Reader opinion NATO membership would raise the threshold of attack very high

Opinion|Reader’s opinion

NATO membership support is rising to readings where it is possible to start promoting an application. Russia has traditionally had a negative attitude towards Finland’s NATO membership, but now, due to its ruthless aggression policy, it is forcing Finland into new security solutions. If Finland now joins NATO, that is exactly what Russia itself ordered.

Finland is concerned about Russia’s reactions to Finland’s NATO membership – especially at a time when the membership process and security guarantees are not yet in place. Russia’s military forces will be in Ukraine’s direction for a long time to come, so at least military reactions are likely to be ruled out. On the other hand, NATO and EU countries are very united right now in their approach to Russia, so the NATO membership process is likely to be faster than normal in these circumstances, perhaps in a few months. If Finland and Sweden submitted the application at the same time, the situation would be a significant new reaction from the West to Russia’s hostilities. The meeting between President Sauli Niinistö and US President Joe Biden is likely to have provided new elements to support the process.

Finland has handled its military defense capabilities in an exemplary manner, but without an alliance it may not be enough. Helping non-aligned Finland “through the kitchen” could lead to a threat of nuclear weapons from Russia and a threat to world peace. NATO membership, on the other hand, raises the threshold for attack to Russia very high. As a member of the Defense Alliance NATO, Finland could build co-operation and live peacefully as Russia’s neighbor.

It remains to be seen when and how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will end and where it will lead. The situation can get worse. Over the last thirty years, the most remarkable reasons why and under what circumstances it is not possible to join NATO have been presented. There is no conflict going on in Finland, there are no obstacles and the door is open. The time window is not necessarily wide. Decision-makers should now have the courage to move forward before real obstacles arise.

Vesa Mannio

Kirkkonummi

Reader opinions are speeches written by HS readers, selected and delivered by HS’s editorial staff. You can leave a comment or read the principles of writing at www.hs.fi/kirjtamielipidekirjoitus/.