Starting a war with Ukraine had unintended consequences for Russia, as Putin discovered when Finland applied to join NATO (CNN):
Finland officially became the 31st member of the the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Tuesday, marking a major shift in the security landscape in northeastern Europe that adds some 1,300 kilometers (830 miles) to the alliance’s frontier with Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg presided over the induction ceremony earlier today and noted that “it will be a good day for Finland’s security, for Nordic security, and for NATO as a whole.” And it all took place on NATO’s 74th anniversary.
In a show of thumping his chest, Putin threatened against further NATO expansion – NATO, the forces that are in place to protect the world from Putin. The irony is too rich. The world stood up to Putin and called his bluff by supporting and sending military weapons to Ukraine. He doesn’t threaten NATO.
Background:
-CNN: Putin’s bullying backfires as Finland and Sweden edge closer to joining NATO | CNN
-CBS: As Finland gets NATO membership, here’s what it means and why it matters – CBS News
-NATO: NATO celebrates historic 74th anniversary, with Finland set to join, 04-Apr.-2023
