Finland And Sweden To Hold Rapid Discussions On Joining NATO

Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson walks with Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin prior to a meeting, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Stockholm, Sweden, April 13, 2022. Paul Wennerholm/Reuters  

Buisness Insider: Finland and Sweden set to hold rapid discussions on joining NATO, saying Russia's Ukraine war changed everything 

* Finland and Sweden signaled they could move to join NATO in the near future, blaming Russia's war in Ukraine. 

* This would mark a historic shift in policy for both countries. 

* It would also enrage Russia, which has threatened both with "serious military and political" retaliation. 

Finland and Sweden on Wednesday offered the most concrete signs to date that they'll pursue NATO membership in the near future, despite Russia threatening both with "serious military and political" retaliation if they join the alliance. 

At a joint press conference with her Swedish counterpart in Stockholm, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said, "Everything changed when Russia invaded Ukraine." 

The mindsets of people in Finland and Sweden — countries in northern Europe that have long remained militarily unaligned — changed and were "shaped very dramatically because of Russia's actions," Marin said, adding, 

"This is very clear and that caused a need for a process in Finland to have a discussion about our own security choices." 

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WNU Editor: Both Sweden and Finland are signaling they are on the fast-track to join NATO. 

 Finland And Sweden To Hold Rapid Discussions On Joining NATO  

Finland, Sweden move ahead toward possible NATO membership -- AP  

Finland and Sweden take major step towards joining Nato -- The Guardian 

Finland, Sweden expect rapid domestic debate on NATO membership -- DW  

Finland to make NATO membership decision in 'weeks rather than months' -- Euronews  

Sweden plans NATO application, Finland signals intent to join with security assessment: Report -- FOX News 

‘Everything changed when Russia invaded’: Finland and Sweden inch closer to seeking NATO membership -- CNBC  

Sweden To Apply For NATO Membership - Finland To Decide "Within Weeks" -- Zero Hedge  

Diplomatic editor explains significance of Finland and Sweden joining NATO -- CNN