Sweden and Finland in NATO: a strategic defeat for Russia? | To The Point

It took a while, but this week Sweden got the green light on its bid to join NATO. Following Finland’s accession last year NATO is now firmly anchored in the high North.
Will that strengthen the alliance… or risk provoking Finland's neighbor Russia? Meanwhile new trouble is brewing in southeastern Europe, as the breakaway region of Transnistria, just south of Ukraine, asks Russia for "protection."
As the challenges multiply, NATO members send diverging signals in the direction of Moscow- with France's president sparking pushback by refusing to rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine.
Our topic this week, "Sweden and Finland in NATO: a strategic defeat for Russia?"
00:00 Opener
01:50 The accession of Sweden and Finland has strengthened NATO
02:55 Has the Baltic Sea become a ‘NATO sea’?
04:10 Are US politics undermining trust in NATO?
07:20 How unified is NATO really?
09:20 Pushback from Turkey and Hungary slowed NATO’s expansion
13:10 Why did Macron bring ground troops into play?
15:10 Should Germany take more leadership initiative?
16:00 The German French tandem has been faltering for several years
18:10 Putin will always come up with new surprises
18:40 Transnistria wants to join Russia
19:20 Moldova is pro-Western, the EU should expedite membership
21:00 No military threat in the moment in Transnistria
#NATO #Russia #Sweden
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[@peaaanuuutz]

As the Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said to russia a year ago, when they signed a security pact with the UK: You caused this, look at the mirror.

[@uroboros4260]

finnish president sounds like a joke, pray that wood and snow will protect her from the nukes lmao

[@YourLocalDingo]

@@uroboros4260Finland is now a NATO member. They drop a nuke they’re gonna find out what the meaning of article 5 is about.

[@FishandHunt]

Putin - "We are going to war with Ukraine due to NATO enlargement and encroachment on our borders" Finland and Sweden, two historically neutral countries, immediately apply to join NATO. Putin - "Everything is on time and is going according to plan, we have lost nothing. I remain a master strategist"

[@Blanka1100]

Nato is an excuse for Putin.. He wants Ukraine.

[@thebookdetective8745]

😂❤ true.

[@janko6608]

Neutrality was forced during cold war and after CCCP collapse we joined EU, became Nato partner, got F-18s etc. And we have been preparing against CCCP/ Russian attack since 1940s. There is a reason for having bomb shelters, universal conscript system, all bridges prepared to be easily destroyed, large artillery forces etc etc.

[@FishandHunt]

@@janko6608 Yes you understand the threat that Russia poses to all in the region.

[@FishandHunt]

@@janko6608 I own a number of Finnish made firearms. Some of the best that you can get.

[@fishheadbreakroom]

Here in Estonia we welcome our Finnish and Swedish cousins.

[@dirreeN]

Much love for Estonia here in Sweden!

[@fishheadbreakroom]

@@thelosth9911 hows those rubles working out for you? go buy a potato.

[@ivan200804]

@@fishheadbreakroom He is not wrong, though. Now, can I have a potato?

[@Moliere1000]

@@thelosth9911 Don't worry. They don't forget. Or maybe they do and they think that it was them who invaded Iraq and Afghanistan.

[@jussiollila7714]

Tere tere!

[@nomdeplume881]

Welcome aboard Sweden 🇸🇪

[@alexandrnoskov5437]

Was there a referendum in Sweden? Or, as always in supposedly free Western countries, did the government force citizens to join NATO? I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

[@SAGAWISIW30]

Hope the boat still float trump is coming 😂😂

[@NotASeriousMoose]

​@@SAGAWISIW30That makes it even more important to join, both for Sweden and NATO itself.

[@thelosth9911]

😂😂😂 Must pay your bills. Welcome all dirtiesss

[@kallebaah0]

@@SAGAWISIW30 Trumps probably dead within a year or so

[@northbreeze0198]

Ruotsi-Suomi! Brothers forever! Cheers from Sweden and we will always have your back no matter what. 😃🇫🇮🇸🇪

[@pasimaenpaa2360]

You must be joking? In real world and reality, sweden never defends or help finland. In nato or not. And not in anyway. Only thing which is important to sweden, is that, sweden is safe. Finland is just a buffer zone against russia. This is cold hard fact.

[@chillxxx241]

Sweden and Finland’s military is actually prepared unlike many of Europe’s countries.

[@NotASeriousMoose]

As a Swede I would only classify Finland as prepared by our standards. But hey, we can lock down the Baltic even on our worst day, so there is that.

[@IMGreg..]

Swedish numbers are small but well trained, Finland's numbers are not much better but their reserves are 900,000 that's huge for a country of 5.5 million.

[@Anthony-jo7up]

​@NotASeriousMoose As an American, I am so happy we finally have allies in Europe that can pull their weight. For the first time since the founding of NATO, we have added new countries that are net contributors to collective security, as opposed to a drain.

[@Incorruptus1]

I advise not to comment on subjects you know nothing about. Kid.

[@chillxxx241]

@@Incorruptus1 What are you arguing with him about? Finland and Sweden are prepared. Very few nations, if any, that have joined NATO since its founding have been prepared.

[@user-sk2sy6xj9c]

Congrats to Finland and Sweden. They made an excellent move.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@steelytemplar]

Welcome, Sweden and Finland. It's great to have you in NATO with us!

[@cellb2619]

😂😂😂

[@nicolasolton]

Welcome Vikings.💪💥👍

[@JG-xi4tu]

Welcome Sweden and Finland

[@aurele2]

Yes welcome country with highest rape statistic in Europe, we are positive they will somehow contribute to the Defence organisation considering they havent fought a war since 1886, very very much welcome indeed.

[@tonyfendex2558]

Great welcome to NATO!!!!!

[@onerva0001]

Thank you!

[@nicolasolton]

Glad to have the vikings in NATO. Welcome.

[@motoquasi]

Calling Finland neutral is incorrect. Finland has never been neutral towards Russia or the Soviet Union.

[@user-uj4cu4gy7p]

Finland has a small population and a lot of land, and they have a large buffer zone with Russia. Their position poses no threat to Russia and is neutral

[@richardm4825]

Especially after Russia invaded Finland. Go figure!

[@Blanka1100]

If your country borders Russia neutrality is pure utopia. It is an invitation for Russia "feel free to invade and annex because nobody would help us".

[@laenruhodrha8310]

Finno-soviet treaty of 1948:🤫

[@Soundsinthevoid]

@@laenruhodrha8310 That didn't make them neutral

[@vasik9719]

Mad man must be restrained! Bully was never stopped by begging! I know that, you know that, everyone knows that! We all have to stand united against bullies!!

[@Truebotsman]

Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster... for when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you.

[@barttr]

@@Truebotsman Thank you Mr. Nietzsche

[@johnadam2885]

So when will you be sending troops to Ukraine ? Macron suggested, and all the Europeans reacted with cowardice.

[@ensteffo]

NATO / US is the biggest bully so joining them is the opposite of standing against bullies.

[@Insightfulshorts611]

NATO and US are the bullies. LOL

[@snuscaboose1942]

When is Germany going to grow a backbone like the French?

[@Paisa231]

Both of them have improved, but the first to say/suggest this was Poland. Along with Jens Stoltenberg, stating that if russia isn't stopped in Ukraine. NATO should be prepared. Anyway, Ukraine says they can do the job, just deliver the needed ammunition and equipment. I hope all of the west understand and act on this. Before the opportunity is lost. At the moment it is costing Ukrainian lives both civilians and military.

[@jussiollila7714]

Germany was completely neutered in 1945, and after that strongly played by the russian strategic culture. Effects are clearly visible.

[@Alblaka]

@@jussiollila7714I would argue it's fallacious to assume the Russia today has the same 'strategic culture' as the USSR in 1945. There's been several phases, and i.e. under Gorbachev, reconciliation and integration of Russia into the larger Eurasian political bloc was a possibility. Heck, even Putin himself first tried to join the bloc, and only turned starkly anti-NATO when he was refused privileged access. So if even Putin himself didn't run a singular line of 'strategic culture', how the heck would it have been consistent since Stalin? Like, you're correct that Germany got neutered after WWII, and that it's 'we cant have military or national pride or we might genocide again' trauma was deeply ingrained into culture and politics. But Russia had little to do with that.

[@maneshipocrates2264]

Putin made NATO great again - Gen. Patreus

[@dirgsuite5546]

The question is what is of more strategical importance: Finland and Sweden joining NATO or driving Russia into China's sphere of influence and economic cooperation. The answer is quite clear!

[@leifiseland1218]

​@@dirgsuite5546Right... So we should all complied with Ruzzias genocidal habits, cause otherwise they will join China?.. First, how friendly do you think China & Ruzzia will become, considering how much bad blood there is between them over history.. second, how well do you think things will be going in the next couple of decades, condidering their economic development, & their nativety?..🧐

[@thelosth9911]

Great😂😂

[@Thejoeviral]

@@leifiseland1218 US alone can’t defeat ordinary houthis in Red Sea that’s why they need the help of UK and it’s Allies 😂😂😂 All I see in NATO is just multiple weak countries forming an alliance to fight the strongest country which is Russia

[@nonamegirl9368]

crazy time we live in. Russia strengthens NATO while the USA weakens it😅

[@HaleG9]

Obviously, yes. Pooptin is the best salesman for NATO ever...

[@dirgsuite5546]

The question is what is of more strategical importance: Finland and Sweden joining NATO or driving Russia into China's sphere of influence and economic cooperation. The answer is quite clear!

[@hendysetiawan5508]

​@@dirgsuite5546fin + Sweden goes to nato worth less compared to China goes to join Russia club. Historically, china have border issue with Russia. Now all that issues can be put away for common enemies. It lost for West.

[@NotASeriousMoose]

@@dirgsuite5546 Ehm what kind of ridiculous choice is that? Sweden or Finland joining has no effect on pushing Russia anywhere. Being the most sanctioned country on earth does.

[@kallebaah0]

@@dirgsuite5546 Keep crying, Ivan

[@dirgsuite5546]

Geopolitical consequences are much bigger. People don't look at the big picture. Why do you think Russia is so resilient in spite of being the most sanction country on earth. The results count. The energy resources of Russia combined with the production might of China is the one thing NATO should have avoided at all cost. Instead they promoted that. Compared, Finland and Sweden are peanuts. @@NotASeriousMoose

[@jesperjensen1160]

Welcome to Sweden and Finland ❤

[@janko6608]

Neutrality of Finland was forced during cold war and after CCCP collapse we joined EU, became Nato partner, got F-18s etc. And we have been preparing against CCCP/ Russian attack since 1940s. There is a reason for having bomb shelters, universal conscript system, all bridges prepared to be easily destroyed, large artillery forces etc etc.

[@browngreen933]

Brave intelligent Finlandia!

[@manojadikari129]

😂

[@janko6608]

@@manojadikari129 Why crying.. all my comments are 100% facts.

[@jonathanjacob5453]

Neutrality was forced because of your collaboration with the nazee regime. No worries these days that gets you a standing ovation in the Canadian parliament.

[@richarddietzen3137]

@@janko6608The emoji in question is laughing so hard it brought tears. Not worth a reply. Respect to Finland and the Finns.

[@frankhoffman3566]

NATO is strengthened dramatically with new members Finland and Sweden. Russia has a hard enough time trying to keep up with US, French, UK, and German technology and strategy. Now it also has to contend with two additional major players. With these two nations I rate NATO as 20 to 25% stronger.

[@MrBlue-dm5li]

The former weak north eastern flank of NATO is now the strongest, way to go Putin 😂

[@user-ng8wj3rs6l]

​@@MrBlue-dm5liAnd if Putin doesn't come?

[@TheRealBillBob]

NATO is weak and broken. They can't even get consensus without bribing members. 🤣🤣

[@rationalist805]

​@@user-ng8wj3rs6l😂😂well Putin never came...they consistently went and took the fight to Putin...nd cry

[@KayAteChef]

25% stronger than what? USA has unimaginable military capability. Russia would have to escalate to nuclear warfare.

[@davewebster5120]

Love from America! I couldn't be happier to have these great countries join. It's a dream come true. People forget that the Swedes were among the most dominant military forces in European history and are more than capable of defending themselves. In a joint exercise a Swedish submarine managed to "sink" one of our supercarriers. Which nobody thought was possible. If we ever need to blockade the south china sea Sweden's submarines will be a welcome reinforcement. But for now, we're watching your back, too. Don't worry about Trump, he's going to lose terribly. The polling US does for voting doesn't include independent voters because they don't show up to pollings. Most of them try to keep out of politics which is understandable given the state it's in today. The majority of Trump's party, particularly the business community, have turned their backs on him a long time ago. The disaffected groups may not participate in the polling, but they're going to show up on election day. By November Donald Chump will be history and likely in prison if there's any justice in the world.

[@remixsparten98]

Congratulations Russia. Continue the threats and blackmailing, its been working well so far.

[@SaharaPowerLove]

Civilised world should push Putin out of Ukraine.

[@user-by4ft4tz2v]

Цивизованный мир? Вы сами не заметили, как оскотинились

[@palar4195]

garden eggplants and pumpkins will assault on jungle vines?

[@fluffy485]

European countries need to stand up and take care of themselves. USA can help BUT YOU MUSY HELP YOURSELVES!!!!!!

[@branimirsalevic5092]

The world has seen that civilization in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan....

[@LasseEklof]

@@branimirsalevic5092 NATO was never a combatant in Iraq. Regarding Libya, NATO was given the task by the UN Security Council, which in its vote none of the 15 member states voted against (neither Russia nor China). In Afghanistan, in 2003, NATO took over responsibility for Isaf (International Security Assistance Force), which was created as a UN force in 2001 after the fall of the Taliban regime. Its purpose was to protect the Afghan interim government and UN personnel on the ground in Afghanistan.

[@willpugh252]

I think the french president is right and we should have been talking about boots on ground alot earlier

[@Truebotsman]

officially. no boots on the ground. PMC? many.

[@internetidentity3917]

We should have, but the truth is that Putin acted when the U.S. was weary of two decades of war in the Middle East. I'm pretty sure they're still weary, but there remains broad support for Ukraine among the populace.

[@MarkShal-nv6bj]

You are welcome in trenches

[@ensteffo]

I think you could personally have gone to Ukraine and joined bandera on your own. You are not here demanding others sacrifice their lives while you sit on your couch typing on a keyboard?

[@MathyBoonen]

​@@MarkShal-nv6bjalready there i see😂😂

[@mr.corner89]

Pray for peace, diplomacy and democracy! 💪❤️🌍🕊️✌️🇸🇪

[@jeannettejordan7104]

Peace at any price is no peace at all but slavery.

[@avengerpz]

For first 2 yes, for 3th .... no thanks, todays democracy is worse then dictatorship and in essence the same.

[@JashanDeepsingh3]

“One often takes the road he took to avoid it” - Master Ooggway

[@lcoyle1998]

Strategic ambiguity. We shouldn't be telling Russia we've ruled ANYTHING out. Make them as scared of escalation as the West is...

[@realJeffDunham]

Now we can draft Pewdiepie 😎

[@Jotaro-o]

I think he moved to Japan or something so sadly not. But the bro army is still ready if he'd return.

[@seag1492]

Two absolutely amazing addtions to the alliance. Stable, economic powerhouses, democratic, liberal. Better allies doesn't exist. So happy to have them in the alliance!

[@paulbo9033]

The only thing in your statement that is relevant in a military context is being "economic powerhouses" which is an unbelievably delusional statement. It is objectively not true. Greater London alone has more people than Sweden and Finland combined and the economy of this one city is equal to that of the entirety of Sweden. These admissions will make virtually no difference to the alliance whatsoever, not least because they were already defacto members. It's really quite shocking how easy it has been to propagandise western populations over this war.

[@michaelparas6968]

⁠​⁠@@paulbo9033kindly check out and compare the economic stats of russia and sweden. Russia’s gdp in 2022 was 2.2 trillion. Sweden, 591 billion. Thats a quarter of russia’s gdp. Compare that to ukraine’s gdp of 159 billion. Russia is knee deep in ukrainian mud fighting a country with a gdp a quarter of sweden’s. Sweden has a well established military industrial complex complete with their own domestically produced equipment like fighter jets and ifvs. How did you come up with a conclusion like that when you didnt factor in russia needing to deploy troops to their border with finland and sweden when they didnt have to had these nations stayed neutral? I didnt even include what finland will bring to the table in case a war did break out between russia and nato. We all know how finland managed to hold off the red army back then. So when you say these admissions make virtually no difference to the alliance, im starting to question whos delusional here.

[@michaelparas6968]

@@paulbo9033the mistake you made here is comparing the economies of finland and sweden to greater london. Doesnt really make sense when war will never break out between those three. Going by your logic, if the uk hypothetically speaking wasnt part of nato and was invited to join the alliance, you probably would argue that the uk will bring nothing to nato since its gdp is comparable to california’s alone at 3 trillion?

[@balsyprick6764]

@@paulbo9033 The Swedish Empire in its day were at its peak home to a mere 1.4 million people, compare that to their adversaries Russia at the time of 12 million people. The success of the Scandinavian countries is undisputable. Nowhere else on the planet has this few numbers made such an impact on the rest of the world.

[@paulbo9033]

@@michaelparas6968 the idea the Sweden and Finland change the balance of power is truly laughable. Pls explain how this changes anything on the ground?

[@MrExec3549]

Great and intelligent news coverage.

[@IMGreg..]

Russia screwed itself strategically. It doesn't have the manpower, the equipment, the industry nor the economy to attack NATO. Even if the US left NATO Russia couldn't re-arm fast enough to over take the EU members of NATO who are also increasing their military spending. As long as the sanctions are in place, needed tech will be more expensive, slow in acquiring and limited in its application. Also the EU has market access leverage over China and Xi isn't going to risk access to a $19 trillion market for a $1.89 trillion one. Finally the European members only, of NATO has a population 496 million people to Russia's 142 million. Population matters.

[@palar4195]

@@suportbghelp4938 bulgaria fought both world wars against russia. don't think something will change during ww3

[@MrJonezy541]

​@@suportbghelp4938Bulgaria is in NATO, so no.

[@user-wj6dt5bq3w]

Russia doesn't want to attack NATO.

[@cameronshort1]

​@suportbghelp4938 then why did Bulgaria ask to join NATO?

[@Cecil-yc6mc]

@@suportbghelp4938 you speak for the Bulgarian armed forces? LOL

[@tbo2307]

The «old» JAS39 are still more advanced than the F16 upgrade that Turkey got.

[@Moliere1000]

nato will be reduced to the tiny countries of the baltic soon. As a western European, I fear you, little people, more than I fear the Russians.

[@northbreeze0198]

Dep nda, there are many variants of the Gripen. Gripen C or E is top noch

[@ronaldmarcks1842]

Russia is like the big barking dog that only attacks smaller dogs.

[@izajahmed8863]

🤣🤣🤣 funny how you call US and EU allied Ukraine are smaller dogs. CIA bases, 32 countries weapons support, 46 countries troops aka Mercernaries, 300+ billion aid support, 10 years of NATO training, 5000+ sanctions. Yet, Russia is going strong and steady. If this is what you call fighting against smaller dogs then you must not know what does fighting mean. Let's wait till trump comes and falls back a little then we will see the whole alliance melt away in scare and pain. Regardless of it, the alliance cannot win against Russia in conventional war

[@AlexanderSavchenko91]

you mean US

[@alexandre67]

Ne jamais sous-estimer son adversaire..

[@fatwombat2611]

@@AlexanderSavchenko91 😂

[@osk2689]

You mean the US and its allies.

[@tjhydd]

It’s incredible that Russia is both collapsing and expanding and NATO is both stronger and weaker. Thanks for all the educational content DW.

[@dirgsuite5546]

The question is what is of more strategical importance: Finland and Sweden joining NATO or driving Russia into China's sphere of influence and economic cooperation. The answer is quite clear!

[@duudde3266]

@tjhydd. 👍😂😂😂😂😂

[@scepticalwalker3984]

The russian army has been decimated in Ukraine and doesn’t pose a real threat to NATO today. However, russia now has a war economy and will rearm. According to military analysts, Russia could become a threat again within 3-6 years. NATO today is growing stronger, much stronger with Finland and Sweden. But there is the uncertainty of US isolationism under Trump if he wins. That could weaken NATO. I hope this helped Vatnik.

[@andmos1001]

It’s complicated, let’s leave it at that. The next global war, which is increasingly likely, would be fought with what one has.

[@delta_glider4362]

@@dirgsuite5546 >Finland and Sweden joining NATO It's sooo hard to check that Finland always participated in NATO exercises... 😆

[@vasik9719]

Well moderated exchange of opinions maximizing listeners comprehension! Thanks!

[@larsrons7937]

What I noticed Wolfgang Richter most do was repeatedly saying _"we must see what happens in the future."_ If all you do is "wait and see what will happen" you will have no influence over what can happen, only react to whatever turns out to happen. I find that risky and unwise.

[@Moliere1000]

У майбутньому НАТО будуть Фінляндія, Швеція, Сполучені Штати та Велика Британія, усі інші підуть і приєднаються до Росії, щоб створити процвітаючу Європу.

[@larsrons7937]

@@Moliere1000 I have no idea what you try to say. - If you understand English when replying to an English comment please reply in English. - If you don't understand English in the first place the don't reply at all, make your own post.

[@Moliere1000]

@@larsrons7937 Interesting. You have a Ukrainian emblem, yet you cannot read Ukrainian? Where are you writing from? Just curious.

[@larsrons7937]

@@Moliere1000 I am from Scandinavia and use a Ukrainian emblem in support for Ukraine.

[@Moliere1000]

@@larsrons7937 Have you been to Ukraine? Have you ever met a Banderist?

[@arielholtz]

Best news show of the week

[@jeremyhodge6216]

On my opinion it's a wait and see situation 🤔

[@HanSolo__]

So good to have you guys!

[@andrewadams6905]

Putin is pure Russian genius - expanded NATO by starting a war to prevent NATO expansion. LOL

[@butterflies655]

NATO is a defensive alliance. Russia is the country attacking other countries.

[@alexhunter6141]

​@@butterflies655 Sure a defensive alliance as they have been provoking Russia for decades. 😂

[@acmelka]

The trolls aren't really trying on this one! No way to spin this pro Russian....you lose

[@terrywayneHamilton]

America has been fighting the Russians for 77 years both in North Korea and Vietnam wars which were proxy wars by Russia and China. Some 98,000 (thousand) American service men deaths fighting in those wars . And for the past 77 years American soldiers have stood guard throughout the world on guard to protect the world from the Putins of the world. We have be doing some heavy lifting , so give us a break while we evaluate the cost of Blood and Treasure. I am an old soldier as is my children. My daughter is still flying Blackhawks and both my sons heavily engaged in national defense. Glad to see you on board.

[@paulgibbon5991]

The cost right now is a bunch of semi-obsolete military kit, which is replaced by Americans in America, creating jobs. 90% of the cost of the aid stays in the US. In terms of cost to effect, it's the best war the US has ever been involved in.

[@SkyDiver-wd5oj]

@@paulgibbon5991 right. That a few hundred thousand people have been killed in action already does not matter. Same was true for Iraq and Afghanistan. Who's counting?

[@ScentlessSun]

It’s sad to see how fair weather the USA’s friends are the moment it doesn’t do exactly what they think it should be doing. They forget everything the USA has done for them. I’ve never felt confident that any countries in Europe other than the UK and Poland would come to our aid if we needed help.

[@SkyDiver-wd5oj]

@@ScentlessSun We don't need help. We have the biggest military in the world. BTW, Putin was one of the first if not the first world leader to call Bush after 911 with condolences and offers of help

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@ScentlessSunYou don't need to guess. You can look back to 2001 when the US became the first nation to invoke Article Five. The other members of the alliance (also Ukraine) sent our soldiers into Afghanistan, and they bled and died at your request. And let's not throw stones about fairweather friends when Moscow Mike is currently blocking aid to Ukraine based on the whims of Trump, shall we?

[@anhthonguyen-vedder1082]

Good news!

[@concernedcitizens4110]

Russia is quickly running out of friends and even closer of becoming Chinese vassal state. I mean when you’re running out of supplies and have to rely on fringe authoritarian regimes like Iran, North Korea and Belarus for ammo tells a lot about Putin’s Russia. If Sweden and Finland a traditionally neutral countries since the Cold War joined NATO what’s stopping more countries of joining, I mean Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and perhaps even Ukraine could also join in the near future.

[@whiterabbit9310]

People like you start wars for everything good against everything bad bro... And then it just happens hundreds of thousands Ukrainians young men die in the trenches.

[@icu17siberia]

Couldn't agree more. Of course, the average Russian doesn't know any of this. thats the shame. China will own the Russian Far East in 20 years.

[@hoangtan936]

the more aggressive Russia the more Nato expand

[@alsimplicio]

The “question” is rhetorical.

[@larsrons7937]

It was _not_ a "proposal" by Macron, it was merely saying that in the long run it can't be ruled out in advance. And it was not on the agenda of the just completed conference, it was merely a reply to a question from a journalist. And of course this option _is_ being discussed now and then by the various countries, _all_ possible options, present and future, arfe always discussed. This shows that it can't be ruled out in advance.

[@tetianavarvynska2125]

and it would have been way wiser for allies to fight russia in Ukraine than to wait till they have to fight them on Polish, Latvian or Lithuanian territory, and face actual danger to european civilians.

[@larsrons7937]

@@tetianavarvynska2125 That's a good point.

[@mohamedlamin7979]

If Russia ask Mexico for military base in Mexico?

[@dhanyrafael]

Mexico won't risk its economical relations with the USA. The future will be an union between Mexico, USA and Canada. It's already happening.

[@koushikdas1992]

Go, ask them.

[@Mrac-zz8vh]

​@@koushikdas1992 If Mexico want to exist they say no. The US made Ukraine believe that the situation is any different with them.

[@foilhat1138]

@@Mrac-zz8vh Nobody was putting any bases in Ukraine. Mexico has zero fear that the US will invade.

[@koushikdas1992]

@@Mrac-zz8vh You said 'if'! It hasn't happened. We can say for that sure. Let that happen first.

[@Mrac-zz8vh]

I think Finland, Sweden and Ukrain being a neutral territory between NATO and Russia was way better and safer for both Europe and Russia. If i am looking from the US perspective, things are going to the direction, that is beneficial..

[@claus-not-santa]

You are absolutely right!

[@NotASeriousMoose]

As a Swede I would rather be neutral, but that doesn't work when Russia invades their neutral neighbors on a regular basis.

[@wojteks4712]

Finland and Sweden were allowed (or actually build up armies)!to grow as sovereign states, independent from Russian mob regime. This wasn't possible for Ukraine, which was on slow decline... But they rebelled against the dispair. That's why Ukrainians deserve much more respect then people of Belarus and Russia, passive and subservient For Russian regime it is vital issue that Belarus and Ukraine stay corrupt failed autocracies easily controlled by Russia. Belarus is going deeper, Ukraine wanted out I don't care if you like better that some 40mln people live in poverty and humiliation because you feel better if Russian regime feels safe. Those are free people, they also have right for better life

[@SkyDiver-wd5oj]

@bghelp4938 yeah, this one is scary in it's own way...and not even a bot.

[@Mrac-zz8vh]

@@wojteks4712 I feel sorry for the ukranians too. Young and old forced into their deaths, just like the russians.. On day one it was clear that the whole thing is not in the interest of the Ukrainian public.. Getting rid of the Russian puppet government is fine..puting a US puppet government into their place is also fine.. Or could be fine if the thing was amed to get Ukraine and ukranians into a better economic situation..If the goal would have ever been this, the US simply lobbied Ukraine into the EU, made sure that Ukraine is military neutral but having strong security guarantees from the US..and also planning with some territorial loss on the east. But the goal was never to lift the life quality of the ukranians, but to use them to fulfill geopolitical interests. Their current elit is just as a corrupt puppet as the previous was, only serving an other as..ole. And disregarding the life or death of the population and the country itself.

[@55xr28]

Unmasking actually

[@alanridout315]

Very informative - keep it up

[@puranapuu4252]

You need this many countries to counter Russia 🤣. How powerful Russia must be !!!

[@Cecil-yc6mc]

keep dreaming

[@Diykstrapro]

Yeah, this is crazy! These shovels are mighty, aren't they?

[@kyriakosvelissaridis670]

Finally Sweden and Finland are free to do as US commands

[@NotASeriousMoose]

NATO is just a bunch of countries in a council that has agreed to defend eachother. You are thinking of Russia and their constant need to dictate what other people can and can't do.

[@claus-not-santa]

@@NotASeriousMooseNATO is worldwide greatest terror organisation!! It has NOTHING to do with any defence! Or whom they defended when attacking Balkan, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria??

[@NotASeriousMoose]

@@ksy13646 Well, this is awkward. YT doesn't provide a translation, and I can't copy your post on my phone to translate it. Please try in English. Don't worry if your English is no good, we will figure it out.

[@bretedwards2899]

Russia cannot be trusted and the only guarantee for freedom from Russian aggression is being in NATO. Only a naive fool would trust in neutrality against a corrupt thieving war criminal like Putin.

[@askohelminen8511]

@@ksy13646 Тот факт, что Финляндия и Швеция подали заявку на членство в НАТО по указанию США, является большой ложью российской пропагандистской машины. Мнение народов Финляндии и Швеции обратилось к альянсу из-за войны, развязанной Путиным.

[@WarThunderista]

Good luck ;)

[@grizzkid795]

How's that special military operation working for you, Vladimir?

[@mightyflagelot9816]

God, please let there be peace on Earth…

[@PKowalski2009]

Everyone wants peace, but each on their own terms. Putin also wants peace, but one that allows him to ethnically cleanse, silence the opposition, and murder opponents. Besides, we have the experience of 1938-1939, when the pursuit of peace and concessions to a tyrant, brought war.

[@kimmoj2570]

In Sweden the few conscripts are hazed by subpar regulars. There is documents. Not in Finnish army. In training units there is 20 conscripts for every 1 regulars. No hazing because muscle power is overwhelmingly on conscription side. Sweden have had serious problems of personnel quality of their regular army. Whole country service like Finland prevent such problems. In Finland every future doctor, engineer, Phd, police, civil servant, etc serves their time with army. The quality of troops is much higher than most "professional" units.

[@joexavier4070]

I damn sure russia never considered sweden or finland friendly country

[@Rin-qj7zt]

nodoby said russia did, so that's not really relevant.

[@nikolasboy23]

We had very good relationship with Russia. Well atleast as good as it can be. Of course never normal like with Sweden. There is always little bit fear with Russia. Its very unpredictable country. But trading with Russia and tourists from Russia was economically good. Putin also visited many times in Finland when times were normal. But I think he secretly always had plans that some day Russia will be great again.

[@netiturtle]

@@nikolasboy23 its very strange to hear a Finn Putin had "plans that some day Russia will be great again" by invading neighbors. In your mind, does largest country on earth need more territory to be "great again", at expense of alienating all of the advanced economies on earth?

[@palar4195]

@@ksy13646 спаивала наивных финнов.

[@bretedwards2899]

@@nikolasboy23Perhaps you have forgotten about the 1939 war or the many crimes committed under the Tsar's or Communists? Finland had a good relationship because it did what Russia told it to do as a vassal country, but now things have changed and Finland is truly free from Russian tyranny. Being in NATO will be an excellent step in having security and supporting a Europe free from Russian aggression.

[@roundlake96]

20.000 soldiers? Im pretty sure we have more soldiers in the armedforces. Just the Home guard is more then 20k.

[@kallekas8551]

Sweden had a formidable military before they dropped conscription, unfortunately that is not the case anymore…

[@andmos1001]

Keep in mind that the 20 k soldiers is the once choosing to work as soldiers in Sweden. There is an heightened chance that Sweden will reform their conscription laws again. They relied heavily on any attacks towards Sweden to be either by sea, or through Finland. Both would be extremely visible and time consuming, to the point where Sweden would increase their defence capabilities

[@kallekas8551]

@@andmos1001 Let’s hope it will all be OK. I myself am a Finn who has lived in Australia since I was 8. I came back there to do national service many years ago. If something does happen I will be back in Finland on the first plane. The locals here can’t really understand what is going on in Europe at the moment. So much for technology bringing everyone closer together!🤣

[@andmos1001]

@@kallekas8551 more that the Aussie are focusing on the Kiwis and China

[@dirreeN]

Yeah, we have around 50.000 active military personal right now, but we also have around 300.000 who's done conscription who we can call up if needed!

[@SusanBishop555]

My grandpa was born and raised in Sweden before coming to the US and becoming a citizen. I am so glad about the great news of Sweden joining NATO. 😀

[@siradebayo5261]

dey play, all of u...

[@TheParallellinial]

Well in all of NATO's existence, no single country has done more to strengthen it than Russia.

[@StrongKickMan]

I am a German/ Polish guy and would love to visit Russia, if it turns more neutral at one point. See all these years of peace. All of Europe felt so in peace, that most militaries cut back so hard, to a point that America got angry. I see a future where Russia takes a different approach. I grew up next to a Russian family and they were lovely people and the mother cooked like a champion. One day, when the hate is over, I will try to visit a big part of Russia.

[@myjdogz]

Same for me from the US, it is a beautiful country

[@HaleG9]

you will have to wait a long time, I am afraid.

[@AlexP-mi2bc]

I can count at least 8 occasions in history on which Russia took "a different approach". Russia invariably returns to its old ways. I'll remind you of a few ones from the 20th century: * 1905-1907 revolution: establishment of parliament which later got abolished by the Tsar's decree * Feb 1917: fall of monarchy, Russia on the path to true parliamentarism. It all ended in Oct 1917 with the Bolshevik revolution * Dec 1991: dissolution of the USSR, Russian Federation becomes a "democracy". Until Oct 1993 when Yeltsin usurps power from the parliament (Supreme Council) establishing a de-facto dictatorship which later gave power to Putin. The rest is history in the making.

[@koushikdas1992]

​@@AlexP-mi2bcYou just said only 4 occasions!

[@alexbakker8785]

It took Europe about 40 years after WW2 to change it's mind about Germany.

[@henryzhao4622]

Great program. Appreciate your real reporting -best wishes from USA

[@user-sk2sy6xj9c]

Russia must be stopped.

[@alexhunter6141]

But America's endless wars are okay? 😂

[@artursbondars7789]

Just commenting about last issue raised. Latvia and Estonia is different, even thou we have large Soviet origin population. What concerns minority rights - Latvian constitution regulates that. There is no distinction on ethnic grounds, they have the same rights as others citizens, if they are citizens. Russian and soviet origin populations even have more privileges, compared to other minorities. Some part even have more economic possibilities in job market, than some Latvian origin populations, because of their Russian language knowledge. Thous who is foreigners (foreign passport holders) of course wouldn't have voting rights, but that is the case in any other world country.

[@jscarpa2002]

Oh no!! Not uh Finrand!!!

[@Emiwodew]

You wish!

[@crush3095]

16:30 this is me trying to explain anything to my mom

[@effingsix3825]

Cool fretless bass during the intro.

[@Jacks_the_Lab]

France would not go in ukraine as NATO troop... But french troop as an fighting alliance... Like us in Irak.... Macron never said he would have go as Nato but european alliance

[@hantykje3005]

If the people of Transnistra wants to belong to the Russian Federation they should pack up and move to Russia, and the area becomes a rightfully territory of Moldova.

[@enlightsoul]

The hovercraft command of Sweden navy is a deadly striking force.

[@eastdawn2471]

Strategis lost? I don't see any recruitment poster for Warsaw Pact, and no effort from Russia to stop Sweden and Finland from becoming NATO's member either

[@martinhumble]

Sadly

[@peted7687]

Russia has no chance. Period

[@JessicaD.-vb9ho]

Silly goose

[@JessicaD.-vb9ho]

Silly goose

[@45641560456405640563]

Well, duh......

[@kimmoj2570]

06:30 Swedish reintroducion of conscription means nothing. Only selected volunteers are conscriptepted. 5% or so about age group. Finland trains every sane and able young man (mandatory with jailtime if declining) and women volunteers. Something like 65%+ of every age group of young mens, since 1918.

[@C.A.0069]

Ok Swidow

[@daveken2913]

Does Sweden have any disputed land with Russia?

[@MrPirreE]

Not as the national borders are recognised to day BUT if we shall talk about honor old maps like Putin like to do it is different. In that case we can claim that Putin is born on Swedish soil in St Petersburg.

[@kimmoj2570]

It was Finland who dragged Sweden to NATO. Kicking and crying.

[@arrow1414]

To answer the thumbnail, yes. Of course if Trump gets back in he will likely screw it up, and I am sure Putin is counting on that.

[@tomhenry897]

No as not one nato country increased defense spending

[@tomtom3889]

The American perspective is that if you pay the 2% like was promised we will be there for you. Every country bordering Russia has kept up with the deal.

[@user-ew3mq3jy4y]

ขอบคุณค่ะ

[@hooligan_56labelle22]

Yes

[@tecsmith_info]

No

[@dirtyharry6297]

Russia for NATO not an opponent - too weak

[@adamscott7492]

If the alliance needs sweden and finland to join to take on russia. Whos really the stronger among the two?

[@JagnaLesna]

The more, the merrier.

[@First-Last_name]

NATO.....

[@adamscott7492]

@@First-Last_name russia destroyed NATO tanks sent to Ukraine by drones though...

[@First-Last_name]

@@adamscott7492 lol, dis you think tanks were indestructible? T-72 has been throwing turrets to the moon when sneezed on🌙

[@foilhat1138]

@@adamscott7492 Russia has lost thousands of tanks.

[@user-vp6vf8wm2s]

Yeah? Not spending the 2% of annual GDP for the last many years, sounded very much strengthening, do you think?

[@NotASeriousMoose]

Look at actual capabilities instead. And that 2% is just BS anyway. Norway for example spends less than 2% but almost 20% more per person than the US. So who is really not pulling their weight then?

[@scepticalwalker3984]

Both Sweden and Finland spend over 2% now, and did so before 2002 as well.

[@Truebotsman]

whose population is larger? which state has more resource vs other responsibilities? yeah not very clear cut but a bit of nuance. context matters on a raw % per person, that might be true. but if you have what 20 something million people vs 300 plus million it equals out in the long run. can't have 20% on people that don't exist after all.@@NotASeriousMoose

[@user-vp6vf8wm2s]

@@Truebotsman got no idea what you are going on about, stay inside the subject

[@Truebotsman]

re read the comment. learn how statistics work. then reply it's outside the paramaters of the subject or topic. you not comprehending the topic is a you problem. @@user-vp6vf8wm2s

[@user-hu3jo4us2s]

Bad news for Russia 😮

[@KayAteChef]

8:25 Hmmm no Sweden can't now unless Nato is willing otherwise article 5 is gone.

[@MarkSHogan]

Talk about unintended negative consequences you didn't see. If putin's still able to rationally think, this has to be a load on the mind.

[@Screeach]

Ppl. don't know/realize what "strategic defeat" actually means in military terms ... And if it gets to that point. Earth will lose a lot of souls...

[@vanthawng154]

now russia is shaking with fear for Nato 😂😂😂

[@WazirinJosnEnvirons]

i wonder how long a conflict between NATO and Russia would stay 'conventional'? you know, good ol' loitering drones, 30K artillery shells per day, tanks, media wars, info graphics with different maps etc. the fun stuff. before it gets real nuclear winter, because no NATO tank is entering Moscow and vice versa no Russian tank would enter Paris (the nearest other nuclear capable country), so is this just so military industries make money? what is the end game here?

[@First-Last_name]

How conventional is nuclear dawn?

[@WazirinJosnEnvirons]

All this saber rattling. some countries better become the adult in the room and start diplomacy and negotiations. That is what we have lost (with especially the likes of Sweden joining the jump of a cliff frenzy) the value of neutral countries where adversaries can meet and talk and douse ice water on an over heating war machine. is rapidly disappearing. Then everyone wonders when the rest of world turns to a China for help.

[@JessicaD.-vb9ho]

For a long time because you forget Asia is over half the planets population and would also be joining....

[@PKowalski2009]

It's just that Russia doesn't have to do anything. It's its troops occupying another country. All they have to do is get back together, and peace will follow. OK, Putin, if he loses, will probably lose his life in some sort of coup. That's the problem -- ambition has pushed him to a place from which he (not his country) cannot withdraw.

[@danalissy2526]

I hope that my country, Switzerland, will also fully join NATO.

[@noteda6361]

Music at the end is very distracting

[@user-jf3lp3ek2u]

We don’t know if Finland and Sweden are a strategic defeat for Russia, we do know that Russia wanted Ukraine as their strategic gain, after snagging Crimea. Ten thousand square miles of island is very enticing

[@user-yd6sj3pe4j]

How sure are you ? Swedish are strong forces ? Only u can see in the battle field .

[@latviabalkanumuzika1514]

Latvia 🇱🇻🤝🇫🇮🇸🇪

[@artursbondars7789]

Hungary speaking and or commenting on joint vision of EU? Are You serious? 😂

[@davidthompson3729]

I doubt that.

[@lorenzogumier7646]

Is Nato ready to give Ukraine away?