts Large Shadow Amid Current Crisis

Finland was Accepted Virtually Immediately

Finn leadership expressed that they intended to seek acceptance into NATO, a move that has been years in the making, but the invasion in Ukraine has expedited the process. Considering the massive land border of over 800 miles that Finland and Russia share, a Finland-NATO agreement is yet another humiliating blow to Putin’s goals with his war.“Today, we, the president and the government’s foreign policy committee, have together decided that Finland…will apply for NATO membership,” said Finland’s President, Sauli Niinisto in May 2022, alongside Finland’s Prime Minister, Sanna Marin.A majority of Finland’s citizens agreed with the move as the region continues to be on edge. The act of having Finland and other Nordic countries join is seen as a way to not only increase NATO’s power in the region and provide security for vulnerable nations but also to show Putin and his regime that there are negative consequences to their actions.Now, the shift continues to bring in Sweden, while raising the narrative that Russia has failed in its invasion in more than one way. The statements from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg echoed similar sentiments, when he stated, “I am deeply proud to welcome Finland as a full-fledged member of our Alliance and I look forward to also welcoming Sweden as soon as possible. Joining NATO is good for Finland, it is good for Nordic security and it is good for NATO as a whole.”

Finland and Sweden's NATO Interests Aggravate Russia

Sweden wants to join NATO as uncertainties rise and now Finland has proven that doing so is possible. This only continues the trend of displeasing Russia by growing their biggest opposition within Europe, yet many countries are finding themselves less-than-protected against such a looming force. Such a security threat has been lurking for years, but now that the attack has actually happened, urgency is rising to protect other nations from the same type of invasion the Ukrainians are facing.To be accepted into NATO, there are many different criteria that must be met. The process can take months, if not a year, but Finland met them, and Sweden meets most of these requirements already. This is why Finland was accepted as quickly as they were and why Sweden should look for a similar path. There are also ways to accelerate the process, which take into consideration other factors, such as a potential threat of invasion. Depending on Putin’s war, that could mean an expeditated acceptance could be in play for the Swedes.

Will Finland Join NATO? They Have, Now We Await the Repercussions

Finally, Finland is in NATO. And now Sweden continues to explore its options, with a growing sense that they too will join. But don’t expect the Finland-NATO agreement to be accepted by Russia, a feeling already articulated by the country. Now that Finland has joined NATO, the obligation for them is to defend other countries against any adverse reactions from Russian forces within the agreement. This is a similar reason why Ukraine has not yet been accepted, as it’s currently involved in a war brought on by the Russian government. Therefore, military action against Finland from Russia would be completely detrimental to world peace as the impact would reach Europe, North America, and everyone around the world. Any retaliation would have to be made through other means, though no action will be kindly received. However, there is still hope that the need for such measures could cool instead of intensify future escalation. Only time will tell, but be sure, the world is watching the response from Moscow.Similar read:Should We Be Worried About Russian Military Strength?