I am delighted to welcome Finland as the newest member of the Alliance. Of course, this also shows how terrible a strategist Vladimir Putin is. It’s a nightmare for him,” said Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO Forces in Europe. He added that Finland brings major assets to the Alliance in every domain.
During the Cold War Finland it was a symbol of neutrality and Russian influence. According to Adm. James Stavridis, joining NATO as its 31st member, will now become a symbol of Russian defeat.
“As a former NATO Allied Commander in Chief, I am delighted to welcome Finland as the newest member of the Alliance. Of course, this also shows how bad a strategy he is Vladimir Putin. It is a nightmare for him that such a strong and capable state would become a full member of the organization, a retired military man told PAP.
Vladimir PutinEPA/MIKHAEL KLIMENTYEV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL
He adds that the accession of Finland is a strengthening of the Alliance not only in a political and symbolic sense, but also in a military sense, because Finnish soldiers enjoy a great reputation in Europe and bring significant capabilities to the Alliance.
– I know the Finns very well, because they participated in many NATO missions when I was commander (2009-2013 – ed.) and visited them in Helsinki. They have an extremely capable military, especially when it comes to ground forces. But they’re really great in every aspect of combat.”
Expert: Over time, Ukraine will become a full member of NATO
When asked how he perceived the chances of further expansion of the alliance, Stavridis said that he had no doubts that the issue of accession Sweden will be resolved soon. What about Ukraine? As she admits, her path to NATO will probably be more difficult. However, just as Finnish membership once seemed an unlikely scenario, so may Ukraine.
– I am full of hope on this matter that over time Ukraine will become a full member of NATO. And I think that’s a very realistic possibility now,’ says the admiral. – It would be a real nightmare for Russiaif all these military-capable countries joined the Alliance, he adds.
Main photo source: EPA/MIKHAEL KLIMENTYEV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL