Sweden and Finland in NATO: a strategic defeat for Russia? | To The Point
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- Опубликовано: 10 май 2024
- 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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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.
finnish president sounds like a joke, pray that wood and snow will protect her from the nukes lmao
@@uroboros4260Finland is now a NATO member. They drop a nuke they’re gonna find out what the meaning of article 5 is about.
Here in Estonia we welcome our Finnish and Swedish cousins.
Much love for Estonia here in Sweden!
@@thelosth9911 hows those rubles working out for you? go buy a potato.
@@fishheadbreakroom He is not wrong, though. Now, can I have a potato?
@@thelosth9911 Don't worry. They don't forget. Or maybe they do and they think that it was them who invaded Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tere tere!
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"
Nato is an excuse for Putin.. He wants Ukraine.
😂❤ true.
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.
@@janko6608
Yes you understand the threat that Russia poses to all in the region.
@@janko6608
I own a number of Finnish made firearms. Some of the best that you can get.
Ruotsi-Suomi! Brothers forever! Cheers from Sweden and we will always have your back no matter what. 😃🇫🇮🇸🇪
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.
Welcome aboard Sweden 🇸🇪
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.
Hope the boat still float trump is coming 😂😂
@@SAGAWISIW30That makes it even more important to join, both for Sweden and NATO itself.
😂😂😂 Must pay your bills. Welcome all dirtiesss
@@SAGAWISIW30 Trumps probably dead within a year or so
Sweden and Finland’s military is actually prepared unlike many of Europe’s countries.
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.
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.
@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.
I advise not to comment on subjects you know nothing about. Kid.
@@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.
Welcome, Sweden and Finland. It's great to have you in NATO with us!
😂😂😂
Welcome Vikings.💪💥👍
Congrats to Finland and Sweden. They made an excellent move.❤❤❤❤❤❤
Welcome Sweden and Finland
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.
Great welcome to NATO!!!!!
Thank you!
Glad to have the vikings in NATO. Welcome.
Calling Finland neutral is incorrect. Finland has never been neutral towards Russia or the Soviet Union.
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
Especially after Russia invaded Finland. Go figure!
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".
Finno-soviet treaty of 1948:🤫
@@laenruhodrha8310 That didn't make them neutral
When is Germany going to grow a backbone like the French?
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.
Germany was completely neutered in 1945, and after that strongly played by the russian strategic culture. Effects are clearly visible.
@@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.
Putin made NATO great again - Gen. Patreus
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!
@@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?..🧐
Great😂😂
@@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
crazy time we live in. Russia strengthens NATO while the USA weakens it😅
Civilised world should push Putin out of Ukraine.
Цивизованный мир? Вы сами не заметили, как оскотинились
garden eggplants and pumpkins will assault on jungle vines?
European countries need to stand up and take care of themselves. USA can help BUT YOU MUSY HELP YOURSELVES!!!!!!
The world has seen that civilization in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan....
@@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.
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!!
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.
@@Truebotsman Thank you Mr. Nietzsche
So when will you be sending troops to Ukraine ? Macron suggested, and all the Europeans reacted with cowardice.
NATO / US is the biggest bully so joining them is the opposite of standing against bullies.
NATO and US are the bullies. LOL
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.
Obviously, yes. Pooptin is the best salesman for NATO ever...
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!
@@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.
@@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.
@@dirgsuite5546 Keep crying, Ivan
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
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.
The former weak north eastern flank of NATO is now the strongest, way to go Putin 😂
@@MrBlue-dm5liAnd if Putin doesn't come?
NATO is weak and broken. They can't even get consensus without bribing members. 🤣🤣
@@user-ng8wj3rs6l😂😂well Putin never came...they consistently went and took the fight to Putin...nd cry
25% stronger than what? USA has unimaginable military capability. Russia would have to escalate to nuclear warfare.
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.
Brave intelligent Finlandia!
😂
@@manojadikari129 Why crying.. all my comments are 100% facts.
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.
@@janko6608The emoji in question is laughing so hard it brought tears. Not worth a reply. Respect to Finland and the Finns.
Welcome to Sweden and Finland ❤
Russia is like the big barking dog that only attacks smaller dogs.
🤣🤣🤣 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
you mean US
Ne jamais sous-estimer son adversaire..
@@AlexanderSavchenko91 😂
You mean the US and its allies.
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!
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.
@@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.
@@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?
@@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.
@@michaelparas6968 the idea the Sweden and Finland change the balance of power is truly laughable. Pls explain how this changes anything on the ground?
Pray for peace, diplomacy and democracy! 💪❤️🌍🕊️✌️🇸🇪
Peace at any price is no peace at all but slavery.
For first 2 yes, for 3th .... no thanks, todays democracy is worse then dictatorship and in essence the same.
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.
@@suportbghelp4938 bulgaria fought both world wars against russia. don't think something will change during ww3
@@suportbghelp4938Bulgaria is in NATO, so no.
Russia doesn't want to attack NATO.
@suportbghelp4938 then why did Bulgaria ask to join NATO?
@@suportbghelp4938 you speak for the Bulgarian armed forces? LOL
Congratulations Russia. Continue the threats and blackmailing, its been working well so far.
It’s incredible that Russia is both collapsing and expanding and NATO is both stronger and weaker. Thanks for all the educational content DW.
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!
@tjhydd.
👍😂😂😂😂😂
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.
It’s complicated, let’s leave it at that. The next global war, which is increasingly likely, would be fought with what one has.
@@dirgsuite5546 >Finland and Sweden joining NATO
It's sooo hard to check that Finland always participated in NATO exercises... 😆
I think the french president is right and we should have been talking about boots on ground alot earlier
officially. no boots on the ground. PMC? many.
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.
You are welcome in trenches
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?
@@MarkShal-nv6bjalready there i see😂😂
Strategic ambiguity. We shouldn't be telling Russia we've ruled ANYTHING out. Make them as scared of escalation as the West is...
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.
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.
@@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?
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.
@@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
@@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?
Now we can draft Pewdiepie 😎
I think he moved to Japan or something so sadly not. But the bro army is still ready if he'd return.
The «old» JAS39 are still more advanced than the F16 upgrade that Turkey got.
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.
Dep nda, there are many variants of the Gripen. Gripen C or E is top noch
“One often takes the road he took to avoid it” - Master Ooggway
Great and intelligent news coverage.
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.
У майбутньому НАТО будуть Фінляндія, Швеція, Сполучені Штати та Велика Британія, усі інші підуть і приєднаються до Росії, щоб створити процвітаючу Європу.
@@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.
@@larsrons7937 Interesting. You have a Ukrainian emblem, yet you cannot read Ukrainian? Where are you writing from? Just curious.
@@Moliere1000 I am from Scandinavia and use a Ukrainian emblem in support for Ukraine.
@@larsrons7937 Have you been to Ukraine?
Have you ever met a Banderist?
Putin is pure Russian genius - expanded NATO by starting a war to prevent NATO expansion. LOL
NATO is a defensive alliance. Russia is the country attacking other countries.
@@butterflies655 Sure a defensive alliance as they have been provoking Russia for decades. 😂
Russia must be stopped.
But America's endless wars are okay? 😂
Russia has no chance. Period
Silly goose
Silly goose
Best news show of the week
The trolls aren't really trying on this one! No way to spin this pro Russian....you lose
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.
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. 😀
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.
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.
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.
the more aggressive Russia the more Nato expand
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.
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.
@@tetianavarvynska2125 That's a good point.
Bad news for Russia 😮
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..
You are absolutely right!
As a Swede I would rather be neutral, but that doesn't work when Russia invades their neutral neighbors on a regular basis.
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
@bghelp4938 yeah, this one is scary in it's own way...and not even a bot.
@@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.
If Russia ask Mexico for military base in Mexico?
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.
Go, ask them.
@@koushikdas1992
If Mexico want to exist they say no. The US made Ukraine believe that the situation is any different with them.
@@Mrac-zz8vh Nobody was putting any bases in Ukraine. Mexico has zero fear that the US will invade.
@@Mrac-zz8vh You said 'if'! It hasn't happened. We can say for that sure. Let that happen first.
Well in all of NATO's existence, no single country has done more to strengthen it than Russia.
Well moderated exchange of opinions maximizing listeners comprehension! Thanks!
You need this many countries to counter Russia 🤣. How powerful Russia must be !!!
keep dreaming
Yeah, this is crazy! These shovels are mighty, aren't they?
Finally Sweden and Finland are free to do as US commands
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.
@@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??
@@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.
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.
@@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.
God, please let there be peace on Earth…
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.
How's that special military operation working for you, Vladimir?
I damn sure russia never considered sweden or finland friendly country
nodoby said russia did, so that's not really relevant.
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.
@@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?
@@ksy13646 спаивала наивных финнов.
@@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.
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.
Same for me from the US, it is a beautiful country
you will have to wait a long time, I am afraid.
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.
@@AlexP-mi2bcYou just said only 4 occasions!
It took Europe about 40 years after WW2 to change it's mind about Germany.
I hope that my country, Switzerland, will also fully join NATO.
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.
Russia for NATO not an opponent - too weak
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
So good to have you guys!
20.000 soldiers? Im pretty sure we have more soldiers in the armedforces. Just the Home guard is more then 20k.
Sweden had a formidable military before they dropped conscription, unfortunately that is not the case anymore…
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
@@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!🤣
@@kallekas8551 more that the Aussie are focusing on the Kiwis and China
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!
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.
The hovercraft command of Sweden navy is a deadly striking force.
The “question” is rhetorical.
Unmasking actually
On my opinion it's a wait and see situation 🤔
now russia is shaking with fear for Nato 😂😂😂
Good news!
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.
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
Great program. Appreciate your real reporting
-best wishes from USA
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.
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?
How conventional is nuclear dawn?
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.
For a long time because you forget Asia is over half the planets population and would also be joining....
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.
16:30
this is me trying to explain anything to my mom
Latvia 🇱🇻🤝🇫🇮🇸🇪
At least we know that the northern tier of NATO is strong not so much that big hole between France and Poland.
Sweden and Finland are north of germany and poland.
Lol, as if France had been a big pillar of NATO thus far...
@@HaleG9 No but it does have an army which arguably Germany has not.
@@HaleG9Ehm, they are one of two nuclear states on the European continent, and you are trying to paint them as Not a pillar of NATO?
They literally command coalitions on other continents while Germany sends their troops to international exercises with wooden sticks instead of rifles...
an army that's capabilities that are worse than RU. there is a reason the meme about france sucking in war so much and you know why? cuz it is true.@@mbak7801
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.
If the alliance needs sweden and finland to join to take on russia. Whos really the stronger among the two?
The more, the merrier.
NATO.....
@@First-Last_name russia destroyed NATO tanks sent to Ukraine by drones though...
@@adamscott7492 lol, dis you think tanks were indestructible? T-72 has been throwing turrets to the moon when sneezed on🌙
@@adamscott7492 Russia has lost thousands of tanks.
hope not cause it serves US interests. An EU army and independent foreign policy is the future for Europe.
You start with a lie and misconception...Sweden was never "neutral"...it had a "neutrality policy" through its non-military alliance policy aiming at convincing NATO and the Warzsaw Pact during the Cold War that should there be an armed conflict between those two Sweden would (then) declare itself neutral to that conflict. With such declaration comes obligations according to International Laws that the country that declare itself neutral must be able to defend itself and its territory and prevent either side of the warring factions to use the territory of the country declaring itself neutral, and some other obligations. If either side or both of the warring factions either wouldnt trust such a declaration of neutrality to that conflict it may still attack you and then you are not neautral anymore but party to the conflict. Furthermore, one could declare neutrality vis-a-vis one conflict while stil being a party to another.
It is only Switzerland that got "neutrality" as part of its constitution and laws, Sweden never had. Sweden was however one European Power during the Congress of Vienna 1815 that decided that Swtizerland should be a neutral country and territory.
Also, all such talk about "neutrality polices" were fully dropped in Swedish defence and national strategies when Sweden joined the EU 1995. Also in the EU Lisbon treaty there is a clause that is similar to the NATO Article 5 and states that if an EU Member State is attacked militarily every other EU Member State should come to its aid.
As for Finland it was forced by te Soviet Union Post WWII to have a "special relationship" vis-a-vis the Soviet Union which limited its possibility to act freely. As soon as the Soviet Union collapsed Finland did two things: join the EU and bought US Fighter jets F18-Hornet to signal to Mosow in which camp Finland were in, namely the West.
So stop called Finland and Sweden "Neutral" and that they moved from "their neutrality" to join NATO. Both countries would ever had stay outside a war with Russia if Russia would have attacked NATO and you would have seen a full scale European war. Both countries would have been dragged in (just look at the geography) and both countries would have joined the West-side. Both countries have been Partner countries to NATO for many years and conducted international missions together.
Why is this man talking about geopolitics and our military defense with rubber ducky socks on 😂
The Old Man really miscalculated on Ukraine.
Most in the EU get a pretty good idea what they are in for.
The US House will flip Blue this coming election. Women have had enough of the Red drama.
Take nothing for granted--every American needs to be voting and mobilising other voters.
Don't people understand this simplifies things for Russia. In a war Russia doesnt have to worry about a nuetral country sandwiched between a waring one. In a war with nato, it won't be an SMO but an all out no holes barred one.
What also needs to be realised is that the US will not always guarantee Europes security as it pivots to Asia.
LOL. When Finland takes St. Petersburg it won't look like a good thing
Let's reject the green deal. There is too much ideology in EU and too less pragmatism.
Is Nato ready to give Ukraine away?
It was Finland who dragged Sweden to NATO. Kicking and crying.
How sure are you ?
Swedish are strong forces ?
Only u can see in the battle field .
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.
Very informative - keep it up
Good luck ;)
Congratulations Sweden, from America.
Hungary speaking and or commenting on joint vision of EU? Are You serious? 😂
Does Sweden have any disputed land with Russia?
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.
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
Russia cannot stop them anyway. Finland has been officially a member of Nato for over 1 year now.
It joined Nato 4.4.2023.
Sweden joined Nato 7.3. 2024.
No as not one nato country increased defense spending
The world today is so scary😢
I don’t know about your world, but in the world of the BRICS countries it is quiet and calm.
Stop watching TV. Go outside and take a walk away from the screen
@@alexandrnoskov5437 Apart from Russia thats at war
Its a different type of threat today. I grew up doing "duck and cover drills" at school and the idea of impending nuclear war.
Now I worry that authoritarianism and facisim are destroying my country from within. 😢
@@davidbryden7904Who are authoritarians and who are the facists one?
One hand clapping for the Soviet Russo, is not the same as the a majority vote for NATO.
Just a few things to point out.
National service has idd been reintroduced in Sweden, it was done 17/18, so it's been a few years now, however, it's still a pretty small % that gets called up for military service, the ambition is to have 10k each year being educated, trained and placed in the mobilization pool(you get "war placed", this applies to civilian occupations as well, e.g healthcare workers and all other types of occupations that make sociaty work, e.g IT, electricity etc etc), which is typically around 270 days, 10k would be around 10% of each age group, this year I think it was 6-7k.
Also, there is something called the Home Guard(exists in other countries as well) which international observers often miss, The Home Guard is in some ways similiar to e.g Ukraines Territorial Defense Force, in case of crisis or war they are/or would play an important role, The Home Guard are 40 local defense battalions(light infantry) organized under the military districts, but not really a part of the regular army, right now Home Guard instructors are actually the UK providing basic training to Ukranian civilians in Operation Interflex, which is a first, Home Guard don't get sent abroad, normally. The Home Guard members are, in lack of a better word, "part-timers", their main source of income comes from their civilian occupations, one get paid for a number of days per year, but other days, e.g weekends one might be out training, without pay(voluntarily).
Edit: Home Guard Battalions.
10. hvbat Lapland Rifles Battalion, Arctic, includes an aircraft troop
11. hvbat Border Rifles Battalion, Arctic, includes an aircraft troop and a boat platoon
12. hvbat North Bothnia Battalion, Arctic, includes an aircraft troop, a pioneer platoon and a logistics (fuel and ammunition) platoon
13. hvbat West Bothnia Battalion Arctic, includes an aircraft troop, a logistics (fuel and ammunition) platoon, a boat platoon and a CBRN platoon
14. hvbat Light Infantry Battalion, Arctic, includes a logistics (fuel and ammunition) platoon and a reconnaissance company
15. hvbat Ångermanland Battalion Arctic, includes a logistics (fuel and ammunition) platoon, a traffic platoon and a boat platoon
16. hvbat Medelpad Home Guard Battalion, Arctic, includes an air troop, a logistics (fuel and ammunition) platoon and a boat platoon
17. hvbat Dalarna Home Guard Battalion, Arctic, includes an aircraft troop and a mortar platoon
18. hvbat Gävleborg Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a boat platoon
19. hvbat, Värmland Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop
20. hvbat Sannahed Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a pioneer platoon
21. hvbat Uppland Home Guard Battalion, Includes a reconnaissance company
22. hvbat Västmanland Home Guard Battalion
23. hvbat Attundaland Home Guard Battalion, Includes a reconnaissance company
24. hvbat Stockholm Home Guard Battalion, Includes a traffic platoon
25. hvbat Telgehus Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop
26. hvbat Ulvsunda Home Guard Battalion
27. hvbat Södermanland Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a boat platoon
28. hvbat Roslagen Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a boat platoon
29. hvbat Södertörn Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a CBRN platoon and a boat company
30. hvbat 1st Life Grenadier Battalion
31. hvbat 2nd Life Grenadier Battalion, Includes 2 boat platoons
32. hvbat Gotland Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a boat platoon
33. hvbat North Småland Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a pioneer platoon
34. hvbat Kalmar Battalion
35. hvbat Kronoberg Battalion, Includes a reconnaissance company
36. hvbat West Blekinge Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop
37. hvbat East Blekinge Battalion, Includes a boat company
38. hvbat Kinne Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a traffic platoon
39. hvbat Kåkind Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop
40. hvbat Bohusläns Home Guard Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop and a boat company
41. hvbat South Gothenburg Home Guard Battalion, Includes a reconnaissance company with an aircraft troop.
42. hvbat North Gothenburg Home Guard Battalion, Includes a CBRN platoon
43. hvbat Gothenburg Archipelago Battalion, Includes a boat company
44. hvbat Älvsborg Home Guard Battalion
45. hvbat Halland Battalion, Includes an aircraft troop
46. hvbat South Scania Battalion, Includes a CBRN platoon
47. hvbat Malmöhus Battalion, Includes a traffic platoon
48. hvbat Scania Dragoon Battalion, Includes a reconnaissance company
49. hvbat North Scania Battalion, Includes a mortar platoon
Great to have Sweden in NATO as the 32nd Member of the Alliance now!
As an American, I find great pride in welcoming, Sweden and Finland. They will greatly strengthen the NATO defense capabilities. Also, I would like to say that the odds of Donald Trump becoming president again are low and I think Americans are doing their best to prevent that from happening, we cannot predict the future, but the odds do not appear to be in his favor.
People forget Turkey is the second powerful military power in Nato not the world. But, I doubt Turkey would attack Russia if Russia attacked a Nato member country.