Stoltenberg made the remarks at an emergency meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, where U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with counterparts from Europe and Canada ahead of visits to Moldova, Poland and the Baltic states to discuss Russia’s assault on Ukraine. He said President Putin has failed to divide NATO and continued, “NATO is more united, more determined, and stronger than ever. We are also working closely with like-minded partners. Today, we were joined by the European Union. As well as Finland and Sweden. In response to Russia’s aggression, we have decided to strengthen our coordination and information sharing with Finland and Sweden. Both countries are now taking part in all NATO consultations about the crisis.”
Stoltenberg stated that NATO had strengthened its deterrence and defence on land, air, and sea. “Allies from North America and Europe have sent thousands more troops to the eastern part of the Alliance. We are deploying the NATO Response Force for the first time. And we have over 130 jets at high alert. And over 200 ships from the High North to the Mediterranean. We will continue to do what it takes to protect and defend every inch of NATO territory.” he elaborated.
Concerning Sweden and Finland’s closer relationship with NATO, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned. At a weekly press briefing in Moscow, she said that the admission of the two Scandinavian countries would have serious security consequences for Russia, and that would demand reciprocal steps.
On the other hand, Putin’s threat sparks support for Sweden and Finland to join NATO, a poll says.
Yle, the Finnish Broadcasting Company, has conducted a poll about NATO membership. According to the results, the support for Nato membership reached 53 per cent in Finland, while opposition remained at 28 per cent. In Sweden, NATO membership support reached 41 per cent, while the stance against membership is 35 per cent. This is the first time that NATO membership is more prevalent in Sweden. Finland has a 1.335 km long border with Russia.
