Members of the media, right, report from Przewodow village in Poland, on the Ukrainian border, after a suspected missile attack on Nov. 16, 2022. Photographer: Darek Puchala/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
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How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushed Finland and Sweden toward NATO
Despite their orientation toward the US and western Europe, Finland and Sweden since the Cold War had bet that their national security was best protected by staying out of NATO.
By Kati Pohjanpalo, Niclas Rolander and Leo Laikola
Despite their orientation toward the US and western Europe, Finland and Sweden since the Cold War had bet that their national security was best protected by staying out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. They aimed to avoid disturbing the military balance in the Baltic Sea region and provoking Russia. However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its demands to stop NATO expansion pushed both countries to seek entry into the alliance.
1. Why didn't Finland and Sweden join NATO earlier?
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