According to an Atlantic Council analyst, a decision made by Sweden and Finland to join NATO would increase deterrence towards Russia in Northern Europe and enhance the security of the U.S-led military alliance.

She made these comments right before Finland President Sauli Nisto and the Prime Minister Sanna Martin announced that Finland should immediately apply to become a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 

NATO membership would increase Finland’s security. They stated in joint statements that Finland, as a NATO member, would help strengthen the whole defense alliance.

Sweden’s announcement is similar and expected to be made later in this week.

Because of their assets, the NATO alliance will be more effective in deterring the region. “Sweden’s and Finland’s joining NATO will help increase the regional deterrence. These assets will be provided by the alliance. [because of]Anna Weislander (Atlantic Council, Northern Europe Director) said: “The ability to plan in detail for Northern Europe’s safety.” 

The Finnish nation, with a border of 1,300 kilometers to Russia, will make a historical decision to join the military and political alliance. The Nordic nation After its defeat in World War Two by the Soviet Union, Sweden adopted neutrality. Sweden has been a member of no military alliances in more than 200 years.

Weislander stated that both countries are well-equipped to face the repeated threats of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is against their membership.

According to her, “Capital Connection” has heard President Putin and Russia repeatedly declare that there would be both military and political consequences. She also said she expects more such warnings over the next few days.

We have been prepared. We have moved military installations… and expect [Russian]”Cyber attacks, electronic jamming and more airspace intrusions,” she stated, noting both Sweden, Finland, are members of EU.

Weislander declared that Sweden and Finland were solid democratic countries with advanced economies. They will therefore contribute to the overall values of the alliance.

Both countries’ armed forces are compatible with NATO members, she said.

“Interoperability” with NATO member countries

“Finland has been a reliable security partner for many years. Although it has a small military, its army is strong and technically skilled. It has been able to protect itself, despite its long border with Russia, and it has, along with Sweden, participated in NATO’s international missions, from Afghanistan to the Balkans. Weislander explained that they had practiced extensively.

She said that both countries were “operable” in NATO membership.

“[They]”They have collaborated with NATO since mid-1990s on international missions,” the analyst stated, citing the ones in Afghanistan, Libya, and Balkans. They have participated in NATO’s advanced exercises, including Trident Juncture. They also participated in hundreds of additional exercises.”

Weislander explained that “so their interoperability doesn’t pose a problem.”

According to her, Sweden and Finland cooperate heavily in defense together based upon NATO standards.

Weislander stated that if both nations join NATO it would signify an “open door” NATO policy.

“If countries are willing to join the Transatlantic Area and can make a contribution to its security, then [NATO]We will also be open to accepting new members. “There will be no closed doors for NATO,” she stated.