According to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24 changed the security situation for Nordic countries, mounting pressure on Finland and Sweden to protect themselves from Russian aggression.
The result is face-to-face talks between Andersson and Finland’s Prime Minster Sanna Marin. Sweden and Finland have begun the process of abandoning their neutrality and joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Finland’s prime minister explained the 800-mile border between Russia and her nation is cause for concern over a future invasion. President Putin has already threatened Finland with aggression should the nation attempt to join NATO.
Sweden’s situation is different because the country does not share a border with Russia. However, the Swedish island of Gottland in the Baltic Sea would be placed at risk if Russia attempted to invade Finland.
Robert Dalsjo, the research director at the Swedish Defense Research Agency, said there is concern that if conflict broke out in Gottland, Sweden would find itself in a similar situation to Ukraine, with “a lot of sympathy but no military help.”
The question of NATO membership has not been considered a priority in Nordic nations since the fall of the Soviet Union. A recent poll by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum showed 60% support for joining NATO. Previous polls collected since the 1980s never saw support pass the 50% mark.
Finland has yet to declare if it will apply for NATO membership, but Prime Minister Marin believes a decision is in the works and will be made by mid-summer.
NATO membership appears decided upon for Sweden, with Prime Minister Andersson claiming her Social Democrats political party has already determined it will join. Swedish media sources believe Andersson will submit the NATO membership application at the June 29 NATO meeting in Spain.
To be accepted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Sweden will need to receive 75% support for its application.